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Four Herbs You Should Be Using In Your Spring Kitchen

written by Ali

With spring only a few weeks away, our attention is finally turning to the prospect of warmer temperatures and a greater variety of fresh, seasonal food.

But with so many herbs imported from abroad, it’s sometimes hard to tell which are in season and which aren’t. Here are some of the herbs that will be coming into season in the next few months, and some meal ideas to go with them.

Garlic

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You can grab garlic bulbs all year round, but garlic never tastes as good when imported. The good news is that in places in the northern hemisphere, including the US, garlic comes into season in February. Garlic is one of the most versatile ingredients on the planet and can be found in dishes from Thai to Italian to French.

If you want to enjoy the flavor of garlic in its purest form, then one of the best ideas is to roast the whole bulb and then use it to make a kind of dip for some toasted, fresh bread.

The French also have some great, garlic-centered recipes, including mushroom and puy lentil casserole, which helps to bring out the flavor of this classic bulb.

Parsley

By the time March rolls around, parsley starts to grow again in northern climes. Fresh parsley, either curly or flat leaf, makes a great addition to dozens of meals.

Flickr Credit: http://www.sweetestkitchen.com/

Strangely, parsley pairs particularly well with cauliflower. You can make cauliflower “steaks” with walnut, hemp, and parsley pesto. Just roast the cauliflower in the oven in strips, seasoning as you wish. And then mix up the pesto ingredients with a little lemon juice and zest in a high powered blender.

Many meal kits rely on parsley. If you don’t have time to prepare everything from scratch, then take a look at The Meal Kit Comparison reviews out there and find out which is best for you so that you can enjoy spring herbs.

Chives

Chives are part of the allium family of vegetables, along with leeks, onions, and garlic. Not only are chives delicious - adding a savory note to practically any dish - but they’re also extremely good for you. Like other alliums, research shows that they help fight cancer and keep cells healthy.

Want to incorporate chives in your cooking? Chives pair exceptionally well with nacho potatoes. Chop up some white potatoes into cubes and then grab a bowl and mix with some oil and arrowroot. (Arrowroot is a kind of starchy root vegetable that gives roast potatoes a great crispy texture). Then pop in the oven on high heat for around 20-30 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the toppings: guacamole, salsa, cashew cream, creme fraiche, cheese, olives, red pepper flakes, and, of course, chives.

Ginger

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Ginger is the last spring herb in our list. Ginger is renowned throughout Asia for its medicinal healing properties and is an excellent addition to practically any Asian dish.

The best way to bring out the flavor of ginger, however, is in gingerbread. The timing is good too with the Easter holidays coming soon.

 

January 31, 2019 0 comment
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Musings

Beat the January Blues, and Keep Your New Years Healthy Eating Going!

written by Ali

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Have you vowed that you’re going to eat better this year? It’s a good resolution to make, health is everything and that really starts with what we put into our bodies. But as we all know, new year’s resolutions are tricky things, and it doesn’t take much for us to fall back into our old habits. If you want to keep your health kick going, here are some of the ways you can go about it!

Plan ahead

One of the reasons so many people fail when it comes to eating healthy, is that they don’t plan ahead. When you run out of ingredients or just don’t know what to cook, it’s so easy to resort to an unhealthy takeaway. If you want to succeed, you need to plan ahead, it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. Simply write out a list of the dinners you’re going to cook each evening, and create a grocery list based on this. Make sure you’re well stocked in things like breakfast cereal, eggs and store cupboard sandwich fillers such as tuna and salmon. That way, you don’t risk running out and keeping up with your healthy plan is so much easier. If you’re pushed for time in the evenings, meal prep your lunches in advance so each day you can grab a container out of the fridge so you’re good to go. There are loads of ideas online to help you keep it interesting.

Use a meal kit service

If you really struggle with shopping for ingredients as well as coming up with interesting ideas, meal kit services will suit you to a tee. You can choose recipes that have been carefully curated, and you’re sent a box with these specific ingredients in. There are lots on the market, look at Blue Apron vs Home Chef for example. Ideal if you’re stretched for time, or just want to make healthy eating as convenient as possible.

