May 2013 • FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Page 2 | May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Our Cover Story
See Rich Traditions at East Tennessee’s Premier Celebration of all Things Scottish May 16-18 at Maryville College, TN |www.smokymountaingames.org
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he sounds of bagpipes will once again fill the Smoky Mountains this May, so grab your kilt and get ready to immerse yourself in all things Scottish at the 33rdand Games. The Festival will be held May 16-18, 2014 on the campus of Maryville College, and is East Tennessee’s premier celebration of Scottish culture and history. It is estimated that more than one million Tennesseans are descended from Scots-Irish ancestry. Our location in the heart of The Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect backdrop for you and your family to get a wee glimpse of Scotland and to discover and appreciate the rich traditions and history of the Scottish and Scots-Irish settlers of our area - extraordinary people whose courage, determination and pioneering spirit helped forge what was to become an independent United States of America.
supervised children’s play area with games, face painting, and family activities.If you have been to The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games before, we look forward to your return and to the rekindling of old friendships. If you have not yet had the opportunity to attend, the volunteers and sponsors who make our Festival possible extend a personal invitation to you and your family to come join us. Come for the pipes and drums; come for the history; come for the athletic competitions, entertainers and exhibits; come for the food and drink. Come and have a great time.
“For centuries, traditional Highland games revolved around athletic competition, which is still an annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival integral part of the Festival today - but we offer so much more.” said Dan Greaser, President of the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games. In addition to Highland heavy athletics, the festival will include many activities and events, such as Highland dancing, pipes and drums, musical entertainers, food and merchandise, clans, heritage organizations, animal exhibits, sheep dog herding demonstrations, and much more. Music is everywhere at the Festival and in addition to the dozens of pipes and drums bands, two performance stages will showcase the best in both modern and traditional Celtic music. Seven Nations, whose modern sound has thrilled international audiences, will headline the Main Stage, which also includes the fiddling and dancing sisters of Maidens IV, the tribal sounds of Pictus, and local favorites Four Leaf Peat. For those who prefer a more traditional sound, Scottish balladeer Colin Grant Adams leads an impressive slate of entertainers on the Traditional Stage, including Lachlan and the Good Thyme Ceilidh Band. An evening Ceilidh (concert) with all the bands is the climax of Saturday’s musical program.Festival-goers will also enjoy traditional Scottish foods and offerings from the British Isles such as meat pies, shortbreads, and haggis. The merchandise vendors are specially chosen, and offer Scottish, Irish, and Celtic goods not normally found in stores, with everything from leather and jewelry to kilts and sporrans. To round out the Scottish Festival experience, there is a Dinner and Gala on Friday evening and two Scotch tasting seminars on Saturday. Sunday’s activities include a worship service and the popular fun dog show and parade.Tickets to the 2014 Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games are now available online at www.smokymountaingames.org. There are several ticket packages to choose from with significant early purchase discounts. Children under 14 are admitted free, and there is a May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center
2014-2015
TENTH SEASON AND COUNTING... Riders In The Sky
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | 3 P.M. The best in Western music since 1977, the group features award-winning harmonies, wacky Western wit and high-yodeling adventures — the only exclusively Western artists to have won a Grammy Award. A return engagement by popular demand.
Broadway’s Next HIT Musical
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 | 7:30 P.M. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny! The hysterical Broadway’s Next HIT Musical is the only unscripted theatrical awards show. Master improvisers gather made up, hit song suggestions from the audience and create a spontaneous evening of music, humor and laughter.
Cinnamon Grits The Musical: “Christmas in the South” FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 | 7:30 P.M.
This companion piece to the popular “Girls Raised in the South” provides a Southern look at all things Christmas! Food, family fun, friends and CHAOS!
Travis Ledoyt a.k.a. “The World’s Best Young Elvis” SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015 | 7:30 P.M.
Come and celebrate Elvis’ 80th birthday in this tribute to the man who shaped a generation. Ledoyt flawlessly captures the essence of Elvis in his prime — the hits and ambience of 1954-59.
MAN 1 BANK 0
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015 | 7:30 P.M. A true story of luck, danger, dilemma and one man’s epic, $95,000 battle with his bank. Patrick Combs tells the amazing-but-true story of how he deposited a junk-mail check marked ‘non-negotiable’ – hoping to spread a little banking cheer to tellers – and how it erupted into a staggering and funny David vs Goliath-like adventure that still continues today.
Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger & Comedian Glenn Singer FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 | 7:30 P.M.
Audiences treated to Trefzger’s vocal illusion talents may meet a drunken and lovable camel, a grumpy old man, or a feisty little girl, and be brought into the action! Featuring Comedian Glenn Singer: A Man Who Rides A Horse-Of-A-Different-Color On Stage.
We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015 | 3 P.M.
A concert celebrating the music of one of the most successful recording acts of all time. Long ago and, oh, so far away…the world fell in love with the Carpenters and their era-defining repertoire. Led by Michelle Berting Brett and accompanied by a seven-piece Nashville band, the show re-creates the Carpenters’ original sound.
Tickets on Sale Now! 828.227.2479 | fapac.wcu.edu A PRESENTATION OF THE COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
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Sponsored in part by Friends of the Arts
May 2013 • FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
A Note From Our Publisher When I was a little boy we’d drive up into these mountains – dad driving so fast we were almost air-born and me in the back seat with the binoculars looking out for “the man” (police). I never got to find out, but I often wondered if my father would actually try to out-run “the man”. I pictured my mom as Bonnie, dad as Clyde and my sister and I being two bank hostages in the back seat. On the way up, my father hated to stop for anything. It was a dishonor in our family if you had to go ‘you know what’ because then he’d have to pull over and that didn’t settle well with him. “I just passed thirtyseven cars and now you want me to stop and let them all get ahead of us again?!” Needless to say, there was a lot of cramping in my family. But I guess I couldn’t blame him. He wanted to get up here in all this and once he was, his attitude would change entirely. Stopping became ‘everything’. “Look at that waterfall”, and he’d pull over and stop. “Look at that mountain face,” and we’d stop and have a sandwich on the side of the road. So many memories my sister and I have of these gorgeous mountains: strawberry fields, streams, beautiful trails, corn fields, hiding behind waterfalls, skimming stones on lakes – it was and still is such a magical place. Now that it’s May, our corner of the world is thriving and buzzing with things to do. I sincerely hope that all of you go out and have fun creating your own memories. And if you will, should you see any of our advertisers, please tell them we sent you. All the best, Mike
Inside...
