The Restaurant Where Memories are Made

I’ll be graduating and moving to college in only a couple of years. It’s pretty scary to think about, but I’m also excited… I’m sure every other high schooler can relate.

You see, I’ve lived in the same place my entire life. It’s a small city in Tennessee, around 70,000 people. And I love it. The people and community, my church and school… For me, moving to college isn’t just moving away from my family and the people I love, but leaving the place I’ve always called home.

I’ve been thinking about what I’ll miss the most when I leave. The places I’ll be eager to go when I come back. And I can say without a doubt that one place I will frequently visit when I return for weekends and breaks will be a favorite local restaurant: Tulum.

I’ve always loved Mexican food, but most Mexican restaurants are exactly the same. Same food, same style, same indoor decor. Our local Tulum is an exception to this, and I think that has something to do with why I love it so much. It stands out from all the others.

Tulum serves the typical food you’d order at a Mexican restaurant, including tacos, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, chimichangas, etc.. But rather than cooking meals that feel heavy on your stomach--like many Mexican restaurants do--everything you order off the menu is fresh and light with wonderful flavors. I could eat their steak tacos, topped with guacamole and sprinkled with cilantro, on a daily basis. I never tire of them.

But it’s not just the food that makes this restaurant so memorable. The atmosphere brings this dining experience to an entirely new level. Indoor decor consists primarily of beachy themes, with tropical photos and surf-themed objects hanging from the walls. Added to this is the high ceilings, string lights, and numerous bright colors. Some might say the decor appears cluttered or busy, but I personally believe these small touches to add comfort and familiarity to the meal.

All in all, I have to admit that the food and atmosphere are only small parts of what make this local restaurant so special.

Many people would likely say that the best family conversations take place around your own family dinner table, but I have to disagree. I think some of the best conversations can take place during a meal at a local restaurant.

I can’t even begin to count how many great conversations I’ve had at Tulum. I can remember staying and talking late into the night, satisfied and relaxed, often with my feet propped up on the booth or another chair. I've heard one of the most important parts of a meal is the fellowship, and I couldn't agree more. Meals at Tulum have allowed me to grow closer to friends and family. And this is what is most important. Because the meal itself doesn’t last long… but the memories and the people you share those memories with will.

Once I graduate and move off to college, Tulum will be the single restaurant I prioritize during my breaks at home. Yes, I’ll enjoy the great food. I’ll relax in the atmosphere that reminds me of home. But most importantly, I’ll savor the conversations and the fellowship over the course of the meal, remembering all the previous conversations I had within the same walls.

If you’re ever driving through Jackson, TN, then be sure to stop at Tulum. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

You’ll probably even see me sitting at a table with family and friends, laughing and talking over our meal, and creating memories we’ll never forget.