Wild Women Afloat on the Tennessee River

Every year my sister and I take a long weekend away together and just have fun.  It's something we both look forward to greatly: we bond, we laugh, but mostly we just relax.  We have had some "complications" in the past couple of years--both my children decided to get married two summers ago and her daughter graduated from high school last year--no expenses there right?  But this year we were right on track with our planning, with the Gaylord Resort in Nashville being our choice for this summer.  I have never been but always wanted to and looked forward to sharing it with her and then with you, my readers.  Unfortunately Mother Nature decided to nix that idea with the Resort as well as significant parts of Nashville experiencing extreme flooding and damage.  So I got out my pile of Southern Living Magazines, (otherwise known as the "bible" for Southern travel, gardening, decorating, and entertaining) and lo and behold there was a newish article on my sister's hometown, Chattanooga, TN with several really cool hip and historical things to see and do right there.  So our plans have changed--we're going for an adventure on the Tennessee River!

Our first destination is an overnight stay at the Delta Queen.  The Delta Queen was the last surviving steam powered paddle boat to carry passengers overnight until just recently when she was docked  in Chattanooga.   The Delta is so significant, she was inducted into the Marine Hall of Fame.  I didn't even know they had such, did you?  We can stay in a passenger cabin with private bath and luxurious sounding linens and appointments.  I am a sucker for high thread count aren't you?  In addition to unique, historical accommodations, we are going to enjoy paddle boat type evening entertainment, just as passengers have enjoyed for decades.

As well as fun times and a great room, a complimentary breakfast is served to guests each morning.  A floating bed and breakfast, how about that?

To finish off our Tennessee River adventure, I think we should take a dinner cruise or a daytime sight seeing cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat that operates up and down the River.  A great dinner, scenic views, music, dancing--you don't get much better than this.

I will keep you posted on our trip which takes sail in mid-July.  I'm pretty excited as you can tell and will be full of descriptions and pictures when I return.  If you are a local, please send me pictures or recommendations of things to visit in the area--I am always on the look out for fun things for the gals!

Until later, Sandy

Sandy, thedivacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, an independent consultant with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.