Lately, I’ve done a lot of flying.  From Knoxville to Vegas to Michigan to Maryland.  A lot of flying.  I may even be identifying with George Clooney’s character Ryan Bingham in the 2009 hit movie Up in the Air — almost comfy in the confines of an airport.

Not only that, I really love grazing and shopping while waiting for yet another take-off.

Cityscape in Chicago’s O’Hare

Today’s airports are different. Long gone are stark terminals lined with boring rows of seats and filled with the sounds of those blaring Charlie Brown-type announcements.   (Well, mostly.)

Airports today — at least the big ones — are havens for gourmet foods in take-home packages, upscale restaurants bearing the names of chefs we’ve seen on TV, and power-up centers for tech-hungry travelers.  Case in point:  Chicago’s O’Hare International.

Painted window by students in After School Matters

I’m actually happy when I change planes in O’Hare (Crazy me.)

But long layovers mean more time to watch people sprinting (roller bags in tow) to their next departure point. And more time to admire the art.  And sample the food!

On display near Terminal 1.

O’Hare International was named in honor of Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare, a Medal of Honor WWII fighter pilot whose Black Panthers fearlessly stormed the skies. In 1949, the field and airport known as Orchard Depot was renamed O’Hare International Airport.

In honor of Butch O’Hare

But not even O’Hare could imagine what the terminals of this second busiest airport in the U. S. and the world would look like today.

“Songs of Chicago.” Mural by teens in After School Matters.

Passing through the domed glass corridor leading to Terminal 1, you can delight in the art of teens engaged in a program called After School Matters.  Teens paired with professional artists have created art — benches, murals, painted windows and walls, glass sculptures, etc. — that deserves a closer look.

One of the creatively painted benches lining the corridor leading to Terminal 1.

But from there, the shopping begins in Terminal 1.  On this cold, cold Friday, lines at Starbucks meandered through the corridor. Patrons craving something hot to sip checked emails while waiting for lattes, talls, or the new Blonde Roast.

Heads down, texting and waiting, at Starbucks O’Hare

I passed by Vosges and kept my chocolate passion in check since it’s still January and you know how those resolutions are!  Begun in the kitchen of her Chicago apartment, owner and chocolatier Katrina Markoff relied on her training at El Bulli restaurant and her international travels to launch a “veritable chocolate revolution,” according to the website. I can give it this: simply divine packaging and product, if you can judge just by looking!

A clerk straightens the artisan chocolates at Vosges

If an ordinary Montblanc writing instrument won’t satisfy your desires, check out the Writers Edition Carlo Collodi limited edition.  Honoring the creator of The Adventures of Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi, the pens are a tribute to the author’s creativity.  A dark brown cap bears pictures of animals like the loyal cricket and the shady fox while the cone resembles Pinnochio’s legendary growing nose. It can be yours for approximately $1000.00. So? It’s a limited edition, after all.

On display at Montblanc, the Carlo Collodi Limited Edition writing instruments

Diners at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant have front row seats where layover travelers can watch the on-the-move travelers go by.  Well, some of them watch, I guess. Mostly, though, people that day were focused on their smart phones, or that’s what it looked like to me.

We’re a nation of email checkers, for sure!

Garrett popcorn, to my delight, also had a presence at O’Hare.  They sell my favorite freshly popped corn by the bag or by the tin.  If you’ve never had Chicago Mix (a blend of CaramelCrisp® and CheeseCorn®), you’re missing out.  Order online if you have to, but there’s nothing like getting it fresh, even at 8:00 AM!!!! (http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/tin-builder/)

Chicago-themed tins ready to be filled with Garrett’s popcorn

My picture of the Field Museum Store doesn’t do it justice.  Loaded with little take-home gifts, especially for children, the store is neat and engaging, even if it is overshadowed by the ceiling-tall replica of a dinosaur skeleton. And if you weren’t traveling, you could go to the real museum to check the rest of ‘em out!

Look behind to see the towering dinosaur skeleton behind the Field Museum Store.

Oakley was busy selling sunglasses the morning I was there — maybe to travelers needing eye protection at the ski resorts or in the Midwest where looking at snow can make you squint, for sure!

I spy someone peeping through the Oakley case!

As if the Vosges chocolates and Garrett popcorn weren’t enough temptation, there was always Eli’s Cheesecake, recently famous for creating the celebration cheesecake for President Obama’s Inauguration!  What’s not to like about that?

