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>

And so it was that we came to stay at the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn nestled under years-old shade trees in the historic Montford District.

Built in 1899 by the supervising architect of the Biltmore Estate, Richard Sharp-Smith, the mostly intact original structure is one of his finest residential commissions.  The home was purchased for $10.00 in 1917 by a hardware store owner, Mr. Ottis Green, who later became the Mayor of Asheville. He willed it to the housekeeper who cared for him until his death. Years later, a woman from Chicago purchased the house and renovated it to create a bed and breakfast.  In 1992, the Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn was placed on the National Register of historic buildings.

Beautiful brick pathway entrance on 288 Montford Avenue.

In 2004, the inn was purchased by Peter and Lori White, owners of The Old Stone Bakery with two locations in Martha’s Vineyard and one in Tequesta, Florida.  They sold the businesses to concentrate on fine pastry and sugar art (Lori has been both pastry chef and cake designer)! And their talents don’t go unnoticed at breakfast time! 

Owners Peter and Lori White and Lola!

The Whites’ attention to detail in decor is evident — every room we saw was tastefully decorated in period decor but without the fussiness that sometimes “hangs over” a room in a period house.  Our room on the first floor had recently been painted a rich, chocolate brown in contrast to the elegant creams of the fireplace, sumptuous down comforter, and window seat pillows.

Chocolate brown and ivory color scheme for The Sunshine Room

The bathroom, too, had an Old World feel from the gilt framed landscape to the lush Turkish towels.

Old World art, white tiles, and premium towels for the bath

Upstairs we peeked into the Walnut Room with its king-size sleigh bed, ample seating, and Oriental rugs.

The Walnut Room — a king-size luxury suite

The Whites invited us to relax beside the pond where koi swam gracefully under the waterfall and take a look at the perennials just coming into bloom.

Perennials border the koi-filled pond.

Ruthie, who has prepared as a chef, greeted us at check-in and then proceeded to “whip up” a few tasty hors d’oevres for Afternoon Tea from 5 to 6 each day served in the foyer. All of us guests who felt quite fortunate to have found this place, sat on the expansive front porch, sipping and tasting, talking of travel and hobbies and where to dine that evening.

We enjoyed talking to Dana from Raleigh.

We met Gayle and Bob Bencivenga from New York who own a very interesting Internet business. Their blog, Places of Value, shares tips on where to visit and possibly settle/retire in North and South Carolina! We immediately checked that out on our iPad, since we love vacationing in both states!

Gale and Bob Bencivenga from New York

The next morning, Annika and Vincent from Washington, DC enjoyed cofee while waiting for breakfast to be served! 

Enjoying breakfast before heading back to DC – Annika and Vincent

First course — light, delicate coffee cake topped with strawberries Peter had purchased at the local farmers’ market. Second course — baked pear, halved and filled with cream cheese and walnuts, drizzled with honey and Marsala — warm, sweet, and dreamy to eat!

Baked pear drizzled with honey

And the main event: Red pepper and organic spinach three-cheese frittata — a hearty, textural blend of veggies and cheese — served with two sides: field greens topped with figs, Craisins, apples and pecan vinaigrette, and stone ground grits!

Spinach frittata, field greens, and organic stone ground grits – Ah, the South!

Peter says he loves his work.  Mainly, I suppose, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like work.  He and Lori do what they love, talk to guests from around the world, and sometimes greet famous people.  Like the actors from The Hunger Games and several of the principals from the Sandra Bullock movie 28 Days — all filming in North Carolina and staying at The Black Walnut!

Peter White, chatting with the guests at breakfast!

Well, Peter and Lori — we loved it, too!

Enjoying breakfast before hitting the shops in Downtown Asheville!

The Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn, winner of Best B & B in Downtown Asheville (Travel Smart), has been featured in 1000 Places to See Before You Die and Travel and Leisure. For more information, please check out their website: http://www.blackwalnut.com/

The Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn

288 Montford Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

800.381.3878

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