Chattanooga In A Flash

Chattanooga, TN is one of my all-time favorite places on earth. It has that cozy deep-in-the-south atmosphere, downtown is highly photogenic, and everything from its entertainment to its restaurants are full of variety and charm. It was also recently mentioned in National Geographic Traveler's October 2014 issue as one of 50 cities all over the world that offers something surprising. High-speed internet everywhere, and wonderful hiking and biking along the Tennessee River. I love Chattanooga.

I was recently invited to a wedding a week ago from today, to which I enthusiastically responded "yes" to before I even knew the time or (at that point) the date. I vowed that, after having missed two weddings this summer, I was not going to miss this one. When the postcard invite arrived in the mail, I looked at only two things: the location and the date. August 24, at The Well in Downtown Chattanooga. Done. I would be there. I told my friends who were moving down to my Alma Mater that if they needed to leave anything behind, I would be more than happy to take things down. And, of course, they took me up on it. I had a cozy trunk full of things to accompany me. Plus, Robby decided to come along because he'd never been. And his sister was one of these friends moving down there.

However, I failed to look at the time, which was quite tragic. It's about an 8.5 hour drive from my neck of the woods, and school had already started for me (I'm a teacher, in case this hasn't been mentioned before). I hadn't gotten a sub because I was planning on coming back Sunday night right after the wedding. I had assumed (and we know what that makes me) that it would be early to mid-afternoon, and I could leave maybe around 5 at the latest to make it home at a still semi-decent hour to function the next morning. To my dismay, the wedding didn't start until 5:30 PM. It broke my heart to have to tell the lovely bride and groom I couldn't make it, but I still had people counting on me to bring things down.

So, why the heck not. Robby and I made a flash-trip to Chattanooga. We stayed less than 24 hours, and I was able to give him an infinitesimally small taste of the wonderful things the city of my heart had to offer. Of course, now he wants to go back, which was 100% my intention, and next time for much longer. We mostly walked around, stopped at a local brewery (Big River Brewery and Pub), and went back to see our friends and/or family on campus. Here are places I suggest if ever you find yourself in the lovely city of Chattanooga:

• For Great Eats: Stop at places like Thai Smile, Taco Mac, Sugar's Ribs, Mellow Mushroom, Big River Brewery and Pub, The Yellow Deli, and Hill City Pizza in the Downtown area for something a little outside the ordinary.
• For Delectable Desserts: Clumpie's Ice Cream, Milk & Honey, The Ice Cream Shoppe or Rembrandt's Café offer wonderful local atmospheres with great selections that everyone should enjoy.
• Other Enjoyments: the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga is located downtown. If you're there at the right time, you can catch a Mocs game and tour the campus. The Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball team is also another fun summer event to check out. Going to the Tennessee Aquarium, walking through the Art District or hanging out in Coolidge Park are all equally great things that can be done. You could easily spend a long weekend just in Downtown.
• Historical Sites: Lookout Mountain offers a ton of Civil War history, and not too far away is the Chickamauga Battlefield. There are also a lot of Cherokee historical sites in the area. Red Clay Park, outside of Collegedale, offers a great place to picnic that's also rich with Native American history.
• Tourist Attractions: Ruby Falls and Rock City are other places that draw in crowds. I've been to Ruby Falls quite a long time ago. It's a fun experience, and definitely something good for the family.
• Gunbarrel Road: This is the shopping strip. It has your common stores such as Target and Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and World Market. Hamilton Place Mall is also there, with a great selection of shops, and Barnes and Noble close by. There are also a ton of great places to eat. Some of my favorites in that area are Sticky Fingers, Gigi's Cupcakes, and The Melting Pot ($$$$). My all-time favorite organic grocery store is also on that strip: Earth Fare. 

Chattanooga is a great city. I cannot say it enough. From the southern hospitality to the great barbecue, it's worth a visit any time of the year.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend! So sad to see another summer go, but hopefully this opens the doors to a new set of adventures. Happy traveling!

