For Travel, and future mountain town adventures.
A Quiet Morning at Causeway Coffee Sometimes you have to leave the dog behind. We crated Zippy, left the noise of the world at the door, and headed out to find a bit of peace. We ended up at Causeway Coffee, a Christian-owned spot that trades corporate fluff for genuine atmosphere. The Atmosphere and the … Read more
Pit Stop in Clanton: Real BBQ and Roadside Peace If you’re hauling down to Destin, there’s a spot in Clanton, Alabama, that demands a detour. We pulled into Peach Place, and it reminded me why I prefer wandering over following a spreadsheet. The Spread We didn’t come for small portions, and they didn’t disappoint. The … Read more
Sunday Stillness Reflections from the Table Yesterday, after the service ended, the noise of the world felt a little further away than usual. I wasn’t looking for a crowd or a line out the door. I just wanted a quiet seat to let the morning sink in. I headed over to Greeko’s. I skipped my … Read more
Back Roads and Butterscotch A Knoxville Day Trip Christy, Zippy, and I loaded up for a day trip to Knoxville. After wrestling with the 18-wheelers on the interstate for a while, we’d had enough. We bailed for the back roads. Best decision of the day—much more relaxing drive. Escaping the interstate chaos for a quiet … Read more
The Three-Legged Speedster Zippy doesn’t know he’s “missing” anything. To him, the world isn’t a place of limitations; it’s a series of smells to investigate and floors to conquer. Watching him navigate our home on three legs is a masterclass in raw resilience. He doesn’t ask for a handicap, he doesn’t wait for a smoother … Read more
A Mid-Morning Win in Johnson City Sometimes the best part of a hospital run is the part where you leave. After wrapping up an iron infusion at the VA this morning, Christy and I went looking for a recovery meal. We found a spot in Johnson City called Cranberries, and it hit the mark. No … Read more
Back in the Ridge | Kitchen and Compass Back in the Ridge The door is locked, the bags are dropped, and the coffee is brewing. We’re finally back in Bristol. The trip home was a mixed bag. Zippy handled the miles like a seasoned pro, proving once again that three legs are more than enough … Read more
Kitchen and Compass PIVOTING FOR PIZZA Parking lots shouldn’t dictate your dinner, but sometimes the universe forces a course correction. We aimed for Pecan Craft Kitchen in Fruit Cove, but the parking situation was a disaster. No sense fighting for a spot when you’re hungry. We pivoted and landed at Simone’s Wood Fired Craft Kitchen. … Read more
St. Augustine Day Trip St. Augustine Day Trip Wandering the coast. The world is loud, but the coast has a way of leveling things out. Christy and I loaded up for a day trip to St. Augustine. No complex spreadsheets or tourist traps. Just the road and the salt air. The Afternoon Grind We spent … Read more
Fresh Air and Better Fish: The Grouper Shack If you’re wandering through St. Augustine and want a break from the tourist traps, find your way to the Grouper Shack. It’s the kind of spot where the view is as honest as the food. No fluff, just a deck, a breeze, and a menu that doesn’t … Read more
