Waffles and Horses

Today was rather random, and did not really include BBQ. It all started out in Chattanooga when we awoke in our Choo-Choo hotel (located in the old train station of "Pardon me boys, was that the Chattanooga Choo Choo" fame...yes, that's right...) The hotel reminded us of a dormitory; Rach thought it was like living in the movie Clue and Bing was impressed that it came complete with the musty smell of "old". The lobby was impressive though, so we took a few pictures.

Onto breakfast, thanks to Rachael Ray and her show $40 a Day we were pointed in the direction of Aretha Frankenstein's for "The Waffle of Insane Greatness", since we are the Bings and we do LOVE waffles, we thought this highly appropriate. Finally, our first meal without a meat (shocking!) The waffle was "insanely great" and did not disappoint in the least. Aretha's was definitely different than we had expected though, only boasting 5 tables inside the restaurant (and about 8 bar stools) and then some outdoor seating on both the porch and in the yard. Tiny, but tasty was the general consensus.

Next up was a three and a half hour drive to Gatlinburg, TN and a trek through the Smokey Mountains. Once we arrived, we took a hike (yes, Bings + Nature does happen...who knew?!) to a waterfall for some pictures. Bing really got to test out the camera on this trip!


Our "hotel" for the night was not so much a hotel, but a condo complex about a half hour from Gatlinburg. The view from our back porch was fantastic (and on such a dreary day, which makes us think it would have been insane if we had seen it on a clear day!) We tried to get a few pictures, just so we could remember the view.

Tonight was Rach's choice and it was Dixie Stampede night! This had been making Rach smile for weeks, just thinking about all the horses and the four-course feast! Although a mechanical malfunction occurred disrupting the show a bit, it was still a good time had by all. Since they did not allow cameras, and since Bing is such a strict law-abiding man (or was just excited to get out of having to get his picture taken) we don't have any pictures inside. The slow-roasted herb chicken was to die for, and Rach ate the entire thing, it was the size of her face. Our side (the North) won the tournament, and even got to see a pig race.