Create healthy versions of your favorites

If you constantly restrict yourself and see your favorite foods as ‘bad’ or off limits, it’s just going to cause you to crave them more. Instead, how about creating healthier versions? Homemade frozen yogurt contains far less fat and calories than ice cream but can give you the same cold, sweet fix. Instead of heading to KFC, try making your own spicy coated chicken burgers baked in the oven? Even pizza can be made lighter, make your own dough with whole wheat flour or use a tortilla as a base. Add light mozzarella and veggies on top with a side salad. Cookies can be made with oats and raisins and sweetened with sugar alternatives, just be sure to keep an eye on your portion size. It’s a way for you to get a taste of your favorite things without messing up your healthy eating plan by putting away too many calories! Creating these kinds of recipes gets you in the kitchen and cooking too which is always a good thing, the better your skills, the easier you’ll find creating healthy, delicious meals.

What strategies have you adopted to help you stay on track this new year?

January 13, 2019 0 comment
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Foodie ListsFoodie PartiesMusings

Whipping Up A Feast: 5 Steps To Better Kitchen Skills

written by Ali

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It’s great to get into the kitchen and cook some delicious meals that you can enjoy with your family. However, if your cookery and kitchen skills aren’t quite up to scratch, then you might end up being ever so slightly disappointed with your creations. It doesn’t always have to be like that, though. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can improve your skills and become an even better home cook. Here are five fantastic steps to get you started.

Store Ingredients For Freshness

Generally speaking, you need to try and buy the best quality products and ingredients to cook with. These will be fresher and have the best flavor. To ensure that they retain their freshness and flavor, it’s important that you store them correctly. For instance, you shouldn’t keep tomatoes in the fridge. However, not many people realize this and still do, which can result in them losing flavor quickly. There should be a clear note on the packaging of all the produce and ingredients that you buy which will tell you the correct way to store it.

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Take Some Classes

If you really struggle in the kitchen, it’s worth looking for some local healthy culinary classes if you want to try to improve your skills. These classes often teach a range of skills, such as how to use specific types of kitchenware. You will also learn the correct way to cook certain foods and ingredients. Most will also take you step by step through some really delicious recipes.

Watch YouTube Tutorials

Don’t worry if you can’t afford to take some culinary classes. You can instead watch some of the free YouTube cooking tutorials. There are lots of YouTubers out there who focus on cookery. Most of them post videos of them cooking meals that you will be able to follow along, as well as videos that focus on teaching their followers how to use certain pieces of kitchen equipment and how to cook and prepare rare ingredients.

Practice Mise En Place

Do you always end up in a bit of a mess when you are cooking? It’s easy for the kitchen to lose control, but one way around this is to practice mise en place. This is a French term that all French chefs use. It simply means that you need to prepare all of your ingredients before you start to cook with them. That way, you have done all of the chopping and peeling before you need everything. You’ll be surprised how much easier this makes your life in the kitchen!

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Invest In Good Equipment

It’s always worth paying slightly above average for some better kitchen equipment. Generally speaking, the better the equipment is, then the better results you will get from it. If you can’t afford to buy good-quality equipment brand new, then it’s worth looking for some second-hand stuff.

As you can see, learning to cook and improve your kitchen skills won’t be too difficult. These five useful steps can get you off to a very good start.

 

September 14, 2018 0 comment
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Foodie ListsMusings

Cooking Tips for Small Kitchens

written by Ali

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If you love to cook, having a small kitchen can be incredibly frustrating. If you don’t enjoy cooking, it simply makes your hatred grow even more! However, your small kitchen does not need to hold you back at meal times. You simply need to get a bit more creative. With that being said, read on to discover some top tips on cooking in a small kitchen.

