It’s a little gloomy outside today, but the vibes are still bright! Yesterday I had the best time celebrating Skinny Deville’s 50th birthday at Atlantucky with the Nappy Roots fam and some amazing ladies. Good vibes, laughs, and memories all around — that’s what life’s about. 💕
Now, back to my Candlelight Conversations with Cece setup… and you KNOW I had to share a few candle gems with you:
🕯️ Set the Mood with These Amazon Finds
✨ Debossed Pink Bow Pillar Candle – chic, coquette vibes, perfect for journaling, décor, or self-care moments. 👉 Grab yours here
✨ MELONY Massage Oil Candle – melts into warm massage oil for ultimate relaxation. I love the Coconut Cream scent! 👉 Get yours here
✈️ Travel Journey Update: We’ve started the adventures in Georgia and Tennessee—next stop coming soon. Stay tuned for more states, stories, and hidden gems with Cece in the City!
💖 Thanks for being part of the journey. Let’s keep making memories, setting vibes, and celebrating YOU!
Hey everyone! As you know, I’ve started fresh with my blogging and vlogging journey, traveling to all 50 states. My first stop was Georgia, and I hope you all enjoyed that adventure. Now, let’s dive into State #2: Tennessee!
Although my trip was cut short due to a family emergency, I know I’ll be back—especially since I still need to explore Nashville! But for this visit, we made our way to Chattanooga, a city rich in history and scenic beauty.
Ruby Falls: A Hidden Wonder Beneath the Earth
Our first stop was Ruby Falls, home to the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S. The journey through the cave was a bit of a workout, but seeing that breathtaking waterfall made it all worth it. The water cascades down, changing colors as lights illuminate it, creating a magical scene.
Lookout Mountain: A View Like No Other
Next, we visited Lookout Mountain, a place steeped in both natural beauty and history. Though it was getting chilly, we managed to take in the stunning view. From the top, you can see seven states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. It’s incredible to think about standing in one spot and gazing across so many states at once!
A Stay at the Historic Hotel Chalet
We checked into the Hotel Chalet, a charming spot with a unique twist—train car hotel rooms! Unfortunately, they were all booked, but I did get a chance to see them up close. Just imagine staying inside a vintage train car turned into a cozy hotel room. Next time, I’m definitely staying in one!
Dining in a Piece of History: Stir at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex
For dinner, we headed to Stir, a restaurant located inside the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. The food was amazing—I had shrimp and grits along with some oysters. If you’re ever in Chattanooga, I highly recommend it!
Walking Across History: Walnut Street Bridge
Even though it was a bit too cold to take a full stroll, I got to check out the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. I can’t wait to go back when the weather is warmer and take in the views at a leisurely pace.
Bonus: A Book, a Breakfast, and a Story
For breakfast, we stopped at Big Bad Breakfast (BBB)—and let me tell you, it was delicious! I had French toast and scrambled cheese eggs, and I even got a taste of my daughter’s pancakes. The service was top-notch. But here’s the cool part—the founder, Chef John Currence, has a deep passion for breakfast, and he even wrote a book called Big Bad Breakfast. Of course, I had to get it! The book is filled with stories and recipes, blending food and storytelling—right up my alley!
The Soundtrack of Tennessee: ‘Tennessee’ by Arrested Development
Every state needs a song, right? For Tennessee, I had to go with “Tennessee” by Arrested Development—such a classic! Fun fact: I actually had the chance to interview Speech, one of the members, for my Where It Begins magazine. I’ll drop the link below so you can check it out!
2 states down, 48 to go! Where do you think I’m heading next? Stay tuned for my next adventure, and if you’d like to support my journey, visit buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity. See you in the next state!
A. I am Speech, from the crew Arrested Development. I am a hip-hop artist, been out since the late 80’s.
Q. What was it like bringing all these legends together for this project?
A. It is always great working with legends of hip-hop, people you admire and look up to, and it was hip-hop at its finest. I am proud of how it all turned out.
Q. What else do you have going on outside of the new project?
A. Just proud of the project. Proud of my children and all the endeavors they have going for themselves currently.
