From Snacks to Sightseeing In Hixson: A Family Travel Guide Full of Flavor and Fun

 

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Nestled just a short drive from Chattanooga, Hixson, TN, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for those looking for a weekend escape. With its charming small-town atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious dining options, this town is the ideal destination for those seeking a refreshing break. Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor activities, rich local flavors, or cultural experiences, Hixson is the place to be. 

Here’s how you can ensure your time here is full of flavor and fun:

Exploring Hixson’s Unique Charm

This destination is more than just a quiet town. It's a gateway to relaxation and adventure. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to Hixson allows you to unwind and embrace the slower pace. One of its best features is its proximity to nature. The nearby parks, lakes, and hiking trails offer a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Whether you're enjoying a scenic walk through a local park or simply lounging by the water, Hixson provides a peaceful retreat from city life. With friendly locals and a welcoming vibe, it’s no wonder that people love to spend their weekends here.

Local BBQ Delights

No trip to Hixson is complete without tasting the incredible BBQ the town is known for. With its rich, smoky flavors and tender cuts of meat, the Hixson BBQ scene is a standout. Buddy's bar-b-q is a place to check out that offers a variety of smoked meats, perfect for anyone craving a mouthwatering meal. The cozy atmosphere and family-friendly service make it an excellent stop after a day of fun. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a newcomer, the flavors here will definitely leave you coming back for more. It’s the perfect place to take a break and indulge in some of the best barbecue in the region.

Hitting the Parks: Fun and Adventure for the Kids

Hixson is home to some of the most beautiful parks and outdoor spaces where visitors can enjoy fresh air and plenty of activities. Whether you prefer to go for a hike, rent a bike, or simply take in the views, the local parks offer endless opportunities for fun. Chester Frost Park is a popular spot for a family day out, offering trails, playgrounds, and even picnic areas where you can unwind. For those looking to get a little more active, the nearby trails offer scenic views and a great way to stretch your legs. Parks in Hixson are the perfect places for both relaxation and adventure.

Family-Friendly Attractions

In addition to outdoor activities, this destination offers plenty of local attractions to keep everyone entertained. The area features museums, petting zoos, and even local festivals that provide hands-on experiences. One popular destination is the Chattanooga Zoo, located near Hixson, where visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with animals from all over the world. The town also hosts events throughout the year that are perfect for young and older visitors. From holiday festivals to live music, there’s always something exciting happening in Hixson.

Fun at the River: Water Activities for All Ages

For families seeking a fun way to cool off, Chickamauga Lake offers a variety of water activities suitable for all ages. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or simply enjoy a leisurely day on the water. The calm lake waters provide a perfect setting for beginners and seasoned water enthusiasts. If you're not into water sports, simply enjoying the views from the shore is equally relaxing. Whether you want to splash around or simply relax by the water, Chickamauga Lake is a great way to spend a day in Hixson.

Discovering Local History and Culture

For those who enjoy diving into history, the surrounding area offers a variety of cultural and historical landmarks that bring the past to life. From local museums showcasing the region’s heritage to interactive exhibits offering a hands-on experience, history buffs and curious visitors will find plenty to explore. A visit to a nearby historical center will provide insight into the local culture, including how the community has evolved over time. These attractions offer the perfect mix of learning and entertainment, ideal for making memories with adults and children.

Treating Your Sweet Tooth With Delicious Desserts

After a hearty meal, it’s time to indulge in some of the best desserts around. Local bakeries and ice cream parlors are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, offering everything from classic cakes to decadent pies. For something a bit different, stop by a local shop specializing in handmade chocolates or try various local flavors at one of the area’s famous ice cream shops. Whether you’re craving something fruity, chocolatey, or creamy, there’s no shortage of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

Shopping for Souvenirs with Unique Finds for Everyone

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to love in the local shops, which feature everything from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal home goods. For a more personalized experience, head to a nearby craft market where you can pick up local art, handmade clothing, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or simply want to browse, these stores provide a unique shopping experience. Be sure to take home a token of your visit, whether it’s a locally crafted piece of pottery or a beautiful piece of artwork.

Find Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you stumble upon by chance. For those looking to discover something a bit more unique, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Small farms, tucked-away trails, and scenic drives offer plenty of opportunities for a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path adventure. Take a leisurely stroll through a local nature reserve or enjoy the serenity of a secluded lake. These lesser-known spots offer the perfect way to enjoy some quiet time while exploring new places that many visitors may overlook.