Fun Things To Do in the
Our Cover Story 3 - See Rich Traditions at East Tennessee’s Premier Celebration of all Things Scottish Spotlight 19 - Open House at Catman2, Inc. Spirit of Appalachia 15- Brown Drops of Chinquapin Memories 30 - Events & Festivals
MountainS.net Mike Walker Publisher funthingstodo@adelphia.net 310-775-5165 Terry Patterson Account Executive Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery & Watauga NC Counties, East TN & Southwest VA funthingstodoterry@bellsouth. net
NORTH CAROLINA 10 - North Carolina Wholesale Amy Ammons Garza Gem & Jewelry Trade Show Account Executive 12 - Cory Plott--Brown Drops of Graham, Northern Jackson, Chinquapin Memories Macon & Swain NC Counties 16 - Start a Mother’s Day Tradition 828-631-4587 in Franklin NC with “Airing of the Quilts” Melissa Cloyd Digital Marketing Specialist 16 - Mossy Creek funthingsmagazine@gmail.com 17 - A Book is a Present You can Open Again and Again--Books Unlimited Send Advertising Payments to: 18 - Smokemount Riding Center Fun Things To Do In The Mountains 22 - Spring Bluegrass Festival P.O. Box 491 | Johnson City, TN 37605 23 - Mad Batter Food and Film 24 - North Carolina Garden Jubilee 25- 11th Annual White Squirrel Please thank your favorite Festival 26 - Village Square Art Show mountain town EAST TENNESSEE 8 - Great Deals To Be Had At ‘Antiques and Estates’ in Knoxville, TN 9 - Harper’s Happy Trails 20 - Call for Vendors--Christmas Connection 21 - History in Store VIRGININA 7 - There’s No Place Like Barter for the 75th Anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” 11 - The Most Exciting Bike Ride You’ll Ever Take!
establishment for supporting our free magazine highlighting festivals, music and other mountain adventures covering 50 counties in Western NC, East TN, Southwest VA, Northwest GA & Parts Of SC!
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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ehc.edu/summeradventure-program
harrisj@ehc.edu
276.944.7121
A small camp where big adventures happen!
Visit the Abingdon Farmers Market in May, on Tuesdays from 3pm-6pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm. The market will be in full swing with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, prepared foods, arts & crafts and kids activities!
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May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
There’s No Place Like Barter for the 75th Anniversary of
“The Wizard of Oz”
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his year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” but there’s no better way to see Frank L. Baum’s magical story than live and on Barter’s stage! “’Oz’ is a fantasy dream and as a result of that there are a lot of special effects and a lot of wonderful spectacle that happens,” explains Director Richard Rose, “the magic and fantasy of this story will be absolutely eye-popping.” Over eighty people (actors, designers, production artists and crew members) have been working months to guarantee audiences go on an unforgettable, musical adventure on their way to see the great and powerful wizard. Barter is pulling out all the stops with delightful munchkins who dance and sing, flying witches and monkeys, the beautiful dance sequence of the tornado, and the glorious effects in the wizard’s chamber. Kristy Bissell has been cast to play Dorothy Gale and sing THE song, “Over the Rainbow.” Formerly a Barter Player, Bissell has been with Barter Theatre for the past few years, and this is her first starring role in a main stage production. “Kristy has a voice simply to die for,” according to Richard Rose. Barter audience favorite Sean Campos will portray the Scarecrow as new
members of Barter’s Resident Acting Company, Andrew Hampton Livingston and Zacchaeus Kimbrell, will play the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, respectively. Kimbrell joined Barter in summer 2013, lending his amazing voice to musicals like “Les Misérables” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” and then entertaining audiences as one of the “kids” in “A Christmas Story” last December. Livingston is the newest member of Barter’s Resident Acting Company, appearing this spring as the jilted fiancé Jamie in “I Do, I Do, I Do.” Audiences may not know that he is a trained singer and dancer who has been tapping since he was three years old. His Tin Man will have a tap number, giving him the opportunity to collaborate with Barter’s Resident Choreographer Amanda Aldridge. Hannah Ingram takes on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West, in all her green glory, and attendees will enjoy watching her “melt” onstage before their eyes. In total, there will be twenty-five actors on stage, and a little dog, too! Kona Kringla will play Toto. She is a spirited Jack Chi brindle and was adopted from the Washington County Animal Shelter in TN. Kona is proudly represented by her owners and trainers, the Bubar family. The whole town of Abingdon is getting in on the fun in a town wide summer celebration. Local businesses are developing special products now with
a “Wizard of Oz” theme. A few examples include limited editions of the following: Babycakes Cupcakery’s Ruby Red Slipper Cupcake with glittery red icing, Figaredo’s Emerald Pizza, a mostly green pizza with pesto sauce, and Bonefire’s We’re Not in Kansas Anymore Barbeque. A complete list is available at bartertheatre.com. Patrons will also notice a little more on the Virginia LOVE letters. Barter’s scene shop has crafted bright red OZ letters to go along side the sign offering everyone a nice background for a photo opportunity. The 75th anniversary of the movie makes this an extremely special event,” says Rose. “There are a couple of things that make this Oz unique, aside from being a professional production and the attention to detail. Namely, this cast is by far the best cast I’ve seen do Oz, ever, anywhere. They dance, sing and have a wonderful ability to create memorable characters and tell the story. I know this production will go down in the history books at Barter.” “The Wizard of Oz” begins previews on May 17. Ask about Washington Barter’s family package. For tickets and more information County, VA visit BarterTheatre.com or call 276.628.3991.
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Great Deals To Be Had At ‘Antiques and Estates’ in Knoxville, TN
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ntiques and Estates , offers a large variety of old, vintage and new items. Furniture, jewelry, collectables, clothing, garden items, home décor, art, gift items are just some of the things we have for you to purchase. You must come in to see us in person! Please be assured you will not be wasting your time when you visit our store located in Knoxville, Tennessee. We would love to see you! Your visit would mean a lot to us. Our dealers have a great selection of well - priced goodies for your shopping pleasure. You will always be greeted by our friendly staff as you enter our store. We think you will be happy that you came in to see us and shop our large selections of items we have to offer. We are always looking for new vendors. Please let us know if you are interested. We offer Lay-Away if needed. Master Card, Visa are also accepted. Mention you saw us in Fun Things To Do In The Mountains and get 10% off your purchase. Located at 5613 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. 37919. Mon-Fri 10-5:30 | Sat 10-5 | Closed Sunday | 865-240-4287 Like Us on Facebook – Antiques & EstatesVintage Collectiables
Antiques & Estate Vintage Collectables
5613 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865-240-4289 M-F 10-5:30 | Sat. 10-5 Closed Sunday Like Us on Facebook -Antiques & Estate Vintage Page 8
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Knox County, TN
Wear Else! East Tennessee’s Premier New & Resale Boutique
