The Mustard Seed Cafe, Kingsport, Tennessee

Welcome!

Today, it's The Mustard Seed Cafe (in a new location), revisited!

If you liked The Mustard Seed Cafe in Gate City, Virginia (which I wrote about in my April 13, 2011 blog post that I've since deleted), you'll be pleased with the new version in downtown Kingsport, Tennessee.  People seem to be flocking there.  It, apparently, is a very popular place!  As before, the food is good, the staff is friendly, and the decor is lovely.  One of the owners, Debi Tabor (Her husband Glen is the co-owner.) described the cafe as " homey."  I would have to agree.

Greg and I recently took my mother Jean there to celebrate her 87th birthday.  (Next week, other family members who couldn't be with us at the cafe, will join us for another birthday celebration for Mama.)  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal.  Mama had the cranberry chicken quiche with a garden salad.  Greg had the grilled cheese on wheat, and I had the spinach quiche with potato soup.  Sweet muffins came with all of our meals.

To top off everything, Mama was pleasantly surprised when Debi Tabor graciously presented her with a large piece of chocolate cake as we all sang "Happy Birthday."  (They generously supplied the cake [free!], and we supplied the candles.)  Mama kindly shared the lovely confection with Greg and me.  It was every bit as delicious as it looked.

For more menu listings, please visit their excellent web site.  (See F. Y. I., below,  for web address.)

Also, in addition to their regular cafe fare, they have a coffee bar, Seeds Coffee Le Bistro, which has smoothies and all kinds of tasty beverages.

Sam Hoskins, our helpful and efficient waitress, took time from her busy job to fill us in on the latest at the cafe.  (The owners were also helpful in answering our questions.) 

The Zumba classes with instructor Micah, the Tabors' daughter, will not be at the cafe as they were in the Gate City location.  Instead, they will be held at the Gate City and Colonial Heights Baptist churches.  (Please call the cafe for details.)

An area in the back of the cafe can be used to accommodate meetings and parties.

I'm happy to report that starting on Monday, July 11, they will be serving breakfast!  The menu items will include breakfast casserole, omelets, and muffins, to mention a few.

As we left the cafe, with images of croissants and other breakfast treats (which were so beautifully described by our waitress) dancing in our heads, we vowed we'd soon return, perhaps earlier in the day, for another delightful visit.

Other options: carry-outs and dining outside

F. Y. I.
The Mustard Seed Cafe
118 E. Market St.
Kingsport, Tennesse
Phone: 423-765-2940
Fax: 423-765-2941
Mon.-Fri., 7:00-3:00 (Some Friday nights open during downtown concerts)
Sat. & Sun., 9:30-3:00
http://www.themustardseedcafe.net/

Just click on the link below to see the latest photos that Greg and I have on iStock:
www.istockphoto.com

Positive thought: "Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life." (From sign in The Mustard Seed Cafe)

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday, July 17), Becky

Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens

Welcome!

If you like back to nature, you'll love this place!  Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens is on a 75 acre farm on the edge of a one acre pond in the Appalachian Mountains of Unicoi, Tennessee.  The scenery, complete with a charming covered bridge and seasonal flowers, etc. is lovely, and wildlife (including peacocks!) abounds.

This is a photographers dream!

And, if that's not enough, there's a lot more to this unique place than meets the eye.

It's actually the home of wildlife artist Johnny Lynch and his family.  His wonderful art work is on display and for sale in his studio/gallery which is one of several buildings on the farm.

In addition, to quote their excellent web site (Please see their website address listed below for complete details), "Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens hosts a variety of functions...including company picnics, seminars, retreats, weddings, fund raisers, dinners, dances, festivals and much more."

For your event there, they can also provide a variety of entertainment options including live bands, storytelling, hayrides, etc.

To again quote, "A comfortable and relaxing atmosphere created by nature and enhanced with relics of our Appalachian heritage.  Perfect for any event, formal or informal."

Greg and I always look forward to visiting Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens, which is about 35 miles from our home, to take pictures, and to relax as we enjoy their delicious lunch which we order and pick up from their kitchen window.

The last time we were there, Greg had the bbq sandwich and slaw along with an old-time root beer.  I selected the gourmet grilled white cheddar sandwich with bacon and apple on homemade sourdough bread.  The dessert of the day was peach shortcake.  While dining, don't be surprised if a curious peacock decides to come by to check you out!

Greg has been to a couple of business meetings at their large pavilion which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Yes, Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens is full of delightful surprises, some of which are not even mentioned on this blog post.  You just might want to go discover them for yourself.  Bet you'll be glad you did!

F.Y. I.
Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens
121 Covered Bridge Lane
Unicoi, TN 37692
Ph-423-743-8799
Fax-423-743-0796
farmhousegallery@gmail.com
http://www.farmhouse-gallery.com/

Gallery and grounds open year round Tues.-Sat., 10-5
Lunch at window Thurs.-Sat.,11-2 warmer months
Events by appointment

Their web site has a map with directions on how to get there, as well as bbq sauce and Johnny Lynch's art work which are available for purchase.

Thought of the day:  Happy 4th! and happy week!

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday, July 10), Becky

An Afternoon at Bays Mountain Park

Welcome!

Recently, Greg and I visited the beautiful Bays Mountain Park which is owned and operated by the City of Kingsport (Tennessee).  To quote the park brochure, "Bays Mountain Park sits on a 3,550 acre natural basin...that serves a 44 acre lake habitat."

"Typical Appalachian plants and animals inhabit the park including deer, squirrels, raccoons, a variety of bird species and many others."

