Quick trip leads to Gator Burger delight

There was a mere hint of spring in the air, so Hammerhaid decided a trip to the “home country” was in order.

Besides Betty Lou was in need of a breather after playing host to a baby shower. Yep, her daughter Michelle is due anytime and it’s gonna be the first girl. So-o-o-o-o-o-o, there’s more than a little excitement brewing.

A short trip, a very short trip, was in order.

“I don’t want to be more than an hour away,” Betty Lou insisted.

“So where are your clod-hoppers?” he asked.

“My blue hiking boots? I have no idea,” she said.

Hammerhaid dug them up and off they headed to rural Cannon County between Short Mountain and Blues Hill. (Nope, it’s not all that hilly, but it is the Home Country.)

By the time they got there, it was snowing ever so slightly. It was a perfect time for a walk through the fields and woods. Hammerhaid didn’t even work up a sweat.

After a nice, long hike, he revealed his true intentions. “Think we have time for a Billy Burger?” he asked.

“I was just thinking of that,” Betty Lou confessed.

It was just a hop, skip and a jump over to the McMinnville Highway (US 70S), past various nurseries, along side the McMinnville Airport to Newtown, a little wide spot on the road just before Mc-Town. That’s the low profile home of “Billy’s Restaurant,” owned by Billy Foutch.

Billy’s is the home of the Gator Burger.

“It is probably the best hamburger in Middle Tennessee,” Hammerhaid said. “It’s nothing fancy, just absolute perfection with two hand-patted beef patties covered with cheese and served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, union and the condiments of your choice.”

Each burger is a labor of love for Mr. Billy.

“I’ve never seen anyone but Billy manning the grill,” he added. “The restaurant has a wide menu with everything from breakfast to T-bone steaks for dinner.”

And when Hammerhead gets stuck on a menu item, he usually won’t order anything else. So it’s a Gator Burger with fries for him.

Betty Lou being “oh, so much more adventuresome” ordered her usual Gator Burger, but got freaky and ordered onion rings. Good choice! The H-man discovered he likes the onion rings more than the crispy, krinkle cut fries. Fortunately, BL shared.

Billy’s Restaurant, you won’t find it on the Internet, serves a variety of short-order dishes at his new, clean-as-a-pin restaurant just off 70s. The imperceptiably slow widening of the roadway connecting McMinnville to Woodbury to Murfreesboro and ultimately to Nashville nearly closed Billy’s a few years back, but he just relocated slightly and expanded his operation.

Billy's Restaurant , 2822 Nashville Highway, McMinnville, TN 37110 (931) 668-9987.

For the scenic route from Murfreesboro, take John Bragg Highway (70S) through Woodbury and Centertown to McMinnville. The restaurant will be located on your left after Robinson Road and before you get to McMinnville’s bypass.

“I’m gonna try the chuckwagon sandwich next time,” Hammerhead swears.

Liar.

“The real question is why such a UT fan has anything to do with a Gator Burger?” Betty Lou said.

Valentine's treat at B. McNeel's

Too often, the old work schedule doesn't permit us to get out of town for even a few hours.

But that doesn't really matter, because Murfreesboro is the center of an increasing number of great places to go for fine dining, fun nightspots or great shopping.

One of the best is B. McNeel's Restaurant located on Church Street just off the Historic Square. Betty Lou enjoyed a surprise belated Valentine's dinner there Saturday.

"Where are we going Saturday night?" she asked. "Wait, don't tell me I want to guess ... you don't have to tell me which guess is right, just that I got one right. wait, I know, I will write down where I think it is and then show you I was right."

That's Betty Lou, always up for a game. But, Betty Lou always seems to change the rules, like tonight; she was excited and could not wait to see if she had printed the correct address so she started asking questions!

"Five Seasons?" she asked.

That was a good suggestion, but wrong. "The Parthenon" was guess number two. Her two guesses quickly multiplied and by the time we were driving down West College Street, she had guessed correctly.
The exterior of B. McNeel's is so festive and inviting much more so than chain restaurants. Proprietor Barbara Thomas makes sure of that with fresh, tasty food and great service.