You can get a boxed-up, ready to fly home cheesecake from Eli’s!

Ooooh! Salted Caramel Cheesecake!

Rick Bayless’s Tortas Frontera lured travelers with the sight of freshly baked loaves of bread stacked up in the window and the smell of tortas — griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches filled with chipotle chicken!

Posted on the website is a quote from the Chicago Tribune: “Finally, a reason to get delayed at O’Hare”! I agree.

Loaves of bread invite shoppers into Tortas Frontera

But movement and tech were as important as food and art that day.  Lined up at charging/working stations were travelers catching up and powering up. . .

Hardly an empty seat at the charging stations!

while outside, taxis lined up to move people — wherever they needed to go.

Taxis don’t sit long at O’Hare

At the end of the terminal, however, it was hurry up and wait.  And talk.  And check that email one more time.

Read. Reply. Text. Repeat.

After all, that’s what travel is today!

See you in the terminals!

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, ORD

http://www.ohare-airport.org

“Liebster” is a German word meaning dearest, beloved, or favorite.  The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to other bloggers — intended to showcase exceptional blogs — and Oh, the Places We See has been nominated!!!

A blog I follow, mrs. & the misc. submitted the nomination based on a post I published about a favorite bed-and-breakfast inn, the Blue Lake Ranch in Durango, Colorado!

I’ve enjoyed getting to know the ladies who collectively publish mrs. & the misc. –  “twenty-something wives blogging about the miscellaneous things in life.” They’re a  talented group who share ideas for food, decorating, and life in general.  It’s their creative take on the sometimes extraordinary things we can make from ordinary “stuff” that appeals to me, so you might like to check out their blog here: http://mrsandthemisc.com/

After receiving this award, there are some “rules” to follow:

• The blog nominated must answer the 5 questions given by the person who nominated them.
• The blog nominated must tell 5 random facts about themselves.
• The blog nominated must then nominate 5 blogs (with under 200 followers), and make sure to tell them you nominated them.
• Finally, you must ask the people you nominate 5 questions of your own.
• Optional: proudly display the Liebster blog award icon on your blog.

So here are my answers to the questions posed by mrs. & the misc.:

1. If you knew you could only go on one last vacation in your life — where would you go? Someplace new or a vacation favorite?

I’d stroll the quiet beach at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, a place my husband and family have been visiting for over 30 years for one week each summer.  We go there at the end of July, right when a new school year is beginning, and I plan (while walking the beach) for the coming year.  You can do a lot of thinking and dreaming when you stroll a beach with nothing but the sound of the ocean and a few seagulls at your back!

2. What is the worst gift you were ever given?

I’ve never thought of any gift as a bad gift, but one the Good Lord gave me — the gift of gab — has gotten me into some trouble in the past!  The older I get, the more I just smile and remain silent.  Or at least I’m trying to!!!

3. Who do you most look up to in your life?

Anyone who has raised more than two children and anyone who teaches school!

4. What is your “can’t live without” beauty product (or miracle product that’s changed your life)?

I love seeing happy women whose faces glow, so I would have to say a moisturizer and anything that makes cheeks blush!

5. Best recipe you’ve ever made? The worst?

One recipe answers both questions:  A Hershey Bar Cake!  My old, inherited-from-a-friend recipe calls for two 10-cent cans of Hershey syrup and seven 5-cent Hershey bars!!!! Sometimes my calculations based on today’s products work; sometimes they don’t!  And I’m lucky if I bake it just right so that it’s moist and a tad gooey — not dry!

Now, for “5 random facts’ about me:

1. I have more stuff than my closets can hold but I hate parting with favorite things. (May explain why I dabbled in selling antiques for a few years.)

2. I’m addicted to technology and social media. (Constantly check my iPhone!)

3. I’m the oldest of five daughters.

4. I’ve been an educator for 45 years and still love visiting schools, talking with teachers and administrators, and learning new ways to share information with students.

5. I collect picture frames from the places we visit and ask complete strangers to snap pics of my husband and me to record the moments. And we collect sand from beaches we visit and put it in old bottles tagged with those favorite destinations.

Now, for my nominees of favorite, up-and-coming blogs:

Marie, let’s eat – Based in Atlanta, the team of Grant and Marie review local places to eat in several Southern states.