Mon-Thurs 10-6 | Fri & Sat 10-7 www.WearElseKnoxvilleTN.com | Facebook.com/WearElsestores 2 Locations 7519 South Northshore Drive 7550 Brickyard Rd. Knoxville, TN 37919 Powell, TN 37849 Located in Rocky Hill Center Located Next to Bojangles 865-691-8494 865-947-9277
Mesh Bracelets Stones set in White, Yellow or Rose
Custom Designs Clock & Watch Repair Estate Jewelry • Jewelry Repair Citizen Watches Sterling Silver Jewelry
Gems & Metalart Jewelers
Tony Underwood ~ Jeweler on Premises Hablamos Español 1068 S. Hwy. 92 • Dandridge, TN 37725 865-397-1810 email: gemmetal@bellsouth.net
Harper’s Happy Trails
Recently on a beautiful Spring day, my owner and I decided to head to Laurel Run Park (the picture with me) located in Church Hill, TN, in search of waterfalls and Spring wildflowers. I enjoyed smelling the pretty, bright colored Virginia Bluebells, Gaywings, Creeping Phlox, and Trillium. And of course I loved playing in the pool of water at the base of the very scenic waterfall and also while crossing the creek, which is part of the trail leading to the falls. I also enjoyed an early Sunday morning hike at Warriors Path State Park (picture on the right), located in Kingsport, TN. I enjoyed hiking past the carpets of Trillium on our way to one of several overlooks. May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Sullivan County, TN
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North Carolina Wholesale Gem & Jewelry Trade Show Comes to Franklin, NC | May 9-10-11, 2014
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em & Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc. (G&LW), host of the larges wholesale gem show on the east coast, has been in the business of promoting wholesale business to business trade shows for over 35 years. This wholesale gem and jewelry trade show has seen more than 2 million Attendees, 60 thousand Exhibitors, 1,000 plus Shows in 34 States and the District of Columbia. With more than 200 exhibitors and the diversity of products at many of the G&LW shows gives business owners the opportunity to try new and different merchandise. On May 9 through 11, 2014, Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers will once again be open for business at the Watauga Festival Center, 426 Watauga Road, Franklin, NC. This large tent show will go from 10am—6pm on Friday and Saturday, May 9 & 10; and on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, from 10am—3pm. The crowds are usually large and buyers from many states will be in WNC for the show. There is plenty of onsite parking at the show location, and it is free. Visitors are required to have a sales tax license and proof of business. Many vendors want a copy of the sales tax license also, so come prepared. Guests of a business are permitted, but all visitors will need a pass. Artisans Neal and Nanci Hearn of Franklin each own their own small business in need of gems, so each year the two spend a day at the local G&LW gem shows. “We go to the show because of the vast array of quality gemstones,” says Neal. “No where else could we find that, and here it is in our back yard! I have been attending for 30 years, in fact it was the primary reason I started coming to Franklin. You would have to travel to Arizona to find a gem show of this magnitude. I see people leaving the show with carts full of stones of all kinds and some finished products. These, for the most part, are artisans like Nanci and myself...or gem shop dealers and stores. I would say the 90% of the gemstones I use to decorate my glass boxes come from one of the two G&LW shows in Franklin.” Neal’s business is called Boxes by Neal, where he presents fused glass boxes with gemstones and copper as well as other fused glass and gemstone pieces. Check out his
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
boxes at wwwboxesbyneal.com, and find a complete list of his shows on the website. Nanci makes one-of-a-kind natural gemstone gemstone jewelry using stones usually purchased at the G&LW shows. She markets her hand crafted jewelry as Sylvia & Vivian’s, and her work can be viewed online at www.sylviaandvivians.com. A complete list of her shows can be found on her website. “Nanci and I purchase Agate, Jasper, Amethyst, Turquoise, beads, findings, and much more at the G &LW show,” Neal says. “I can find all the gemstones I need in this one place! There are also faceted gemstone of all kinds including diamonds, finished sterling silver jewelry, and many other type of finished jewelry. The show is totally professional from one end to the other, even with such a large number of vendors (hundreds) in an enormous, well-organized air-conditioned tent. There are also a number of outdoor venders that sell everything from rough gem material to beads and more. Nanci and I love spending the day there; it’s like Christmas in May!” North Carolina Shows May 9-10-11, 2014 in Franklin, at the Watauga Festival Center July 24-25-26-27, 2014 in Franklin, at the Watauga Festival Center July 31-August 1-2-3, 2014 in Spruce Pine, at the Cross Street Commerce Center October 21-22, 2014 in Asheville, at the U.S. Cellular Center Contact Information Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc. P.O. Box 98 Flora, MS 39071-0098 Phone 601-879-8832 Fax 601-879-3282 E-Mail info@glwshows.com www.glwshows.com Flora, MS 39071-0098 Phone 601-879-8832 Fax 601-879-3282 E-Mail info@glwshows.com www.glwshows.com
Macon County, NC
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The Most Exciting Bike Ride You’ll Ever Take!
he Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon Virginia to the North Carolina state line near Whitetop Va. Every year more than 250,000 visitors from all over the world travel to Southwest Va. to experience the most beautiful bike trail in the country, winding gently downhill from the trailhead at Whitetop train station, bikers travel through the Jefferson National Forest over dozens of trestles & bridges and alongside the breathtaking views of the Whitetop Laurel Creek. About midway through the first 17 mile stretch you will come across the Creeper Trail Café where many cyclist stop to enjoy lunch or a piece of their world famous chocolate cake, with interpretive signs and historical sites along the way such as Whitetop, and Green Cove train stations where O, Winston Link captured some of his most famous photographs during the 1950’s the Virginia Creeper Trail has something for everyone. Actually crossing over the Appalachian trail and Running through the tiny mountain town of Damascus & continuing on for another 17 mile stretch to the Historic town of Abingdon where you will find a huge selection of restaurants, antique shops, and of course the world famous barter theatre. Creeper Trail Bike Rental & Shuttle with two locations on the trail, ( Whitetop & Damascus ) has been in business for 7 yrs. and we provide shuttle service 7 days a week year round by reservation. We offer only quality TREK bikes in various styles and sizes and can accommodate everyone from couples to the largest groups, our employees are all native to the area and we take pride in making sure your visit to our area is one you will never forget. So load up your bike or stop in to rent one of ours and let us shuttle you and your family to the trailhead for a day of Washington outdoor fun that can be enjoyed by all ages. You can call us at 276-475-3611, or email us at creepertrailbike@aol.com for reservations, or visit us online at www. County, VA creepertrailbikerental-shuttle.com for more info.
Creeper Trail Bike Rental & Shuttle OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK YEAR ‘ROUND
101 East Jackson Street Suite 101, Gate City, VA www.robertsfamilybakery.com
276-690-BAKE (2253) The ORIGINAL and LARGEST Shuttle Service
Open 7 Days a Week! Call for Reservations!
276-475-5095 or 1-800-475-5095 info@blueblazebikeandshuttle.com blueblazebikeandshuttle.com
Your Adventure is Waiting!
