Rhythm and Roots 2011

This past weekend is absolutely one of my favorite weekends throughout the year.  If you read my blog, then you already know that I was born, raised and still live in Bristol, TN. Most people know Bristol is home to the "World's Fastest Half Mile," Bristol Motor Speedway, but most people don't know that Bristol is also the "Birthplace of Country Music." In 1927, the "Bristol Sessions" were recorded by The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in downtown Bristol, making it the birthplace of country music. Today, you can hear live music almost any day during the week celebrating our country and bluegrass roots. On the third weekend of September every year, the downtown area shuts down to host The Rhythm and Roots Reunion. This three day music festival brings in thousands of people from all over to hear the local talent in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The festival also brings in a few famous singers to perform on the main stages. Twenty-one stages are set up in the streets, inside restaurants and bars with over 150 bands performing. 

I was excited all week and could not wait for Friday to come so I could head downtown for all the fun.

My favorite band, Folk Soul Revival performing Friday night.

John Oates Band performing Friday night.

What is a southern festival without a funnel cake?

The state line that runs through the middle of State Street dividing Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA.

 Famous Bristol sign over State Street.

I am already excited for next year's festival!

Tasha

Catch Up!

Last week was very busy and time slipped away from me.  I tried to catch up on my blogging but it never happened.

Wednesday, I came home to a very special package and I was overwhelmed with joy...

My Erin Condren Planner! I am in love and I hope it helps to keep me organized.

We normally eat at Chili's every week because they send us a coupon for a free dessert...who doesn't love a free dessert?

For fall they have a new Apple Cobbler dessert that is delicious!

Thursday, I kept little man.

It was, also, his 3 Month Birthday!!
This week I am keeping him for two days while his MiMi is in the Dominican Republic. A post of updated pictures will come later in the week.

I started not to feel very well on Thursday evening. I knew that I needed to do something to make me feel better because I had a long weekend ahead...

My pharmacist suggested I try this to help me feel better. Well, first of all, this stuff is nasty. I was gagging the entire time to get the 4 ounces down. Second, it didn't work.

This weekend is a huge weekend for my hometown. It was the 11th Annual Rhythm and Roots Reunion. Thousands of people come to our downtown to listen to the most amazing bluegrass and country bands.

I took this picture from the upstairs of our local bar, overlooking the busy street.
Details from my weekend and lots of pictures will be in tomorrow's post!

I hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week. I am battling a sinus infection and walking pneumonia from this weekend, so I will be resting most of the week.

Today is my sweet friend, Nicole's 21st Birthday! Go over to her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Tasha

A Day Trip

On Saturday, my friend Jenna and I headed to North Carolina for a little shopping. She had never been to Boone or Blowing Rock so I knew this was a perfect place for a day trip. The weather was gorgeous, so we put the top down and took off through the mountains. There is a cute little outlet mall in Blowing Rock, NC, it's not much but it has J. Crew and Banana Republic (that's all I need!). 

We started our little adventure with lunch at Canyons in Blowing Rock. This is the view from the deck where we ate...

Next, we went to the actual site of Blowing Rock.

The views are absolutely gorgeous and I am still amazed every time I go there. We took a break from sightseeing and did a little shopping. 

Then we drove through downtown Blowing Rock and headed towards the Blue Ridge Park. 

We drove across the viaduct and over to Grandfather Mountain. We didn't go up to Grandfather Mountain...the views are gorgeous but my friend is crazy, scared of heights. I know that she would never be able to cross the swinging bridge and walk out on the cliffs. We just admired it from below and then headed to Boone for more shopping and dinner.

Downtown Boone is such a cute area. Appalachian State had a game that day so everyone downtown was dressed in yellow and black. They were loosing the game so everyone was leaving early and the streets were filled with students and fans. We window shopped a little then asked a local where was the best place to grab dinner. He directed us to this amazing little (literally, there were only 10 tables in this tiny place!) mexican-burrito place...it was yummy!   

After Jenna posed with Doc Watson we decided it was time to start home.  We have a already planned a trip back in a few weeks when the leaves start to change colors. 

If you live anywhere near the Blue Ridge Parkway and you have never visited it, you must go. There are so many things to do and tons of cute little towns to explore. If you are interested in visiting, leave me a comment and I give you some info on the top sites to see.

Tasha

My weekend in pictures...

I had a fun and short weekend. Here are a few pictures from my weekend...

Thursday night karaoke at Stateline.

(My friend Amanda just moved to Texas and she came in for a quick trip this weekend. So, we went to our local hangout downtown, Stateline Bar and Grill, every night. I normally don't go out this much, just Thursday and Friday night!)

Friday night car show downtown.

(The city shut down our "small" downtown area for this event. Including our one main street and the side streets. My Dad brought his 66' Nova and parked it in front of Stateline. I knew when my Mom and I got there that it would not be as packed as expected. Well, I was wrong! 10,000 people showed up! Even Jay Leno had two cars in the show.)

Friday night fun after the car show at Stateline.

Saturday night at the Comedy Zone.

Saturday night at Stateline.

Blue sky and big white clouds after a storm on Sunday.

Sunset on Sunday.

Oh, guess who is 2 months old today???

Kingston! I think he gets cuter everyday!

That's it folks!

Have a great week!

Tasha