Shew, it was challenging to limit my exuberance to only ten because summer is so full of life :) Which one has your vibes vibing?

1. Meteor showers! The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July to mid-August, peaking on August 13th. They say you could see up to 100 meteors per hour, and because we don't have light pollution, you’ll see ‘em! When we still lived there, my wife and I sat in the hot tub one night and couldn’t keep count.

2. Waterfalls and blue holes. We’ve had a lot of rain, and that’s good for blue hole swimming and waterfall ogling. A fave blue hole of ours is at Soddy Gulf, a quick 20-minute drive at the base of the mountain. Get there early, and you’ll have the epic all to yourself.

3. Full moons. When’s the last time you took a hot outdoor shower under the full moon as the cicadas and katydids sexed it up loudly in the woods? Call me last to know, but it never dawned on me that’s what they’re doing when they make that noise. Hahaha!

Next full moon opportunities:

June 29, Strawberry Moon
July 29, Buck Moon
Aug. 28, Sturgeon Moon

4. Lavender picking. Lavender ice cream. Lavender drinks. Oh my! Head to Flat Top Mountain Farms, which is only a few miles down the road, between June 4-28, and indulge your senses! An no problem if you're there after the 28th -- U-Pick Zinnias are next up!

5. Herbs! I loved opening the front door and picking fresh herbs for our cocktails and recipes when Why Not was our home, and it was important to keep this garden for our guests to enjoy. What are your fave recipes that come to life with a pinch of sage, mint, oregano, chives, basil, or rosemary?

6. Alfresco dining. Marinate those steaks (or mushrooms) and chop up a vibrant salad, as you sip a crisp glass of Pinot. And do it all from your outdoor covered kitchen. With plenty of prep space, a fridge, sink, large grill, and table that seats six, you’ve got everything you need for stunning sunset alfresco feasts.

7. From hot tub to fun tub! What do you do when it’s too hot to hot tub? You turn down the temp and turn it into a mini-pool. Step out of the tub, relax on the double chaise, repeat. And don’t forget the mojito with fresh mint ;)

8. Free concerts. Summertime parties are free in Chattanooga. Nightfall is every Friday evening, and Riverfront Nights is every Saturday evening. Can't go wrong with either!

9. Watching the Paragliders. The Tennessee Tree Toppers is a short walk or bike from the house and even if no one is flying, the view is stunning and worth seeing. Go at sunset and wear a hat because your mind will be blown.

Pilots come from all over the country and world, for that matter, to soar here. But the local pilots are my faves and have become life-long friends:) They were the first to come knocking on our camper door to welcome us to the area. Many are craftswomen and men who built their own unique homes near the launch. And we were grateful for their guidance as we took on our house build. Maybe you'll meet Bill and his lovely wife Jane at the launch. Bill is 94, looks 64, and can work circles around me. 

10. Literally cool vibes. We’re around 2,300 feet in elevation on the mountain, and you know what that means? 8-10 degree cooler temps in the summer (compared to the valley). And when you’re chillin on the comfy sofa in the outdoor screened living room (where we used to stay all.summer.long), it feels like heaven.

And there you have it. I’d love to know, what number is calling your name?

Cheers!

Kelly

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