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As my journey through this series comes to an end, I can’t help but wrap up by including a few places that didn’t have their own stories, but are certainly worth stops at when traveling through the Smokies. 

Main Street Meats, Chattanooga

James and I were treated to Main Street Meats by some friends who used to attend church with us, and we had a wonderful time. The restaurant has several things that make it stand out: atmosphere, variety and flavor!

Regarding atmosphere, Main Street Meats is right in downtown Chattanooga, and if you’re seated outside as we were, you get to enjoy people watching while eating a delectable meal. The outside seating is enclosed during the winter months, but is just as enjoyable that way!

As far as variety is concerned, there are so many food options available for your meal. We started off with a charcuterie plate with three meats and two cheeses from their daily cured meat and cheese selections, along with some assorted goodies to add on top. Their menu is constantly changing because they work with whatever product is provided for them each week, but that adds to the spontaneity!

Every course of the meal, we were delighted by the options we selected. I ordered a Warm Smoked Turkey sandwich and James ordered one of their filet options, and we were just passing plates back and forth trying everything.

If you enjoy food, I highly recommend making a stop at Main Street Meats in Chattanooga. 

Harper Brothers General Merchandise Store, Wears Valley

Just outside of Sevierville is Harper Brothers General Merchandise store, which offers not only lovely gifts in their shop, but also skylifts (for much better prices than in Gatlinburg) and horse trail tours.

James and I bought some wonderful picture books for our nephews and some nice pottery as well.

We loved pulling off into a nice quiet place that offered beautiful merchandise, but our favorite part of the visit there was the sky lift. The lift took us up a small mountain, and at the top, they offered drinks as well as some lovely seats to look out at the view. Once you arrive at the top, you can stay as long as you want. James and I played cornhole with two employees, and they kicked our butts soundly, but we still had a lot of fun.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy time with family and friends, stop by the Harper Brothers store in Wears Valley! 

Grove Arcade, Asheville

Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville is a center for all kinds of businesses, but most of them involve local artists or art in general. There are three places that I recommend visiting, however there are plenty more options at the Arcade!

First is the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar, a lovely spot that offers you a chance to drink nice drinks while sitting amongst a two story array of used books. James and I had fun looking at the shelves and picking books to read while sipping on our drinks. I ordered a flight of mimosas, and all of them were lovely. Battery Park is a great date night spot, it’s cozy and private and has all kinds of books on offer!

If you’re into New Orleans-style food, make sure you stop by Bebette’s New Orleans Coffeehouse. James and I each ordered lovely and light beignets with a good cup of coffee for breakfast one morning. The place also has a great view of the street.

Lastly, if you enjoy collecting trinkets from local artists as much as I do, I highly recommend stopping at Mountain Made Gallery. We found unique pottery and jewelry while making a stop at the shop, but one could spend hours just looking at all the options.

I’ve greatly enjoyed sharing my newly-wed adventures with our readers. Life is always a chance for adventure, and the Smokies are a great place to start!