Relaxing and Unwinding: The Best Places to Stay

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a cozy retreat, the area offers a range of accommodations to suit all preferences. From boutique hotels to charming cabins, there are plenty of options to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Many places offer amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and outdoor spaces that allow guests to relax and unwind after a day of activities. Choose a spot with family-friendly services to ensure everyone can enjoy a stress-free and comfortable experience during your stay.

From local BBQ joints and outdoor parks to hidden gems and cultural landmarks, this destination offers a perfect balance of flavors and fun. The combination of delicious food, exciting activities, and a laid-back atmosphere makes it the ideal place for creating lasting memories. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience packed with tasty meals, scenic spots, and endless enjoyment.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

My go to recipe for a sweet treat is oatmeal chocolate chip bars! My family loves them and they are so easy I can whip them up in under an hour. I keep a few in the freezer to pull out for emergency dessert on a long day, just in case the cookie jar is empty!

I love oatmeal. It is one of those foods I didn't develop an appreciation for until I was in my 40's. Now I love it for breakfast like this brown sugar overnight oatmeal recipe. I use it in sensory activities with the kids and of course, I make snacks like oatmeal chocolate chip bars with it!

You will love this recipe because it is made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, and it is so easy!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Blondies

Makes 16 servings

½ c melted butter, cooled 

½ c light brown sugar, packed

¼ c granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

¾ c flour

1 c old fashioned oats

1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350.

Add brown sugar, granulated sugar and melted butter to a large mixing bowl.

Mix until smooth.

Add egg and vanilla and mix until evenly combined.

Add baking soda and baking powder to the batter.

Add flour and oatmeal, mix until well combined.

Add chocolate chips and stir until mixed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the parchment lined pan.

Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, be careful not to overbake or the cookies will be very chewy.

Allow to cool before cutting.

Make 4 cuts across the blondies and turn, then make 4 more cuts.

Makes 16 servings. 

You can wrap these in parchment and place in a freezer bag and freeze to enjoy later.

Find more favorite recipes here:

3 Ingredient Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Top Tips For Dealing With the Aftermath of a Workplace Injury

 As a parent, you’re likely knowledgeable about what to do when your child is injured. For example, you’ll be able to spring into action right away should your child fall when playing sports. However, we’re not as quick to respond to our own ailments, making dealing with the aftermath of incidents such as workplace accidents tricky.

Photo by Maskmedicare Shop on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some top tips for navigating your way forward after getting injured at work. 

1. Follow the doctor's orders. Following the doctors’ orders as closely as possible is one of the easiest ways to deal with the aftermath of a workplace injury or accident. This is because doing so means that you are prioritizing your recovery and health, as opposed to trying to jump back into your busy routine right away. 

While taking time off work at this point is a no-brainer, you should also ask for help when it comes to caring for your kids, too. After all, parenting is a full-on job even when you aren’t recovering from an accident, and those around you will be more than happy to pitch in. For example, they will likely be more than happy to help with tasks such as the school run or keeping your home clean and tidy.

2. Reach out to a lawyer. Reaching out to a lawyer is also highly recommended during this time. This is because if you were not at fault for the accident, then you can seek out compensation that covers everything from your medical bills to long-standing pain and suffering that you may deal with. 

Ideally, you should reach out to an experienced lawyer who has worked on similar cases in the past, such as a member of the legal team at Thomas Law Offices. This ensures that your best interests are protected moving forward, as your legal team will help you work toward the best possible outcome in court. 

3. Keep your children in the loop. While you may want to protect your children by keeping the extent of your injuries hidden, you should make sure that you do not leave them out of the loop entirely. This is because doing so can feel a little invalidating, especially if they are not sure what is happening around them. As such, you should find an age-appropriate way to talk about this with your child, being sure to answer any questions they may have.

4. Don’t go back to normal until you’re ready. Parents often feel guilty about taking a step back from their normal routine, whether that’s at work or around the home. This is because they constantly have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. However, it is crucial that you do not go back to your normal routine until you are mentally and physically able to do so.  Take care of yourself and get plenty of sleep.

Final thoughts. As a mom, dealing with a workplace injury can be frustrating in more ways than one, especially if you’re no longer able to keep up with your to-do list. However, there are plenty of steps that you can take to deal with the aftermath.

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Vacation Photos Look Professional

 There’s something oddly disappointing about flipping through your vacation photos and realizing they just don’t hit. The beach was glowing, the streets were full of life, and that sunset? It felt straight out of a movie. But somehow, even with a good camera, the photos don’t quite capture the moment.

