Special Guest Blog: Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

On the last day of my Chattanooga Thanksgiving getaway a flip of the coin landed me at the world renowned highest rated aquarium in America, the Tennessee Aquarium. Known greatly for its 10,000 animal collection including amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, plants, reptiles and butterflies my anticipation grew to an un-measureable level just thinking of the possibilities to come. Upon arrival to the aquarium and purchasing my ticket, I was swept upstairs by an escalator to an enchanted water village with calypso music wafting in the air from a band playing in a lobby area below. After exiting the escalator I was granted the opportunity to be up close and personal with some of the aquatic animals on display. I had the likelihood to place my hand, two fingers please, in a water tank and stroke the Southern Stingray and Shovelnose Guitarfish. Both these fish were very receptive to touch and came up to the edge of the water tank to greet all onlookers. With mist falling from water lines above, I noticed certain areas of the aquarium can become rather humid yet the animals will amass your attention away from the temperature.

The aquarium exuded an excellent decorum, for all the areas I visited replicated areas in which particular animals originated. In some areas of the aquarium you get the sensation of being drawn away to a tropical wonderland and in other areas a swamp land. The Tennessee Aquarium offered other things for the aquatic enthusiast like the IMAX 3D theater and River Gorge Explorer. The IMAX Theater allows patrons the option to view new IMAX 3D movies in a plush air conditioned environment. These movies grant you to plunge into amazing underwater adventures or travel to fascinating lands. With a six-story IMAX screen considered the largest in the region, the screen allows for a life size blue whale to be seen at its actual size. At 89 feet wide and 66 feet tall, the Aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater has one whale of a screen, to say the least, which almost doubles the size requirements needed to earn them the title as Chattanooga’s only Certified Giant Screen. This IMAX Theater within the aquarium is like no other, granting patrons an engaging movie going experience to last a lifetime.

Another additional attraction of the Tennessee Aquarium includes the River Gorge Explorer and all its wonders. This speed boat or speed luxury cruise liner is a 70 passenger catamaran and the first of its kind in the southeast. The boat transports guests downstream into Tennessee’s Grand Canyon (Tennessee River Gorge) on a 26 mile/27,000 acre voyage of protected land. The waterway is home to an array of plants and animals, wildlife and historic points of interest all identified by an aquarium naturalist aboard the ship leading the excursion. Four water jets propel this hydrofoil-assisted craft smoothly and swiftly downstream. Angled seating allows each guest to relax in a climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows enhancing the experience to the fullest. Aboard this vessel guests are shown notable military points between Downtown Chattanooga and historic Pot Point.  The Tennessee Aquarium naturalists highlight strategic locations for passengers aboard the River Gorge Explorer as well to give a more thorough sense of what the Civil War was like on the Tennessee River valley.

When thinking of the Butterfly garden well it was astounding to see the large display of butterflies soaring freely amongst the guests and landing upon our heads and shoulders. Surrounded by the sounds of wild birds in the air the Butterfly garden had the distinct factor of coming alive right before my eyes. Another discrete area was the Penguin’s Rock where I and other guests got face to face with Gentoo and Macaroni penguins behind a protective glass. These frigid temperature loving birds never appeared to miss a chance to swim, dive, or waddle around while on-lookers stared at them through a huge protective glass. At the entrance way into the Penguin’s Rock guests flock at the chance to take pictures next to the large sized mannequin penguin at the doorway. This site appears to be a vacationer’s delight as the line for the traditional picture began to swell. With kids running freely pointing and shouting, Happy Feet, the penguins commenced to put on a deep water display of swimming mastery. The entire aquarium was a delight to say the least with the leveled corridors that allow you to coil in and out to different scenic areas delivering an experience to remember. Other key points of interest were the Cove Forest, Delta Swamp, Tropical Cove, and Secret Reef. This experience granted me the chance to witness the largest turtle shell ever, a curved-necked turtle and a catfish weighing in at nearly 150lbs. Oh the wonders of the world and how they never seem to let us down when it comes to shock value.