Call or Email your reservations! Whitetop, Virginia 276-388-3056 Damascus, Virginia 276-475-3611 info@creepertrailbikerental-shuttle.com www.creepertrailbikerental-shuttle.com
501 East 3rd Street Damascus, VA 1-276-475-3629 1-866-475-3629 thebikestation.net May 2013 • FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Cory Plott - Traditional Potter The Works of the Hands are Faithful and Just Dogwood Crafters | Dillsboro, NC By Amy Ammons Garza
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s a member of the Plott family, Cory Plott has a great history here in the mountains. In 1750, two young brothers left Germany and immigrated to America with three brindle and two buckskin Hanoverian Hounds. One boy died on the way but the other, sixteen-year-old Johannes George Plott, settled in Bute County, North Carolina. He Anglicized his name to George, built a home, married, raised his family and bred his dogs. His son, Henry, continued the breeding program and for the next seven generations (over 200 years), the Plott’s were mountain men who bred the family dogs. As Plott men built homes and raised families all over the Smoky Mountains, their dogs became known by their family name and were referred to as the Plott’s hounds. Cory, as a child, would sit with his grandfather watching birds at home in Waynesville, and listen to the story of the Plott Hound. This time with his grandfather evolved into the young boy loving to draw birds and other natural things. Then, as an adult, he discovered how much he loved pottery...for it “spoke to him”...the function and work of creating. He began to study the history of the art of pottery and to search for scholarships to learn the craft. Applying, he won two scholarships from Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro, and another from Quick Draw in Waynesville. As a natural fan of the old country, he was drawn to the ancient Peruvian pot, with the use of wood ash. The glazes would turn glasslike, with pooling (the build up of glaze)-characteristics which puts emphasis on the surface texture of the piece being glazed. When the glaze is mostly made up of ash, the
final result is mostly dark brown to green. The pots with these glazes resemble the earth in color and texture. To create the ash, the wood needs to burn completely in a kiln. Wood-ash is around 1% the mass of the original wood; therefore, a lot of wood is necessary to produce the ash. The ash is then put through a sieve to eliminate the excess clumps from the ash. “My work has evolved greatly with my lifestyle,” he smiles. “I live in my father’s old home in Waynesville...a home heated with wood. It just seems to be in my blood. I demonstrate at Quick Draw events and then donate toward the scholarship for others to pursue their dreams.” He pauses. “My own dream is to eventually create what I call “Sinks for Scholarships” ...I want to do this for the future of the arts. And, also, I hope to be able to create the trophies for Plottfest, a festival held in Maggie Valley...maybe not this year, but next year, with dog mugs.” Now established as a proficient potter, Cory is a new artist represented at Dogwood Crafters Cooperative in Dillsboro. He was juried in with his unique chicken pots, Calla Lily vases, lamps and other special pottery pieces. “Each time I begin a pot,” he smiles, “it’s like the first time. I throw on an old pottery kick wheel and get lost in the creation. It’s a love thing.” Come to Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro, 90 Webster Street, and check out the pottery of Cory Plott, a North Carolina mountain Jackson traditional at the young age of 22! The co-op is open seven days a week from County, NC 10am until 6pm.
Dogwood crafters
Featuring over 100 artisians
Dillsboro, NC
828-586-2248 Page 12
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
}
Working Studio and Gallery } 828-371-3808
27 Church Street • Dillsboro, NC Biker Owned & Operated
BBQ Beef, Pork, Chicken, Baby Back Ribs & Lots More
Full Selection of Domestic & Local Beer
403 Haywood Street • Dillsboro, NC 28723
828-586-9556
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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SPRING BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, MAY 17
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#ULLOWHEE "APTIST #HURCH A PLACE OF GRACE AND PEACE
Bluegrass Music
11 am to 5 pm Arts, Crafts and Food Vendors Performing on the Outdoor Stage • Stecoah JAM Kids (Junior Appalachian Musicians) • Tori & Katie Jones • Grandpa’s Mountain Music • The Leftovers • Valley River Trio The Schoolhouse Cafe open all day Special Talent Competition from 1 pm to 3 pm on the Outdoor Stage • Heritage Alive Mountain Youth Talent Contest sponsored by 4-H and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Rules and registration available by calling Heather Gordon 828-586-4009
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7E WELCOME ALL TO JOIN US FOR WORSHIP 3UNDAYS AT AM #ENTRAL $RIVE #ULLOWHEE .# ! #ONGREGATION IN 0ARTNERSHIP WITH THE #OOPERATIVE "APTIST &ELLOWSHIP 2EVS 4ONYA AND *EFFREY 6ICKERY 0ASTORS
828-479-3364 StecoahValleyCenter.com
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May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Jeannette Evans and her staff: James Romine, Tabitha Pike, Tracey Murphy, Emily Edmonds Not shown:
Spirit Of Appalachia By Amy Ammons Garza
Brown Drops of Chinquapin Memories
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ven though spring is just arriving here in the mountains, for some reason, this morning I began thinking about picking chinquapins when I was a kid. I can remember going to Decoration Day up on Wolf Mountain...which has always been the third Sunday in September...and the wonderful time we kids had hunting chinquapins. After decorating the graves and reading all the tombstones, the adults would gather together for preaching and visiting with one another. So my sister Doreyl, brother David and some of our cousins would slip away and head down the lane toward Grandma Owen’s house. It was the exact time of the year for the chinquapins to be ripe, and the bushes were plentiful around Grandma’s and our Aunt Libby’s house located just below the church and graveyard. We were not dressed for running through the clusters of trees--we were dressed for church and for meeting and greeting our relatives we had not seen, probably since the last Decoration Day...but away we went anyway! Many years the bushes would be overloaded with the small brown nut...and you had to work to get the nuts out of the prickly burrs. A lot of the nuts had already fallen to the ground, and those had to be checked really carefully, for insects could have found a home within the brown shell of the nut. And blackberry bushes would be mixed in among the little chinquapin trees, so when we scurried around picking up the nuts, we had to wind our way in and out of the briars. The bad chinquapins we gathered were given a spot on the ground in a pile...to be given to Grandma’s chickens. When we had gathered all we could on the ground, I remember we climbed upon the rail fence to reach some of the branches of the scrubs, holding the tail of our dresses tight with our knees. We could tell which nuts were ripe, yet still
on the tree in their burrs, for the burrs would be turning brown and be partially open...but not all the way. Our fingers would feel as if they were being stung when we pulled on the burrs to open them the rest of the way. It definitely was not an easy job to collect the chinquapins...dresses would be dirty or torn, sometimes bloody scratches from the blackberry vines on our shins added to the tail of the dress...and our hands didn’t feel none too good, either. But our brown paper bag, which we had brought with us, would be half full of the best chinquapins we could find. Finally, we would then sit down on the ground and help ourselves to the sweetest little nut found anywhere. The shells were soft with a sort of cushion inside that held the nut. If we bit the nut just so, the whole kernel would pop out into our mouth! Yummm! We’d eat until we could eat no more! Only then would we jump up and pick up the brown paper bag to share the nuts with others...or to take the rest home with us. Decoration Day called for a big dinner decked out on outdoor tables laid out end to end that looked endless to me as a child. There were all kinds of food made by the best cooks anywhere, and plenty of it! However, after eating the chinquapins, we usually didn’t eat too much! Later, after arriving home by way of all the curves on highway 281, we
would be so sick, we’d swear we would never eat another chinquapin! Instead, we’d make necklaces of the nuts and wear them to school. Today in my mind, Decoration Day and chinquapins go together, where, instead of with flowers, I decorate this time long gone with soft brown drops of chinquapin memories.
Horseback Riding within the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park OFF US 441 NORTH OF CHEROKEE, NC SMOKEMONTRIDINGSTABLE.COM • 828.497.2373 AUTHORIZED CONCESSIONER OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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“Airing of the Quilts” in Franklin, NC Start a Mother’s Day Tradition!