Stuck Inside of Knoxville with the Urban Blues Again — Written by Knoxville Urban Guy, this blog keeps you up-to-date on happenings in Knoxville’s growing downtown area.

Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast — The ongoing account of how Michelle and Brett Darnell are preparing for the opening of historic Belle Grove Plantation (former home of James Madison) in Port Conway, Virginia.

What We’re Having — Fabulous food blog from Gay Lyons, Knoxville News-Sentinel columnist who’s also an advocate for urban dwelling, entertaining, and sharing recipes.

Leanne’s delicious food and travel adventures — Leanne writes about food and places to see in Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand.

Here are my questions for the 5 nominees:

1. What inspired you to begin blogging?

2.  What is one go-to dish you prepare whenever you need to entertain guests or take a dish to share? (Include the recipe, if you feel like sharing!)

3. If you could return to one place you’ve visited, where would it be and why?

4. What is something you’ve eaten at a place other than your home that you enjoyed? And where were you?

5. What is one thing you would like to write about in 2013?

Nominees, be sure to follow the rules above and comment below with your follow-up post, so we can read your answers!

And thanks again to mrs. and the misc. for the Liebster Award nomination!

Hayley and Lilly enjoying milkshakes on a Sunday afternoon on the front porch of Cook-Out

Now, I don’t even pretend to be a Guy Fieri who knows every drive-in, diner, and dive across America and where to get the best milkshakes.  But I do know a GOOD milkshake, if I say so myself.

I grew up in small towns where you drove up to a tiny little building and then walked up to the window (usually with screens) to order a cone, a hot dog, some fries, or a milkshake.  Now you only see those little places in the movies, I guess, or at the Freezo right here in Knoxville. But they’re definitely vanishing from America’s landscape.

My dad loved milkshakes, so he would drive my mom and me to the Dairy Queen and place his order: Three milkshakes, please. Then he’d walk back to the car, and we’d sip away quietly.  At least ’til we hit bottom. And then we all announced The End with that hollowed-out noise that only comes when you suck the last drops into an otherwise empty straw.

When the second daughter arrived, Dad announced that he would be ordering four milkshakes pretty soon.  Later, he proudly said it would be five, then six, then seven, since I’m the oldest of five girls, all of whom like milkshakes — or at least they did when they were young.  Best invention, according to my dad, was that cardboard 6-hole carrying container that transported all but one of the frothy shakes to our Chevy station wagon, leaving just one trip back to the window for my dad who said he was doing all this just for us.  We knew better.

So I thought of my dad and those good family times when my husband said, You wanna try a milkshake at Cook-Out?  There’s one on Cumberland.  Now how could I refuse?

Cook-Out on Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville

Verdict: Cook-Out has delicious milkshakes.  I can say that from my years of family indulgences and fully trained tastebuds.  Of course, others nearby that I’ve written about like Bruster’s and Tic Toc do, too, but Cook-Out probably has everyone beat when it comes to choices.

Just look at this.  More milkshake flavors than — well, just about anybody!  But there’s another thing.  If you can imagine it, they say they can blend it right up – your very own concoction.

Two servers, Jacob and Ashton filled us in on Cook-Out, a privately owned chain of restaurants in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Jacob and Ashton, servers at Cook-Out, admit they’re lovers of the milkshakes, too.

What we like, they said, is how fresh the milkshakes are.

They explained that the richest, best ice cream is blended, dated, and stored in cups for a only a brief time.  There’s a time stamp handwritten on the bottom of each cup to guarantee freshness. Then they add refreshing ingredients like bananas, strawberries, pineapple — even watermelon in July and August — to the shakes when ordered.  And, they added, if you don’t see what you want on the list, you can ask us to make a different combo!

Somehow this code is a freshness indicator, but you have to know the code, I guess.

Cook-Out serves food, too, “cooked outdoors style” – like char-grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts — as well as barbecue, BLTs, and sides of slaw. And it’s one of the few places in Knoxville that has Cheerwine Floats on the menu!

At Ashton‘s suggestion, I ordered a Peanut Butter Shake — one of two best sellers: Peanut Butter and Oreo!  Bert ordered Snickers. We agreed: rich ingredients, quality ice cream.

Jacob hands Bert my fresh-made peanut butter milkshake.

