Month: June 2023

The Secret’s in the Sauce…Whistle Stop

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A not so “unexplored adventure” was our trip to Juliette, Georgia. I know normally we go to places not many people know about. This place is well known due to the notoriety they earned when being featured in the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and that is to go to the The Whistle Stop Cafe (Original). It seems on our many adventures, either we didn’t time it right to be there when they were open or we were not close enough to make the detour. Either way, today my husband and I were finally able to get it right! After many years of anticipation, I was able to visit this cute little town of Juliette, Georgia. Lunch was amazing. We started off with some fried green tomatoes, didn’t have to twist my arm there. Juan went with fried porch chops and I tried the country fried steak. It turned out to be the best country fried steak I’ve ever had. Sometimes these places are all hype, but not this one, it lived up to its reputation. We ended with some peach cobbler that was like heaven in a bowl, sweet and caramelized. So in a nutshell, the food was amazing, service was as good as it gets and we left satisfied. We followed up with a stroll around this adorable, picturesque town. I’m so happy my hubby and I finally got here on our way back home.  #whistlestop #juliettegeorgia #thesecretsinthesauce #unexploredadventureswithdawn #getfried #friedgreentomatos 

A Little Slice of Heaven…in Monticello, Florida

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The Monticello Watermelon Festival is by far one of my favorite events that I attend anywhere and its coming up this weekend. It combines all of my favorite things…watermelon, arts and crafts, a parade, and watermelon. Did I mention I really love watermelon? Watermelon holds a variety of flavors from sweet, bitter and sour. The bitter flavors keep the sweet from being overpowering and the sour makes the bitter flavorful which is why watermelon is so appealing to so many. In June each year, in the beautiful town of Monticello, Florida, the longest running Watermelon Festival in the entire state of Florida is held, the Monticello Watermelon Festival. This event, which celebrates 72 years this year, will be held the weekend of June 16th and 17th.

Since the early 1900s, watermelons have played a key role in the development of the town of Monticello. What better way to celebrate this history than having a Festival where the whole town as well as welcomed visitors gather annually for fellowship, a parade, street dancing and a plethora of festivities.

Aside from sampling watermelon, there’s a little bit for everyone at the Monticello Watermelon Festival. You and your family can enjoy hundreds of arts and craft vendors, an antique car show, BMX Tricksters, and my favorite…watermelon games. The games include watermelon eating contests, seed spitting and even exploding watermelons. Yes you heard that right, exploding watermelons. Personally, I can eat watermelon any day of the year but this weekend I plan to come back and get some of the best watermelon around. Their theme this year is “Home Grown Happiness” which perfectly depicts what you can expect when you come out this year. Lots of sweet smiles, savory watermelon and lots of fun! For more information about this festival and a schedule of events visit their website at www.monticellowatermelonfestival.com

#watermelon #monticellowatermelonfestival #lovely #lovewatermelon

Experiencing Tellico Plains

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Wow, we covered a great deal of ground this trip exploring throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and North Georgia again. Found some new hidden gems, visited some old favorites, and met some new friends. We found an amazing cabin in Tellico Plains, TN to stay for an extended weekend. Spacious with a hot tub and all the little extra amenities needed for a perfect couple’s weekend getaway. This hidden paradise was even better than I imagined. I wasn’t sure if I was going to share about this place on my Unexplored page, but it kind of defeats the purpose of writing about all of these adventures, so I relented. (I wanted to keep this one for myself 😉). I reluctantly share with you that we used Tellico Vacation Rentals to find this little secluded piece of paradise. Although hidden along the mountainside, it’s still easily accessible by car.
We visited so many amazing places during our stay this time. Some old and some new. Our first day, we went back to Donna’s Old Town Cafe in Madisonville for a scrumptious breakfast buffet and visited some various antique and gift shops scattered throughout all these little towns. We went through Blueridge, Loudon, Sweetwater, and Tellico. Had another amazing dinner at Iron Works Grill our first night, truly one of my absolute favorite places. This awesome riverfront eatery never disappoints.

Our next day was spent in Murphy, NC. We walked all around this picturesque little town, clocking a good few miles in steps. The weather was cold and crisp without a cloud in the sky. Most of the leaves had fallen by this time, but it was still beautiful. We visited Marketplace Antiques, a favorite when we are in the area. Found a cute shop, Linger Awhile Antiques. The owner, Linda, was warm, welcoming, and had the most exquisite collection of homemade quilts I’ve ever seen on display. She said most are not for sale “yet.” Which I take it to mean, when she’s ready, she’ll consider it. Her shop was filled with beautiful antiques and gift items. If you’re ever in Murphy, it’s a must to stop in. We also found another nice place for antique shopping a few blocks off the main drag, All American Estate Clearing & Antiques. There are loads of antiques, gifts, specialty candles, jewelry, and more. Lunch was a new place called Chevelles Restaurant & Bar 66 Murphy located in downtown Murphy. Juan said that was the best burger he’s had in a long time. It was thick, juicy, and smothered with Jalapeños and a tangy BBQ sauce. I thoughouly enjoyed my delicious beer battered chicken tenders. We headed back to Tellico later in the day to pick up a pizza for dinner to take back to the cabin when we found the neatest little book store in downtown Tellico Plains. If you like to read or know anyone that does, there’s a little something for everyone at the The Bookshelf, Tellico Plains, TN. Adorable shop with a place to sit, relax, and read a book if you choose to. Very warm and welcoming environment. The owner was very sweet, showing me all around the shop.

Now, back to the pizza… The Bears Den has been passed by us many times while staying in this area because usually we had already eaten somewhere. This time, we decided once and for all that we were trying it this time. We were not disappointed. In fact, I would say it was one of the best pizzas we’ve had in a while, comparable to any authentic NY Style pizza place. On a whim, we stopped in at the Tellico Grains Bakery for some sweet treats to take back to the cabin with us also. We left with homemade oatmeal and coconut cookies as big as dinner plates and orange chocolate scones. So very good! This has been another great vacation for the books. Hopefully, you can visit some of these amazing places and have some of your own Unexplored Adventures!
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