going places // telling stories
I officially became “Aunt Carly” on Wednesday and I couldn’t be happier! I won’t share too many details because it’s my sister’s birth story and not my own. I will say that he’s cuddly and likes to be held. Music to my ears! I hope y’all enjoy these snapshots I took at the hospital. I’m thrilled that my sister allowed me to be there for the birth of her son and to share these moments with you. Continue reading “MEET MY NEPHEW ARLOW”
First I would like to apologize for being away so long. For those who don’t know, I started my master’s at Vanderbilt 2 months ago. The program is accelerated and I’ve barely had time to catch my breath with all the work so I’ll try and post as often as I can but the timing will be sporadic to say the least. These photos, however, are an exception. I would be devastated if they ended up in purgatory and didn’t make it to the blog before my nephew is born. We slipped away to Greenbrier yesterday to snap these and I’m thrilled at how well they turned out. Please enjoy my stunning sister who (much to my dismay) is still perfectly thin and looks like she swallowed a beach ball. Arlow, my love, I can’t wait to meet you. Continue reading “KATIE’S MATERNITY SESSION”
I didn’t know if I should write a blog post about the Shania Twain concert because I was nervous my pictures weren’t “good enough”. Then I realized that this trip with my sister was too special not to share regardless of low quality cell phone snaps. Shania Twain puts on a hell of a show! If you get a chance you should definitely go see her. Continue reading “LIFE’S ABOUT TO GET GOOD”
I missed the official Rhododendron Festival that was held at Roan Mountain on Father’s Day weekend so we went to see them yesterday. The rainy weather was less than ideal but it didn’t stop us from enjoying these gorgeous purple blooms. Honestly, the mist created by the rain made it feel like we were walking through a fairy garden. Continue reading “ROAN MOUNTAIN RHODODENDRONS”
Since moving to the Bristol area a few years ago, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to get a bite to eat and I wanted to share them with the You, Me, and Tennessee family.
One of the best things about living in East Tennessee is having access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In a short drive you can be in the middle of the most visited national park in the country. How amazing is that? When I’m in the park I feel at peace with the world. It’s a spiritual retreat for me.
If you’re interested in hiking the Smokies in the coming months it can be hard to know which trail to choose. In an effort to offer guidance I made a list of 5 of my favorite tried-and-true hikes to go on this spring. For the most part these are easy hikes so bring the family and make a day of it! Continue reading “5 HIKES IN THE SMOKIES TO EXPLORE”
This week’s “Friday 5” are 5 of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge. When you drive down the Parkway there are restaurants everywhere and it can be overwhelming. You can find yourself going to the same places over and over again instead of eating somewhere new. Hopefully this will help the next time you’re having trouble deciding what’s for dinner. I included places that were unique to Pigeon Forge and not big chains. Let me know your favorite in the comments! Continue reading “5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PIGEON FORGE”
Bloom is a new coffee shop and cafe in downtown Bristol that has been on my radar since Rhythm and Roots back in September. I popped in to this State Street newbie for a coffee a few weeks back but last night I was able to stay for trivia. The theme was “Stranger Things” and it was a huge success. Many patrons, much like the owner pictured below, dressed as his/her favorite character. The list of team names included “Barb’s Search Party” and “The AV Club”. The dinner special was called “The Upside Down” which consisted of bacon, gouda cheese, turkey, apples, and apple butter sandwiched between two Eggo waffles and served with a side of maple syrup. It was strange, of course, but also delicious. Eleven would definitely approve! I snapped a few pictures so you could have a look around the shop. Not shown are the gorgeous herringbone hardwood floors and the stained glass trim around the door frame. I’ll have to go back when the natural light is beaming through the windows. Continue reading “BLOOM CAFE AND LISTENING ROOM”
If you’re looking for more cold-weather activities to enjoy in Tennessee I’ve got you covered. The temperature inside Bristol Caverns is in the 60’s year-round making it the perfect place to explore even in the winter. Continue reading “BRISTOL CAVERNS”
I’ve said this before but I like to consider myself somewhat of a donut connoisseur. I’m constantly on the hunt for the new greatest donut of my life. In Gatlinburg, there is no better place than The Donut Friar. Located in The Village this shop is a donut hole in the wall. Once you enter The Village from the parkway just go straight back. Look for the sign with a friar holding a piled high plate of perfection and get in there! Continue reading “THE DONUT FRIAR”
