We at the Trot Line applaud and promote folks who are crafting and producing amazing products by hand every chance we get. Kristen Hard, owner of Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co., has been doing just that since 2004. Cacao is known for creating amazing “bean-to-bar” chocolate and other scrumptious treats, making it a “must visit” in anticipation this year’s Valentine’s Day. Let’s be clear for one second, this is not the type of chocolate that you find in a heart box and wrapped in red cellophane. … [Read more...]
Southern Ground: 10 Independent Coffee Shops We Love
I Love Coffee I first started drinking coffee regularly during the summers I worked at Camp Rockmont, but this infatuation did not start in earnest until I graduated college. Coffee has become a welcome daily ritual, something warm, and a drink to gather around. I’ve begun to even have particular roasts and regions I’m fond of, developing a bit of snobbery around my coffee. Hey, if you’re gonna drink it, enjoy it. Since I travel a good bit, I also enjoy the coffee shop, especially local … [Read more...]
An East Tennessee Holiday from Southern Belle Simple
Christmas is upon us and here in my sweet southern city of Knoxville, the goose is definitely getting fat. First, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Kate Spears and you can usually find me over at my personal blog, Southern Belle Simple. I was beyond honored when Kevin extended the invitation for me to contribute here at The Trot Line. For my first post, we decided I should share a little taste of the festivities going on in my neck of the woods in East Tennessee. I've lived … [Read more...]
Planning Your Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Atlanta
We have all spent some amount of time at work or in a boring professor's lecture wondering what it would be like play plan the perfect day of hooky. I can't tell you how often I sat back in my chair, wondering what I would do if I had just taken the day off. A few weeks ago, I was finally able to do it. Well, the truth is, I wasn't playing hooky. I had a Friday off in between leaving an old job and beginning a new one. Yeah, I know, it really doesn't sound that crazy. The point is that … [Read more...]