My visit to the Tennessee Aquarium was one of amazement and wonder, joy and intrigue, all on a learned level. A level that will draw me back to the site in the future for more since the aquarium is in the process of building another area for more salt and deep water animals which will more than likely include more alligators and sharks of larger size. I must say for a Thanksgiving getaway this had to be the best ever. This Thanksgiving, considering it didn’t include anything traditional tops them all with the things I had the opportunity to encounter. At the present moment this experience will subsist in my mind forever for the joy it delivered at a necessary time.

Special Guest Blog: Rock City, Chattanooga, TN

“Create memories worth repeating for our guests and partners”

After departing Ruby Falls on my Thanksgiving getaway, I was sold on the idea that nothing could top the experience I had just encountered then I ventured higher onto Lookout Mountain to Rock City for a 60 to 90-minute, self-guided walking tour along The Enchanted Trail that smoothly meanders through a 14-acre property. Situated atop Lookout Mountain and six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City delivered an enchanting 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing soaring rock formations, caves and lush gardens. Rock City fashioned from colossal primordial rock formations estimated to be some 200 million years old also displayed gardens of over 400 plant species from native wildflowers, plants, shrubs and trees. I was swiftly thinking my earlier declaration of Ruby Falls being one heck of an experience to be tested to the fullest upon the apex of my Rock City tour. Rock City delivered a jaw dropping “See 7 States” panoramic view (1700ft. above sea level) from Lover’s Leap. From this same view point I along with other patrons were able to view the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge-Civil War battlefields which immediately erupted thoughts in me of how close I was to American history. To think that below were I was currently standing people died assisting in the fight to help shape the country we have today.

Rock City gardens history in terms of being a world-famous tourist attraction dates back to the days of the Great Depression, yet its history within the realm of being a geological marvel of nature reaches back several million years before that. Originally inhabited by the Native Americans for travel purposes between the different states, Rock City reined supreme. In 1823 two missionaries, Daniel S. Butrick and William Chamberlain arrived on Lookout Mountain to administer to the Indians. History states that on August 28, 1823, Reverend Butrick made an entry in his diary describing “a citadel of rocks,” atop the mountain, noting the immense size of the boulders and stating that they were arranged in such a way “as to afford streets and lanes.” Around the time that the Civil War reached Lookout Mountain a plethora of people had already began to take note of what was being called “The Rock City.” During the Battle of Lookout Mountain a Union officer and Confederate nurse speculated in separate diary entries that one could see 7 states from atop the summit although Rock City wouldn’t become a household name until a local hills man took notice. His name was Garnett Carter, and this local product from Sweetwater, TN had an idea in mind to elevate Rock City to the heavens, yet things don’t always go as planned.

At age 11 Garnett and family took up residence near Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain, so the area was very familiar to Garnett Carter in later years. By 1924 Garnett and his wife Frieda lived in a distinct community known as Fairyland, named consequently because of his wife’s long-time interest in European folklore. Fairyland was to be a golf course owned by Carter to draw interested players to Lookout Mountain to play the desired game, but construction was long and tedious. In order to appease to those clamoring to play golf, Carter fashioned the first miniature golf course. Garnett Carter then franchised these miniature golf courses around the U.S. in what’s named Tom Thumb Golf. While Garnett was dealing with golf Frieda began a project of her own.

Frieda set out to develop the 700 acres of Fairyland into a rock garden to end all gardens. Frieda Carter spent four years forging a path through the wilderness among the rock formations with only a string to mark her trail which ended at Lover’s Leap. She also collected wildflowers and other plants and had them transplanted along her trail. The garden was supplemented by imported German Gnome statues and fairytale characters along the trail which still highlight the area today. Garnett soon realized his wife was on to something and put his energy into her idea full time since The Great Depression had pretty much killed his idea of a golf course. Rock City, with much anticipation and hard work, then officially opened to the public on May 21, 1932 but business was slow in the beginning due to the lack of advertising. Then in 1936 Garnett Carter began his famous barn roof advertising campaign to lure vacationers from the highways. By the 1950’s Clark Byers, possibly a local painter went out and painted “See Rock City” on 900 barn roofs from Michigan to Texas. I was wondering on the road to Ruby Falls why red barns along the road had, “Rock City “, wrote on the side. Also in today’s massive advertising world now billboards stand showing red barns pointing and suggesting patrons to visit Rock City. The advertising idea for Garnett Carter soon began to produce the desired effect and, by the close of the 1930’s, more travelers than ever had seen Rock City gardens.