We enjoyed a bottle of Fetzers Chardonnay. "They pay attention to detail with everything served at the proper temperature." I know, red goes with steak but Betty Lou likes white, and it was Valentines Day so she got her way.

We had the bruschetta, which was flavorful and very fresh. "I don't know where they find tomatoes that are so wonderful this time of year," she said.

We skipped the salad course in an attempt to save space for dessert.

For the main course, we both selected the Jack Daniels strip steak, which was beautifully prepared. The sliced, tender meat top a layer of roasted potatoes, which soaked up that wonderfully sweet Jack Daniels sauce. The steak was topped by a generous serving of onion straws that were cooked to perfection.

Other favorites include the Creamy Chicken Marsala, Five Pepper Chicken and the Teriyaki Beef Medallions.

Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert, not even the crème brulee, which just might be the best in town.

B. McNeel's is one of Murfreesboro's most intimate and romantic restaurants. During warm weather, its patio draws a nice crowd.

It is located in a building that once housed the telephone company. In later decades it was home of Miller and Loughry Insurance. It has nice brickwork and molding that reflects the structure's age and has a "club-like" feeling, particularly upstairs in what we refer to as the library.

In a day when most restaurants have a first-come, first-served policy, B. McNeel's accepts reservations. They also have a great Sunday brunch for $12.95 for adults that includes made to order pancakes, omelets and eggs benedict.

It's located at 215 N Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130, next to the Rutherford County Center for the Arts. Phone: (615) 896-1002

http://www.bmcneels.com/

A visit to Shaker Museum in Kentucky

Sometimes, Hammerhead is just full of little surprises for Betty Lou. Like last weekend when the sky was beautiful blue and he knew they were both needing some "road time”

Anytime we get back on the road Betty Lou has to sing that same old song. You know the one...."on the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again" and that is all Betty Lou ever remembers so I finish it off with a hound dog howl. We both laugh and into the wild blue yonder we head.

Betty Lou was slightly surprised when instead of heading east like the last few trips, the ol’ compass pointed due north.

“Do you have absolutely any idea where we are going?” she asked. Are we going to Lexington?
Maybe, was all the H-man said. That usually means I have something in mind, but no real idea how to get there.

“Are we headed to Bowling Green?” Betty Lou asked, noting the signs along I-65.

“In that general direction, but more in the boonies,” I explained. (I could tell by her face she thought it smelled like an obscure Civil War site to her.)

Well anyway, Betty Lou was enjoying the drive on a sunny, slightly crisp Saturday morning. Blue sky and open road is all she ever needs to start feeling relaxed again. There was some swearing and a little backtracking (which always makes her laugh) on my part before I could announce, “Ah ha!”

I had discovered a little sign proclaiming South Union near Auburn, Ky. Now headed in the correct direction, Hammerhead disclosed his intent. “We are heading to the Shaker community at South Union.”

. The Shakers were 19th century communal society. They were celibate, believed in racial and gender equality and freedom from prejudice. They lived their lives through a quest for simplicity and perfection in design and craftsmanship. Shaker-made goods are some of the most sought after antiques in the world.


Best known for its Centre House dwelling space, South Union was an active community from 1807 to 1922. At one time, the commune had 225 buildings and 6,000 acres of land. The 3 ½ story Centre House was built from handmade brick and hand-hewn limestone. It even had limestone gutters. There were separate living spaces for men and women. Two staircases leading to the same landing, but one was used by the women, one by the men. Betty Lou was surprised at how small the beds were and how barren the rooms.

Shaker Museum at South Union preserves the site, which features a large collection of Shaker furniture and fabrics.