Mother’s Day Weekend: Saturday, May 10, 2014 www.maconcountyquilttrail.com The Macon County Quilt Trail, headquartered in Franklin, NC is an extension of the Western North Carolina Quilt Trails project. What is the quilt trail? The Quilt Trails project got its start in Ohio when Donna Sue Groves put a quilt block on her barn honoring her mother. From that simple act, the project has grown to cover 24 states and more than 2,000 quilt blocks. The initiative began in Western North Carolina in 2006 in Madison and Ashe counties when Handmade in America made a grant to them to get the project started. Over 100 quilt blocks are hosted in those two counties alone. Macon County is part of the Western North Carolina Quilt Trails and the first in far western NC to undertake the project. The Macon County Quilt Trail was started by seed money from the Franklin TDA and the Franklin TDC. As you travel the countryside around Macon County you’ll find more than 25 quilt squares waiting to be discovered on homes, barns, and businesses. You can join in this endeavor by getting your own quilt block.We’ll help you find just the right block to tell your story whether it is about a person, place or other historical event. Call (828) 524-2516, ext. 304.
Mossy Creek
Home Decor, Accessories, & Spa Products Main Street | Franklin, NC
M
ossy Rock, located at 37 East Main Street in Franklin, is a shop created as a signature destination for personal style by owner Martha Roper Holbrook. The shop is filled with unique home décor, specialty accessories, and a variety of spa products. Designed and decorated with a fresh urban look and feel with hardwood floors, rusty tin, colors of woodland greens, and vintage wooden displays, plus it smells fresh and inviting as you open the door. Last year when Peoples Dept. Store closed and created multiple shop space, Martha saw an opportunity to add another shop to Main Street. Mossy Rock was created to fill a unique niche, offering personal items such as soaps, lotions, essential oils, accessories, unique jewelry, items for the home, candles, gift books, cards and stationery. Brenda Wooten, previous owner and radio personality of the local radio station, is the manager and greets you warmly when you come to Mossy Rock. Brenda is a great asset as she can help customers find the products they are looking for plus answer questions about the local area. Martha is a native of Franklin and grew up
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working with her family on a small farm. Enjoying the surroundings of nature throughout her life, her love for the colors, sights, and foods are reflected in her passion for her business. Educated locally and married to Jim Holbrook whose family owned Holbrook Ruby Mine, she has for many years enjoyed family life here in the mountains. Martha and Jim have one son who is married with a son of his own. Martha and Jim enjoy being grandparents. “Growing up we raised cattle, farmed tomatoes, grew hay fields, and of course vegetable gardens,” she says. “Hard work and my parents taught me a strong work ethic it takes to run a business. With Mossy Rock, I wanted the natural look and feel that would provide a little grace and peace for everyone coming in with a hectic lifestyle.” Developing a love for retail throughout her work experience and spending some time in marketing Martha came to own her own businesses. Opening her first venture, Rosebud Cottage in 2007, a gift shop and adding a sandwich shop in 2010 which is located just across the street from Mossy Rock on Main Street. Again, relying on her love for our surroundings she created Rosebud Cottage to offer a calming and relaxed atmosphere to shop and enjoy lunches made with fresh vegetables & ingredients including locally grown foods. Rosebud Cottage offers fresh made soups, salads, sandwiches, & sweets for lunch from 11 – 3, Monday – Saturday. Chicken salad, turkey with cranberry cream cheese, beef, ham with fresh pear slices, a Farmer’s Market sandwich with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, & herbed goat cheese, a roasted vegetable sandwich on Naan bread, fresh baked cookies, ice cream, and smoothies are
Martha Holbrook May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
just some of the items on the menu. The gift shop has extended hours. Martha has a strong interest in participating in the vitality and economic growth of downtown Franklin. Both Mossy Rock and Rosebud Cottage can be found on Facebook . Mossy Rock is open Monday – Saturday, 10 – 6, and for special events in the evenings. 828.369.1612. Macon Visit our other shop Rosebud Cottage Gift Shop and “the cottage” Sandwich County, NC Shop across the street. All located on Main Street, Franklin, NC.
Brenda Wooten
Antique & Estate Jewelry Sold at Wholesale
Downtown Franklin
Books Unlimited--A Book is a Present You can Open Again and Again
D
Stewarts of Franklin
DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN, NC
Franklin, NC By Amy Ammons Garza
owntown Franklin’s hometown bookstore, Books Unlimited, will be among many others holding a sidewalk sale on Mother’s Day weekend, Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10. The sidewalk sale will offer select titles and merchandise. “If you cannot find what you want out on the street,” says Suzanne Harouff, owner, “we have thousands of book titles inside the shop from best sellers to regional authors. Bring your mother in to choose the exact book she’d like to have--from new books to used books; from recipe books, children’s books, heritage and history books about the region, about hiking, mysteries, and so much more...many of them autographed by the author, and we’ll even gift wrap it for free!. If Mom cannot come that day, consider purchasing a gift certificate for her.” Once inside the shop, you’ll find more great gift ideas including 2015 calendars, games, music, journals, puzzles, North Carolina post cards, greeting cards, holiday cards, and so much more. They also offer outof-print book searches. “Books hold a warm place in a reader’s heart,” smiles Suzanne. “I know they do in mine. This store was established in 1983; thus has served the community with choice, especially chosen titles and merchandise for
• 828-369-9440
Best Little Jewelry Sto in e Mountains
over 30 years. Today, in this changing world of ipads and such, the entire book industry has had to get creative...thinking outside of the box...expounding upon the real value of a good hometown bookstore...a bookstore with a cat curled around your leg as you choose your next good read. Yes, we still have loyal bound-book readers, those who say what can ever replace the practice of reading a good book and then passing on the book to those you love, saying...‘You gotta read THIS!’” During the month of May, local author Eva McCall will be on hand for a book signing for her latest book, ‘Button Box.’ Be sure to check for the date and time on www. facebook.com/booksunlimitednc, or on the web: www.booksunlimitednc.com. Books Unlimited is located at 60 East Main Macon Street; phone number is 828-369-7942. Be sure to County, NC stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 10am6pm.
A Book Is a Present You Can Open Again
and Again
BOOKS UNLIMITED 60 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828-369-7942 • Fax 828-369-2102 booksunlimited@smnet.net www.booksunlimitednc.com
Pictured Below: (l-r) Carletta Perkins, Brooke Jones, Sally Wilson, and owner Suzanne Harouff. Other staff not shown: Casey Stewart, Tyler Hollifield, and Donna Wolfe.