My tour of Rock City was truly amazing and by the time I arrived at Lover’s Leap my jaw had fallen to the surface below considering the view. Along The Enchanted Trial there were some very distinctive features like the 100-ft waterfall and 1000-ton balanced rock. I recall approaching the balanced rock in shock and hoping that the rock doesn’t somehow move while I was underneath. Other points of interest along The Enchanted Trail included a Swing-A-Long bridge (Ideal for pictures) that scared the spirit right out of me, Fairyland Cavern and Mother Goose Village. By the time the tour arrived at Fairyland Cavern and Mother Goose Village the children around me became extremely excited. I thought what else was there for me to be in awe about since I’m an adult and vastly approaching an area (Fairyland Cavern and Mother Goose Village) for kids. I was gravely mistaken for upon entering Fairyland Cavern I became a kid all over again. In different corridors within the mountain were nursery rhymes acted out with still figurines under stage and studio lighting which assisted in enhancing the experience entirely.  As for Mother Goose Village well it to was nothing short of incredible with stories played out on a large platform that my tour group was allowed to circle and view from a safe distance.

The entire experience of Rock City was one for the ages and an event I will not soon forget. If ever I get the chance to return I will do so and bring friends along. I haven’t stopped talking about my experience yet so I guess you can say I’m giving Rock City some free word of mouth advertisement, that’s a stretch from painting on the side of barns.

Special Guest Blog: Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN

O Tennessee: Fair Tennessee

Our love for thee can never die

Dear homeland, Tennessee

This pass Thanksgiving I ventured into Chattanooga, TN (The Scenic City) for a different approach to a holiday getaway. Perfectly situated on the Chattanooga River lies Chattanooga, TN; the 4th largest city in the state of Tennessee. Chattanooga upon arrival presented reason for national recognition with its beautiful downtown renaissance and re-developmental sprawling riverfront view. The best and most intriguing part of Chattanooga had to be the tour of Ruby Falls. Positioned deep within the core of Lookout Mountain resides a wonder for the ages. A spectacle of pure geological splendor at its best describes the marvel discovered by Leo Lambert some eighty three years ago.

Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast wanted to preserve and reopen Lookout Mountain to the public. In 1905 the Southern Railroad Company was forced to construct a tunnel across the face of Lookout Mountain as well as other portions of the mountain. These tunnels sealed off the original entrance to Lookout Mountain cave. Lookout Mountain at this point was completely shut off from the public. He (Leo Lambert) drilled an elevator shaft some 250ft. down, which still stands today to access the cave from the surface above. Work on Lookout Mountain began in the fall of 1928. On 12/28/1928 an elevator shaft worker operating a jackhammer discovered a void in the rock and felt a rush of air. Upon further inspection by Lambert an opening was revealed measuring 18 inches high and 5 feet wide. Lambert and crew plunged deeper into the mountain until they reached its unknown jewel, a waterfall hidden deep within the depths of Lookout Mountain.  The job of crawling on his stomach hauling rocks took Lambert and his crew more than 17 hours a day. Lambert, after finishing a clear path to the waterfall later returned with his wife and as a gift to her so named the waterfall, Ruby Falls.

Multiple tours are launched underground Lookout Mountain every 15-20 minutes along paved pathways uneven in some areas with a couple of gradual slopes, stairs with hand rails, and some lights prepare you to be astonished by a natural sensation. The tour I was apart of lasted approximately 1.5 hrs extending 4/5 of a mile. Comfortable walking shoes were a plus on my venture. The temperature in the cave was around 60 degrees yet with added humidity it felt more like 70 degrees. Along the tour my guide directed our group to feast our eyes on the multiple geological wonders located throughout the cave in the way of rock formations (Stalactites, Stalagmites, Columns, Elephant Foot, Donkey, Bacon, and Texas Chip). I was astonished to learn that rock formations were due to water that had fallen upon rock and congealed to form the shapes that mimic their distinct name. From my primary education I was aware of stalactites and stalagmites but I was never quite sure which was which. By the end of my tour stalactites and stalagmites were thoroughly explained and placed within the abyss of my memory for later use, along with what a column was. Bewilderment showed on my face when I learned columns are the joined points of stalactites and stalagmites. These columns can be colossal in size depending on the depths of were the stalactites and stalagmites had to grow in order to met.