I have a technique down pat after all these years of “milkshaking.” First, I dig the spoon in for a medium bite of the creamy cold goodness.  Then I squish it between my tongue and the roof of my mouth — ever so slowly — to avoid the inevitable brain freeze.  I continue with bigger and bigger spoonfuls until I notice that at least some of the shake has started to melt.  At that point, I poke in my straw and commence the sipping/slurping process. (Some things your dad teaches you, you never forget!)

So, check out this unofficial website (The company doesn’t have its own up and running yet) to find a Cook-Out in your area. You, too, can enjoy shakes from Labor Day all the way through football season.

And one more thing — you’ll only hear Christian music at Cook-Out:  owner preference. Certainly didn’t make a difference to us — we enjoy milkshakes no matter what’s playing in the background!

So, what will it be? Chocolate malt . . . heath toffee . . . strawberry cheesecake . . . cappuccino . . . blueberry . . .

Cook-Out

Knoxville Locations: 2135 Cumberland Avenue and 6920 Kingston Pike

Corporate Office: 1-866-547-0011

Unofficial Website: http://www.cookoutnc.com

Been to Cook-Out?  Got a favorite milkshake flavor?  Leave us a comment.  We may try yours next time!  Or, if you’ve got another place you love, please share.  What’s not to like about a great shake on a hot afternoon?!

<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/68/1613353/restaurant/Fort-Sanders/Cook-Out-Knoxville”><img alt=”Cook Out on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1613353/minilink.gif” style=”border:none;padding:0px;width:130px;height:36px” /></a>

Bluff View Art District is the epitome of quiet elegance in the heart of the city.

My husband and I left Knoxville on July 3rd in time to position ourselves on the Walnut Street Bridge for Pops on the River in Coolidge Park and then watch colorful, dramatic fireworks burst and dance to the music of the night.

A view of the Tennessee River from Bluff View Art District

 But the Fourth was ours for exploring on our own, so we headed to the District.

Near the Back Inn Cafe, a tall whirligig-like sculpture let us know this is no ordinary shopping area.  This is as artsy a place in Tennessee as you can find.

This sculpture almost says “lift off”!

Our first stop? River Gallery, in the former Dr. Edward Newell home.  We spotted suspended glass orbs beckoning us inside to take a closer look.

Hand-blown glass catching the sunlight from a window in River Gallery

Known for showcasing the creative art of some of the area’s finest craftsmen, the gallery offers variety in form, function, and medium.

Colorful scarves on display at River Gallery

Ceramist Kelly Jean Ohl created “11 Piece Wall Installation” — unique wall art.

We couldn’t resist touching these hand-turned, burled wood bowls.

We were pleasantly surprised to see this oil on canvas “House in Biltmore Village” by Knoxville artist Joe Parrott!

Wall hanging of colorful, contemporary quilting: “New Paths” by Marquetta Johnson

River Gallery is celebrating 20 years in business with a special exhibit, Collecting Thoughts.  Although it runs from August 1 to 31 this year, we were privy to some of the art that day by Nancy Kubale, Roelna Louw, and Susan Parrish.  (Here’s where the viewpoints part of this post comes in: It’s not just art . . . these pieces make statements!)

The sign with Nancy Kubale’s “Stand Still” reads “a reminder to stop and stand still and be fully present.”

Roelna Louw’s ceramic sculpture entitled “Us” features two people leaning in for conversation.

Susan Parrish’s mixed media pieces are a testament to her creativity as they express her views on people, politics, and the vagaries of life.

Parrish’s “Holy Man” uses metallic washers, a sink stopper, and a blue cleaning brush!

We left River Gallery and walked past other buildings like Renaissance Commons, a stately building now used for private events and the District’s holiday buffets. Originally this was a quadruplex, then a duplex, and now one of the area’s most tasteful examples of urban renewal.

Renaissance Commons

The Bluff View Inn is really a conglomerate of three turn-of-the-century homes repurposed as Bed & Breakfast Inns: the Maclellan House, the T. C. Thompson House, and the C. G. Martin House.  An 1889 English Tudor, The Maclellan House offers seven guest rooms, a honeymoon suite, and several original furnishings.

Bluff View Inn: The Maclellan House

You can see a view of the river from the breakfast room at The Maclellan House.

Period furniture graces the sitting room.