Turns out, it’s not just about fancy gear. What really counts are a few simple choices that make all the difference. Curious what those are? Stick around. This blog will walk you through five easy, effective ways to make your vacation photos look—and feel—more like the real thing.

Let’s get started!

1. Master the Light—It’s Everything

Photos don’t need to be perfect—they just need to feel real. And nothing makes that happen more than good light. Aim to shoot during the golden hours—early morning or just before sunset. It makes everything look softer and more natural.

Midday sun, though? It can be rough, harsh light, hard shadows, and blown-out skies. If that’s your only window, try to find a shaded spot or change your angle. And if it still doesn’t look right, don’t stress. You can always turn to light meters for photography to help dial in your settings.

These tools tell you exactly how much light your subject is getting, so you can set your camera just right. For beginners, something like the Sekonic L-308X-U is perfect. It’s lightweight, reliable, and easy to find from reputable online stores.

2. Think About How You Frame the Shot

Composition is what makes a photo feel clean, balanced, or even emotional. It’s not about being technical—it’s about how you guide the viewer’s eye.

A super-easy trick? Use the rule of thirds. Imagine your photo split into nine squares. Then try placing your subject on one of the sidelines instead of dead center. It often makes the photo look more natural and thoughtful.

Also, look for leading lines—roads, fences, even shadows—that pull the viewer into the frame. Got an archway or a window? Use it to frame your subject. These small details help your photo feel more alive.

3. Use the Gear You Have—But Use It Well

If you're using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ve already got a powerful tool in your hands. But here’s the thing—auto mode doesn’t always know what you’re trying to shoot.

So try this instead:

• Use aperture priority mode to blur the background in portraits.

• Choose a faster shutter speed for movement, like waves or street scenes.

• Use manual focus when your camera keeps picking the wrong subject.

• Turn on exposure preview, so you can see what your settings look like before clicking.

And if you’re not sure what a setting does? Experiment. Take the same shot with a few different settings and see what changes. That’s how you learn. Every small step makes the next one easier.

4. Add People to the Picture

It’s easy to focus only on places. But you know what makes a photo feel personal? People in it. Especially people doing something, not just posing.

Candid shots work great here. Maybe it’s your friend walking through a market. Or, someone is laughing in the middle of a conversation. Or maybe someone’s sipping coffee at a sidewalk café. These moments show what the trip felt like, not just what it looked like.

And yes—get yourself in there too. Set a timer. Use a small remote. Or just ask a stranger to help. These photos might seem small now, but they will become the ones you’re most glad to have later.

5. Edit, But Keep It Real

Editing is there to help your photos look more like what your eyes saw, not to change the whole vibe. So, keep it real. And no, you don’t need a laptop and professional software. Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile are free and simple to use.

Start small:

• Adjust brightness and contrast.

• Add a little warmth if the photo feels too cold.

• Lift shadows slightly if details are lost.

Avoid going too far. If the colors look fake or the skin tones feel off, pull it back. A good rule? Edit until it looks like how it felt when you took it.

Final Thoughts

Great vacation photos aren’t about expensive cameras or filters. They’re about noticing the right light, framing the moment, and using your camera with a bit more care. Keep it simple, stay curious, and enjoy the process. With just a few small changes, your next batch of photos might just feel like the trip itself.

The Restaurant Owner’s Guide to Setting the Perfect Table From Day One

 

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When opening a restaurant, most owners focus on the food and staff, and for good reason. But the table itself, how it’s arranged, and presented often gets overlooked, even though it plays a key role in the first impression and shapes how guests feel before the meal begins.

New York, NY, dining scene sees some of the highest restaurant turnover rates in the country, with competition so fierce that even small missteps can impact survival. Whether you're launching a casual brunch spot or an upscale dinner venue, getting the table setting right from the start helps set the tone, strengthens your brand, and enhances the dining experience.

This guide covers the key steps to create a well-set table from day one, no matter where you're opening your doors. 

Defining Your Restaurant’s Style and Theme

Before picking out plates or folding napkins, start by clarifying your restaurant’s concept. A fast-casual spot has very different design needs than a fine-dining steakhouse or a family-style trattoria. Your theme should guide every table detail, from the type of glassware to small touches like napkin rings.

With your concept in place, the next step is choosing table elements that not only match your theme but also leave a lasting impression. Some items, like linens, play an essential role in how guests perceive your attention to detail. High-quality linens reflect care, reinforce your brand, and shape how guests experience your restaurant from the moment they sit down.