         

At the end of the paved tour, groups take a slight pause at the entrance way to Ruby Falls in order to be instructed by the guide on how to behave in the waterfall area. The entrance way into the waterfall brings you down more than 1100 feet. With the playing of classical music in the air and a brash cymbal crescendo eruption, groups are admitted into the hull of the waterfall chamber. To this day the marvel that is Ruby Falls is as equally breathtaking as it was some eighty plus years ago. At the site of the 145 ft waterfall, I was immediately awestruck. With soft lighting set to a timer illuminating the waterfall, I along with others of my group had the opportunity to walk around the waterfall. This opportunity granted me the prospect to walk underneath the massive phenomenon, Ruby Falls, in action. It was at this moment as I and others paraded around Ruby Falls, being careful to watch our steps due to the slipperiness of the area that I snapped pictures and videos of the spectacle from underneath. After walking the surrounding area of Ruby Falls, people along with myself gathered around to snap personal pictures using the waterfall as a majestic backdrop.

My tour of Ruby Falls will forever live in my memories as a dream come true. The wonders of God’s green earth are exquisite to say the least. With many more wonders yet to be discovered it’s about time we as humans take a moment and smell the flowers par se and invite in the natural magic that resides around us. Ruby Falls is one of those wonders, a gift that all able to visit should definitely put on their one day to do list.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our trip to Chattanooga, TN! 

 

Camden Revolutionary War Field Days

In all my years of living in the South, a war reenactment has never been on my list of things to do. The ladies and I stumbled across this event after finding out that our initial site of interest was closed for a private event. 100s of actors come out to show how things went down between the Patriots and the Red Coats. The participants camp out for two days, in real revolutionary war attire and gear. No modern convinces of any kind! Not even an outhouse. We were able to listen to a colonial band play songs hear as soldiers would have marched into battle. This was a family friendly event, with arts and crafts and field games for the children to participate in. A fashion show was also held to highlight the what would have been the fashion craze for the 1780s. 

This event is held every year in Camden every November. The participants know their Revolutionary War history well and travel across the South to participate in other battle reenactments. Artifacts were on display that were commonly used during the 1780s. Vendors sold period goods and food such as bread and cheese, tools and animal skins. 

I learned lots of interesting facts about like during the 18th century. Traveling painters would go door to door with painting almost finished, leaving only the faces of the people blank. You were able to have your face painted in the blank spots to personalize it. The picture below is an example. 

I also learned that 30,000 Germans fought in the War of Independence on the side of the British. The King of England and Kaiser of Germany were first cousins, and the Kaiser lent troops to aid in the war effort. Germans generally had a separate camp from the British soliders, mainly due to the language barrier. This influx of Germans lead to the creation of many German towns in the early days of the United States such as Germantown, PA. 

Hessian is another name for a solider of German descent.This is because the majority of the soldiers were from the same area of Germany.  The Germans also profited from the us of their solider by the British during the war. 

The Kershaw-Cornwallis house, pictured above was open for tours during the event. Originally built in 1777, the British occupied this house during the war by General Cornwallis. The house is host to several famous peices of furniture. The most famous being a be made for President James Madison and his wife Dolly. The bed was passed down to a relative of the first lady who lived in South Carolina. The intricate cravings were carved by slaves. 

The camps were set up as they were in 1777. The participants, cooked all of their food in the camp without and modern convinces. Water was even drank out of tin cups. 

Columbia Italian Festival

The Columbia Italian Festival was a great way to send a fall afternoon in Columbia. This festival came filled with great food, music, games as well as interesting facts about Italy. The festival organizers did a great job of incorporating  the history of Italy starting from Ancient Rome to Modern Day Italy. Festival goers could do fun things such as sample a wide variety of Italian foods, crafts made in Italy, pictures on a fabricated gondola ride and much more. Game popular in Italy such as Bocca, face painting made this a kid friendly event as well.  The Fresh Market is an area that allowed purchase of fresh mozzarella cheese, various Italian patriotic items.

I did learn some interesting facts about Italy.

* Rome was founded in 476 AD

* Pizza was invented in Naples around 1860 

* Milan is the second largest city in Italy 

* The ice cream cone was invented by Italians 

My Meatball and Pepperoni Roll! The Meatball was the best ever!