South Union was a bit different from other Shaker communities in the United States because of its accommodations for the “people of the world,” including a 1869 tavern and inn built on a nearby railroad junction. The tavern was built as a business venture.
Among the 19th century dignitaries who visited were President James Monroe, President Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Sam Houston. Its architecture differs greatly from the stark simplicity of typical Shaker buildings. It features intricate brickwork, an ornate staircase and a columned facade. Visiting the site is a peaceful, calming experience.

“The tour was fascinating,” Betty Lou said. “I had no idea they lived that way.” (I think she was more then a little happy that we were not spending the weekend there though, no plush surroundings to enjoy!)


The Shaker Tavern is owned and operated by the Shaker Museum at South Union and is maintained as a bed and breakfast. It is located 1.25 miles west of the Shaker Museum at South Union on Highway 73 near Auburn, Ky. The Shaker Tavern offers six guest rooms that share a common area on the second floor landing. Accommodations include full breakfast and admission to the Shaker Museum.
We both agree that if you want a peaceful day trip this is a nice venture. Not to far from home but far enough to feel like you got lost in the past for a day.

Operating hours: The Shaker Museum at South Union is open for tours March 1-Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays (closed Thanksgiving). During Winter Hours (Dec. 1 Feb. 29), the museum is open for tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday, CST. The museum is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

For updated information, please call 800-811-8379, or 270-542-4167. http://www.shakermuseum.com/

How to get there from Middle Tennessee: Take Interstate 65 North to take exit 20 (Natcher Parkway). From Natcher Parkway, take exit 5 (US-68 / KY-80) and turn left (west) onto US-68 / KY-80. Continue west on US-68 about 10 miles to KY-1466 and turn left onto KY-1466 to the Shaker Museum.

An eating adventure in Kentucky

Speaking of crazy trips to Kentucky, we went cross country with this one so Betty Lou could experience the state’s most unusual restaurant ... Patti’s 1880’s Settlement at Grand Rivers, Ky.

Patti’s is actually a series of three restaurants housed in what was once a little motel in Grand Rivers, population 350. It was started by Patti and Bill Tullar in 1977 as a hamburger joint and ice cream parlor. Since then it’s grown like Topsy into a facility that serves more than 350,000 customers a year and tops the Favorite List of a number of publications. You may have seen about it on Tennessee Crossroads, which is one of our favorite shows by the way.

“OK, what’s the hurry?” Betty Lou asked. She’s not a big fan of my driving, which tends to be a bit “swooshy” on curvy roads. “I want to take you to this restaurant,” I explained, not adding that it was off 1-24 near Fort Campbell.

“Hmmmm, I am starving,” she answered. “It’s not another barbecue joint is it?”

“Well, they may serve barbecue on their huge menu. What I want you to see are the desserts. Bigger than my head,” I told her.

“That’s pretty big,” she said, “but not so appetizing. What do you mean?”

“The pies, the cakes ... they are 10 inches to a foot tall. Huge. And the servings are monstrous too,” I explained.

“I want to experience the pork chops again,” I explained. “I’ve never seen so much food in my life and it is very tasty. We are talking quality and quantity here.”

“Pork chops? I’m not in the mood for that,” Betty Lou said.

“No, you will be ordering the Kentucky Hot Brown,” I told her. “It’s huge with layers of turkey and cheese.”

“We could always split something? Is this the place your parents love?” she asked.

“Yes indeedy. They always stop on their way to the casino,” I said. They go for the shrimp pasta.

Once we arrived, Betty Lou had to agree Patti’s was quite an experience and not quite like any other restaurant we have visited.

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is about two hours from Nashville and about three miles off I-24. It’s located in Grand Rivers, Ky., at the northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes. Take I-24 to Exit 31. Go south for three miles on 453. Then take the first left, go a quarter mile to the stop sign.

http://www.pattis-settlement.com/index.htm

Rainy night adventure on Lookout Mountain

The Rock City lights were beautiful.

When traveling, we either shoot from the hip or sometimes we use an itinerary.

OK, let’s explain it another way. Quite often we only start out with a highway or a particular direction in mind. Other times, we just start out and keep turning right (or left) until we arrive somewhere interesting. However, we have discovered that if we are going some place in particular, it works best if we have an itinerary.

