Whistle Stop Grill in Blue Ridge, GA

Hamburger with provolone

My husband and I went on a small day trip to look over a few cool sites he had found during his travels as a courier for a local delivery service. After seeing a couple of old houses and one marvelous old mill in Calhoun, GA, we drove up to Elijay and Blue Ridge. By the time we had looked around Blue Ridge, GA, our stomachs were growling and we were ready for some major food. We looked around and found a little hole-in-the wall restaurant called Whistle Stop Grill.

Another shot inside Whistle Stop Grill

I expected a lunch counter type restaurant and was very surprised when I walked into a dimly lit establishment. I discovered quickly this place was much more a bar and grill then just a grill. None-the-less we set down to enjoy an exceptional lunch. Since great minds think alike, we both decided to order hamburgers. I ordered a cheeseburger with the typical garden and hubby had a mushroom-swiss burger. We were not impressed with the prices since both burgers were around $9.00 each. We finally decided that price was not too bad since it included our choice of a side. Of course, we chose fries with our hamburgers.

Outside the Whistle Stop Grill

The wait was a bit longer than I am use to and I was beginning to get nervous when our burgers finally arrived. As the server placed the baskets on the table, my hubby and I locked eyes and nodded. We were both impressed. The burgers were the perfect size and looked absolutely delicious. Once we had added our condiments, we took our first juicy, greasy bites and both moaned in pleasure. They were absolutely heavenly. The seasoning of the burger was almost over done but, we loved it that way. After we polished off the burgers, we began to munch on the fries. The fries were of the shoe string variety and seasoned perfectly.

Although, the service and food were slow and the atmosphere/building was a bit rough around the edges, I would highly recommend the Whistle Stop Grill as a great place for a good burger. They are located at 500 East Main Street in Blue Ridge, GA. Since they are on the basement level, they can be hard to find but they are worth looking for, trust me. Good night and may sweet dreams of exploring the wonderful Chattanooga area come your way.

Inside Whistle Stop Grill

The Georgia Winery-The Tour

Georgia Winery by Brad Snoke

Georgia Winery, located at 6469 Battlefield Parkway, is well-known for their spectacular events and wine tasting. One day, my husband and I stopped by when they were conducting free tours with music and free wine tasting. We had a great time and want to thank the Georgia Winery for providing us with something a bit different to do.

Adrian, the grandson of founder, Dr. Maurice Rawlings, was our tour guide and informant extraordinaire. The tour began in the back processing area where we learned how the grapes were grown, processed into wine, bottled and labeled. We, then, toured the event center and the Vineyard Garden where wedding ceremonies are held. Each area was explained in detail and questions were answered thoroughly.  After the tour, we looked around the gift shop and tasted some very superb wine. The gift shop was full of unique gifts that ranged from gourmet cheese, to chocolate, to wine accessories.

Wedding Area at Georgia Winery by Brad Snoke

During our tour, it we discovered that The Georgia Winery practices a few procedures that are very admirable.  First, they bottle the wine by hand instead of machine, helping to keep people employed during this hard economic time. Second, they grow all their muscadines organically. There are neither pesticides nor chemical fertilizers used. In the beginning, the Rawlings family attempted to grow grapes similar to the Concord, but they had to spray chemicals every 10 days to help the grapes to grow here. Once they discovered muscadines grew easily and without chemicals, they rearranged their plans to match Mother Nature’s plan.

All in all, our time at the Georgia winery was enjoyable, romantic and informative. I would highly recommend stopping in and enjoy their tours, wine and gift shop. Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic date or a group of women ready for a girl’s night out, I guarantee the Georgia Winery will have an event for you. They are open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. For a listing of upcoming events, check out their calendar.

Flower at Georgia Winery by Brad Snoke

Valentine's Day Chattanooga 2013: Restaurant specials and more

Valentine’s Day 2013 is right around the corner and it is time to finalize those Valentine plans with your special someone. Whether you are looking for a special Valentine dinner or something a little different, the below list of Valentine specials has something for every couple.

Chattanooga’s romantic restaurants

Back Inn Café
411 East 2nd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Back Inn Café is hosting their annual Valentine’s Wine Dinner on February 14^th from 4 to 10 pm. This culinary delight is a six course meal where each course is paired with select wines chosen specifically for their ability to elicit the most in flavor profiles. Reservations are required for this $75.00 a person, six course meal. Please call: (423)265-5033x1. Remember Back Inn Café was voted Chattanooga’s most romantic restaurant in City Scope Magazine and Times Free Press.

