Pigeon Forge, TN

Day 1

Arrived early afternoon and found a good place for lunch, Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, with great food and atmosphere.

After lunch we made our way into the Old Mill District enjoying the shops and checking out The Old Mill Restaurant.

The Sandman Shop makes various size stones from coasters to stones for your yard identifying your favorite team or providing your address.

Timing being good we were able to get tickets for two dinner shows.  Saw HATFIELD & McCOY Christmas Disaster which did not disappoint and provided great entertainment along with plenty of laughter.  

Good Outside props

Couple of the entertainers.

Ruby Falls in Chattanooga

We had an great trip through an awesome cave, found in 1928 in Lookout Mountain, by a group of explorers, led by Leo Lambert, after 17 hours of crawling on their hands and knees as their entry was too narrow to stand. After being taken down 260 feet into the cave by an elevator and walking 1/2 mile through the cave seeing the amazing formations throughout the cave, you come to the magnificent beautiful waterfall, named Ruby Falls after the founder, Leo Lambert's wife Ruby. The stream from the waterfall drops a sheer 145 feet and the massive chamber that houses the waterfall is 1,120 feet below the surface of the earth.  The vision of the waterfall was a breathtaking experience!

CACTUS & CANDLE FORMATIONS

 

DONKEY FORMATION

TOBACCO LEAVES FORMATION

TOP OF RUBY FALLS.

RUBY FALLS

CRYSTAL CHAMBER

 

LEO'S PASSAGE (narrow area where the explorer's had to pass through)

Spot where Mr. Lambert could first stand up in the cave.

Chattanooga, TN

Was pleasantly surprised by how much Chattanooga has grown with 32 restaurants in downtown.

We took advantage of the beautiful weather when we arrived and headed for the Incline RailWay on Lookout Mountain.  The breathtaking grade of the track, 72.7% near the top, gives Incline Railway the distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world.  Incline Railway going a mile up the mountain backwards has been one of the area's most unique attractions since 1895.

Amazing views from the top.

The first, largest and most visited National Military Park marking the sites of the battles at Chickamauga, the tragic "War Between the States."

Museum of the battles at Chickamauga.

Views going back down the mountain including the "Switch" at the halfway point of the track, where the two Incline cars pass alongside each other.

After an exciting trip up and down the mountain, we found a great Southern Coastal Grill, St. Elmo, established in 1885, with fried green tomatos that reminded me of my grandmother's, which were the BEST!  Another of St. Elmo's specialties was their house made seasonal flavored peach, citrus and blackberry sangria.

Chattanooga has great indoor climbing walls and blocks for kids along with climbing walls for adults in downtown.  These areas were very active and great to see the kids expressions as they accomplished their challenge!

One of the unique pieces of art in downtown Chattanooga.

Birmingham, AL

Arrived in Birmingham late afternoon having an opportunity to visit Lawson's cousin, Roy and his wife Paige's magnificent home with an awesome pine addition, beautiful landscaping, and great view from their deck and screened in porch.  Had a fun time listening to stories and memories Roy and Lawson had of growing up as cousins.  Enjoyed time getting to know Roy and Paige's two pups, Livey and Taz, which are both very sweet but moved to fast for a photo.

Met Paige at Asian Rim, great sushi restaurant Roy and Paige started in Birmingham a few years ago and has been written up as one of the best and fastest growing restaurants in Birmingham.  Asian Rim is our favorite restaurant with the best sushi, yummy dumplings, excellent service, great staff and management. 😊

Enjoying catching up with our dear friend, Bliss Beasley, for breakfast at Edgar's for good southern French toast with custard topping.  Bliss is a long time friend who is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside! 😊

Meridian, MS

Arrived in Meridian late afternoon and found a local restaurant for an early dinner in downtown Meridian, Weidmann's, established in 1870, with great Southern Home Style Cooking and pure Southern Hospitality!

 

Stopped at Jean's, a local cafe with good food and friendly staff, for breakfast before heading to Birmingham, AL.

Quick photo of downtown Meridian and their Opera House (on the left) were local people we met last night at dinner talked about their Opera House and were going there after dinner.