There are many interesting features at the park to enjoy which include animal habitats, picnic areas, fishing (only for certain ages and only during certain times), nature programs (like the barge ride which lets you view the park from a different perspective), the Farmstead (which is a museum about the way some people used to live in our area), and planetarium shows (which astronomy buffs are sure to love).

Greg and I usually visit this park at least once a year to enjoy the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

Last time we were there, we saw several deer walking freely around the park to the delight of park visitors, including us!  We also noticed several squirrels and a rather chipper chipmunk (which is actually a small squirrel).

Once, when we were walking on one of the mountain paths, we encountered a red fox.  (All was well, for we ran one way, and the fox ran the other!  It's even possible to occasionly spot a black bear while on a hike around the park.  See park info for precautions.)

 
While there, we always enjoy documenting our visit by taking lots of pictures, some of which, as you can see, are here on this blog post.

Visiting the gift shop is a must.  You're sure to find something just right to take home as a souvenir of your visit.  You can choose from a nice selection of delightful items including jewelry (I once found a beautiful gemstone bracelet there.), books, pictures, toys, local honey, and even freeze-dried ice cream ! (like the astronauts eat).

Greg and I simply love Bays Mountain Park.  Chances are, you'd love it, too!

Be sure to check out their website (listed below) for more detailed information about the park.

F.Y.I.
Bays Mountain Park
853 Bays Mountain Park Road
Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone 423-229-9447
http://www.baysmountain.com/

Positive thought: Get back to nature this week!

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday, July 3), Becky

Inspired by Nature

Welcome!

As I was looking through our many photos, I noticed some particularly nice ones that my husband Greg had taken here in our area.  With his permission, I decided to share those with you today.

I read somewhere that if you can't be outside in nature on a pretty day, just looking out the window for a few minutes or even viewing pictures of nature can be relaxing, and even inspiring!

So just relax and enjoy Greg's photos, and maybe you'll be inspired to go out and take your own nature photos!

Positive thought: Happy Father's Day to all fathers everywhere, including Greg's 97-year-old father, and mine, who is in spirit.

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday, June 26), Becky

Purple Cow

Welcome!

           

            Purple Cow

   I never saw a purple cow.
   I never hope to see one.
   But I can tell you anyhow
   I'd rather see than be one.
            
                    Gelett Burgess
                    1895

You might remember the above little poem from your school days.  I always thought it was rather clever and cute.

Just wanted you to know that there really is a Purple Cow right here in Kingsport, Tennessee!  It is a drive-thru restaurant owned and operated by Mike and Debbie Warren since 1993.  It got its name from the fact that Debbie's favorite color is purple, and that when the restaurant first opened, they mostly served items with beef.

The Purple Cow building is eye-catching and colorful.  In front of the building stand several bovine statues, most of which are colored (you guessed it)-purple.

Not only is this little restaurant visually appealing; it appeals to your taste buds as well.

The menu is large and varied which is unlike most drive-thrus.  It includes a wide selection of burgers, other sandwiches (even peanut butter and jelly!), subs, salads, extras (such as fried green tomatoes), wings, dinners (Steak is a favorite.), drinks (There are over 100 flavors of milkshakes.  By the way, this is the "Home of the Purple Milkshake."), and desserts (such as cheesecake, brownies, and twirls.)

When I talked with Debbie, she told me their food was fresh and made from scratch daily.  They make new tea every few minutes.  No wonder it's all so tasty!

Greg and I go there once a week to get our Purple Cow fix.  (I heard that some people go there to eat more than once a day, six days a week!)  Greg usually orders the chopped steak dinner while I'm partial to either the steak bomb (one of their most popular items) or the grilled cheese on rye.

There is usually a long line whenever we're there, but that's fine with us because it's worth it.  The food is good and the prices are cheap!  The wait is usually anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes.  One great thing is that if your meal is prepared faster than the ones in front of you in the line, someone will bring your food out to your car so you can leave the line early. (All of the employees seem friendly and helpful.)

 Good news!  Plans are in the works for the opening of a couple of more Purple Cows in the area!

In summary, I'd have to agree with the Purple Cow logo that says, "It's utterly delicious."

They also deliver and cater, so give them a call.

FYI:
Purple Cow
1648 E. Stone Dr.
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423)343-5825
http://www.purplecowkingsport.com/
9:30AM-11:00PM
Midnight on Fri. & Sat.
Closed Sun.

Click on the link below to check out Greg's and my latest photos on iStock:
www.istockphoto.com

Positive thought: Try something different this week!

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday, June 19), Becky

Solutions for the Home

Welcome!

Besides the various other projects that I do, I am also interested in making a home a more enjoyable place in which to live.  In fact, I now even have a business called Home Solutions which includes clutter-clearing and organizing, one day decorating (which is rearranging things that you already have to make a room more functional and visually pleasing), and non-toxic house cleaning.  My husband Greg works with me some, as his schedule allows, in various capacities such as putting up shelves, etc., ( but we don't install whole closet systems as there are specialists who do that.)  (Also, we don't organize anything on the computer.)

In addition to the above services, we can shop for any organizing tools or any decorating items you might need.  We can even provide our original art work for your home.

The photographs on this blog post are a few of the befores and afters that we have taken to give you an idea of the type of work that we do.  Let us show you our extensive portfolio during your free consultation!

If you have a question or are interested in any of our home services, please e-mail us at: beckyarnottartist@gmail.com .

Our prices are reasonable and we guarantee our work!

F.Y.I.: e-mail   beckyarnottartist@gmail.com


Positive thought: Change your home, change your life.

Thanks for visiting!  Until next time ( Sunday, June 12 ), Becky