163. Our recent trip to Tennessee was so enjoyable and relaxing. The southern hospitality was the first thing we noticed. Everyone calling you "Honey", "Sweetheart" and "Darlin'". We realized we weren't in NY any more. And patient...everyone is so patient and accommodating. Even when we couldn't get our order straight at the Dunkin Donut Drive-Thru. "That's two medium black coffee's, no, no cream, no, no sugar...yes, a medium black ice coffee with sugar, no, no cream...but cream on the side." And we ended up with a medium cream and sugar coffee...but, we were called "Sweethearts" and told that "We can fix that!" (With a very deep southern drawl.) I really got use to it.
Along with the beautiful mountains and scenery all around, we were sure to taste what Tennessee is famous for. Delicious food, sweet tea, biscuits, fried chicken, bbq and so much more.
While driving through the Great Smokies Arts and Crafts Community, we came across Glades Homemade Candies in Gatlinburg.
Their small sign that said "Homemade Ice Cream" made us stop.
The ice cream was delicious, and homemade peanut butter fudge was fantastic.
Another gem of a candy store was on the main street in Gatlinburg. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the shops, stores and attractions, The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen had the best taffy I've ever eaten. It's not too sweet and the flavor is so subtle.
They were making peanut butter taffy and we were able to sample it. So soft, chewy and light.
eventually pulling it into a small log, wrapped it in paper, twisted the end and then dropped it into a basket.
Each flavor was so light and delicious. We purchased a 1/2 pound of mixed flavors and enjoyed it so much, we stopped back for another box before leaving town.
Besides sweets, we really enjoyed the barbecue.
Several years ago, while passing through Tennessee we had eaten at Bennetts and couldn't wait to have their ribs once more. And we were not disappointed!
One of the best meals we had that week!
Not only did we enjoy wonderful fried chicken and biscuits at Bojangles', and gallons of sweet tea, we also enjoyed another local favorite. Grown wild throughout the area, wild blackberries were in season and seemed to be along every roadside. While we were exploring we came across a large patch, and I just had to jump out of the car and pick some.
"Do Southerners laugh at different things than Northerners do?
Yes--Northerners."
~ Southern Quotes
"In the South, the breeze blows softer... neighbors are friendlier, nosier, and more talkative. (By contrast with the Yankee, the Southerner never uses one word when ten or twenty will do). This is a different place."
~Southern Quotes