The Bocce Court Terrace, named for the game of bocce brought to America by Italian immigrants, offers unparalleled views of the river and a place to relax.

Built with salvaged architectural elements on the site where another home previously stood, Rembrandt’s Coffee House sells paninis, soups, artfully packaged chocolates, and gourmet desserts. It was definitely abuzz with activity on the Fourth.  We took time to relax, have lunch, and meet some of the people out and about that day.

Lili talked to us about the varieties of tea and coffee at Rembrandt’s.

We weren’t the only ones having trouble deciding what to order! Sandwiches, salads, desserts, fresh brewed coffees . . .

But Dava said my choice of chicken salad was a good one and tea would make a great, relaxing after-shopping drink!

I was tempted — very tempted — to take home this beautifully wrapped box of chocolates — just for myself!

We even struck up a conversation with Christina Neighbors who wants to be a teacher, if she can get a job in Chattanooga! Anyone hiring?

Listed in the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden fascinates young and old with creative pieces that grace the courtyard and the bank below, leading to the river. It’s not unusual to see people looking closely at the sculptures or relaxing in this urban setting so removed from busy city life.

This sculptural figure seems suspended in flight on the banks below the garden.

A stack of heads seems as tall as the bridge from this perspective!

A walking, winged sculpture seems almost in motion.

The Bluff View Bakery occupies my favorite structure, the former Powers & Condon building.  Even on the Fourth of July, workers baked fresh bread in Chattanooga’s oldest artisan bakery and hand twisted pretzels for the restaurants and B & B’s in the area.

My favorite building in the District houses the Bluff View Bakery.

Rolling and shaping pretzels by hand

We asked Sharon why they were working on the Fourth, and she replied, We have to get the bread ready to sell at Blue Cross, Blue Shield tomorrow.  To the employees.

Sharon explained why they were working on the Fourth!

And so it was, that we, too, had fresh bread to take home that afternoon as one last souvenir from the Bluff View Art District.

It was hard not to pinch off a hunk of fresh bread on our way back to Knoxville!

You can see Bluff View Art District in a day, including a quick tour of the Hunter Museum, but you may want to spend more time than that.  It’s easy to get caught up in the shops, open air sculptures, and the fascinating architecture of the district.  So much to see. So many view points.

For a historical overview of the Bluff View Art District and a timeline of the district’s development, click here.

For more on the Hunter Museum of American Art, click here, and be sure to check out my next blog.

Bluff View Art District

411 East Second Street

Chattanooga, TN 37403

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Jacquelin and Cayla wait for me to make up my mind at Razzleberry’s.

Sometimes you just stumble onto good ice cream.  In a place you’ve never even heard of.  You see people licking drippy ice cream cones, and you’re hot, and you ask . . . Hey, where’d you get that? 

Hand-made sign for home-made ice cream

And that’s how I found Razzleberry’s Cafe & Market in Oak Ridge on the day of the Lavender Festival in Jackson Square.  As I passed by a booth selling cornshuck dolls, I saw a couple sitting on a bench feeding some ice cream to a child in a stroller.  It was only 10:30 in the morning!  And then I saw another couple walking around with big waffle cones spilling over with more ice cream.  And then some kids.  And well, you get the picture.  I figured if all these people were eating ice cream BEFORE lunch, I’d better check out the source. After all, it was getting pretty hot, and I just might need a cool treat, too!

One friendly shopper said, Just follow the square around — it’s on the corner.  You can’t miss it. He was right. 

A crowded day at Razzleberry’s

When I arrived at the big sign overhead, I saw where the owner himself, Waldek Kaczocha, had set up tables with breakfast foods, coffee, and the makin’s for lunch! 

Waldek Kaczocha, owner of Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge

His wife Ilona saw me taking pictures, so she came out to talk.  So nice.  So chatty.  We’re originally from Poland, but we’ve been in this location about six years, selling ice cream. We sell a lot more stuff, too. I peeped inside. Sure ‘nough.  It’s a full-fledged, full-service restaurant selling sandwiches, plates of food, and cold, creamy desserts! 

Ilona then whispered to me, Our best seller is Polish kielbasa.  You should come for lunch! I told her I was on an ice cream mission, and she pointed with pride at the flavor of the day:  Lavender!

