ROADTRIP: Backroads of Tennessee

Last weekend was a beautiful one...perfect weather, beautiful foliage.
I called my mother and aunt, uncle and cousin and invited them on a road trip. I was in the mood for some good southern cooking, and not wanting to obligate mother to make some for me that next best thing is to head to the Bell Buckle Cafe in Bell Buckle Tennessee. So that was our destination. I also had some other stops on the agenda. Buckle up and join me on our road trip to middle Tennessee.

We stopped in Nickajack, TN. close to the Nickajack Dam to get this picture.
Purple mountains majesty, huh?

















After some photo ops along the way, and a brief shopping trip to Hammers in South Pittsburg, Tennessee we arrived at the Bell Buckle Cafe.
On the menu today....good eating!































I am almost embarrassed to tell you all I had.
Almost.
Skillet fried potatoes and onions, vinegar slaw, cucumbers and tomatoes (marinated), broccoli and cauliflower salad, blueberry salad and cornbread.
And just because I wanted to make my trip worthwhile I took home with me a slice of oatmeal make with warm caramel topping.
Honnnnnnney!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It sure was good! So good, that I got so excited when my plate arrived that I forgot to take a before picture. You will have to settle for the aftermath.
















Here we all are, my uncle, cousin, aunt and my mom next to me. We are all just delighted to be in Bell Buckle at the Cafe.
















Following lunch, we shopped the unique stores of Bell Buckle. I got some great deals on hand made folk art Halloween items. I cannot wait for next Halloween!
The store at Bell Buckle are so unique.























This tree was across the street. It beckons to be climbed, doesn't it?
I wanted to, but I snapped a photo for my kids and told them the next trip they will have to go with me so we can climb together.
Growing older, but not up, eh?

I have an affinity for trees....and the colors were amazing!

One of my favorite places to go is the University of the South. I am talking about Sewanne, University atop the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
The university sits atop Mont Eagle Mountain and it steeped in a rich history. You can click the link to read more about the university.
I always make a point to visit if I am in the area.
Just look around at the beauty of the campus....























I spotted this hawks waaaaaaaay atop one of the steeples.

Outdoors is beautiful, but I cannot be a proper guide without stepping into the cathedral and showing and sharing with you it's beauty. It will take your breath away...

And one final look at the cathedral....from outside....



























Oh, no! We have to hurry! Look.... Behind the trees....
















The sun is setting. It's the perfect way to end the day. And we have timed it perfect. Lets head to Memorial Cross (you can see the cross from the valley below) to watch the sun set on a glorious day. Come on!

Isn't it breathtaking?

My aunt and uncle take it in together....

















Oh, behind you is the cross. It is enormous!























It is also easy to get lost in it's beauty...but the show is in front of us and it is happening quickly so lets tune in:


















I manage to take a quick pic of my mother and I for posterity before dusk begins to settle on a day that we celebrated to the fullest.























God IS great!!!!! God is Grand!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today! I am linking this to Outdoor Wednesday, so stop by and visit the other participants of OW.

I invite you to join me here tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday. I have some great thrifty ideas in mind that you will want to see and recreate for yourself. So, please stop by....link up (Mr Linky will post Wednesday evening).

In the meantime, I want to sincerely thank you again for dropping by and being a friend to Tales from Bloggeritaville. You are appreciated!!!!

Happy Day, Friend!
Leigh