I am part of a small but growing expat community here in East Tennessee.  No, I don’t mean expat as in from another country (though sometimes it seems that way), but those from other more populous states and cities, who have been brought here by the serendipity of employment or the lure of a cheap retirement location.  I grew up and spent most of my years in the huge southern California city of Los Angeles, and when I wasn’t there, I was in San Francisco and the DC Metro area of Washington DC, or living abroad in Europe.   

When my husband and I go out for a cocktail or dinner, we often run into other expats and most of the time after we all confirm our expat status, we hear the laments of “there is absolutely nothing to do here if you aren’t into high-school football , country music or flea-markets”, or” why aren’t there any really great restaurants or bars here”?   This is usually said with hints of longing for our  past life in the city.

This made me wonder.  Is there a way to enjoy what East Tennessee has to offer when one comes from the sophisticated and endless entertainments of the large cities?  I will try to answer this question by exploring my own adopted hometown and state, experiencing it through the eyes of a person who loves art, architecture and history and really appreciates good food and drink along the way.  Up until now I have been among those who felt starved for the old life.  Surely I can find that life here also?   We'll see!