Broad Street Grill
1202 South Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402 

Broad Street Grill’s 2013 Valentine menu consists of a four course meal with entrée choices for every palate, including Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Mushroom Stuffed Free Range Chicken Breast, Southern Seafood Grits and Carolina Shrimp and Sautéed Vegetable Risotto. They will also offer a Valentine’s Dessert Table that features a pink white chocolate waterfall. Reservations are a must for this two day special, Thursday, February 14^th and Friday, February 15^th.

Mt. Vernon Restaurant
3535 Broad St.
Chattanooga, TN 37409

“A Taste of Aphrodisiacs” is a sensational meal that consists of five courses of pure delight. The  dinner includes such delightful dishes as Roasted Oysters on the Half Shell, Special Arugula Salad, Lemon Sorbet, Filet Mignon and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with almond crumble and burgundy syrup. Reservations will not be accepted during this time.

Boats and Trains

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Valentine Special 

4119 Cromwell Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Enjoy a Valentine dinner on board a restored 1924 dining car. The dinner trains depart from Grand Junction Station at 5:30pm and 8:00pm. The train will travel at a leisurely pace through portions of urban Chattanooga passing Warner Park and the National Cemetery. Dinner is a four course meal with a variety of entrees. Pricing is only $120 a couple. Be sure to reserve a seat aboard TVRM Valentine Special on February 8, 9, 10 and 14.

Valentine Sunset Cruise on the River Gorge Explorer

Ross’ Landing

Take a ride on the Aquarium’s own “Love Boat” by enjoying a three-hour sunset cruise into the Grand Canyon of Tennessee.  The River Gorge Explorer will depart at 3:00pm on Saturday, February 16^th with prices ranging from $29 to $41. Complimentary appetizers will be served. Cash bar is available for wine, beer and soft drinks. For those wanting an extraordinary Valentine’s Day, the Captains on the River Gorge Explorer are all ordained ministers so maybe this would be the perfect time to, as Beyonce would say “put a ring on it”.

The Southern Belle
201 Riverfront Parkway, Pier 2
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Enjoy Shrimp Cocktail, Prime Rib and Baby Bella Chicken in Alfredo Sauce while cruising the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle. Added to this delicious dinner is a split of Champagne, a special dessert and live entertainment. The dinner and cruise is only $55 a person, but for just $42 extra, you can receive a guaranteed window seat, a bottle of Champagne or Wine with 2 keepsake glasses and a photo packet. Reservations are required.

Unique ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day

Jungle of Love: Cocktails for Conservation 
1254 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404

Do you and your special sweetheart have a common love of all things animal? Well, this Valentine’s Gift is purrfect for you. Spend an evening at the Chattanooga Zoo sipping cocktails and learning about conservations efforts. Jungle of Love: Cocktails for Conservation will be held February 8 from 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $30 and can be bought in advance or at the door.

Romance at Ruby Falls 
1720 South Scenic Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37409

Take a special lantern tour of Ruby Falls this Valentine’s weekend. On February 15 and 16 at 8 pm, Ruby Falls becomes a Valentine fantasyland with a special tour, souvenir photo, hot chocolate and a gift. Learn the love story behind Leo Lambert and his wife, Ruby.  Tour is $55.95 per couple and is y reservation only.

Georgia Winery 
6469 Battlefield Parkway
Ringgold, GA 30736
(706)937-WINE

Georgia Winery is offering two decadent events in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The first is their Wine and Chocolate Open house. This event is held every Saturday in February from 12 to 4 pm. Taste their fabulous Love Potion wine while indulging in a cascading chocolate fountain. There will be no charge for admission. The second event is a Wine & Chocolate Pairing Class held at 3 pm every Saturday in February. Dove Discoveries chocolates and award winning wines are paired up at a guided one hour class that includes a souvenir wine glass.

Bed and Breakfasts and Hotel Packages

Mayor's Mansion Inn
801 Vine Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Give you special someone the ultimate in Valentine gifts, two days at the Mayor’sMansion in 4-Diamond Luxury. Enjoy champagne, “ensuite” breakfast service, rose petal turn down and chocolate covered strawberries. Prices range from $349 to $589 and are only available from February 8 to February 16. Reservations are required.