Stow baking pans above the cabinets – There is no denying that pans and pots tend to take up most of the room in any kitchen. One of the best ways to combat this is to store your baking pans above your cabinets. Not only does this keep them out of the way, but it ensures they are in easy access too. After all, one of the most frustrating elements of any kitchen is when your daily items are at the back of a cupboard, meaning you have a hassle on your hands every time you prepare dinner.

Invest in a convection oven – Convection ovens are great because they do not take up a lot of room. Not only this, but they can cook your meal in no time, so it can really speed up the cooking process! You can head to Oven Shopper for more information about the different types of convection ovens that are available and their features.

Purchase a fold-down table – Fold-down tables are a must for any small kitchen. If you feel you don’t have anywhere to dine, think again. Fold-down tables can act as counter space when they are folded, and then when you can open the table up and entertain guests. Yes, it may be a little bit cozy, but it’s better than having no table at all. Plus, you make the most of the space that is available to you.

Re-think your appliances – Your oven is not the only appliance you should re-think. Nowadays, there are so many different multi-tasking gadgets. Take the immersion blender as a prime example. This tool is easy to clean and reuse, and it can replace several bigger and chunkier appliances. Look at your current kitchen and ask yourself whether you need each and every appliance, or whether you could replace them with one appliance that does all of the same tasks.

Install a taller faucet – Last but not least, another tip for those with a small kitchen is to install a taller faucet. This will make it much easier to clean. If you feel like you have a military operation on your hands whenever you go to clean your pots and pans, a taller faucet will definitely transform the way you use your kitchen.

Hopefully, you now have all of the tips you need to improve your cooking situation. Yes, a small kitchen can be frustrating, but it does not need to help you back. Follow the tips that have been provided above, and you are bound to notice a difference.

 

March 14, 2018 0 comment
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Foodie ListsMusings

Valentine’s Day Dining for Foodies

written by Ali

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. As such, it may be too late to book a table at your favorite restaurant. On a brighter note, there’s still time to plan a magical evening all from the comfort of the home.

In truth, that privacy can add to the romance. Nonetheless, you need to know that the food is befitting of such a special night. Here’s all you need to know.

Setting The Mood

Given that it’s February 14, it’s vital to ensure that love is in the air. So, before worrying about the meal itself, it’s time to think about the table and the room. There’s no need to go overboard, but paying attention to a few finer details can make a world of difference.

A few candles, a red tablecloth, and a few rose petals will set the tone. Meanwhile, ensuring that the table is set with glasses and the fancy dinnerware is key. Essentially, if you want this to be seen as a special meal, you must treat it that way.

Starters: The World Is Your Oyster

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Valentine’s Day is a chance to do something you wouldn’t normally do. Oysters Rockefeller is the perfect example, and Island Creek Oysters is the perfect place to source them. It’s not as cheap or easy as creating a basic tomato soup, but it will get the flame of love burning strong.

There are many different ways to prepare this starter, and you’ll find various recipes online. If you truly wish to kick things up a notch, find one that utilizes a teaspoon or two of hot pepper sauce. This secret ingredient is a clear sign that the recipe will hit the mark.

Main: Go European

As it’s a romantic time, why not borrow some of the European romance? France and Italy are two countries that conjure up thoughts of love. Frankly, the food is a huge ingredient in that recipe for happiness. Pasta dishes are always a winner, especially when you do it from scratch.

For an average cook, ravioli dishes are brilliant. They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be coupled with fancy salads and other side dishes. Whether the filling is meat based or a something else like ricotta is entirely a matter of choice. This post will provide bags of inspiration, and proves that it can do the tricks despite being fairly simple. When coupled with the right bottle of white wine, you’ll be destined for a wonderful night.

Dessert: Go For Chocolate

A combination of chocolate and strawberries is known to be a winning combination for any romantic evening. However, there’s no need to go out to buy a chocolate fountain machine. Even if you have dietary requirements, you can learn to make paleo and vegan caramel cups at Sabrina’s Sinless Secrets. Those delightful treats are also pretty light, which is a good thing after two previous courses. Moreover, if you have the right tools, they can be designed into hearts.

