Three September Festivals Worth Wasting Gas Money On...

If you are like me, you long for days that aren't so freaking hot.  I know that I have relocated to Tennessee from the sweltering dessert temperatures in Arizona, but Tennessee has it's share of days that are so hot and muggy that you are afraid to move.  I spend all summer reading and hearing about great things to do, but it takes an act of God and Congress to pry me away from my air conditioned home office.  Now that the day time highs are just south of ungodly, it's time to poke my head out of my hermit cave and enjoy Indian summer in Middle Tennessee.

Here is a compilation of 5 festivals in and around middle Tennessee that are worth the gas money...

Photo by Jason Nelms

1)  Tennessee State Fair       September 6-15, 2013
   http://www.tnstatefair.org
I look forward to fair food all year.  In fact, I become rather grumpy if I don't get funnel cake at least once a year.  This year - look for an almost sinfully good deep fried, bacon wrapped macaroni and cheese.  The fair has something for everyone.  I love to look at the winning crafts and animals.  I always leave thinking that I couldn't possibly live without at least one alpaca.  The kids hit the rides and spin around until they puke.  The guys gather around the antique tractors and cars to talk about life in the good ol' days.

Photo by Michael Hicks

2) 35th Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival       September 6-8, 2013
http://www.visitfallcreekfalls.com/visitorguide/mountaineer_festival.pdf

This crafts fair and music festival is a great way to start Christmas shopping for those hard to please people on your list.  When the crafts and bluegrass music get to be a little much - there is always the state park to keep you entertained.  I have a wading/swimming date with my three year old nephew planned for the shallows beneath the falls.  Come on out the water is fine.

3) White Oak Crafts Fair                 September 14-15, 2013
http://www.artscenterofcc.com/Crafts/WhiteOakCraftsFair.html

Cannon County Tennessee is known for two things: white oak baskets and moonshine.  This craft fair held on the grounds of the Cannon County Arts Center.  While you are looking at the crafts and handmade baskets.  I own one and wish I could afford more - maybe one day.

All three of these festivals (and the fair), are great opportunities to get out with your family and enjoy music.  I'll be all three and can't wait to see you there.

Rolling...Rolling Down the River

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but it is hotter than four hells here in Pheonix!  I know that you, dear reader, have got to be tired of hearing about how I am melting bit by bit in this heat. I know that the hubby is tired of hearing me complain everytime I venture out of our air conditioned house.  Regardless, I have collected a Phx Valley Guide somewhere in our travels and have been using it to plan little adventures since I am out of school for the summer (and not nearly as disciplined as I should be in finishing the great American novel).  I found a brochure entitled, "101 Cool Things to Do" from www.phxvalleyguide.com. 

One of the activities is suggested is tubing down the Salt River.  (http://www.saltrivertubing.com/)  If you are in the area, I highly recommend taking an afternoon to relax and cool off. 

We caught a ride on the bus to the drop off point and then floated all day.  It's difficult to explain how relaxing it is to sit on an inner tube and watch hawks circle the cactus on the horizon.

Everything Is Like a Dream in Kansas City...

I've spent the last three weeks in Kansas City.  My in-laws went over to Germany to see my niece (their first grand child), and I stayed at their house to watch their three dogs and two cats.  I spent the day seeing the sights and listening to my father-in-law expound upon the history of the town.  We weren't able to cram everything into today's agenda - the day was jam packed as it is, but I think I was able to see enough to have a starting point for my next visit.

Our first stop was the city market.  Saturday is the farmer's market day, and there were vegetables of all kinds.  I was actually a little sad that I was leaving for Tennessee tomorrow.  Had I been staying in town, I would have loaded up on veggies for the grill.

View of the Missouri River from the Town of Kansas site.

After shopping, we walked town to the site of the Town of Kansas.  The original settlement has long since disappeared (because the railroad tore it down for tracks), but there were enough signs to get a feel for what it must have looked like.

After our shopping, we headed to Arthur Bryant's BBQ (http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm).  I love to try the iconic restaurants when I go to a new place and Arthur Bryant's fits this bill perfectly.  You know that the food is going to be amazing when there is a line out of the door.  We waited for our turn, and finally it was our turn at the window to order.  The cook was very focused on his job, and I was more than a little intimidated to ask for my "burnt-end sandwich", but I was finally able to squeak out my order.  It was worth the gruffness of the cook, because the food was the best BBQ I had ever tried.  The order size was huge, and I worried that they would have to roll me out of the restaurant.  It is apparent why there are so many famous people on the walls - no one can resist this food.

 View of the restaurant - notice the line out the door.  

The best BBQ sandwich and fries I've ever had!