Wanderings And Ponderings

One of the most anticipated stops on our summer road trip? A visit to @southerngristbrewing in Nashville, Tennessee —a brewery that @BigRayinBA and I have reviewed multiple times on our podcast. We couldn’t wait to see the taproom in person, say hi, and grab some new releases for the cooler. A Brewery Born from Passion Southern Grist Brewing first opened its doors in February 2016 , founded by three friends and their spouses. What started as a small operation quickly grew—in just two years they opened a second taproom and a 9,900 sq. ft. production facility in The Nations neighborhood. Today, with 50+ employees and over 1,000 unique beers brewed , Southern Grist is a key player in Tennessee's craft beer scene. Chill Vibes, Big Variety We arrived early in the afternoon, so it wasn’t crowded—but we chatted with a couple of regulars who raved about the brewery’s innovation and variety. The staff was super friendly, the space had that clean, modern, low-...

The third stop on our road trip was a midday drink break in Nashville, Tennessee . My buddy @BigRayinBA had a quick meetup with an old friend, and we decided to fuel up at a local favorite with solid reviews: Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea .   A Cozy Coffee Spot with Local Vibes We arrived around 2 p.m. , post-lunch, and the place was buzzing with a steady crowd. Ugly Mugs is a cozy coffee shop with a great mix of classic drinks and unique specialties. I stuck with a black coffee , added a touch of half and half, and enjoyed a smooth, medium roast that hit the spot. While I didn’t branch out into anything too wild, their menu had a ton of creative options for the more adventurous coffee drinkers. Bonus: I even found new music while browsing—picked up a CD from local artist @dannystrimer . Great background music for the road ahead. Address: Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea 1886 Eastland Ave Nashville, TN 37206  If you're passing through Nashvil...

The second stop on an unforgettable road trip with my longtime friend @BigRayinBA kicked off what I’m now calling our Buffalo Wing Bonanza ! Spoiler alert: we do eventually make it to Buffalo, NY—but first, we stopped in Knoxville, Tennessee to try a top-rated local spot that lived up to the hype. Wings Worth the Exit We made a quick hop off the highway to Big Kahuna Wings (BKW) —known locally for its creative wing approach and house-blend seasoning . The wings come fried and dusted, and you choose your own dipping sauces. I tried: Spicy Garlic – bold and flavorful, easily my favorite Smoking Chipotle – smoky with just enough heat Truthfully? The wings were good enough to eat without any sauce at all . Crispy outside, juicy inside—BKW nails the texture and taste. Friends + Food = Road Trip Gold There’s something perfect about great wings and road trip vibes with your best friend. This was just the beginning, and we’ve got plenty more...

I had the chance to hit the road for an epic adventure with my buddy @bigrayinba — Destination: Maine! And what better way to start a grand road trip than with a solid local breakfast? We pulled out before dawn on a rainy Arkansas morning and made it as far as Forrest City before our stomachs took control. Time to eat—and time to go local. Local Eats, Warm Welcome We stopped at the Ole Sawmill Café , a local gem just off the highway. The breakfast buffet hit the spot with plenty of hot, hearty options—perfect fuel for a full day of driving. The staff were friendly and quick , the vibe was laid-back, and we were in and out in no time. Just as we were pulling out, a couple of locals waved from the front porch and wished us a good trip. Can’t beat that kind of hospitality. Ole Sawmill Cafe 2299 N Washington St, Forrest City, AR 72335 If you find yourself traveling through eastern Arkansas , Ole Sawmill Café is worth the stop. Good food...

Nestled in the heart of northern Arizona , Sunset Crater Volcano is a stunning geological reminder of nature's power and resilience. Formed by a dramatic volcanic eruption nearly 900 years ago , the crater and surrounding fields of hardened lava and ash stand as a testament to the land’s ever-changing story.  A Volcanic Past with a Golden Glow The name "Sunset Crater" comes from the crater’s brilliant red and orange hues—especially vivid during golden hour , when the setting sun casts a fiery glow over its cinder cone slopes. The original eruption reshaped the landscape entirely, leaving behind a raw, otherworldly terrain that’s both eerie and beautiful. Nature Finds a Way Over time, life began to reclaim this rugged terrain. Hardy grasses, wildflowers, and pines now rise through the volcanic soil. The once-barren slopes are slowly being re-covered, and the contrast between black lava flows and bright green vegetation is breathtaking. Hiking ...

A few years ago, while attending a conference in Scottsdale, Arizona , a couple of friends and I took the opportunity to visit one of the world’s greatest natural wonders— the Grand Canyon . Nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming scale and raw beauty of that first view. A Journey Through Time and Stone Each step toward the canyon rim felt like walking through geologic history , with layers of ancient rock formations stretching endlessly in every direction. The sun blazed overhead , casting dramatic shadows and illuminating hidden crevices. The contrasting colors and carved cliffs revealed a landscape shaped over millions of years. Standing on the edge, the wind gently brushing past, I felt small—but deeply connected to something vast and timeless. The canyon speaks in silence: a reminder of nature’s immense power and our responsibility to preserve these sacred spaces .   A Photographer’s Challenge Of course, I had my camera in hand, trying to ca...

Took the kiddos adventuring again after work! We’ve been to Haw Creek Falls before, but never when conditions were just right for swimming and playing. Today was that day—and it didn’t disappoint. A Natural Retreat in the Ozarks Located about an hour northeast of Russellville, Arkansas , deep in the Ozark National Forest , Haw Creek Falls has long been a cherished destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers . Its story goes back centuries—originally a sacred site for Indigenous tribes who found peace in the sound of cascading water and the serenity of the forested bluffs. In the pioneer era, it served as a rest stop for travelers journeying across the rugged Ozark terrain. Legend has it the creek was named after the hawks that once soared overhead. (We didn’t see any hawks on our visit—but we did spot plenty of fish and a couple of colorful snakes!) Easy Adventure, Big Reward Today, Haw Creek Falls remains one of Arkansas’s most scenic and access...