My name is Alex Hawker and I have called Tennessee home since 2012.
Being from Australia and having married my Nashville wife is what first brought me to America. Then after having children and raising my family, my wife and I now call Tennessee home.
And as I began to venture about the state, the more I grew to love the state.
From the mountains and little towns of East Tennessee up to places such as Chattanooga, Knoxville and the city of Nashville, I am struck by how much there is to do and by how beautiful the state really is! I love the mix of scenery, history, music, food, local culture and the kind of out-of-the-way places you come across when traveling the long way home.
Since we have several family members in the music industry too, living in Middle Tennessee has been an even more fascinating journey for me to witness just how ingrained music truly is here.
Inside, you will find ideas for things to do, places to visit, weekend trips, small towns, restaurants, Nashville, East Tennessee, attractions, scenic spots, places to stay and a good many places you had not heard of before.
Now I do not pretend that I have visited or seen every aspect of Tennessee, that would be far from the truth of what I have seen and done, which really is part of the fun of it.
Even though I have lived here for over 10 years now, there are so many towns I have not seen, roads I have not driven, restaurants I have not tried, and places I want to experience with my family.
I honestly believe it is one of the most beautiful and spectacular states in the country and I look forward to exploring more of it and sharing with you what I find along the way.
I am glad you are here and I hope we can find some favorites of your own at Real Tennessee Life.
- Alex