Annapolis, MD

I can't believe it's August already. Summer has flown by so quickly! Pre-session starts tomorrow (!!!), and I'm trying anything to not think about it for fear I'll fall into a bout of depression. Thankfully, my last rendezvous for the summer happened to be to Annapolis. I love, love, love this town. Even though it's the capital city of Maryland, it holds a tight-knit vibe for me. Maybe it's because I've only visited in the summer when school isn't in session, or maybe it's the location on the water, but I love it. Have I said that enough? I love this town.

Anyway, my family and I went, and we visited the Naval Academy (this was my first time inside - unbelievable!), the State House, and of course walked up and down Main Street for its stretch of shops and restaurants. We also stopped by the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (but they were having a crab feast), and the Westfield Annapolis Mall. Here are some tips, details, and ideas for places to go and things to do while you're there!

Chapel at the USNA

• Set Sail. If you're in for an aquatic journey, Annapolis is your place. With guided tours, boat charters, sailing schools, fishing excursions and kayak rentals, there is literally something available for every type of nautical adventurer.
• Maryland State House. We Marylanders have a lot of pride in many things: our flag, our crabbing industry, our football and baseball teams, and our beer to name a few. However, the Maryland State House is truly a state treasure. It's the oldest state capital in continuous legislative use and the only state capitol to ever serve as the U.S. capitol. The first legislative meeting was held in 1779, and it features the largest wooden dome in the country. So, of course, it only makes sense that it's a National Historic Landmark :) Make sure you have your ID handy for a security check-in.
• City Dock. It's amazing to walk along the city dock. You can lust after the yachts, sailboats and fishing boats parked there, or just take in the Bay Bridge in the distance. There is also a bit of history to learn about too. With its Alex Haley memorial, a commemoration to the 1767 arrival of Kunta Kinte, and its replica Skipjack that John Smith used when exploring the area in the early 1600s, boat and people watching doesn't have to be your only option.
• U.S. Naval Academy. If you're anything like me, there's a deep respect that is felt when in the presence of men and women who decide to give their lives (even if it is for a minimum of 4 years) to serve their country. Visiting the US Naval Academy was a truly incredible experience. It was something I wanted to do at one point in my life. There are so many cool things to see. At noon, you get to hear the students read the menu in front of Bancroft Hall. You can tour their decadent chapel and visit the crypt of John Paul Jones. You can also take a walk around their training complexes and peruse the scenery along College Creek where the rowing teams train. If you want an official tour, that costs $10, and can be purchased (along with your Navy gear) at the visitor's center. Check out the museum they have there as well. Just remember to bring an officially issued ID (aka. a driver's license, etc).
• Main Street. From souvenir shops to candy stores to great restaurants, there is a little of everything for everyone. All along the dock, there are also places to shop and eat. If you're into Man vs. Food from the Discovery Channel, Chick and Ruth's Delly on Main is where host Adam Richman defeated their Colossal Challenge - you have one hour to eat a 1lb. burger and a 6lb. milkshake. It's a fast-paced joint with deli-style food. There is also Kilwin's, a chain candy place that makes fresh fudge, caramel apples, truffles, and any other decadent dessert you could think of. I got a Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Apple that was to diiiie for. Another favorite of mine that sits on the corner of Cornhill and Fleet streets is Capital Teas - it has a great selection of, you guessed it, teas from all over the world, unique tea pots, and other nifty gadgets for a tea lover. Along with blown glass, hats, pottery and clothes, Main Street and its surrounding area shops are a fun place to browse.
• For more information, visit the city of Annapolis's website!

the Crypt of John Paul Jones

Kilwin's Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Apple 10/10

From the USNA Visitor's Center Museum

Easy Street Gallery on Francis Street

Bancroft Hall - USNA

The surrounding areas of Annapolis are also really nice too. You can visit Baltimore, DC, or just peruse around Anne Arundel County. There are a lot of significant places dealing with colonial and Civil War history, great shopping, and quaint towns that are ready to be explored.

Chapel at the USNA

In the Senate Chambers at the State House!

Happy Traveling, folks! xoxo