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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ocated just off US 441 North, five minutes north of Cherokee, North Carolina, Smokemont Riding Stables is the only horse stables in North Carolina to be within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, the stables have 38 horses, with 15-24 visitor horses available per day for trail rides. Owner Elizabeth Burns Cook is a mountain thorough-bred herself, for she was born and raised in Bryson City, North Carolina. “I grew up on a farm located near the now famous “Road to Nowhere,” the middle child of five children,” she smiles. “We had lots of crops, with no machines to help us. Our farming duties were all performed by hand and horse. Then, most of my adult life was taken up with accounting and the real estate business. When the concession came open for Smokemont Riding Stables in 2007,
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on a whim I made a bid, and then almost forgot about it. I was so surprised and excited when the concession was awarded to me. I quickly had to pull together my team--brother Donnie Burns and son Jason Cook. We all came together to step into the horse business and thus, a new family enterprise began.” Within the park, the riding trails take riders through beautiful natural environment with wooded forests, mountain streams and waterfalls. Not only is there the adventure of a horse ride crossing the Oconaluftee River, but there’s also the opportunity to take a horsedrawn wagon ride where visitors can travel on the historical Oconaluftee Turnpike Road. The ride features storytelling by the guide, who shares the history of the road which took 10 years to complete, becoming the first road to link North Carolina and Tennessee back in 1839. Jason Cook, an historian and lover of local history, is the usual guide and can relate
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
other information about the local area and heritage. You might even run into an elk or two on the ride! Horseback riding includes hourly rides that begin at 9:00 am and continue each hour until 5:00 pm. Features include wooded scenery and crossing the Oconaluftee River. There’s also a 2.5-hour ride departing daily at 9 am, Noon and 3 pm. Features include climbing mountain trails with beautiful scenery and waterfalls. A 4-hour ride features a wooded trail following along the Oconaluftee River and viewing two cascading waterfalls. The 2014 season runs through November 3, 2014, 7 days a week, 9 am - 5 pm. For information and/or reservations, call 828-497-2373 or email SmokyMtn@Hughes.net.
Spotlight By Amy Ammons Garza
You are Invited! Open House at Catman2, Inc.
Sunday, May 18, 2014 | Cullhowee, NC
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n Sunday May 18, 2014, Catman2, will hold an open house and tours of his cat shelter located at 637 Bo Cove Road in Cullowhee, NC. Harold Sims, known as Catman, wants you to see all the new improvements that have made. The Shelter will also be honoring Jack Nowlin, the man who designed and built the 4000 square foot facility. “Without his expertise, dedication, inspiration, encouragement,and long hours of work,” says Harold, “the shelter never would have been built. Jack is the veritable ‘Jack of All Trades’ and a true friend. The cats and I will be forever grateful for his assistance.” In his honor Harold will place a bronze plaque on the shelter, naming it “The Jack Nowlin Building.” “Please come share this honor and visit our unique, cats’ only, “shelter without cages.” You’ll love to meet all the cats, and enjoy the large collection of cat art that bedecks its walls. there will also be a yard sale of donated art, with proceeds to benefit the shelter.” To learn more and get Jackson directions to the facility, visit web page www.catCounty, NC man2.org.
From the soaring feeling of 360° views.
To the smiling face of your best friend.
See Chimney Rock Differently.. Tickets, Events and More Views: ChimneyRockPark.com
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Only 7 Shopping Months Till Christmas! Christmas Connection Calling For Crafters and Artisans
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ow accepting ARTIST applications for the 35th year of Christmas Connection – Arts & Crafts Fair Christmas Connection--Arts & Crafts Kingsport’s Christmas Connection, Fair an event sponsored by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, is celebrating 35 years of arts and crafts in 2014!
Calling all potters and weavers, craftspeople and artists! We are nowaccepting applications for the 35th Christmas Connection – Arts & Crafts Fair. Application deadline: June 1st 2014. Christmas Connection has been around for over 30 years because it is a charming old-fashion festival hosting the region’s best arts and crafts vendors. The Civic Auditorium will be filled with hand-made clothing, floral arrangements, pottery, jewelry, delicate woodworking, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, toys, watercolors, paintings, figurines, baskets, candles, tapestries, heated pillows, needlework, dolls and much more. The Holidays are always fast in approaching, and this is an excellent opportunity to grab
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some holiday cheer, support master craftsmen and find unique gifts and treasures. SHOW HOURS: Fri. Nov. 7: 12 noon- 6PM | Sat. Nov.8: 10AM - 6PM | Sun. Nov.9: 12Noon - 5PM FREE Admission to the public! Applications will be accepted thru June 1st. You may access vendor application from the city website: http://arts.kingsporttn.gov/cc. Please make sure to send 4 to 7 updated photos of your art or craft with , 2014. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you! ~Beth Estep, 423-392-8415 Email: bethestep@kingsporttn.gov
Sullivan County, TN
History in Store-Owner Restores Repicla of Diner From Almost 40 years ago
M
auk’s is a timeless treasure in Jonesborough. What used to be a restaurant on the second floor of the building is now a replica of “Mom’s Porch Diner”--filled with beautiful furniture. Joel, co-owner, did not just rebuild the inside back to its historical roots. The outside of the two-story historical building has been restored as well. This was the “front porch” where tables and chairs were placed and many stories were told. Lots of good food and stories came through here. Oh, if this porch could talk! We hope you will come and see us for a visit soon! We will be glad to tell you all about it!
Washington County, TN
Blair-Moore House B&B www.blairmoorehouse.com We Are Totally Smoke Free And Totally Green!
423-753-0044
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Spring Bluegrass Festival Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Robbinsonville, NC Traditional Mountain Roots Music May 17, 2014
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tecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit arts and community organization housed in a restored 1920’s rock schoolhouse whose mission is to preserve and promote Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Stecoah Valley Center provides Graham County residents and visitors the opportunity to experience: Appalachian and other quality music concerts; art and culinary classes; a regional artisans’ gallery; private catered meetings and events; and community festivals and programs. This mountain cultural arts center has been delivering a memorable and authentic Appalachian experience known simply as An Appalachian Evening for 14 years. Traditional mountain roots music is showcased every Saturday evening from June 28 through September 6 in the completely renovated Lynn L. Shields Auditorium. The concert series embodies this nonprofit’s mission to preserve mountain traditions for generations to come. The Stecoah Artisans Gallery provides the opportunity to purchase handcrafted artwork and fine crafts from over 150 local and regional artists. The Schoolhouse Café is a charming area inside the main building that serves snacks and coffee daily and
full meals during events. It is also a great free wi-fi internet hot spot. The Center also offers a variety of Appalachian Art classes including many textile techniques such as quilting, knitting, weaving, crochet and rug braiding. A wide variety of culinary classes are offered in the Stecoah Valley Food Ventures kitchen. The Stecoah Valley Food Ventures also offers kitchen and meeting facilities to support the development of foodrelated small businesses as well as providing a great space for community meetings, parties, etc. Mountain traditions come alive at the Center’s two annual festivals; the Spring Bluegrass Festival (May 17, 2014) and the Harvest Festival (October 17-19, 2014) in beautiful Stecoah Valley on the grounds of the historic school. The school buildings and 10-acre grounds make the perfect canvas for arts and craft vendors, music and demonstrations. This year’s Spring Bluegrass Festival will feature performances by the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) kids, The Jones Girls (Tori and Katie), Grandpa’s Mountain Music, The Leftovers and Valley River Trio. The Mountain Youth Talent Contest is a new part of the Spring Festival this year. Youth talent categories include vocals, dance, instrumental, poetry,
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prose and storytelling. For rules and an entry form, please email Heather Gordon heather_gordon@ncsu.edu or call 828-586-4009. Prize money is awarded to winners of the talent contest. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the annual Spring Bluegrass Festival and the Harvest Festival. Other services to the community include the award-winning 21st Century Scholars funded afterschool program; the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program that offers students the opportunity to learn to play stringed instruments; and business services such as faxing, copying and notary. The Center also provides visitor information services and is home to two other non-profit organizations as well. Meet, shop, learn, and be entertained at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, a cultural oasis in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is located off Hwy 28 in Graham County, about halfway between Bryson City and Fontana Dam. More information is available Graham at stecoahvalleycenter. com or by calling 828County, NC 479-3364.
