fall {creek falls}

As mentioned back here, my mom and I took a weekend excursion to Fall Creek Falls State Park.  When mom asked what I'd like to do for my birthday this past summer, I mentioned my desire to take a trip with just her.  She immediately shared that she'd love to go see a waterfall.  Living in Nashville the past couple of years, I'd heard several friends rave about the breathtaking falls out in East TN.  The great thing about this particular state park is that it is big.  I mean, really big.  Covering more than 20,000 acres, you can experience those beautiful moments of feeling like you're out in the middle of nowhere.  You know, without being actually out in the middle of nowhere!  Not only do they offer primitive camping, they also have cabin rentals, as well as room rentals in their guest inn.  We opted for the hotel accommodations!  We checked out a handful of their amenities, including onsite dining (who doesn't love a good all-you-can-eat buffet?), paddle boat rentals, game room access and hiking trails.  But they also have fishing, biking trails, horseback riding, boat rentals, swimming, golfing, special events and much more. 

Well, we didn't come that far not to see a waterfall, so we journeyed down the 256 foot trail to the base of Fall Creek Falls.  This namesake boasts to be the highest waterfall in the eastern US.  It was slow and steady hiking due to the fairly steep and rocky grade.  And boy was the trek worth it. We just had to remind ourselves of that as we puffed back up the trail!  If you prefer a more level hike, there are several other falls within the park, including Piney and Cane Creek Falls.  

So if you are around these parts looking for a refreshing getaway, check out Fall Creek Falls.  After all, Southern Living magazine readers voted it the best state park in the southeast!

framed

More exciting news for Lunchbox Buddies friend, Emily Shackelton-James! Cassadee Pope, winner of Season 3 of NBC's smash hit, The Voice, released her debut solo album, Frame by Frame, Tuesday October 8th. What is most exciting about this fun fact is that Track 11, "Proved You Wrong" was co-written by our very own Emily! In the video below you can hear Cassadee talk about the meaning of the song and how it was her perfect note to end her album on.

The Lunchbox Buddies aren't the only people excited about this track and album, so are the music experts at Rolling Stone! Follow *this link* to read up on what they are saying about Cassadee and our dear Emily Shackelton.

ROCing in the USA!

fang fingers

Thanks to a special promotion by Bridgestone Arena, the Lunchbox Buddies were able to head downtown to see our Nashville Predators take on the New York Islanders ("sucks!"). It was a special night for us because the tickets were FREE! through a promotion we heard about at work. And you know us... we're always up for a free treat!

While the action on the ice was thoroughly entertaining, it was even more fun to watch and listen to Sarah's reactions to these events. Her surprise when the first punches were thrown less than two minutes into the first period was priceless. Yes, Sarah, they fight. And yes, it's okay.

I am so glad that Sarah was willing to body check her fear of heights to sit with me waaaaaaay up in the top level (they were free seats, afterall). There were only a couple of dicey moments, primarily when Sarah realized that she would have to stop white knuckling the seat in front of her to rise at the singing of the national anthem. I feel confident it felt like the longest demonstration of patriotism she's experienced in quite some time. 

The Preds made it happen, defeating the Islanders ("sucks!") 2 to 0. It was a cool way to spend a Sunday night and get to experience something new together. Keep your eyes and ears open for free events around town that you and your buds can enjoy!

wipeout weekend

T-minus three days until Funny Hill's participation in Nashville's ROC Race. 

That's right, this Saturday while Allison is waking up and considering how she won't be getting out of bed just yet (or ever!), I will be cruising around the TN Fair Grounds for the Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC) 5k with my neighborhood buddies.

 

If you haven't heard about ROC Race, and I quote, "We took a 5k course and combined it with the crazy game show themes from favorites like Wipeout, American Gladiators, Double Dare and MXC."  'Nuff said.  More to follow...if I live to tell the story.  Did I mention there is a belly flop drop??

What the scrap?!

Well, folks, Summer 2013 is coming to a close. Seriously?!?! Some moments I just can't believe it!

 Just yesterday it seemed like we were bringing out the shorts and tank tops, planning the weekend canoe trips (that one is for Sarah, obviously) and thinking about how we could take advantage of every drop of sunshine these middle months had to offer. And just like the summer season is winding down, so is my 2012 scrapbooking project. The photos have been assembled, the mementoes organized by date, and the handmade elements are almost complete.

 

 

As I journeyed through the memories of last year, I couldn't help but see how busy the late summer/early fall time of year was in 2012 and still is in 2013. The picture above gives you just a glimpse of what the Lunchbox Buddies were up to a mere year ago, taking in the sights (*ahem, baseball pants) of the local minor league team, catching some legit tunes at LOTG, and tapping into our theatrical side with Nashville Shakes and a trip to TPAC. And this year is proving to be no different, and that is just the way we like it. Full of laugher, full of activities, full of connection, and full of life. Sarah and I can't wait to share with you what the next few weeks holds for us and hope that your moments of reflection about how you spend your time are as exceedingly good as ours.

fall{ing} for LA

Oh, Fall, it is nice to hang out again! 

Last year, Allison and I celebrated the beginning of cooler weather with Live on the Green's Thursday night concert series featuring the Alabama Shakes here.

 

This year I am taking in Local Native's Live on the Green performance with a just-moved-to-town friend, Anna.  She is a big fan and was so excited to catch this free show (did we mention it's free??!!).  After cyber stalking YouTube videos of the band, I have to admit I'm really looking forward to tonight's show. 

 

Nashville friends, join us for some fun on this beautiful Thursday evening! 

 

And, Southeastern friends, don't fret!  Local Natives is spreading the love with shows in Birmingham and Atlanta at the end of this month and beginning of October. 

 

Their music is described by Sarah Bellman for LA Music Blog as

"...understated at times and powerful at others — is the point at which the psychedelic and folk genres intersect. The band calms and provokes their audience both lyrically and melodically, and they consistently deliver music that transports listeners to a beautiful, thought-provoking world."

 

Click here to read full review of their sophomore album Hummingbird. 

In case you are still in doubt, check out the video below!