If chocolate isn’t the right solution, keeping it light is still advised. Meanwhile, a collection of mini desserts is both cute and offers a variety. Besides, this gives you three attempts to find your new long-term favorite.

 

February 9, 2018 0 comment
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Musings

Welcoming Spring Back to the Table

written by Ali

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With Imbolc (the signal of winter coming to an end) passing by in the early days of February, it’s time to start thinking of Spring. For many, this means warmer weather, and traditionally, it brings about planting, first fruits, berries, the last of the cured meat, and honey. Before mass production, Spring calving meant an influx of dairy products and fresh ingredients. So why not welcome Spring 2018 by introducing these influences into your diet.

Antipasto

Create Spring antipasto course with light cheeses like mozzarella and Red Lester with fresh cherry tomatoes, ciabatta bread and olives. Introduce cured meat with traditional pepperoni and salami, and mix it up and buy capicola too. By mixing in some outside ingredients to an otherwise Italian dish, can make it much more personal to you and your local surroundings, so experiment with fresh and light food and find the perfect mix for you.

Bread

At this point in the year, people would be still working through last year’s grain, waiting for the harvest at the end of the summer. And so they would be trying to make what flour they had last, and use seasonal flavours to give it some life. You can do the same by baking fruit bread or banana bread.

Preserves

Speaking of fresh fruit, Spring brings an influx of berries, so what better time than this season to start making your own preserves. Jam and marmalade are delicious additions to any pantry and are so easy to make and gift to others.

Pies

We Americans are known to love our pies. And why should now be any different? Swap pumpkin pies for an apple or blackberry pie. Or try your hand at creating a strawberry tart.

Smoothies

Start thinking of warmer days, and even tropical destinations with a mix of fruit in your smoothies. Combine banana and berries with a layer of mango and pineapple. Again, you’ll find a recipe that is perfect for you, but it’s so much fun trying out the different ideas before you find the right one for you.

Pasta

For the main course, turn to the Mediterranean for ideas. Roast an array of veg in the oven; shallots, red onion, carrots, courgette and peppers, then create a sauce out of chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, coriander and mixed spices. Add chicken or sea bass to the mix with some pasta, and you have a gorgeous dish that everyone will love.

Water

It sounds simple, but during Winter we crave hot, thick drinks like cocoa. And then through Spring and Summer, it’s all about light and refreshing. So get a head start with infused water. You can prepare a jug of it to keep in the fridge or buy a bottle that holds the fruit in a compartment for easy changes. Either way, use different combinations of fresh ingredients to flavour your water. It will be refreshing and will give you the nutrients leached from the fruit.

 

February 1, 2018 0 comment
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BeveragesMusings

Brandy, Benedictine, and Books

written by Ali

First off, I have to say that if there is ever a book town I want to live in, it’s Three Pines in Quebec. Mostly because I want to curl up in the cafe with a B&B - a brandy and benedictine and just watch all the interesting characters go by.

What’s the book world I’m infatuated with? It’s the world of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache - the creation of Louise Penny. Penny’s books are set between the fictional town of Three Pines and the metropolis of Montreal. The cast of characters are delightful - without a doubt, my favorite (after Gamache) is Ruth - the elderly poet with her duck, Rosa. And I’m not going to tell you what FINE stands for - you’ll have to read the series to figure it out. Safe to say, though, it’s how I feel many a day.

Of course, one of the other reasons I really love this series is the food and drink. Gamache eats (and drinks) really well. There are many descriptions of great dinner parties, not to mention all the croissants consumed at the B&B and cafe. I serial read three books over my break, which is probably why I didn’t spend nearly as much time cooking as I normally would.

One of the drinks referenced many times as an after dinner aperitif is a B&B or Benedictine and Brandy. I’ve had Benedictine lurking at the back of the liquor cabinet for awhile now. I’m not even sure why I bought it in the first place. And I always have a cheap brandy on hand for sangria. Note to self - it’s time to up my game on the brandy, as I think this would taste much better with a higher quality one.

