Gridiron Belles

How can I put so much fun into just one blog?  I can’t, so stay tuned for more stories from my trip to Knoxville throughout the week. For now, let’s just say that I’m glad there is a second book in the works; I have gathered a plethora of information for UT’s second chapter in book two!

Let’s start with downtown Knoxville.  Sure, an SEC is centered around the university, the available tailgate spots and legendary stadium– but there is so much more.

I arrived on Friday afternoon to Market Square in the heart of downtown Knoxville.  I met with a sweet UT reporter, Laura, at Café 4 and then shimmied over to be a part of “Live at 5 at 4” before picking up the prefect hostess gift at Bliss Boutique.   Just a brisk walk two blocks over I set up for a signing at Mast General Store.  Market Square was another side of Knoxville I had never seen.  It was full of lively and kind people out enjoying their Friday night before enjoying their Tennessee Saturday.

Saturday morning started off with a run with my host, Molly, with a Smokey Mountain backdrop before heading to a signing at M.S. McClellans.  ( I’ll be doing a full spot on McClellans later this week because that place is AMAZING).  After a successful signing at McClellan’s, Swoozies and I met up to hit the tailgating scenes on UT’s campus.

What a perfect day for college football. Not a cloud in the sky and a delightful 79 degrees made our tailgate hopping a cinch without a single threat of a glisten. We stopped by Volunteer Village, walked through Circle Park, ran into some KD Ladies on the sidewalk and visited fans in the 23B lot off of Andy Holt Boulevard.   How very hospitable Darsi and her friends were! Not to mention, Mr. UT made the best French fries I’ve ever tasted. Now that’s skill to do at a tailgate!

I was eager to get down to the River.  Last time I was in town, the VOL Navy was disappointingly out of town.  This time, I was determined to hang out at Calhouns and see some of the water mansions decked out in checkered orange.  But not before stopping by Figi Island where Amy and I were offered, and accepted, the most delicious grilled bologna sandwiched with cole slaw.  Can you say “entry” for the Gridiron Belle cookbook due out soon?

It’s a good thing campus is covered with hills because after French fries and bbq’d bologna (I promise it was DELICIOUS!), I needed some cardio on our way to the South’s most perfect deck overlooking the Tennessee River .  What a sight!

 

 

Short on time and koozies from Swoozies, we climbed another hill, through the G10 lot and to the entrance of Neyland Stadium.   What happened next will be another entry for another day, but let’s just say, thanks to a well connected KD, Molly and I were able to see Neyland Stadium from the field!

It wasn’t exactly a pretty game for the VOLS but it sure was a beautiful day of  being a part of Tennessee football.

Stay tuned for more stories about wearing orange…

Xs and Os,

Christie Leigh

PS-  this is possibly my favorite photo of the season so far. Rivalries start young… really young.