Day ???: Red Bones on the River

Driving down highway 70 West of Knoxville will take you though Kingston. Plenty of history and plenty of fun on the water. Perfectly placed in that mix is Red Bones on the Water. A colonial home has been converted into this laid back barbeque and good times venue with the slogan, "Get Your Happy On."
We sat on the patio and were surrounded by a great crowd. A couple enjoying a bottle of wine on a very long, romantic date. A hilarious group of old friends who seem to drive in from various parts of East Tennessee to ""Get Your Happy On"" quite regularly. A table of ladies having a girls night out, complete with lots of laughter and maybe some sort of announcement. Anyway, everyone was having a great time. So were we. It's been a busy couple months of twists and turn and busyness, it was so nice to get just out of town for a relaxing dinner on a later summer evening. (It still feels like late summer and Red Bones would always seem to have that carefree feel.)
All that and a great meal of ribs, chicken strips, chocolate cobbler, great service...for under #30. Wow.
Visit Red Bones online at redboneskingston.com->

Photo Credit: Mike Berry - my favorite local artist!

Day 271: Sweet Pea's

" This one of a kind blend of Tennessee and North Carolina flavors combines the best of both worlds the sweet and the tang. And if it is hot you crave we have got that too."

Nestled on the Knox and Blount county line, with parking for cars and boats, in the midst of a very chill, chill, chill marina, is Sweet P's barbecue. Along with classic pulled pork and chicken, there is the notorious BBQ burrito or the farm burger (a brunch favorite that is topped off with an egg), and 4 good sauces to choose from. Brad is generally a restaurant hopper and doesn't like to hit the same place twice. But he wanted Sweet P's twice in 10 days. That proves that it is good!

And their banana pudding might deserve it's own blog entree.

Visit them online at www.sweetpbbq.com

Day 249: Campbell Station Park

"This 17-acre park is adjacent to the Farragut branch of the Knox County Library System."
Welcome to the Campbell Station Road Park! Site of my bridal portraits!!

Source

Day 246-248: Girls Weekend

"Polished and Pampered - Grab Your Gal Pals and Indulge in a Little Rest and Relaxation"

"in a rustic bungalow set high in the mountains, this cozy, family-run spa has breathtaking views"

"Hailed as a "rustic-chic" gem of a getaway channeling the charm and warmth of a Mediterranean village, Lakeview at Fontana offers its guests all the stress-melting amenities of a large scale spa steeped in a cozy casual atmosphere that is decidedly do-as-you-please."

"once you check in...you're tempted to skip it all and just relax."

The reviews where right and the weekend escape to this surprise location was incredible.
Amazing Maid of Honor.
Incredibly "Rustic-Chic" Resort and Spa.
Wonderful Hiking and Dining.
Great conversation.
Most relaxed I have been...maybe ever.
We enjoyed the weekend at Lakeview at Fontana.


Read more about this Resort and Spa and their recent rave reviews in Southern Living, Lucky, and more->

Day 29: A Fall Drive

Nothing, nothing in the whole wide world makes a would-be-lonely road trip near as nice as an amazing view of the leaves changing around the Tennessee/Kentucky line and great phone conversations with exceptional friends.
Photo Credit

Day 26: The Mountains Moved

On Sunday, the mountains moved. Seriously, on I-40, the road between Spartanburg and Knoxville, there was a huge rock slide. Crazy.
I lived in Spartanburg from 1998-2009. In 1997 and now in 2009, the interstate has been shut down by such rock slides. It reminds me how the Lord left that connection to Knoxville and my famoly open the whole time I was away. Sure, you can take the 1 hour detour now, but it's been a physical reminder to me how God made the way for me to remain connected. Does that even make sense... Anyway, it is a reminder of the mighty mountains and the majestic of God's creation. Wow. Big Rocks. Big, big God.

Day 1: The Sunsphere

For me, Knoxville is full of memories and full of changes. The Sunsphere is both. East Tennessee's famous landmark was built for the World's Fair in 1982. In the 80's I played underneath it. In the 90's I wore a vintage t-shirt from Goodwill that sported it's logo. I even saw it mocked in an episode of The Simpsons.
Now, the Sunsphere has reopened. It is a great restaurant, bar, and event facility with an incredible view of Ktown. I missed Josh and Alissa's rehearsal dinner there a few weeks ago. But, to celebrate my move, Brad suggested we check it out.
Seeing Knoxville from this angle reminded me there will be exciting things to discover and rediscover - from a new Point of View!

Photo courtesy of http://www.southerngraces.net/skybox.shtml.
I need a blog savvy friend to tell me how to site images.