Benedictine liqueur, by the way, is a secret blend of twenty seven distilled herbs and spices (three of which are Angelica, hyssop, and lemon balm). Benedictine has been around since 1510. A B&B is an easy combination of 1 to 1 Benedictine and Brandy, served over ice or served neat. I’m a lightweight these days, so I found that a B&B served neat was a bit overpowering. I opted to toss in some ice.

So the cocktail recipe this week is 1 ounce Brandy, 1 ounce Benedictine and some ice. I highly recommend sipping this with a little jazz on the stereo and a Louise Penny book in hand. Enjoy!

 

January 19, 2018 0 comment
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MusingsTravel

Staples of Missouri for the Hungry Traveler

written by Ali

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If you want to get to know a location, then the best way to do that is with your tongue. Especially in the US, every state, city, and town is a mix of peoples, histories, and traditions that come out in delicious fashion through their cooking. So, if you’re in Missouri and you want to get a taste of the state, what exactly should you be trying out?

The morel you know

It’s not the only place in the world that this particular mushroom is used in dining, but Missouri’s local morel supply means you’re likely to find these fungi on menus all across the state and they make for a delicious starter. With a distinct nutty, savory flavor, fried morels make for a great appetizer or even a meat substitute in most main dishes, while morel omelettes are a belly filler you can find in a lot of restaurants throughout the state. You can even go morel foraging on your own if you’re spend the weekend out by the river.

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Ravioli taken seriously

There’s a strong presence of Italian cuisine all throughout the state and nowhere is that more prominent than the Hill, a predominantly Italian area of St. Louis. It’s omnipresent, but one of the favorites of the city (if a favorite had to be picked) is toasted ravioli. Deep-fried rather than truly toasted, this crispy treat is a must-have for any fans of flavorful pasta, served with marinara sauce for dipping. Just don’t believe anyone who says they originated the recipe, as several eateries in the area contend for that fine honor.

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A trail worth taking

If you feel like taking a bit of a road trip, then there’s a special trail to be found in the small, charming city of Hermann. At the Hermann Wine Trail, Missouri’s lesser known, but characterful wine culture truly shines. https://hermannwinetrail.com shows all the wineries where you can try the distinct tastes that make up a third of the whole state’s wine production. It’s true wine country, celebrating it with tons of events that mix the average tasting with themes such as chocolate, berries, and even wild bacon to offer something different with each visit.

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Don’t forget the sweet

If you don’t feel like a whole meal or you just have a sweet tooth, there’s a dessert that you will find in almost every restaurant in the state despite almost certainly never having had it before if you live anywhere else. Gooey Butter Cake is a signature of the state, and it is just as gooey and delicious as it sounds. With a cookie-like crust over a sweet mix of butter, sugar, and eggs, the recipe is as simple as can be but there are whole stores like http://www.gooeylouiecake.com/ dedicated to it and for good reason. It’s easy to get hooked on, so if you’re in for a flying visit, stock up or you’ll be heartbroken when you leave.

Of course, there’s plenty that we haven’t been able to cover here. St. Louis-style pizza is just another example of the distinct culinary character in Missouri well-worth checking out as well. But if you’re in the area and you’re looking for a new taste, then you want to start with the four above.

 

January 18, 2018 0 comment
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AppetizersBeveragesFarmer's MarketLunch RecipesMusingsVegetarian

Top Five From 2017 and Five Goals for 2018

written by Ali

I’m happy to share my top five from 2017 and five goals for 2018 today. However, am I the only one who is having a hard time believing that 2017 is already at an end? It’s been an incredible year. The highlight for me was our big move to the Southern Oregon coast. The coast is the really important part of that statement – I’m so happy being back near the ocean. I’ve also really enjoyed having easier access to local foods. We joined a CSA this year, went to the farmer’s market regularly, and enjoyed the overall bounty around us, including some incredible seafood.