That little piece of paper keeps us focused so that we don’t get too sidetracked.

On our recent weekend trip to Chattanooga, that itinerary let us do lots of things downtown without wandering willy-nilly.

When we arrived on Friday, our plan called for us to visit internationally famous Rock City so we could see the Enchanted Garden of Lights, a holiday display that features nearly a million lights.

That turned out to be quite an adventure when the overcast skies began to sprinkle.

Both of us had visited Rock City, on top of Lookout Mountain, before but Betty Lou had forgotten about the twisting road up the mountainside. “Oh my,” she exclaimed. “This is where we took the girls in two vans and we could smell my brother’s brakes behind us.”

“Wasn’t that in the Smokies?”

Maybe? Or maybe South Fork? Pike’s Peak?

Well, anyway. We made it up the mountain without incident and the sprinkling stopped ... for a few moments.

Despite being in January, the temperature was warm, but the footing was a bit treacherous as we headed down into the limestone grottoes.

“Didn’t I tell you about my fear of caves?” Betty Lou asked. Her face was about as white as H-haid had ever seen it.

“It’s not a cave, we’re just walking between limestone outcroppings. We’re in the open air.” I laughed and egged her on.

But all bets were off when we reached the narrow “Fat Man’s Squeeze.” We both understand why we need to diet this year!

Not soon enough, we were back on high ground viewing the beautiful lights, reminding us of the displays at the Opryland Hotel.

“Isn’t this beautiful? It looks like Opryland.”

“They don’t have caves at Opryland,” she responded. “Where are we now?”

While Betty Lou is a tad claustrophobic, the ol Hammerhaid doesn't cope with heights. What a pair we make!

It was then he realized that they were near the edge of Lover’s Leap. Swinging bridge fear then cut in. Rock City’s famous swing-a-long bridge is nearly 200 feet long! Don’t think either of us could have gone in that direction!

It was time for a quick retreat and a mug of hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire, thus ending that adventure. Betty Lou's driving skills were in high gear, or should I say "low gear" she was white-knuckling it all the way down that winding, steep dark road. None of my jokes made her laugh, in fact I think she was ready to push me off the next cliff. When we finally got back to our nice comfy room she laughed and was "so happy we did that! (of course we won’t take that road at night again!)

Good places to eat in Chattanooga

What was the first thing we noticed about the restaurants in Chattanooga?

The servers. Without only one exception, they were nice, friendly and provided excellent service. When you compare the dining experience to (for example) Nashville, Chattanooga’s servers were just superior. They didn’t prod or hurry you and they didn’t keep you waiting on your check forever.

Awesome.

During our weekend, we ate at several places and enjoyed them all. Well, actually that applies more to ol’ Hammerhead.

The Blue Plate

We can agree on our favorite: The Blue Plate, located on Chesnut Street near the Tennessee Aquarium. The restaurant is like an American diner with a contemporary twist. The Blue Plate, owned by Rob Gentry co-creator of the Big River Grille, serves comfort food made from scratch.

Our server, Casey, filled us in the restaurant’s eco-friendly approach. Everything is prepared from fresh ingredients obtained from local producers.

As a homegrown Chattanooga restaurant, The Blue Plate supports local farms and suppliers and serve the best from Bluff View Bakery, Niedlov's Bakery, Coldstone Creamery, River Ridge Farms and Stone Cup Coffee.

We enjoyed breakfast there Sunday morning. I had the ham and cheese omelet with hashbrowns. It was perfectly prepared and was neither bone-dry or rubbery. It was delicious with finely chopped ham and a liberal amount of cheese. The toast was incredible. You forget what bread from a fantastic bakery tastes like.

Betty Lou, predictably, had the french toast. She quickly proclaimed it “the best I have ever had.” And that was no exaggeration.