In honor of the Lavender Festival . . . a special treat

I meandered through the restaurant staring at pigs — hundreds of pigs!  Cartoon pigs, stuffed pigs, plastic and chalk and moveable-parts pigs!  The signature mascot of Razzleberry’s, I guess.

Pigs on the menu wall

 About 20 flavors of fresh cream ice cream stood ready in a case to my left.  One very nice server added, We make it with 14 percent fresh cream! Make the waffle cones, too! 

Pigs behind the ice cream case

One man was just leaving with his giant cone, looking quite pleased with his mid-morning snack!  Just plain ol’ vanilla.  I’m not very adventurous, I guess, he told me.

My favorite? Just plain ol’ Vanilla!

But I had to try Lavender ice cream.  After all, how often do you get this treat, if ever?  So I tried a free sample. I must say it’s a more pleasing taste than I anticipated — a little herby, I suppose, but also kind of citrusy in a way. It’s mild, not overpowering.  It blends well.

Special Today: Lavender Ice Cream!

I wanted a whole scoop until I spotted what makes my Wordsworthian heart “leap up”: Death by Chocolate ice cream.  If there’s one thing I can hardly resist, it’s deep, dark, almost bitter chocolate, and combined with 14% fresh cream — OMG! 

Ooooooohhhhh! Dark Chocolate!

So, there I was at 11:00 AM.  In one hand, a bundle of freshly harvested lavender purchased from the Farmers Market. In another — a cone of Death by Chocolate ice cream from Razzleberry’s Cafe & Market! 

Happy as a pig guarding waffle cones.

You’ve no doubt seen this saying on a plaque in a craft booth somewhere:  Life is short.  Eat dessert first.  And I agree.  Eating Razzleberry’s ice cream mid-morning is not a bad way to ease into the rest of the day!

I’m not saying Razzleberry’s is the absolute bestest anywhere, but for good quality, fresh ice cream, especially if you’re in the Oak Ridge area, you owe it to yourself to try Razzleberry’s.  It’s a great place to cool off, and you might even want to have lunch first!

What’s to Like: Razzleberry’s Cafe & Market

• All the websites that rate restaurants call it Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab, so I guess it has two identities.  Works for me. Check out Urbanspoon. Or Yelp.
• Not far from Knoxville — and the drive is easy!
• Great variety of food — some Southern, some Cajun, some Polish.  You may want to see what the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Grub Scout wrote when he dined there October, 2011!  Click here!
• Pleasant servers who aim to please
• Pigs, pigs, and more pigs
• Rich, creamy ice cream in homemade cones (or cups or sundaes or shakes)!
• Lots of flavors that change daily
• Friendly owners who make you feel special no matter what you order!

Razzleberry’s Cafe & Market

201 Jackson Square

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

865.481.0300

If you want to read my three other reviews of where to find the coolest treats to beat the heat, click on any of the ones below:

Cool Off 2012: Bruster’s

Cool Off 2012: Coolato Gelato

Cool Off 2012: Original Freezo

Leave me a comment — about any of the Cool Off places or your favorite!  Would love to hear from you!

Isabella is lovin’ her Pistachio & Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato

Ready for the second in a series of Cool Off 2012? We’re in Downtown Knoxville for another favorite place where lines can get long on hot days: Coolato Gelato.

OK.  So I said I would write about ice cream for this series, but if you just have one taste of gelato or sorbetto, you’ll be happy you did what your mom used to tell you to do:  Try something new!

Gelato is called “Italian ice cream” — a cold, frozen treat with less than 50% of the butter fat and half the calories of premium ice cream since it’s made with milk instead of heavy cream.

Outside seating on Gay Street — downtown

Coolato Gelato’s on Gay Street is in the newly renovated WROL building –  and the folks at Coolato make their refreshing gelato on site: 18-24 flavors each and every day!  Manager Cherryl Meuret says they start pouring the milk into gelato machines around 8:00 AM and then ”keep her going” throughout the day, adding traditional products from Italy for flavor and texture.

Speaking of flavors, take a look at these tempting names: Banana Puddin’, Pear & Feta, Almond Joy, Mascarpone Caramel & Pistachio, Root Beer Float, Moonpie, Fleur de Sel, Chocolate Raspberry, and Ooey Gooey — just to name a few! You stand in front of a case filled with metal tubs holding colorful, enticing gelato and try to make a decision! Someone creative dresses up these mountains of good stuff just to make it even harder to select the one you want.  Take a look at these three beauties!

