Q & A With Courtney
Hi Everyone!
Over the past several months, I’ve noticed a lot of new faces around here. I wanted to take a moment to say welcome and thank you for reading. It’s hard to believe that Blonde Voyage Nashville has been around for four years. FOUR YEARS! I still can’t believe it.
Weekend Wandering: Cummins Falls and Cookeville
Over the past few years, I’ve spent so much time exploring other places that I forgot how beautiful Tennessee truly is. With so many charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to see why people want to visit. A few weeks ago, I had a chance to hike Cummins Falls State Park and explore Cookeville, Tennessee.
The Catbird Seat: The Fifth Iteration
Even though I have found a sense of contentment in my hometown, I miss traveling terribly. There’s something so exhilarating about tasting new food and trying new wines. You can learn more about culture and heritage in one meal than you often can reading a book or wandering through a local museum.
Spiced Harvest Mint Julep
Like many of you, I’ve wanted to hit the fast forward button on 2020. Astrologers, psychics, heck, even the Farmers’ Almanac did see this one coming. The pandemic has literally turned the world upside down multiple times, in fact. Instead of wishing away the remainder of 2020, I’m looking forward to what the fall season has in store. There’s nothing better than pulling your favorite sweater out of the back of your closet, curling up near a fire, and sipping on your favorite autumnal cocktail.
Weekend Wandering: Evins Mill
Until this pandemic is officially behind us, I plan on making the most of this situation or least distracting myself from it. I can’t say that I’m the most outdoorsy person. Call me cliche or high-maintenance for that matter, but camping for days on end without wi-fi, air conditioning or running water is not something I’m excited about.
Alebrije X Bastion
Is it possible to feel normal when nothing is normal?
Let’s face it, we are six months into this pandemic, and living our best life looks and feels drastically different. Pre-COVID-19, all I needed were my keys, cellphone, and the occasional handbag. Now, I am masking up and making sure that I have an arsenal of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves readily available. Hugs and high-fives have been replaced by a friendly social distanced nod and travel seems to be a distant memory as COVID-19 cases continue to spike and more borders close.
Howdy, Y'all! Welcome To The Graduate Nashville!
If someone mentioned the idea of a staycation to me a year ago, I would have quickly dismissed that notion as fast as they recommended it. But, my how times have changed. Like many of you, I’ve been working from home since March. While I adore my home, it’s safe to say I’ve yet to spend this many consecutive days within these walls since I’ve moved in. In desperate need of a change of scenery, and no, I don’t mean moving from room to room, I decided to plan a little staycation at the Graduate Nashville.
Size Matters At Daddy's Dogs
From Coney Island to your favorite baseball stadium or backyard barbecue, hot dogs are indisputably one of the most relished foods in all of American cuisine and no summer gathering is complete without them. In fact, some might argue that they are a quintessential piece of Americana. With hot dog season officially upon us, Nashvillians are celebrating this momentous occasion at gourmet hot dog mainstay, Daddy’s Dogs.
Weekend Wandering: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Despite the fact that many international borders are closed and flight restrictions are abundant, I’ve been trying to keep travel and exploration alive during COVID-19 quarantine. I’ve looked at photos from my past adventures (honestly, I never realized just how many photos I took), cooked ethnic recipes from around the globe, and watched just about every food documentary housed on Netflix. While all these are great ways to pass the time, it doesn’t satiate my appetite for travel. Travel allows us to broaden our perspective and shapes our minds in ways we didn’t even know were possible and I am missing that more than ever right now.
Weekend Wandering: Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile
Life in Nashville as I once knew it revolved around restaurant experiences, quality time with family and friends, live music and travel, lots of travel. Riddled with a sense of bewilderment, I’m slowly adjusting to what many hate to call the “ new normal” where masks are the newest fashion statement, catch up sessions occur via FaceTime, and travel is almost nonexistent.