I’ve managed to keep on blogging, though I haven’t been able to focus on it quite as much as I could when we were in Portland. My job takes a bit more of my time. Still, I have a list of top 5 recipes from 2017 that I’m really proud of. But before I get to them, I thought I’d take a quick moment to review my goals for Fix Me a Little Lunch from 2017. First was to improve my food photography. I’ve done a slightly better job with this. I’ve tried to be a little more attentive to lighting, though when we moved, my blog set up had to change. Second was to create and stick to an editorial calendar, which I managed through the first half of 2017 until we moved.

Third was to continue to participate in food challenges. I’ve been able to do this more or less consistently. I’m still doing the occasional contribution to Food ‘n Flix (and am hosting in March – yay!), as well as reading the books for Cook the Books, even if I haven’t always managed to make a recipe right away. I continue to enjoy the blogging community – I’ve had great fun this year participating in the Food Advent Calendar, in #Choctoberfest, in #Cookoutweek, and in #RecipeMakeover.

Fourth up was to try my hand at sponsored posts, which I did with some pretty good success. Last was to build my follower list – ok, so I did say I wanted to get to 1,000 subscribers and I’m actually at 35, but I count that as a success since I haven’t had nearly the time I’d like to focus on growing my list. I’m really grateful for my 35 subscribers!

So, without further ado, here are my top 5 from this year:

I really loved making these easy sweet and savory pinwheels. It was so much fun showcasing some great Oregon products: cheddar cheese, cranberries, and hazelnuts. It’s no surprise to me that this recipe did the best this year (and is, in fact, my overall most viewed recipe in the two years I’ve been blogging).

My almond brownie martini recipe has been very popular. I can totally appreciate why - this cocktail is super decadent and super yummy!

I have to say I’ve been a little surprised that my limoncello lemon drop recipe has been so popular. But I’m so glad I shared it, as it’s always been one of my favorite easy happy hour cocktails.

And speaking of lemons…my penne with burratta, peas, and preserved lemons has been very popular. My one and only regret with leaving Portland is that I can’t find a single source for burratta here. I can, however, find minimally processed milk, so maybe it’s time for me to make my own burratta.

Last, but not least, is my cherry vanilla vodka cola cocktail. I had a great time creating this cocktail as it reminded me of when I lived in the Marshall Islands.

2018 Goals

Some of my goals for 2018 are fairly similar to 2017’s.

  1. I’d like to keep on working on my photography. I’d like to get back to better backdrops and better lighting. I love taking photos of my food!
  2. I’d like to grow my subscriber list. I’ll keep doing my monthly email and have added the feature of a freebie recipe each month exclusive to my email list. I’ll also be working on a e-book for my subscribers this year.
  3. I’d like to get back to my editorial calendar. It helps me stay on track and especially when the CSA season gears up, I think it will help me stay on top of the mountain of veggies that come my way.
  4. I’ll keep on enjoying the food blogging community. I’m looking forward to hosting Food ‘n Flix in March.
  5. One thing I haven’t done is reach out to a favorite product and offer up my blogging services to promote the product. I’d really like to do this in 2018 and I have a couple of products in mind. I did a terrible job with being an Amazon affiliate, so want to make some effort again to be an affiliate with a company.

So there it is – we are heading on into 2018. I’m looking forward to sharing many great lunch recipes and cocktails with all of you in this new year!

December 27, 2017 0 comment
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MusingsTravel

Tennessee Travelling: Everything You Need to Know

written by Ali

The tremendous place that is Tennessee; it is the thirty sixth largest and the sixteenth most populous of all fifty United States. You may be passing through Tennessee on a long road trip through America or you might be dropping nearby to see family. Whatever your reason for visiting, be sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the amazing sights it has to offer. You will find the best food, attractions and nature spots that will please the whole family. Look out for your favourite things to do and take your pick from the guide below.