Birthday Cake Gelato

Peanut Butter & Jelly Gelato

Watermelon Sorbetto

Coolato’s has a Dog Friendly Patio! And here’s something fun: dogs get a free gelato when they bring their family!!! Dog Gelato is even on the menu!

This is one lucky dog: free Dog Gelato for bringing his owner!

Ordering can be tricky since there are so many choices, so many sizes. You can order gelato Piccolo, Mediano, or Grande (small, medium or large)! More choices await like Gelato Cake or Spaghetti Gelato — gelato “pasta” smothered with strawberry sauce and topped with coconut!

Abby takes your order with a smile!

Coolato Gelato is a ‘gelateria’ — sells gelato but also offers coffee, pastries, paninis, and other great treats . . . like sorbetto made with water and fresh fruit instead of milk. Still a cool-off treat, but lower in calories!

Inside or out, Coolato Gelato is a great place to gather!

If you’re thinking I’m so hot I’ll just dash into the store on Gay Street for a yummy gelato, you’d better hurry!  Lines get long on hot summer days. But workers are patient and accommodating.  Just ask for a little sample and ponder what you want this time.  You’ll be back for another time when you can try something new.

Take our word for it: you won’t want to miss out on one of downtown Knoxville’s coolest treats!

What’s to Like: Coolato Gelato

• Delicious gourmet flavors of cold, cold gelato served in cones or cups
• Free tasting samples on tiny plastic spoons!
• Live music on Friday nights
• Outdoor tables so you can watch the people go by
• Dog friendly patio
• Award-winning restaurant — and not just for gelato!

2011: Metro Pulse Knoxville’s Best Frozen Dessert

2010: TripAdvisor #1 Restaurant in Knoxville

2010: Official Italian Ice Cream for the Cooking Channel Truck Tour

<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/68/1473082/restaurant/Downtown/Coolato-Gelato-Knoxville”><img alt=”Coolato Gelato on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1473082/minilink.gif” style=”border:none;padding:0px;width:130px;height:36px” /></a>

Coolato Gelato

524 South Gay Street

Knoxville, TN 37902

865.971.5449

Man with Didgeridoo, Asheville NC

If you’ve followed my blog in the last week, you know that my husband and I traveled to Asheville, NC over the Memorial Day weekend specifically to check out Tupelo Honey Cafe, a restaurant coming to our town — Knoxville, TN!  (Can’t say enough about their Southern fresh cuisine and lively, personal service!)

After our bountiful brunch at Tupelo’s, we strolled downtown Asheville in search of unique shops that were open.  If you haven’t been to Asheville, let me tell you that unique is not hard to find! And that’s why we love going there.

First thing to catch our eyes were these adorable little onesies in the window of Spiritex, 61 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue, an organic apparel shop with clothing made within 120 miles of Asheville! 

OK.  I know infants can’t wear these very long.  But how fun to dress ‘em up, add a cute cap, and take pictures for the relatives !

Baby caps from Spiritex

It was fun just buying something from Graceland (Yes, that’s her name)!

Graceland’s parents loved Elvis, she said!

Malaprop’s at 55 Haywood Street is celebrating its 30-year anniversary all this month with specials and speakers — their website lists all the June events!

This store is one of the best indies we’ve seen, thanks to people like Martha who keep the displays fresh and the parade of authors coming to read and sign.

Martha posts new events for the 30th Anniversary Celebration at Malaprop’s

We loved the  carefully arranged displays and interesting titles — like this one!  We had to read some of it on the spot!

Regional books and books of local interest — like self-sufficiency/farming — lined the shelves.  Malaprop’s thrives on finding books that readers in the Asheville area are interested in taking home.

They really believe in — and showcase — local community interests. 

I loved seeing this Mom reading to her little one right there in Malaprop’s!

Down the street at 51 N. Lexington Avenue, Nest Organics offered a compost maker (under-sink size) in their window. Nest Organics sells non-toxic and environmentally friendly products for babies and children, home goods, and Savvy Rest mattresses — customizable organic bedding!

Composter at Nest Organics

Gaea Gifts, 61 N. Lexington Avenue, sells organic t-shirts like this one with a VW bug right out of the 60s!