Mad Batter Food and Film
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Now in Downtown Sylva, NC By Amy Ammons Garza
n November, 2013, there was a blazing fire on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, that will forever burn in the memory of Jeannette Marie Evans, owner of a campus cafe called the Mad Batter. “I had always dreamed of owning a restaurant,” says Jeannette, “and had worked long and hard to bring the Mad Batter Bakery & Cafe to where it was...then, I had to watch it burn, feeling powerless.” The fire had started in an adjacent business, and quickly inflamed three businesses that fateful day. The Mad Batter had been a gathering place for students and professors alike, along with the Cullowhee community, for 15 years...15 years of remodeling, renovations, always working to improve her dream. “I was born and raised in California,’ says Jeannette, “and then traveled around a lot. When I found a job in Highland, NC, I fell in love with the mountains, for there was an independence about the area, it’s people so abundantly resourceful, gathering their lives into nature. I knew I was home. “Because of living in and around Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, I did have an affinity for college life, so when a coffee shop went up for sale on campus at Western Carolina University, I was able to purchase it and turn it into a bakery. I love to bake, so my recipes for muffins, cinnamon rolls, bagels, and such came to life! When it came to the name...well, Alice in Wonderland is about a little girl growing up, so I figured the Mad Batter would be the story about me growing up.” When the fire had been extinguished, the firemen and fire trucks gone, and darkness slipped in, Jeannette retreated and asked herself, “What do I do now?” When Monday morning came, she could not talk. “All I could do was respond to the sympathy expressed on Facebook and other online media.” Picking up the pieces meant realizing she had never been a recipient before, and had to learn how to open herself up to all the help that immediately seem to come to her. Dealing with dismantling the cafe, the insurance, and thinking about relocation worked their way into her days. “I bounced around from one thing and then another, a sip at a time. I even had to tell myself it was time to do laundry, look at invoices, all the time, keeping busy. Charitable donations began coming in from all walks of life and that outpouring astounded me. But I couldn’t have done anything without the support of my staff. The experience really galvanized us as a team.” Relocation efforts were discussed by Jeannette and her staff as they met time and again. Their efforts paid off when they decided upon the site of an old movie theatre on Main Street in Sylva, a site previously enjoyed by other restaurants. Once more renovations were in order, so Jeannette called Jim Dillard, the handyman who had pretty much built the original Mad Batter.
“We’re so excited to be a part of Sylva,” Jeannette says. “This location has a lot of potential, the merchants have been wonderful, and the community support outstanding! We opened in April to a great reception. We are now a downtown Sylva restaurant that shows moves, for food is our passion. The movies will be shown 4 nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, free to our restaurant guests. Check us out on Facebook where we’ll announce our upcoming films.” Jeannette pauses, and smiles. “ “My reason for reopening Mad Batter? We’re making the recipes again! They feel like friends! I couldn’t let the recipes fade away... they had to live once more!” The little girl has grown up. Mad Batter Food and Film, 617 W. Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 | Phone: 828-586-3555 Pictured Below (L-r) Jeannette Evans and her staff: James Romine, Tabitha Pike, Tracey Murphy, Emily Edmonds Not County, NC shown: Annabell Plush, baker.
Jackson
May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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North Carolina Garden Jubilee May 24 & 25 | Hendersonville, NC
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One of the largest garden shows in Western NC!!
arden Jubilee is Hendersonville’s premier lawn & garden show, and one of the largest in the Western North Carolina. Garden Jubilee will be held on Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 from 9am-5pm both days of Memorial Day weekend in Downtown Hendersonville. Bring your wagon to make transporting your plants easier. The Garden Jubilee showcases more than 200 vendor spaces lining 8 blocks of Main Street and the centerpiece of the Festival is the Lowe’s Expo (pictured top right), located at the Visitor Center, where Bill Slack landscape and gardening specialist with Southern Living Magazine will give free garden clinics (pictured bottom right). Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000’s of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard to find plants on every block of the festival. There will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, yard art, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, as well as soaps, and pottery. The Lowe’s Expo, located at the Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street, offers garden clinics, a plant sale, hands-on kids clinic, yard displays and outdoor equipment. Nationally known lawn and garden product specialists will be offering free one-on-one advice. Productrepresentatives from Stay Green, Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Ortho, Roundup, Sevin, Spectracide, Cutter, Pennington Lawn & Garden Products, and Hot Shot will be available in their tents giving out free samples and helpful tips. The Lowe’s Kids Clinic will offer free hands-on projects for children ages 4-12, from 10am-4pm both days. Southern Living Magazine’s landscape & garden specialist Bill Slack will be located at the Lowe’s expo at the Visitor Center. He will offer three talks on Saturday, May 24 -11am “Bedazzled by Color - Eye Catching Annuals & Perennials”, 1pm “Facelift for a Tired Landscape” and 3pm “Curb Appeal - Beauty from the Front Walk to the Front Door” and two on Sunday, May 25 - 1pm “Curb Appeal - Beauty from the Front Walk to the Front Door” and 3pm “Facelift for a Tired Landscape”. Please leave your pets comfortably at home, Hendersonville City ordinance prohibits animals in the event area. For information call 800-828-4244 or visit historichendersonville.org. Sponsored by Lowe’s, Our State Magazine & Henderson County Tourism Henderson Development Authority County, NC
Experience Southern Charm... • Located in the Oldest Historic District of Asheville • Only 2 ½ blocks walking distance to fabulous dinning, boutiques, galleries and night life • Call about our Lodging Specials!
ChestnutStreetInn.com • Circa 1905 176 E. Chestnut St. Asheville, NC 800-894-2955 • 828-285-0705 Page 24 May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
11th Annual White Squirrel Festival
I
May 23 - 25 | Brevard, NC | www.whitesquirrelfestival.com
t’s hard to convince people that white squirrels exist. Gray squirrels, black squirrels, and albino squirrels - but they don’t believe there are white squirrels! This sweet little guy is a relative of the common gray Eastern tree squirrel, and is found in a few pockets in the United States. The greatest population of white squirrels, however, thrives in the area of Brevard, NC, and accounts for about 40% of the Eastern tree squirrel population. This particular species of squirrel is rumored to have made its way to Brevard in 1949 as a result of the wreck of a Russian carnival company. A mating pair ended up in Brevard, and the rest is history!
