Jen's Adventures and Creative Projects

So, I had some friends over last night for dinner, and made an easy meal and the recipes were requested. I've posted a painting of Bulls Gap, Tennessee where yes, my Jeep crossed right where that truck is traveling, and the hotel is still there. The hotel, originally The Smith Hotel built in late 1800s and then later bought and renamed to Gilleys Hotel, looked abandoned and in need of repair, however I understand it was recently donated to the Bulls Gap Railroad Museum and they're raising money to renovate it. So if you're in there area, stop by and pay an upfront admission to City Hall, donating to a good cause in tourism and preservation. Anyway, what does that have to do with dinner recipes? Well, I stopped at Yoder's Country Market in Bulls Gap, one of several Amish stores throughout Tennessee, known for their country ham, cheeses, breads, jams and jellies and so much more. They had every type of spice and flour imaginable, as well as homemade pasta. I bought the to

Wow, sorry it has been so long since I posted something. I have been on the road a lot with our exciting new tourism project, the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways. The small town girl in me is loving this project, and let me explain why. We're producing trails state-wide that start in key areas like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains area, producing self-guided driving tour loops, and pointing out all of the hidden gems. It may be pointing out the things in the heart of Gatlinburg, the history behind it all, that you never noticed. It's showcasing local favorites like Tipton's in Greeneville or Arnold's in Nashville, where you'll love southern cooking. Antique stores, historic attractions, stories behind the communities...it's connecting the dots and making it an adventure. I am really loving digging up stories like the history of Mountain Dew, which started in Knoxville or realizing that the French Broad River is the th