Feeling Foody

You might not know that Tennessee is world famous for its whiskey. Drop into a local bar or restaurant and you’re bound to find a sample of the finest Whiskey around. Memphis is also known for its barbecue food such as ribs and pork, so if you’re into meats head there for the best selection you’ll ever find. Even if you’re on a budget an needing to eat in hotel rooms from time to time be sure to branch out and try at least one of the amazing restaurants in Tennessee.

Memphis holds an annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and there are so many restaurants that you should head to on your visit. Places such as Hog and Hominy, which has a laid back atmosphere are ideal for delicious grub. Or if you fancy a more fine-dining experience there is Peabody Hotel’s Chez Phillipe, which serves amazing French cuisine, certain to tantalize your taste buds. Finally, Folk’s Folly is said to be the best steakhouse in Memphis which even has its own butcher shop next door. There you can enjoy delicious grilled food such as king crab and duck breast, it is definitely a sharing experience for all the family.

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In Touch With Nature

You might be surprised to know that the number one most visited national park is the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Not many people realise that it is ranked at the top of the list of best National Parks in the US. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty that surprisingly has just as many visitors as the Grand Canyon!

Also known as, ‘The Smokies,’ The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is situated in the small town of Gatlinburg. You can experience hiking trails, the observation tower and even a close by amusement park. These attractions are not to be missed when visiting the tremendous state of Tennessee. Every member of the family will find something fun to explore here.

Another nature-related excursion that is sure to impress you is the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, near Knoxville. It is a vast cave structure with the biggest underwater lake in the whole of the United States. You can choose the guided tour to suit you, from exciting trips on a boat to historical tours. You will see the fascinating Cavern Tavern which was a room invented by locals after the war. Whilst you’re in the area take a browse around the quaint shops in the Old Sweetwater Village too.

Don’t Stop The Music

You can’t take a trip to Tennessee without paying a visit to some of the more infamous music related attractions in the US. Elvis Presley’s Graceland Estate is one of the top attractions. You can receive a grand tour of his home which will give you exclusive insight into his life. His stately home remains untouched since 1977 when he sadly died there. You will see his amazingly grand scale collection of cars and aircraft and you can even stay over at the famous Heartbreak Hotel!

Being a fan of music means that you must know how world-famous Nashville is for its country music. Take a tour around the Country Music Hall of fame and check out the famous Music Row. Head to a downtown bar and listen to local artists who are wanting to break into the country music industry. You’ll become one of the locals in no time!

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Pay Your Respects To The Troops

It cannot go unnoticed that Tennessee is what it is today because of war. It is one of the states who provided more soldiers than any other and many battles have been witnessed during horrific struggles. There are museums and memorials which portray pay respects to those who fought in the wars. There is also Shiloh National Military park which is contains almost four thousands graves. It is a touching and humbling experience to be in the presence of such heroes.

Toot Toot, All Aboard

If you’re travelling with little ones, or maybe you just love a train adventure, be sure to take a ride on the Chattanooga and Tennessee Valley Railroad. It holds a historic importance within the state as wood, cotton and military supplies were shipped. It is amazing to see how this history has been preserved and well-kept. You can now take an hour long steam train ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad and even join in the exciting events at the Tennessee Railfest. Choose from a range of dinner packages and day trips which will suit everybody on the trip!

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Titanic Museum

Pigeon Forge in Tennessee is home to the world’s largest Titanic Museum. The building represents the ship itself and was built to represent half the scale of the real Titanic. You will soon discover hundreds of preserved artefacts and galleries. You may feel like you’re actually on board the famous ship as it was designed especially with that goal in mind. You can spend up to two hours in the museums exploring the wonders it has to offer. Definitely worth a visit so be sure to pop that on your Tennessee bucket list.

Whether you’re cultural, musical or all natural, you’re bound to find the sights and scenes to suit you. Take a taste of Tennessee as soon as you get the opportunity and sample the finest gems it has to offer. You will be heading back for more of the adventurous fun in no time.

 

December 26, 2017 0 comment
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