City Cafe

We tend to like restaurants that a fun and maybe a little crazy. That is why we delighted with Chattanooga’s City Cafe. It is a diner-style restaurant that’s opened 24-hours a day. It has a huge menu that covers just about any type of food from country to Greek.

Our server Sandy was ever so helpful as we scoured the menu that has more than 360 items including deli-style triple layer sandwiches to steaks.

Betty Lou was astonished at her owner of chicken cheese nachos. She declined to be photographed with the towering plate of food. I went tradition with a burger and home fries. The fries were thicker than steak fries and cooked with savory seasoning.

Good, filling food served in a fun atmosphere.

Desserts are the specialty City Cafe. They are custom-baked by “George.” Most of the cakes are a foot high and the variety is endless. Wow!

Big River Grille

Big River started in Chattanooga in the Riverfront district and is still serving up great food and beverages. Once again, our server was fantastic and would answer questions about menu items very candidly. We went for the pepperoni pizza and it was great. Crunchy crust, lots of pepperoni and cheese with a nicely spiced sauce.

Yep, Betty Lou could have lived there.

Sticky Fingers

Located near the Jack’s Alley stop on the Electric Shuttle, Sticky Finders is another homegrown Chattanooga restaurant that is known for having the city’s best ribs.

Betty Lou’s no fan of barbecue, but I made the call and loved the restaurants pulled barbecue with a variety of sauces. The pork was nicely smoked and was fresh and not dried out. Very nice. You could tell the restaurant is very popular with Chattanooga residents.

Betty Lou had the chicken fingers and didn’t particularly like them, but like I always say, “when you go to a B-B-Q joint you should eat barbecue.”

I enjoyed it.

Ever visit Chattanooga?

You’ve probably been to Rock City, Ruby Falls or the Tennessee Aquarium, but have you stayed downtown?

Since the 1990s, Chattanooga has reclaimed its downtown river front district and transformed it to a great place to visit.

With the holidays finally over, we got to slip away for a weekend and stayed at the Historic Read House on Broad Street downtown. It was easy to find and convenient to Interstate 24, which is often our path for our travels.

The Read House is now a Sheraton and a major renovation has been recently completed. What a wonderful job! The historic character of the hotel has been maintained with the addition of all those modern niceties we expect like high speed Internet access, plush comfortable beds and excellent service.

As usual, Betty Lou was dubious. Chattanooga didn’t sound like her kind of getaway. But one look at the hotel lobby started to sway her. It’s a real lobby, spacious with comfortable chairs ... a place where guests meet and converse.

“Just like the movies,” she said.

We had a beautiful room near the top of the hotel with a nice view of downtown. The room was nicely appointed with a comfortable couch, a big ottoman, two TVs, a desk and what Betty Lou described as “the most comfortable bed in the world.”

The hotel, like most modern ones, had a big workout area and a very, very nice indoor pool. It’s a no-edge pool with three waterfalls. There’s also a large whirlpool-spa style pool.

The hotel is also home to a big Starbucks (that’s a plus) and one of Chattanooga’s nicest restaurants, Porter’s Steakhouse. It’s a Chicago-style steakhouse that’s posh and romantic. The chef’s specialty is the Pepperloin, a whole-beef tenderloin marinated for 48 hours and covered with a peppercorn and herb mixture. (www.porterssteakhouse.com)

The Sheraton Reed House is also a very popular venue for weddings and receptions. The Silver Ballroom is beautiful with a classic look that takes you back to glorious times.

The rooms were quiet ... a fact we greatly appreciated. When we were there, a major college basketball tournament was underway. At least two college teams, Wayne State and Murray State stayed there along with their fans, but everyone was quiet and friendly.

One of the greatest advantages of the Read House is that has a stop on the amazing Chattanooga Electric Shuttle. Emission-free, the shuttle is quiet and handicapped accessible. You could ride from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium FREE. The convenience was amazing.

We found ourselves hating to leave the Read House.

Betty Lou gave it her highest complement:

“I could live here.”

You should have seen her collection of real estate magazines!