Tailgating in Tennessee

Get ready to dust off your jerseys, bring out your blankets, and pump up the team spirit because tailgate parties are back in action! In the heart of the mid-south, where football isn't just a game but a way of life, the excitement is palpable as fans gear up to support their favorite teams. 

As summer starts to give way to the crisp air of fall, the anticipation for football season reaches a fever pitch. Whether you're a die-hard college football enthusiast, a dedicated NFL fan, or your heart is at Friday Night Lights, there's one tradition that unites everyone: the beloved tailgate party. It's more than just a pre-game ritual; it's a celebration of camaraderie, competition, and good old-fashioned fun.

Tailgate parties are a canvas for creativity, where fans deck out with team flags, banners, and all sorts of spirited decorations. It's a chance to showcase your team allegiance in the most extravagant and imaginative ways. But really, it's about FOOD! If you're hanging out at home for game time, it's also a chance to show off your culinary creativity. Cue the charcuterie board! (Side note--so many people ask me how to pronounce it; so here you go: shahr-koo-tuh-ree)

Charcuterie boards are fun for the tailgater, but sometimes it's hard to think of new ideas. I love The Cheese Board Deck (above) because there are 50 different cards with colorful examples and a plan of exactly how to do the board. Paired with a pecan honey mustard appetizer recipe, and you're in for a treat.

Can't you just smell the aroma of mouthwatering grilled delicacies wafting through the air and hear the buzz of friends and families reuniting for another season of gridiron action? From hotdogs and burgers to game-day chili and finger foods, the tailgate menu is as diverse as the fan base itself. Sharing food, stories, and laughter with fellow fans creates an atmosphere that's electric with positivity and team loyalty.

So, as the mid-south prepares to dive headfirst into football season, remember that it's not just about what happens on the field. It's about the bonds formed over a shared love of the game, the memories created with friends and family, and the joy of coming together. So, grab your team colors, your blankets, fire up the grill, and let the tailgate parties begin – because there's nothing quite like the energy of football season in the mid-south!

Until next time,

Joy