VW Bug t-shirt from Gaea Gifts

Cornerstone Minerals, 52 N. Lexington, offers agate obelisks,  tumbled stones, fossils, and these lamps that cast a soft glow through the storefront window.

Salt lamps from Cornerstone Minerals

And Write On, 28 N. Lexington, has a wide array of unique cards, small gifts, stationery, and hand-made papers for wrapping gifts.

Hand-made paper for sale in Write-On

We walked into Kress Emporium, 19 Patton Avenue, pleased to be greeted by familiar art – from Knoxville artist Cynthia Markert! I had seen some of her early works — women reminiscent of the flapper era – painted on boards in downtown Knoxville.  But here was a display of paintings, prints, cards, and one-self portrait – paintings in golds, purples, browns of rarely smiling women — with those engaging stares that almost pull me into their world.

Self Portrait by Cynthia Markert

Kress Emporium is a maze of booths filled with jewelry, pottery, and plants in a jar . . .

Jewelry from a booth in Kress Emporium

and art, too — paintings and hand-blown glass orbs!

Painting by Sandlin Gaither

But this sign stopped us in our tracks:  Zombie Prom.  We had to get closer to see just what was in this booth!

Hat for the Zombie Prom by Simone Bernhard

As we moved in, the owner surprised us by saying, Wait!  I’m bringing in my hats from last night’s Zombie Prom!  Have you got just a minute to wait?  You’ll want to see these! And Simone Bernhard, the designer and booth owner, was right!

I had never seen zombie hats — but here they were!  Simone (Chapeaux by Simone) says she does a lot of research on brains just to get the right configuration!

Original creation for Zombie Prom: Chapeaux by Simone

But there was another sign in her booth that caught my eye: World Domination Through Fascinators — yes, like the fashion accessory that became familiar to Americans during the wedding of Kate and William!  This could be my one and only chance to model a fascinator, so look closely!

Simone and Rusha modeling fascinators!

Since we’ve visited The Mast General Stores in Valle Crucis, NC (original), the one in Boone, NC, and our own store in Knoxville, the one on 15 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville felt homey and familiar with its rugged outdoorsy clothing, camping gear, and old-fashioned kids’ toys!

Waiting for the wives at Mast General Store!

We checked out their Memorial Day displays and new-fangled Crocs . . .

Memorial Day display at the Mast

only to land in my favorite section — Candy By-the-Barrell! I love how you pick up a basket, grab handfuls of Cow Tales, Slo Pokes, and Tootsie Rolls and have ‘em weighed by the pound!

Barrels of candy ready for pickin’

We smiled at this t-shirt, but we love Asheville just the way it is!

T-shirt at Mast General Store

We passed right by a restaurant — Curate — because we weren’t ready to eat again, but we did a double-take when we saw a young man carving a — what is this? a leg? a ham? Well, we couldn’t resist.  We walked right up to the bar and asked him what that was. Tyler (he introduced himself immediately) told us the name in Spanish and then translated –Spanish ham, fed only acorns – a delicacy that they serve in this tapas bar! Right then, we canceled previously-made plans for dinner and asked for a reservation here! You’ll have to check out my next blog to see how this dinner at Curate — and afterward at French Broad Chocolate Lounge – unfolded!

Tyler shows us Spanish ham at Curate

After all that shopping, walking, and talking, we stopped at Chocolate Fetish, 36 Haywood Street, for one last treat before heading to our B & B! (OK. We have a serious chocolate problem!)

Cases of fine chocolates hand-made on the premises at Chocolate Fetish

Cakes, “Ecstasy Elite Truffles,” and beautifully hand-crafted pieces awaited us. 

Elegantly decorated chocolates

Something new to us was a milk chocolate pistachio frog — literally a hand-size cup of creamy chocolate filled with caramel and pistachios!

Milk Chocolate Pistachio Frogs

We said good-bye to shopping — for that day, at least — passing open-air tables and people reveling in the sights and sounds of Asheville!

Dining outside at Posana’s

The eclectic mix of people and the unique shops contributed to a day like no other, for Asheville is just as artsy and whimsical as everyone says it is!

If you’ve been to Asheville, leave us a note, so we’ll know where you like to shop.  And don’t think for a minute that we wouldn’t have gone into Tops for Shoes . . . if it had been open!  Oh, well. We’ll just have to come back!

Sculpture — Downtown Asheville, NC