Weekend Wandering: Arrington Vineyards
If you know me or have been following Blonde Voyage Nashville for any amount of time, it’s no secret that I LOVE wine. Aside from my weekly wine reviews (TJ Tuesdays), I have total geek-out moments when I open my World Atlas of Wine and learn about a new wine-producing region or a grape varietal that I am unfamiliar with. Given my passion for wine, I travel to Napa Valley and surrounding areas at least once or twice a year to explore new vineyards and revisit some old favorites. Even though the airlines are taking the utmost precautions, I’m just not ready to fly.
Weekend Wandering: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
We are living in unprecedented times. If I were to describe the mood of most Americans, words like tense, apprehensive, and anxious come to mind. Many of us have been quarantining in our homes for what feels like an eternity, separated from loved ones, family, and friends. Now that city restrictions are lifting, (Nashville continues to remain in Phase 2 during the time of this post), I am more than eager to get out of the house.
Brightside Bakeshop: Baking Days Brighter For Nashvillians
2020, I’d like a do-over.
To say it’s been a hell of a year, is the understatement of the century, especially for those of us who live in Nashville. First, deadly tornadoes swept through Nashville in early March causing severe devastation in East Nashville, Germantown, and other surrounding areas.
Chefs Warehouse At Maison
South Africa is well known for its wildlife and wilderness, but did you know it has a thriving food and wine scene? Even though I spent most of the trip in the African bush, I had a few days to explore Franschhoek, an area known for its magnificent landscapes, charming vineyards and fine cuisine. Many would argue that it has become the culinary capital of South Africa.
The Many Colors Of Capetown, South Africa
Leaving behind the wild beauty and adrenaline-filled safari drives, I hopped on a plane and headed west to the charismatic and colorful city of Capetown. Known for its picturesque beauty, sweeping seaside vistas, and world-renown wine regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I couldn’t wait to explore it for myself. As soon as I was settled, I began wandering throughout the city, My first stop, Bo-Kaap.
Haute Chocolate At Honest Chocolate
I’ve never met a piece of chocolate that I did love. It’s been my weakness for as long as I can remember. So, when one of my friends suggested checking out Honest Chocolate while we were wandering around Capetown, it was a decision that I fully supported.
Blonde Voyage's Guide To South Africa
An African safari is one adventure that should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. This is not just a trip of a lifetime. It’s an experience that roused emotions that I’ve never felt before when traveling. I was filled with wonderment as I watched these majestic creatures in their natural habitat the first time grazing along the lush African bush, interacting with their respective “tribes,” and searching for their next prey. I kept thinking “ cue Circle of Life.” In all seriousness, driving through the African bush will capture your heart and imagination like no other.
How To Host An Effortless Friendsgiving
‘Tis the season for all things family as the holiday season is officially upon us. While many of us have time-honored Thanksgiving traditions like watching the Macy’s Day Parade and making our great-grandmother’s cornbread dressing, others may be a little apprehensive about these so-called family gatherings. Navigating dinner conversation while avoiding topics like politics, religion and your current dating situation can be tricky. Let’s face it, people are often better at passing judgment than the potatoes sometimes, am I right?
Weekend Wandering: St. Louis, Missouri
This year travel has looked a little different for me. Rather than go on a few large international trips, I’ve focused more on “microcations” and exploring areas that are only a few hours from Nashville. Let’s rewind a few, ok, many years.
The Best Booze And Bites of Music City Food And Wine Festival 2019
Major road closures, football matchups, and multi-stage music festivals did not hinder locals and tourists alike from attending the seventh annual Music City Food and Wine Festival. After all, If there’s one thing Nashvillians love, it’s good food and booze.
London mornings have a magic of their own. Imagine fog drifting off the Thames, the quiet buzz of black cabs, and the inviting aroma of a fresh flat white alongside a croissant or avocado toast. Here, breakfast isn’t just a meal, it’s a blend of tradition and modern style.