Are there two more lovelier words in the English language than spring break? This week, the kiddos enjoyed their annual respite from tutelage by sleeping, eating, skateboarding, going to the School of Rock for drumming lessons culminating in a quick day trip to Chattanooga. I was allowed to tag along on said trip and it was a fun day all the way around.
Before we hit the road, the kids showed me their early, joint birthday gift, a complete drum kit in icy, blue metallic. I’ve always wanted to be a drummer but a serious lack of rhythm and inherent talent put the kaboosh on that idea.
Elijah laying down a beat.
We were on the road a little after 8am. Roy and I are are easy travel companions. With XM’s 80s’ radio playing our favorite teen tunes in the background, we talked about music, movies, books, pop culture and memories while the kiddos read, did a little drawing and napped in the backseat.
Our first stop was the quirky and hilariously named Aretha Frankensteins for brunch. Located in an artsy, residential neighborhood close to downtown and the river, it definitely lives up to its funky name. Imagine walking into a quaint, old home with its creaky wood floors and inherent charm to see all the walls covered in iconic rock n’ roll concert flyers and posters, a nod to off-beat TV shows from the 60’s like The Munsters and the Addams Family, a Dark Shadows board game and a multitude of framed cereal box covers. The space is narrow like a railroad car so there’s always a wait to get seated. We sat outside taking in the early spring sun to take off the morning chill while waiting for our table.
Once seated, we all ordered a hearty breakfast to fuel up for our visit to the Tennessee Aquarium afterwards. The kids ordered a Slim Stack of pancakes and Elephants Gerald waffles. The pancakes were unlike anything I have ever seen. Over an inch thick with almost a cakey texture, they were a mile high of carbolicious goodness. Vanilla ice cream is what they usually use to top their Belgian waffle along with pecans, maple syrup, a dusting of confectioner sugar and cinnamon. Since they were out of ice cream they substituted a blueberry melange which was an utter delight to my taste buds. Roy and I both had scrambled eggs, fried potatoes and a biscuit along with bacon for me and sausage for Roy.
Patiently waiting for our table.
It has been over 20 years since I’ve been to the aquarium so I was excited. In fact, the last time Terry and I were here, they only had the River Journey. They have since added the Ocean Journey. I can’t wait!
Cartilaginous petting zoo. Kiddos giving the stingrays a little tickle.
Inside the amazing butterfly garden. Crested wood partridge out for a stroll.
Beautiful rainbow trout.
Elijah was taken by this little alligator in the Delta Swamp exhibit. Do you know how you can tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? You will see one later and the other afterwhile. This “dad” joke from Roy had me in stitches. I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
River Giant. Check out the Arapaima, the largest freshwater fish. Found in the Amazon, they can get up to 15′ in length and weigh up to 440 pounds. Their gills are modified so that they can air-breathe when necessary. Notice the unique detailing on the face and the beautiful coloring of the scales.
There were turtles everywhere: boxed, red-headed, pig-nosed, spiny, spotted, snapping, four-eyed and even an awe inspiring green sea turtle.
After leaving the aquarium, we made our way along the river front to see The Passage, a long series of waterfall steps that lead from the aquarium to a wading pool and then onto the Tennessee River memorializing the beginning of the Trail of Tears. Because it was still winter the water was not running but I imagine it to be grand.
View of the river from the top of the steps.
Our last hurrah for the day was Impulse, an interactive art installation of giant seesaws along the river front. Impossible to see in the daylight, but the seesaws light up while in use. Talk about making you feel like a kid again!
A big smoochy thanks to Roy and the kiddos for letting me spend the day with them in Chattanooga and for letting me share a few of their photos and videos as well.