Ringgold, Georgia is exactly what you picture when somebody says "small town." Your neighbors actually know your name, and if you need help, all you have to do is ask. I raised my kids in this town, and the school system is still rated highly. 

I think Ringgold works especially well for two kinds of people:  Families who want their kids to grow up somewhere they can wave at three neighbors just walking to the mailbox, and empty nesters and retirees who are ready to slow down a little but aren't ready to give up convenience, because you're still a short drive from everything Chattanooga has to offer. You get the small-town peace without actually being cut off from anything.

And if you want to be even more tucked away, we've got that too. There are pockets up here with mountain views that'll take your breath away.

For those of you who don’t know, this is also where Dolly Parton got married! I have a special connection to Dolly because my daughter works as a chef at Dollywood. She cooks for the bus you can rent and one group wanted meatloaf. She used my grandmother’s recipe and was able to share a piece of our family with a very happy group.