Weekend Wandering | C'mon Down To Columbia
Maybe it’s me, but does anyone get tired of things always being so difficult in Nashville?
Hear me out.
Weekend Wandering | Meet Me In Memphis
Rock ‘n’ roll, B.B. King, Graceland, Elvis Presley, Beale Street, and barbecue are all things synonymous with none other than Memphis, Tennessee. Located only three hours west of Nashville, it’s one of those cities that needs to be on your radar. Memphis is rich in history, has a booming arts scene, and no matter what time of day, you can always find live music.
A Tea-Riffic Time At The TENNESSEAN
September, Oh, September. The awkward month that we associate with the beginning of fall, all things pumpkin-spice, and cooler temperatures (we hope).
Culinary Creativity Abounds At Dollywood
When someone says Dollywood, what comes to mind? Perhaps its owner and namesake Dolly Parton or maybe the 150-acre theme park or even sweet, Southern hospitality, but rarely do people associate fine dining with the name. Last week I had a chance to experience the Flower and Food Festival Celebration Menu at Song & Hearth and admittedly was pleasantly surprised. Let’s jump into all of the delicious details, shall we?
An Inside Look At Dollywood's Flower And Food Festival
It’s been over twenty years since I’ve visited a theme park < RIP Opryland USA> and I’ve forgotten how much fun they can be. It’s a great way to spend a weekend or a holiday as there is something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies can take advantage of the high-speed roller coasters that flip you upside down while those who aren’t as adventurous can take advantage of the iconic snacks and those rides are a little more chill.
Weekend Wandering: Mistletoe Farm Alpacas
2020 will be the first year since I’ve entered the workforce where I have an excess of vacation. I know, first world problems, but it’s one that I have yet to encounter during my career. Usually, I am over here adding days to long holiday weekends just to squeeze in one more trip, while many of my coworkers feel guilty about leaving or simply don’t want to deal with the piles of work they will come back to. Regardless of the situation, I’m sure we can all relate to one of these.
Weekend Wandering: Cummins Falls and Cookeville
Over the past few years, I’ve spent so much time exploring other places that I forgot how beautiful Tennessee truly is. With so many charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to see why people want to visit. A few weeks ago, I had a chance to hike Cummins Falls State Park and explore Cookeville, Tennessee.
Weekend Wandering: Evins Mill
Until this pandemic is officially behind us, I plan on making the most of this situation or least distracting myself from it. I can’t say that I’m the most outdoorsy person. Call me cliche or high-maintenance for that matter, but camping for days on end without wi-fi, air conditioning or running water is not something I’m excited about.
Weekend Wandering: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Despite the fact that many international borders are closed and flight restrictions are abundant, I’ve been trying to keep travel and exploration alive during COVID-19 quarantine. I’ve looked at photos from my past adventures (honestly, I never realized just how many photos I took), cooked ethnic recipes from around the globe, and watched just about every food documentary housed on Netflix. While all these are great ways to pass the time, it doesn’t satiate my appetite for travel. Travel allows us to broaden our perspective and shapes our minds in ways we didn’t even know were possible and I am missing that more than ever right now.
Weekend Wandering: Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile
Life in Nashville as I once knew it revolved around restaurant experiences, quality time with family and friends, live music and travel, lots of travel. Riddled with a sense of bewilderment, I’m slowly adjusting to what many hate to call the “ new normal” where masks are the newest fashion statement, catch up sessions occur via FaceTime, and travel is almost nonexistent.
Weekend Wandering: Arrington Vineyards
If you know me or have been following Blonde Voyage Nashville for any amount of time, it’s no secret that I LOVE wine. Aside from my weekly wine reviews (TJ Tuesdays), I have total geek-out moments when I open my World Atlas of Wine and learn about a new wine-producing region or a grape varietal that I am unfamiliar with. Given my passion for wine, I travel to Napa Valley and surrounding areas at least once or twice a year to explore new vineyards and revisit some old favorites. Even though the airlines are taking the utmost precautions, I’m just not ready to fly.
Weekend Wandering: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
We are living in unprecedented times. If I were to describe the mood of most Americans, words like tense, apprehensive, and anxious come to mind. Many of us have been quarantining in our homes for what feels like an eternity, separated from loved ones, family, and friends. Now that city restrictions are lifting, (Nashville continues to remain in Phase 2 during the time of this post), I am more than eager to get out of the house.
Weekend Wandering: St. Louis, Missouri
This year travel has looked a little different for me. Rather than go on a few large international trips, I’ve focused more on “microcations” and exploring areas that are only a few hours from Nashville. Let’s rewind a few, ok, many years.
Weekend Wandering: Knoxville, Tennessee
Perched on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Knoxville, Tennessee is much more than tailgating and Tennessee football. Although I am sure some Vols fans would gladly debate that topic with me. Often overshadowed by Memphis and of course current “it-city” Nashville, Knoxville is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Weekend Wandering: French Lick, Indiana
Undoubtedly, travel enriches your life. Not only does it allow you to learn about different cultures and become a more well-rounded individual but it can often be a time of self-reflection and give a renewed sense of adventure. A few weeks ago, I was traveling internationally, racing from terminal to terminal in hopes of making my flight on time. Sprinting through the Heathrow airport, I thought to myself “ this is why I workout, so I can make my flights.” Joking aside, I started to think about my last road trip.