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 Spanx leggings;  Carve Designs sweater;  Hunter boots;  plaid scarf;  Eric’s Pendleton shirt

Happy Thursday, friends!  If you’ve been following along on Instagram then you know that Eric and I recently took a weekend trip to Knoxville, Tennessee.  It was a quick trip, but we tried to pack it all in.  We ate, we drank, we saw so many pretty views – including a “colorblind-less” view for Eric.

Veterans Overlook and Eric’s Colorblind-less view – Our Sunday morning at Veterans Overlook was the coolest part and the entire point of the trip.  Tennessee has some of the most beautiful fall foliage that I’ve seen, and Tennessee Tourism has done something really cool so that more people can enjoy it.  They’ve installed “Colorblind-Less” Viewfinders at several scenic spots around the state, and fun fact, Eric is colorblind.  We drove out to Veterans Overlook on Sunday morning, and although it was super foggy and overcast, we were excited for Eric to try out the viewfinder.

And his immediate response?  “Wow.”  For the first time, he saw a huge fall landscape that was, in his words, more vivid, more colorful.  He would look in, look up, look in, and look up again.  He also turned the viewfinder on me and decided, thankfully, that he still liked what he saw.  Could’ve really ruined the trip!  All jokes aside, thank you to Tennessee Tourism for such an amazing time in Knoxville.  We are so grateful to have gotten to explore a little bit of Tennessee and love that Eric got to have a little glimpse into a colorblind-less fall.  Read on for a few more favorite spots from the trip.

The Tennesseean Hotel – After a full day of travel, this hotel was surely a sight for sore eyes and has since become one of my favorite places I’ve stayed.  I knew the hotel would be beautiful from the photos I saw beforehand, but the comfort and pleasant experience was seriously on another level.  From the beyond friendly staff, comfortable rooms stocked with Molton Brown shower goodies and Illy espresso, the coziest lounge for relaxing with lunch and a cocktail, and the best location that was an easy walk to Market Square, it really became our little home away from home.  It was the place we couldn’t wait to get back to at the end of the day, and when we make it back to Knoxville, I wouldn’t think of staying anywhere else.

Knox Brew Tours – Eric and I had no idea that Knoxville had such a fun and interesting beer scene happening, but I came across a suggestion for Knox Brew Tours and decided to buy tickets.  And we are so happy that we did.  We met at a local beer shop that was a quick walk from The Tennesseean Hotel, and for 45 bucks we hopped on the brew bus for tours and full tastings at four local breweries.  We enjoyed tasting the craft beers but also learned a bunch from our tour guide Ace and our driver Queso.  It’s a must and is also how we discovered the next must-see stop on my list.

Pretentious Glass Co. – One of the stops on the Knox Brew Tours bus was Pretentious Beer Co., a really cute little brewery with fun decor, a great outdoor space, and a door connecting it to Pretentious Glass Co. where you can watch glassblowers creating the most unique and beautiful glassware.  We could’ve stayed and watched all day (had to jump back on the bus), but we did purchase and ship home some goodies that we can’t wait to receive.

Breakfast and lunch at The Drawing Room in The Tennesseean Hotel – The lounge at The Tennesseean Hotel was seriously the best.  Big, comfy chairs, cozy couches, friendly staff, and some seriously yummy food.  We had breakfast here one morning and lunch with a side of football the next.  The low country boil (basically a seafood stew dish), fig and prosciutto flatbread, and burrata were all so good.

Three Rivers Rambler Train Ride – The Three Rivers Rambler is a train ride that takes you right along the Tennessee River.  We hopped on the 7:15 train, and to be honest, I’d definitely recommend booking one of the earlier departures so you can take in the scenery before it’s too dark.  Other than that, it was a pretty cool experience and is a really great option for families with kiddos.

BBQ at Sweet P’s Downtown Dive – From now on, whenever someone asks about the best BBQ I’ve ever had, I can easily say Sweet P’s in Knoxville, Tennessee.  This place came highly recommended (for good reason), so Eric and I stopped in for a late dinner after the Three Rivers Rambler.  And we are SO glad that we did.  We tried the dry-rubbed ribs, the garlic hot wings, mac and cheese, and cole slaw, and it all looked so good, I accidentally took zero photos.  The ribs were crazy good, and the mac and cheese alone might be enough to get me back to Knoxville.

Breakfast at Sugar Mama’s – Y’all, this place was serious Southern deliciousness.  We randomly stopped in and were so happy to find the cutest little spot with $1 mimosas, homemade pastries, lots of beers on tap, and biscuits galore.  Oh, and the pulled pork tacos loaded with mac and cheese, jalepenos, and pimento cheese?  A little bit life-changing.  Sadly, the day that we visited was actually the day that Sugar Mama’s closed its doors, but I’m still mentioning it here because the owners are in the process of opening a bigger location somewhere soon in Knoxville.  Fingers crossed it’s open when you go.

Exploring Market Square – This is a pretty idyllic town square that kind of looks like something out of a movie.  The Market Square area has a beautiful park area, restaurants, and cute local shops.  We roamed around, found the birthplace of the SEC (#winning), and stopped into Woodruff’s Downtown Grill & Brewery for one last beer sampler before heading to the airport.

xoxo

Above photos thanks to Alaina Rene Photo; Below photos from Eric and me

 Spanx leggings;  sweater hoodie;  Forever 21 scarf;  Tretorn sneakers;  Zara jacket (also love this one);  Gucci handbag Lobby of The Tennesseean Hotel Lunch at The Drawing Room at The Tennesseean Hotel Cozy room at The Tennessean Hotel Exploring around Market Square and the Theater District Forever 21 sweatshirt dress and scarf;  Tretorn sneakers;  Gucci handbag;  Quay sunglasses

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Just another day over here in my favorite leggings ever.  (Seriously, if you haven’t checked these out yet, get on it, girl.)  But I’ve gushed about these before, so today’s post is not about the leggings, but what you’ll usually find me wearing with them.  And well, there’s nothing I love more with leggings than an easy tee and a long knit cardigan.  I’ve got a stack of boyfriend cardigans in my arsenal, and they’re the first things I grab for when it gets cold.  And while a lush, expensive version may seem like the bee’s knees, you don’t need to spend a bunch to get a super-soft cardigan that you’ll wear with everything.  So browse around below for fifteen versions that are under $100, or go for the one that I’m wearing above for right around $29.  Steal of a deal, kids.

Also, if you’re looking for a crazy comfortable pair of black booties, these are pretty great.  They’ll definitely be accompanying me this weekend for a little one-night getaway with the husband.  Where to?  I have no idea…yet.  It’s my 30th birthday tomorrow, and Eric’s planned a little surprise and I’ve yet to break the case.  Then on Sunday, we’re headed to the Sip’n’Shuck event at The Deck in Laguna Beach, and I’m so excited for it.  It’s their annual charity event with lots of oysters and small bites, tons of wines and beers to try, live music, and just lots of fun.  If you’re in the Orange County area, highly recommend making your way to Sip’n’Shuck – it’s SO much fun.  What fun plans do you guys have for the weekend ahead?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala