The Canvas of Southeastern Culture
Frontier
Volume III Issue I Fall 2013
Magazine
Pigeon Forge’s newest tourist attraction pg. 4 The history of Hot Springs, N.C. pg. 22
Frontier Contributors
Melissa Mauceri
Alec Cunningham
Ashley Bell
Jonathan Nash
Senior, journalism major
Junior, journalism major
Junior, journalism major
Senior, journalism major
Mauceri serves as an assistant editor of the Frontier Magazine. She’s a cheerleader and enjoys writing about and studying fashion in her spare time. Her dream is to work for a fashion magazine as a fashion journalist after graduation.
Cunningham is a journalist and freelance writer from Corrinne Moore Knoxville, TN. Her passion for Contributing music goes back to photographer the early days of her youth. She currently works for the Music section of Blank Newspaper, Knoxville’s longest-running independent publication, writing musician interview Jacenta Holtsclaw articles and album Contributing reviews. photographer
Bell is a Journalism and Professional Writing ma- Ashley Gregg jor from Nashville, Tenn. Three years Contributing ago she decided to photographer make a change in her life and come to Tusculum. She enjoys interviews the most, because she can get many different points of view about one topic or place.
Nash serves as senior editor of Frontier Magazine. He majors in journalism and has minors in creative writing and digital media. After graduation, he aspires to become a sports journalist, in any aspect of sports media.
Ben Cash Contributing photographer
4 The island 8 Rural Reflections 12 Grand tour 14 NPac expands 18 Rustic south 22 Hot springs Pigeon Forge’s latest attraction takes tourists to new heights
Regional photography by Ben Cash
Creative nonfiction essay defines Appalachia for Kelly Edens
Greeneville venue promotes upcoming events and changes
Photography collection of Southern culture
The history behind North Carolina’s oldest attraction
Frontier Editors: Jonathan Nash, Senior Editor Alec Cunningham, Assistant Editor Melissa Mauceri, Assistant Editor Angel West, Online Editor Front and back cover images by Jonathan Nash
Obtain your free digital copy of Frontier Magazine at www.magcloud.com. Print editions also available for purchase. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FrontierMagazine
The Island: Pigeon Forge By Melissa Mauceri
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show. The wheel provides such a beautiful setting, a number of couples have already gotten engaged while riding. A resident of Pigeon Forge, Nick Miller was privileged enough to journey the very first ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. “It was long and there were great scenic views,” said Miller. Ticket prices for the wheel start at free for children ages two and under, $9.00 for children ages three to 11, $13.00 for ages 12 and up, and $11.00 for seniors ages 60 and up. Group pricing and VIP rates are also available. The wheel operates in most weather conditions; however, high wind speeds or lightning may cause the wheel to temporarily shut down. In this case, your admission remains valid until the wheel reopens. If the wheel closes for the day, you will receive a full refund. The Island in Pigeon Forge hosts a variety of shops. The Island Trading Post offers an abundant assortment of souvenirs. There are gifts, candy, toys, food, T-shirts and even more. At The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel Gift Shop you can add to your ride experience by finding the perfect souvenir. The store is filled with unique shirts and novelties that can only be found at the gift shop. Smoky Mountain Sun Shades carries a vast variety of name brand sunglasses, including Oakley, Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Costa and more. They also carry Southern Tide apparel as well as accessories, souvenir T-shirts and hats. Miner’s Gems, Fine Jewelry & Exotic Gems, hosts an expertly trained staff that can teach you about the art of jewelry. Fine jewels, necklaces and rings pack showcases with stylish stones, metals and jewels. The Fudgery is said to have the best fudge in the world. A.C. Marshall started the world’s first Fudgery in 1980. Now The Fudgery is known for its unique twist, including singing employees
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ocated in the heart of the Smoky Mountains is a fresh attraction that brings many new and exciting forms of amusement to the city of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The Island in Pigeon Forge provides retail and entertainment including restaurants, an arcade, gift shops, rides, eateries, live music, shopping and the unique sightseeing attraction The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, all of which is located on 22 acres. The Island has hours that are convenient for everyone, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 12 a.m. Family friendly live music is available at The Island every day from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. When arriving at The Island, you will be in awe of the colorful multitude of lights traveling round and round on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. People sing along to the music while enjoying drinks and pizza. Shoppers trek in and out of the stores finding their favorite souvenirs to remember their trip. Local resident Kelley Belitz said, “It has got an awesome atmosphere, live music, and fun little shops.” The Island experience is very similar to visiting Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Pigeon Forge is a mountain tourist city situated only five miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This city is also liked for the wholesome atmosphere and the Southern hospitality. The beauty of the area, as well as the range of options for entertainment, results in the city drawing over 10 million visitors each year. When visiting Pigeon Forge to go to The Island, there are many other activities and attractions for tourists to experience. The city has numerous outlet malls and music theaters, as well as the Dollywood theme park. There are also museums such as the Titanic Museum, The National Elvis Museum and WonderWorks. For vehicle enthusiasts, Pigeon Forge has car and truck shows, known as rod runs, from April through September. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel made its first turn on June 21, 2013. The wheel measures an astonishing 200 feet tall and is ranked as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast. To be exact, the wheel is 20 stories tall. When riding the wheel, guests are treated with a beautiful view of the famous Smoky Mountains. The all glass gondolas seat up to eight guests, so riders can enjoy the view with the whole family or with friends. There are 42 gondolas on the wheel, all of which feature climate control. The ride lasts between 8-10 minutes. The wheel is decorated with one million dazzling LED lights, which produce a 24,000 square foot LED light
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and showmanship while fudge making. At Create-aCone guests can have a snow cone to cool down on a hot day. The Island has something for everybody in the whole family. There are plenty of options when it comes to dining while visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge. Timberwood Grill is a lodge-themed eating experience, inspired by the famous warmth of the people who have called the mountains their home for generations. For a look at Timberwood Grill’s menu or more information on the restaurant, you can visit their web site at timberwoodpf.com. Dude’s Daiquiris serves delicious frozen daiquiris as well as craft beers from around the world. It hosts a large patio where guests can relax and enjoy the live music from The Island stage, which is located across the courtyard. Island Yogurt features over 18 flavor combinations and over 50 topping choices. It is the perfect place for those craving dessert while at The Island. Mellow Mushroom is also available at The Island. Here you can order at the counter and hang out on the patio to listen to music if you wish. Cinnabon is stationed at The Island for those craving a mouth-watering cinnamon roll. They use only high-quality ingredients that make their baked goods simply delectable. Similarly, Auntie Anne’s is known for their fresh-baked pretzels. Baked all day long, these pretzels come in a variety of flavors.
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Poynor’s Pommes Frites is inspired by the streets of Germany. This bratwurst stand has many specialty items that will grant you a taste of Europe. There is more fun to be had at The Island. Kids love bouncing around in the Euro-Bungy Dome. You can go for a spin on The Flying Horse Car ousel, and Arcade City has plenty of games for people of all ages. Much more is in store for The Island. Phase two of construction will begin in the fall with an antici pated spring 2014 debut, which will consist of a show fountain covering 11,000 square feet as well as the Margaritaville Island Hotel, a four-star hotel containing 132 rooms. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is coming to The Island in the spring of 2014 also. Opening in the fall of 2013 will be the Island Adventure Mirror Maze & Lazer Tag, Ole Smoky Steakhouse, Distillery & Retail Shop and The Island Fountain & Shops. Cayla Jordan from Pigeon Forge visited The Island for the first time in October 2013. Jordan said, “I am very excited to see what The Island will be like in the future. It has already become a really popular tourist attraction. What I like best about The Island is The Wheel. It has beautiful color-changing lights on it, and it looks especially pretty at night. I also really like the live music. The bands they pick have good taste in music and are entertaining.
low The Island on Twitter or like it on Facebook. The Island’s Facebook page has documented the progress and festivities at The Island ever since the creation of this unique entertainment setting. For more information on the city of Pigeon Forge and help planning a Pigeon Forge vacation, you can visit mypigeonforge.com. There is no charge for parking, and you will be conveniently located right at the foot of the Smoky Mountains. Much fun awaits you at The Island.
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They are also talented musicians and singers. The Mellow Mushroom has awesome pizza and wings. It is very convenient to be able to sit on the porch and eat while listening to the music. The Island is a great place for locals to go and have a good time as well as tourists.� The Island in Pigeon Forge is located at 131 Island Drive, Pigeon Forge Tenn., 37863. You can learn more about The Island at Info@IslandInPigeonForge. com, or you may call at 865-286-0119. You can also fol-
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Rural Reflections By Ben Cash
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Grand Tour By Kelly Edens
When my grandmother was still alive and well, I loved going to her house to visit. Some of my fondest memories growing up were at her home. To me, visiting her was just a slice of heaven here on earth. She was born and raised in the Jonesborough/Johnson City, Tenn. area of Appalachia. She was married by the time she was 19 years old, then gave birth to and raised seven children. My grandfather and my grandmother built their house and lived in the basement with all seven children while they were building it. My mother was the youngest child. I loved hearing my grandmother’s stories of days gone by and how much she enjoyed her life. She felt that the Lord had smiled on her. She never cooked a meal that she wasn’t willing to share with someone in need. She never knew a stranger because to her everyone was her neighbor. She never had a day where she didn’t pray. She was what Appalachia is all about: the life and times of its people. A visit to her house constantly brought joy to every visitor. Even though life was a constant collection of adjustments, there are some things in my life that were unchanging. One such thing was a visit to my grandmother’s house in Jonesborough. As I pulled up the long, gravel driveway, the first thing I would spot was her flower bed with a beautiful assortment of blossoms standing up so tall and so proud with not a weed in sight. When I would climb the porch steps I would be overcome with the wonderful aroma of something baking in her oven. Some visits it might have been chocolate chip cookies. Other times it would be her famous custard pie. Depending on the time of the year it was, it could have been any assortment of pies or cakes. Whatever it was, the scent teased the nose into knowing that it would be delicious. The screen door screeched behind me as I stepped in and said, “Granny.” I have asked her time and time again why she does not put some grease on that door. Her response was always the same. She liked the noise of the door, because it let her know she was getting a visitor. As I would step into kitchen, she would be taking that tantalizing treat I smelled coming up the stairs, out of the oven. She would dish some out on a plate and as always, asked if I wanted a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Some things never change. I am so thankful for that.
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As we would make our way into the living room, I was always greeted by a maze of family pictures on the walls and on shelves. These are pictures of children, grandchildren, and of course there are the great grandchildren. She loved each and every one as she mentioned them all by name. If she had received a new picture, she was always very anxious to show it off. She always complained that her house was a mess, but it never was. Everything was always in place and there was never a speck of dust on any of her treasures. She took pride in so many things in her life. Her home, her cooking, and especially her family were the reasons she existed. We would sit and talk for awhile. She was always so easy to talk to, constantly so pleasant and enjoyable. She would ask about my children, and said she would love to see them. She would tell me that she hadn’t talked to my mom or my sister in a while. She would always ask how they were. She talked about when my grandfather was alive. She would never fail to ask me if I remembered when he would load up all of the grandchildren on Sundays into his convertible and take us all to the Dairy Queen for ice cream cones. Even though it had been years since he passed away, I knew she still missed him dearly. When he died, part of her heart went with him. She mentioned too, how proud he would be of all of his family. It was always so hard to get up and leave. She would insist that I take home some of what she had baked that day. Before I could resist the temptation, she would already have it wrapped up for my journey home. As I would prepare to walk out the door she would hug me, telling me to not be a stranger and to please come back soon. She whispered, “I love you, Sweetie,” as I opened the creaky screen door. As I backed out of the drive-way, I would look back and see her at the door smiling her sweet little smile and waving. It was always then that it would occur to me that I did need to visit her more often, because she was getting older and she would not be here forever. Life happens so quickly and we all tend to get so absorbed in what we’re doing and where we’re going that we sometimes forget about people like my grandmother who lives for family visits. Her stories of family and of things she and her family had to endure growing up are all about the area of Appalachia. To me Appalachia is about people, their families, their hardships, their joys, their ups, their downs, and their perseverance through it all. I can truly say that now that my grandmother has gone on to Heaven, I miss her dearly. Even though visiting her took up a lot of time, I wish that I had spent even more time with her while she was alive. A visit with her was like a visit through a moment frozen in time. I just wish that I could take that grand tour once again.
Photograph by Corrinne Moore 13
Niswonger Performing Arts Center Expands
By Alec Cunningham
I Frontier Magazine | Fall 2013
f you have done any type of traveling whatsoever in the past few months, it is likely that you have noticed that a slew of Niswonger Performing Arts Center billboards have recently gone up throughout East Tennessee. The venue, which opened in 2004, has recently been taken over by new directors and has great things planned for the upcoming season and for the future of the establishment as a whole. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center, otherwise known as NPAC, is located at 212 Tusculum Blvd on the outskirts of downtown Greeneville, Tenn. As the name suggests, the venue’s main founder and current president is Tusculum College’s very own Scott Niswonger. The name of the Center was decided upon in 2003 after Niswonger donated a total of $6.3 million to the improvement of Greeneville High School, which makes use of the venue for the advancement of the school’s arts depart-
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ment. With the considerable contributions of Niswonger, the initial $2.5 million venue soon grew to a $7 million venue, and though it was originally meant to hold only 800 patrons, the venue was redesigned to hold a total of 1,500 visitors by the time of its debut to the general public. Niswonger is a recognized name within Greeneville and throughout East Tennessee as a whole for the extent of work he has done and the improvements he has made within both the Greeneville community as well as the southeastern United States as a whole. Although most Tusculum students recognize him for the role he plays at Tusculum College, serving as one of the College’s Trustees, as a member of the Executive Committee his achievements range far wider. In 1999, the Scott M. Niswonger Commons at Tusculum was dedicated to the entrepreneur because of the major role he served in raising money for the Commons’ construc-
tractions on the “Plan Your Visit” section of their website. Not only does NPAC act as an outlet for entertainment, but it also serves multiple other purposes within the community, explained NPAC executive director of programming and marketing, Tom Bullard. He said, “The primary benefit would be to provide entertainment and cultural performances that visitors can purchase, but it’s also an auditorium intended for the use of the city’s school system. We are providing a location for Greeneville City schools and Greene County schools to have performances available to larger audiences. And we are also producing paid shows to benefit the community as a whole.” Ever since Darrell Bryan, the company’s entertainment manager of eight years, stepped down in late 2012, the venue has functioned under the Knoxville-based company Creative Entertainment Management Group. This is when Bullard stepped in to head the company. CEMG works to ensure the company’s day-to-day operations are running efficiently, and they work to employee all of the venue’s staff members. With all of the billboards that have been put up around the area and the increase in marketing being done, the company has seen a dramatic increase in the variety of those attending shows. “We’re excited about all 30 shows coming up. So far, we’ve seen that over 70 percent of people attending our shows had never been here before,” Bullard
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tion. Niswonger founded his own transportation business in 1973, and in 1981 he co-founded Landair Transport, which were the first two companies to ever be taken public in Greene County. Niswonger has also played a large role in a number of other companies and corporations. Along with being the largest shareholder at Landair Transport, Inc., he also serves as chairman at Forward Air Corporation. Along with that, he holds prominent positions in various local organizations including Fund for Greene County, Greene County Partnership, and Junior Achievement in Greene County. Niswonger is also the principal donor of the Niswonger Children’s Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. Through NPAC specifically, Niswonger works to provide an outlet for the performing arts within Greeneville and Greene County, as well as within the region as a whole including east Tennessee, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia. According to NPAC’s website, the foundation believes that providing a way to enhance the arts community allows them to improve their patron’s “quality of life, produces community pride, encourages cultural development and understanding and broadens the education of our children.” The venue’s website even works to benefit the entire economy of Greeneville when patrons pay a visit to the Greeneville area by providing complete lists of nearby restaurants, lodging, and area at-
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said. “Of course, shows such as REO Speedwagon are a to grow by allowing them the chance to retain current sellout, and contemporary Christian shows have been well- sponsors and to expand their sponsorship in the future. received recently. But we’ve also seen that the attendance Bullard explained that since the venue has been esacross the board has grown through the years. We like to tablished, they have seen the community grow and flourthink that we have a little bit of something for everyone.” ish in numerous ways. “The primary thing we have seen Bullard described the company’s current marketing has been a large influx of guests from surrounding areas. plan and the lengths they have gone to in order to encourage A show we recently had attracted people from 11 states. new patrons to take advantage of the events their venue has Having such a large audience attend our shows impacts to offer. “The billboards are our primary method of adver- the entire county through the tax dollars paid, restaurants tising beginning with the 2013-2014 season. In August we visited, hotels stopped at, and that sort of thing,” he said. placed over 60 billboards in strategic locations throughout There are many things about being a part of NPAC our marketing area. The size of a particular billboard, its lo- that Bullard enjoys, but there is one that stands out as his cation, and length of display time were some of the criteria favorite part of the job. He said, “I love talking to all of the used in creating this advertising campaign which has been guests, learning about what they like and dislike, and tryextremely effective. ing to make it a venue We design all advertispeople enjoy having ing elements in-house in the area.” With the including billboards, closest major music “We’re excited about all 30 shows comnewspapers, magazines, city being Knoxville, ing up. So far, we’ve seen that over 70 broadcast television, Tenn., it is nice to have percent of people attending our shows cable television, radio, a reliable music venue had never been here before,” digital media, and socloser to the college. - Tom Bullard cial media,” he said. The venue is constant Friday, Nov. 1, ly molding itself to the venue played host better fit the interest to illusionist Kevin of the community as a Spencer and his wife Cindy with “The Spencers: Theater whole. Because of their community-oriented attitude, they of Illusion.” Similar to NPAC, Spencer’s goal was to con- strive to frame the venue by keeping the interest of the comvey his art in a way that would resound within the entire munity in mind. Since both Tusculum College and Walcommunity for guests both young and old, and to en- ters State Community College are in such close proximity courage those guests to continue to share their experience to downtown Greeneville, the venue is working to book with the community once the event was over. Niswonger shows that appeal to a younger audience than the majorcould be even seen enjoying the show in a seat located in ity of their shows have in the past. “We welcome any input the middle of the auditorium that evening. Although the you’d like to give, through email, in person, or by calling. president does not have a role in the company’s everyday We want to know what shows people would like to see, operations, he does make a point to show up for special especially college students. We don’t want our audience occasions at the venue. “Scott Niswonger doesn’t have to be only persons from 50 to 80; we want persons from a day to day presence at NPAC, however he does play an 18 to 80 visiting our venue. We would love to have more extremely vital role in determining the vision of NPAC shows that appeal to the college audience, so we would in the type of programming we present,” said Bullard. like more help on who they’d like to see,” said Bullard. Although the company is excited about each of The venue has countless concerts, plays, and balthe upcoming shows they’ve booked, there is one event the lets scheduled for their spring season including Little River group is especially excited about. “Saturday, Feb. 8, we’re Band, The Blues Brothers, Mercy Me, the play Hamlet, and having a partner event for existing and potential sponsors the Moscow Festival Ballet. You can purchase tickets to any for our company. Of course it’s not open to the public, NPAC event by calling the box office at (423) 638-1679 but it’s an event that’s really going to benefit the future of or visiting their website at www.npacgreeneville.com. the venue,” said Bullard. This event will allow the venue
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The Rustic South Frontier Magazine | Fall 2013 18
Photograph by Ashley Gregg
Photograph by Ashley Gregg
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Photograph by Jacenta Holtsclaw
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Photograph by Jacenta Holtsclaw
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Photograph by Jonathan Nash
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Photograph by Jacenta Holtsclaw 21
North Carolina’s Natural Landmark
By Ashley Bell
“ Frontier Magazine | Fall 2013
Let your worries fade and your tensions melt away.” At Hot Springs Resort and Spa this is made possible. It is located in Hot Springs, N.C. Hot Springs is famous for its all-natural mineral water tubs, its water coming from deep in the earth. It is then put into private outdoor Jacuzzis. The water is drained from the tubs and sanitized each time someone leaves. The water contains 11 different minerals in it, including sulphate of magnesia (muscle activity and laxative effective), bicarbonate of iron (corrects anemia and helps blood), chloride of potassium (helps nerves), sulphate of potassium (heart action and digestion), phosphate of sodium (protects tissue), and suplhate of line (bone structure and tooth structure). Hot Springs also offers massage therapy. Greeneville, Tenn. resident Brandon Smelcer enjoys getting a massage when he goes. “The massage is great to get after a good soaking. It’s like the icing on the cake,” said Smelcer. He goes to relax his muscles and says that he feels restored after each session. The massages vary from a full body massage to facial massages. When getting ready to soak, they have separate changing rooms, or you can change in the tub area. The tubs are secluded and no one comes in while you take your hour to soak. The tubs are located at the edge of the woods, or by the river, each locations very scenic. Each tub
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is private, but there is also the option of a group tub. At Hot Springs Resort and Spa there are cabins offered to stay in, as well as a campground. There are simple cabins to rent, or if on a romantic date, there are suites that are available with heart-shaped tubs in them. Hot Springs has five different types of cabins. The basic one is the Camping Cabin: they sleep five and have electric heat and air conditioning. The next level up is the Deluxe Camping Cabin, and in addition to the camping cabin it has a half bathroom. The Log Cabin is secluded, has a private tub, full bath, efficiency kitchen, and satellite TV. Next, is the Sandbar House, which is completely secluded, has a charcoal grill, wrap around porch, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. Finally, there is the Officer’s Bungalow, which is a 4 bedroom home and offers all the ammenities a home would have. The campground can be used for tents or RV’s, and pets are allowed on the campgrounds. Rates can be found on the website at nchotsprings.com. While at Hot Springs, one can enjoy kayaking, rafting, or even horseback riding. “It’s nice to escape reality for the moment, and to sit back and enjoy this peaceful place,” said Smelcer. Hot Springs has had some popular people make appearences. Roosevelt, Kennedy, and the Dalai Lama have all been said to have visited. “Something that I love is that on Wednesdays I get $10 off for being a Greeneville resident,” says
along with the four story hotel there, and the bath house that was created. “The bath house began as one big pool that everyone would get in, and then changed into 16 tubs; one side was for women the other for men,” says Noah. During World War I, 2,500 Germans were made prisoners of war and brought to Hot Springs. The area served as an internment camp during the majority of the war. The Germans built a village and became acquainted with the town people, and were allowed to go to their homes for dinner on certain occasions. The women had rooms to stay in, but the men had to build a place to stay for themselves. Two devastating hurricanes caused a big flood that damaged the area horribly. After the flood, most of Hot Springs was inoperable. The massages have been offered over a period of time, and were housed in trailers outside. It also took out what the Germans had built as places to sleep. After that disaster, an outbreak of the flu virus caused many to die. The casualties were buried close to Hot Springs after the war was over. In 1920 the hotel burned down, temporarily closing down the resort. Another was built called the Hot Springs Inn, used as a retreat by Catholics. The Hot Springs Inn was burned in 1977 and fell into a decline. Husband and wife Gene and Anne Hicks came
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Smelcer. So if you are from Greeneville then it would be great to go on a Wednesday and get that discount. Hot Springs has had some popular people make appearences as well. Roosevelt, Kennedy, and the Dalai Lama have all been said to have visited. This attraction also has a lot of history behind it. There used to be a boarding school there in the 1800’s, which eventually became Warren Wilson College. In Hot Springs they had the Dorland-Bell School for girls, but it began to grow and shifted to Asheville, N.C. The springs were discovered in 1778 by mountaineers. From the artifacts found it has been said that Cherokee Indians were once there as well. This is on 200 acres of land and was deeded in 1788. Many travelers would stop on their journey from Greeneville, Tenn. to Greenville, S.C. at the tavern. There was then a hotel added and it quickly became popular, along with Warm Springs. At the time, Hot Springs was known as Warm Springs because the water was not as hot as it is now. Over the years they have found warmer waters and it began to be called Hot Springs. Noah, one of the employees at Hot Springs, was very informative about the towns history. “The first nine hole golf course in North Carolina was created here,” said Noah. The golf course was called Wana Luna. This went
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in 1990 and saved the property once again. Today Hot everyone enjoys a little fun and this is the place to do it. Springs Resort and Spa stands strong with many visi- Hot Springs has many regulars. Two of the visitors tors through the year. “The fall is the most popular time in particular have been coming for many years. Dr. Ellie of the year for visitors to come, but we have business Kochek has been coming since the 80’s. “Hot Springs is year round,” said Hot Springs employee Dakota Snelson. the only true hot springs on the east coast,” said Kochek. When visiting Hot Springs Spa and Resort, the She said that the place has changed drastically since she workers were very helpful. They each said that they enjoy began coming. They used to not have their main checkworking for Hot Springs, and many people come through in building, where the spa is. The spa used to be located with interesting stories. Kelly, an employee who prepares in trailers outside. “It is nothing like a hot bathtub,” said the tubs, tells a story about a man who has cancer and Kochek. She explained that once a person gets in and comes frequently. The doctors told him that he would not experiences it for themselves, they will understand the live much longer. He began coming to soak at Hot Springs enjoyment of bathing in a hot tub. She comes to relax in and has now lived two extra years. He believes that the the tub, and believes the minerals are very helpful. Henry water is helping save his life because of the minerals in it. Gosnell, another frequent visitor said, “I have been here Many important events are also held at at least 50 times and love coming back. Today I brought Hot Springs. They include engagements, wed- my friend that has never been.” What he enjoys the most dings, and baptisms. Baptisms are held there be- are the festivals that are held, such as bluegrass and recause people believe that the water is holy. enactments. Caitlyn Jones, a one-time Tusculum College There is student, has visalso a lady who ited a few times, comes frequentand thouroughly “It’s nice to escape reality for the moment, ly to detox. “The enjoyed her stay. water is 100 perShe said that, and to sit back and enjoy this peaceful cent natural and “Hot Springs place,” is already heated was relaxing and - Brandon Smelcer to about 120 dethe people were grees,” said Kelvery friendly.Not ly. During differonly was Hot ent seasons such as summer, they will add some of the Springs beautiful, but the drive up from Greeneville was too.” cooler water from the springs to keep the temperature The employees also enjoy telling ghost stoat a nice medium. If the water is too hot in the sum- ries of the area. Hot Springs is an old Indian ground, mer, people would most likely not enjoy it. However, dur- so the workers believe that they see and hear appariing the winter, the water is usually at its full 120 degrees. tions of Indians. “I once saw a lady in a dress sitting in Hot Springs was voted best small mountain a tub,” said Snelson. “She said hello and disappeared.” town in 2012, having a population of about 650 people. Noah feels that another thing that haunts the Springs Noah said that “I enjoy the town and working for Hot could be the Germans, being that many lost their lives Springs because of the festivals that are held here. Peo- on the grounds. Another interesting story was that Sasple love to come to these festivals, and some are reoc- quatch hunters believe that Bigfoot has been there. They curring.” Sandy West, current manager of Hot Springs, have not had any serious encounters and do not believe notes that,“Festivals continue to increase in Hot Springs. the things they have seen should keep anyone away. Some have been here for as long as 20 years.” Some of The visitor’s center in Hot Springs provides the annual festivals they have include The Appalachian pamphlets on the history of Hot Springs, both of the Trail Festival, Bluff Mountain Festival, French Broad town and the attraction. It also promotes other attracRiver Festival, an antique car show, Civil War reenact- tions to visit in the town. There are arts and crafts and ments, arts and craft festivals, and motorcycle rallies. antique stores throughout the downtown section. Some The civil war reenactments they perform is the largest in of them are Emma’s Antiques, Black Horse ConsignNorth Carolina. “These festivals are all bringing in differ- ment, and Hazelwood House Gift Shop. There are ent crowds of people which are fun to see,” said Noah. also grocery stores, one in particular named Hillbilly “Visitors can enjoy music outside and sometimes a fire at Market. For great dining options, Hot Springs has cathe pit,” said Snelson. It is a place to chill and relax, but sual taverns and fine dining. Spring Creek Tavern has
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Frontier Magazine | Fall 2013
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over 50 bottled beers and 12 on tap. “Many love to go there after a long day and enjoy a beer,” said Noah. They have a Kick’N Chick’N sandwich that is definitely worth trying, as well as chili. Their prices are reasonable and would be a great visit if you go to Hot Springs. While visiting, you don’t have to stay at Hot Springs Resort and Spa because there are other places to lodge. There is a cabin called Grandma’s House which is 2.5 miles away from Hot Springs. It is in a quiet neighborhood and has a big backyard, located near hiking and a swimming hole. It has a cottage feel and also new hardwood floors. Wolf Creek Cabin is located 5.5 miles away from Hot Springs. It is secluded and has a covered porch, with hiking trails easily accessible. Each cabin comes furnished with full size kitchens, linens and towels, and Direct TV. There is also a 54-mile driving tour starting at the Madison County courthouse. There are many sites to see on this drive, taking spectators past the French Broad River and Spring Creek. These bodies of water feed into the Hot Springs. Hot Springs is a beautiful place to visit. It is a perfect getaway for any amount of time. At Hot Springs one can relax in the tub, get a relaxing massage, and go rest the night away in their cabin. They can also go hiking, ride horses or go rafting. The history of the town is remarkable, and shares many stories. If you have not already visited Hot Springs, it would not be a letdown.
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Frontier Magazine | Fall 2013
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