In New York, not all linens deliver the same results, especially when it comes to consistency, maintenance, and long-term value. That’s because the city’s fast-paced dining scene puts intense, repeated strain on table materials, revealing weaknesses in quality and durability.  You can overcome this problem by hiring a local New York restaurant linens provider, which offers higher-quality materials, faster service replacements, and support that understands the demands of the city’s dining scene, all without the headaches of delayed shipments or one-size-fits-all packages.

Essential Tableware and Tools: What You Really Need

Once your theme is locked in, you can start gathering the essential items. You don’t need to go overboard—just cover the basics with quality pieces.

Here’s a simple checklist to get started:

• Plates – dinner plates, appetizer or salad plates, and dessert plates.

• Flatware – forks, knives, and spoons (consider dessert forks or soup spoons if needed).

• Glassware – water glasses, wine glasses, or specialty drinkware, depending on your menu.

• Napkins – cloth or high-quality disposable, based on your restaurant type.

• Place mats or tablecloths – optional but can elevate the look.

• Condiment holders or bread plates – if your menu calls for them
  
  

Stick with a clean and consistent look, and avoid mixing too many styles or colors. Starting simple is better—you can always add special touches over time.

Table Layouts 101: Space, Flow, and Functionality

A well-set table isn’t just about what’s on it—it’s also about how it fits in the room. A cramped layout makes it hard for guests and servers to move around. A table with too much empty space can feel cold or unfinished.

Here are a few tips for getting it right:

• Leave at least 24 inches between chairs for guest comfort.

• Walkways between tables should be wide enough for servers to move freely—36 inches is a good minimum.

• Avoid placing tables too close to restrooms or service areas.

• Use square, rectangular, or round tables based on the flow of your dining room.
  
  

It also helps to think in terms of party sizes. If your restaurant is more likely to host couples or small groups, focus on 2-tops and 4-tops. For family-style restaurants, go bigger and keep flexibility in mind with tables that can be pushed together.

Table Setting Techniques for Different Service Styles

Your service style will determine how elaborate your table settings need to be. A fine dining restaurant will have a very different setup compared to a fast-casual bistro.

Casual Dining

• One plate per setting

• One fork, one knife, and one spoon (if necessary)

• Water glass

• Paper or a simple cloth napkin

• Condiments on the table (if part of the experience)
  
  

Formal Dining

• Multiple forks (salad, entrée)

• Multiple knives (steak, butter)

• Dessert spoon or fork

• Bread plate and butter knife

• Water and wine glasses

• Cloth napkin, folded neatly or placed in a napkin ring
  
  

Make sure all items are placed evenly and aligned with each other. For formal setups, forks go on the left, knives and spoons on the right, and glasses above the knives.

Small Touches That Make a Big Impact

It doesn’t take much to take your table from basic to beautiful. A few thoughtful touches can create a memorable experience for your guests.

Here are a few ideas:

• Centerpieces – small flower arrangements, candles, or seasonal decorations

• Table tents – include specials or wine pairings

• Branded napkins or coasters – subtle but effective for brand recall

• Personalized touches – handwritten place cards for events or private dinners
  
  

Make sure any decorations are low enough that guests can see each other across the table. And don’t overdo it—less is often more.

Training Staff to Maintain Table Standards

A perfect table at the start of the day means little if it's not maintained throughout service. That’s where your staff comes in. Everyone should know what a “finished” table looks like—and how to reset it quickly and correctly.

Here’s how to make it part of your routine:

• Include table setup in your onboarding process

• Create visual guides or checklists

• Do a pre-service walk-through to make sure all tables are set properly

• Encourage team members to spot and fix issues during service
  
  

The more consistent your tables are, the more professional your restaurant will appear.

Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Tables

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common table-setting mistakes to watch out for:

• Dirty or wrinkled linens

• Smudged glasses or fingerprints on silverware.

• Overcrowded tables with too many items

• Inconsistent setups across the dining room

• Wobbly tables or chairs
  
  

Regular checks and team accountability can help prevent these issues before they become a guest complaint.

Setting the perfect table isn’t just about plates and napkins—it’s about creating an experience. From the first glance to the last bite, your table setup helps guests feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. It shows that you’ve thought about every detail, even the ones they might not notice right away.

By making smart choices and training your team to uphold those standards, you can ensure every table looks its best from day one. It’s a simple but powerful way to build trust, boost your brand, and keep customers coming back.