Made in Italy! Lots of great info about Italian Culture 

I got a great lesson on the uniforms worn by soldiers in Ancient Rome! 

Spartanburg International Festival

Jacqlyn and I headed up the road to check out the Spartanburg International Festival with Meredith. I must say it was a beautiful day and I am glad I made the trip. It was a great family event filled with singing and dancing from countries all across the globe. It was very inspiring to see the young and old embracing the cultural traditions of others and actively learning about how other's live. It was very inspiring to see small children soaking up knowledge about culture at an early age. I think it's important to begin soaking up knowledge about other cultures at an early age and continue through out life. I participated in a study abroad program in Mexico for a summer semester in undergrad and I even learned something new about Mexican Culture.

Fun Fact:  Did you know that there are over 63 native languages spoken in Mexico in addition to Spanish? 

The best part about this festival was the food! Yes I am a true foodie. I sampled traditional food from Mexico, France, Italy, Dominican Republic and Vietnam.  My love for Mexican culture after my study abroad trip would not let me leave without sampling some authentic Mexican food that you can't get at most Mexican restaurants in the U.S. Next time I attend an event like this I will try and step out of my comfort zone and try some of the foods I am not as comfortable with. You only live once.

The food was so yummy!! 

Sassy Southern Divas 

Cultural Pride 

The featured countries of this year were Europe's Nordic Regions. I found out some interesting facts visiting the booths of different countries from this region, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Denmark

Kenya 

Congaree National Park Butterfly Count

The inner science nerd in me jumped at the chance to go for a hike through Congaree National Park in search of butterflies. Twice a year park rangers go in search of possible species. My coworker Kenya and her crew ( a 2 year old, 3 year old, 7 year old and 11 year old) were the only ones who decided to take me up on the adventure of hunting butterflies through the forest.  Surprisingly we had a great time! I learned about plants native to South Carolina as well those that had invaded the natural habitat. The best part was actually working with the butterfly experts to identify the butterflies we found. I am proud to say that I correctly identified a Carolina Satyr and Spring Azure with the help of my trusty field guide.

The power of nature is amazing. We saw trees that were pulled down by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 that are lying on the bottom of the forest floor. I saw first had what woodpeckers do to trees and saw my very first butterfly still in its cacoon, going through the transformation process. This trip really renewed my love of nature and just seeing how God works. I can't wait for the next trip to see God working.

The only major disappointment that I was that I did not get to see the wild boars the supposedly roam the forest. There's always next time!  Congaree National Park is a great place to go hiking, camping, fishing or a number of other outdoor activities. A word to the wise if you choose to go on a hiking adventure, wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of water and snacks.

A butterfly in a cocoon! My first time seeing one up close and personal! In a few weeks it will emerge from life as a caterpillar to something new a beautiful. A life lesson we can all take with us. 

Fuzzy Caterpillar, Soon he'll be a beautiful butterfly! 

The Filed where we saw the most butterflies. Fun Fact, butterflies like eating flowers and warmth so where ever there lots of flowers and sunlight, you might see a butterfly. 

Another View of Congaree National Park 

Woodpeckers hard a work on a dead tree! 

Trees uprooted by Hurricane Hugo in 1989...The power of God and Mother Nature. 

Cypress "Knees"...This part of the forest is often underwater but its been so dry the past few years.

The Bucket List

Sassy Southern Adventures is here!

I must admit I am very excited about this new journey with my girls I am about to embark on. Four successful ladies, working hard, impacting the community, and open to exploring now things, that's the recipe for start of Sassy Southern Adventures.  Here's where it all began.... Andrea decided that she wanted to compile a bucket list of activities that she had never done in South Carolina. Over a few days the list expanded  to include 4 ( Andrea, Meredith, Jackie and Me ) ladies and a laundry list of things we wanted to do grew to include South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Our list includes some daredevil adventures, site seeing but also cultural events and festivals in our own backyard we never experienced. We will leave no stone un-turned to find the hidden treasures of the South, some that might be right under your nose. I'm looking forward to all of our adventures and sharing them with everyone. Here's a clue to one of our upcoming adventures.....Carolina Motorsports.....


Rena