Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Moseying Around a Little Corner of Chattanooga

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I have a bit more free time than I would like here in Chattanooga. I don’t have to be at rehearsal until 3:00 today. Usually when I am on the road and this happens, I hop in my rental car to explore some interesting place I have heard about or a neat vintage shop or a bookstore. I don’t have a rental car this time. We are on the edge of downtown Chattanooga. There really aren’t any shops at all around here and it being a Saturday, downtown essentially becomes a ghost town. Last night, I read about two places I thought might be interesting: a converted factory called The Shoppes at Warehouse Row and an antique shop – both of which were in walking distance. When I called the number for the antique shop, it was no longer in service. That idea was quickly tossed.

So this morning I walked all around the area – something I like to do when I am visiting a new place – I found the Shoppes at Warehouse Row. Call it the Shop at Warehouse Row. Only one shop – an exclusive bedding store – is open. I went inside and walked around. Nothing is open or even close to open yet. The security guard I chatted with told me that everyone was hoping the place would take off. Several stores are slated to open in the next several months. I have to say that the renovations are lovely and I’m crossing my fingers for downtown Chattanooga.

Here is the outside entrance to this former train station turned hotel:

Detail of the domed ceiling in the lobby.

The ceiling dome (hard to get a shot of the whole thing – I have my older small camera with me.)

The Chattanooga Choo Choo – remember the song lyric? “Track 29….you can give me a shine.”

The original platform with some of the train cars that are now used as hotel rooms or dining cars.

I am off to rehearsal. Tomorrow I return home to husband and dogs. I miss my pillows and my bed and, of course, my husband and dogs. I like these little short trips but I am so happy to return home. By the way, my husband said it was very cold there last night. Wait a minute, its only the beginning of October!

One more thought: I don’t want anyone to think I don’t like Chattanooga! I’m sure it is charming and that there is much to see. But remember the title of this post was “…a little corner of Chattanooga.” Unfortunately, that is all I am able to see on this trip. I must say that everyone I have met and talked to is so nice, polite and friendly. I am definitely impressed by the people of Chattanooga. Maybe I can get back some day and see more!

Vintage Black Friday in Chattanooga

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Today is Vintage Black Friday – I almost forgot about it as I am on the road. Luckily, I saw another blogger’s post and realized my error! I am in Chattanooga on a gray, rainy and humid day. I just came back from buying some coffee – the coffee in the room is okay enough to get me slightly awake, but I need something stronger to get me through the day. I miss my Peet’s French Roast.


Some of you have seen this little shoe before…it was my Grandmother’s shoe when she was a baby. I only have one. The black leather is still amazingly soft – check out the sweet white buttons. The books underneath the shoe are also black and vintage. Both are written by poet Edgar Guest, who was my father’s godfather.

I’m staying at a converted train station called the Chattanooga Choo Choo – yes, I am telling the truth. The main lobby and restaurants are all in the converted train station. Its a Holiday Inn. My room is in another building that looks like it was built in the 60’s and has the unfortunate look of a bunker. There are vintage train cars on the tracks leading to the main lobby – some are dining cars and some are sleeping cars.


They have been refurbished and guests can stay in one of the vintage cars if they choose. (I noticed they don’t have Wi-Fi, so that would be a no-go for me!)

I’ll try to get some more photos when it stops raining. I’m off to find some food before I go to rehearsal.

Off on a Little Trip

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I’m off on a trip to Chattanooga for a few days. I will be working on The Wizard of Oz – you remember that I coached the National Tour last year? This is the second tour with many new cast members. Should be fun! I will be back on Sunday. I’ve never been to Chattanooga and I have a feeling I won’t see too much as I’m only there two days.

I’m taking some knitting, a book to read, my script and my new copy of Jeanne d’Arc Living – the new English language version. I’ve forced myself not to peek inside so that I can have it with me on the trip!

We’ve been glued to the television every night watching Ken Burns’ new series on The National Parks. Gorgeous. Brilliant. I’ve learned so much! Husband and I would like to just hop in a Winnebago and take off on a tour of all these wonders. Maybe some day…

I’ll blog something or other while I am away. Stay tuned.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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