Back in October, I introduced you to a blog idea that I want to share from time to time – it was called, Follow Us On the Scenic Route.  I am married to a man who likes to have adventures.  He enjoys scouring out new back roads, new restaurants, quaint areas of town in which to drive and activities that we would enjoy sharing together.  The holidays kept us pretty close to home, but now that the new year is upon us, we took the time for a date recently to a place not too far from home.  Come along and I’ll show you where we went!

We live in the Tri-cities area of Tennessee – meaning we’re in the Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City area.  All three cities are really ramping up their towns and there is more and more to enjoy in each place!

Last Thursday morning I was headed out the driveway when my husband motioned for me to roll down my car window.  He said,

Be ready at 4:30 this afternoon.  We’re going to dinner and a movie.

I love it when he tells me ahead of time that he has made plans for us!  I can anticipate and look forward to that date and it makes any difficult day easier to bear with that in my view!

At 4:30 we loaded up and headed towards Bristol via I-81. I had no idea where we were going for dinner, but when we pulled up to to 620 State Restaurant, I was sure it was a good choice!  Before going into the restaurant, we were lured into an adorable shop on the left.  It was full of handmade items, very reasonably priced.  We had a fun time browsing before we ventured over to 620.

Once we were seated and began looking at the menu, we learned that this place is known for their sushi.  My husband ordered a small plate of salmon/cream cheese sushi for us to enjoy before our dinner.  It was very good!!

Sometimes just doing something fun like learning how to use chopsticks can make a date night memorable! I was impressed by Dale’s skills!

We tried to just chat about casual things and not talk about serious matters.  We needed this time together to get refreshed maritally, physically and emotionally.  What a blessing our time together was!  Going to a new place for dinner is such fun – you get stretched out of your normal routine and get to try new menu items and surroundings!

For dinner we ordered Shrimp and Grits.  We always share an entree’ when we go out and I’m sure glad we split this meal!  It was absolutely delicious – maybe the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had!  There was plenty to share!

We left with full stomachs and an absolute intention to return!

Bristol has lots of history with it being known as the Birthplace of Country Music.  You’ll see lots of interesting memorabilia along the streets.  The nighttime view was so pretty!

Following dinner we headed to the theater to see Mary Poppins.
I’m a HUGE fan of all things Mary Poppins…(remember this from this past October?)

so I was super-excited to finally get to see this new movie!

Who else is always sad to see Mary flying away?  Her mission is accomplished and she must go.  **Sigh** It was a sweet movie and I was smitten with it!

More than that,though, I was smitten with a sweet husband would make the plans for a Scenic Route local adventure that could refresh our marriage and our hearts and give us another memory of roads traveled together!

If you’re in this area, you need to visit 620, and if you haven’t seen the new Mary Poppins, make plans to see it! Oh, and take a kleenex with you…just saying!

What adventures and scenic routes have you taken recently?

Refresh your marriage by taking a scenic route,