Brevard, NC, a main street community nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is gearing up for their 11th annual celebration of this locally famous furry critter at the White Squirrel Festival. Spread over the three days of Memorial Day weekend, this family festival offers fun and activities for all ages. It features a lineup of sixteen artists and bands performing as many free concerts throughout the weekend. Starting on Friday night with George Porter, Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners, the rest of the weekend includes bands like Scythian, Shannon Whitworth, the Jeff Sipe Trio, Love Canon, John Stickley, Aaron Burdett, and many others. All music events are free and open to the public! We kick off on Saturday with a Memorial Day Parade organized by the American Legion and VFW at 9:00 am, which is followed by the Presentation of the Wreath ceremony at the courthouse. Our streets will be filled with local crafters and other booths, and will open at 10 am after the parade. Vendors will be present Saturday and Sunday.
Our local Transylvania Tailgate Market will be open on Saturday, with some of the farmers joining us on Friday, as well. We have great food, locally made crafts, white squirrel tours, kids activities, rescued white squirrels, the 6th Annual White Squirrel 5K/10K foot race, the White Squirrel Photo Contest, and so much more!!
Thrill seekers in your family will definitely want to join in on the 8th Annual Squirrel Box Derby, where creatively designed derby cars race down Jailhouse Hill. These homemade cars can clock in at 35 mph or more, and are driven by all ages - kids, adults and even businesses. Contestants compete for trophies awarded for the fastest critter, the nuttiest design and the Golden Nut Award, which is awarded to the local business with the best overall speed and design.
This Memorial Day weekend, there will be plenty of squirrely fun for everyone in your family! For more information, visit www. whitesquirrelfestival.com or call Heart of Brevard at 828-884-3278. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION Fri 7:00 to 11:00 | Sat 9:00 am to 11:00 pm | Sun 9:00 am to 7:00 pm To volunteer at the White Squirrel Festival | volunteer@brevardnc.org For information about the Squirrel Box Derby whitesquirrelfestival.com For information about the 5K Race www.brevardrotary.org For information about the photo contest tcarts@comporium.net Brevard For general festival information info@brevardnc.org NC May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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- IN DANIEL BOONE PARK BOONE’S FIRST FAMILY ATTRACTION
Village Square Art & Craft Show
Horn in the West Revolutionary War Outdoor Drama
W W W . H O R N I N T H E W E S T. C O M
Open Late June - Mid August | Nightly, Tuesday - Sunday Gates Open at 7:30 pm | Curtain Time 8:00 pm
Dinner with Dan’l - Catered Buffet By Reservation
y Ridge Hickor Living History Museum
June 14 & 15 and August 23 & 24 | Highlands, NC Everyone loves an art and craft show. They are places where color and creativity meet up with talent, skill and originality. Throw in some good food and music, and you have the makings of a memorable experience. You will find it all at the Village Square Art & Craft Show in the cool mountain resort town of Highlands, NC the weekends of June 14/15 and August 23/24. Sponsored by the Macon County Art Association, there will be many fine art originals and prints to choose from. With over 70 local and regional artisans in all, you will also find jewelry, pottery, weaving, metalwork, woodwork and other high quality crafts for the home and garden. A wide selection of food and drinks are available, and there will be live music from 11 to 3 both days.This free event is held from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Highlands at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street and neighboring Village Square, a Smyth block from Main Street shopping and dining. For more information call (828) 787-2021. And be sure to visit MCAA’s Uptown Gallery in downtown County, VA Franklin when you can.
WWW. H ICKORY RID GEM US EU M. C OM Open Saturday Mornings | May - October Nightly, Tuesday - Sunday | Late June - Mid August
Boone Heritage Festival - Saturday, October 11
591 Horn in the West Drive Boone, NC (828) 264-2120
To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it. --Kurt Vonnegut
Page 26 May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
“You never climb the same mountain twice, not even in memory. Memory rebuilds the mountain, changes the weather, retells the jokes, remakes all the moves.” -- Lito Tejada-Flores
Bluff Mountain Outfitters Appalachian Trail Mile Marker 271 Life is Good Teva Outdoor Research Keen • Chaco Natural Foods
152 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743 828-622-7162 • www.bluffmountain.com
Stay in Style and SAVE! Choose from well-appointed rooms, suites or cottages, and enjoy complimentary breakfast, wine & cheese tasting, central locations and pet-friendly rooms.
800-821-4908 | www.thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com
Mention this ad & get 10% Off YOur StaY! May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Penland
GALLERY Work by artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday, 12 – 5 PM Closed Mondays Located off Penland Road in Mitchell County, near Spruce Pine, NC Penland School of Crafts 828.765.6211 • www.penland.org
New Paul Robert Sofa
Genuine top grain leather patchwork • Lifetime warranty!
Southwest Trading Company “Home of the finest in Rustic Furniture” 279 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC • Open Mon - Sat 10a.m. until 5 p.m.
www.swtradingcompany.com • 828-765-8261
Page 28 May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Lisa Klakulak, Wheeling (necklace), felt and embroidery
From rare finds to classic collector’s items - at
Hammond Antiques
Hammond Antiques you’re
Over 50,000 sq. ft. of the Finest Antiques and Collectibles in Western North Carolina!
sure to find what you are looking for.
H
ammond Antiques is a full-service antique and collectible shop in the heart of Burnsville. We have three floors – over 30,000 square feet. It is a great place to spend the day. We have items for every taste AND budget. Hammond Antiques has true antiques but also some modern furniture, costume jewelry, fine china from every major maker, glassware, vintage toys and housewares, hundreds of lamps, and decorative items of every description. Hammond Antiques offers 100% free layaway with low monthly payments. You can also get your favorite lamp repaired or furniture reupholstered here as well!! And please don’t forget our 10% off jewelry sale in May.
We have the right accessories for every occasion. Hammond Antiques has large collection of costume jewelry, hand bags and other accessories. We have also acquired some rare fine pearls, sterling silver, and gold jewelry. Visit our website for a sneak peak of these items. www.hammondantiques.net
We Offer Professional Upholstery
a
Yancey County, NC
Hammond Antiques • 828-682-2777 Open 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday 201 W. Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714
You Haven’t Come To The Mountains Until You’ve Visited Here Mt. Mitchell | Yancey County, North Carolina
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o, if you’re in the market for a peaceful place to visit or relocate, look no further than Yancey County. Unplug and unwind. Some folks even dare to power off their cell phone! Recreational opportunities range from championship golf to angling for trophy-sized trout. Our streams are also popular for tubing and whitewater rafting, while native forests provide the perfect solitude for camping, hiking, horseback riding and hunting. Enjoy outstanding summer theater, mountain hoe-downs and bluegrass music. Become a prospector at a real gem mine, or spend a relaxing day driving scenic backroads in search of more than 175 quilt blocks adorning barns and buildings. Take in some of the nation’s finest fall scenery that splashes vibrant hues across unspoiled countryside. Meanwhile, Burnsville’s beautiful town square is home to many events and festivals, including the historic Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair the first Friday & Saturday in August. May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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Events & Festivals
Kingsport’s Christmas Connection, Fair an event sponsored by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, is THIS LISTING INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS celebrating 35 years of arts and crafts in the mountain towns of East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, Virginia, in 2014! You may access vendor Georgia and South Carolina. Most of these events are provided by Chambers application from the city website: and tourism departments. http://arts.kingsporttn.gov/cc. Please make sure to send 4 to 7 updated To add your mountain town events in this section, please email your event with photos of your art or craft with , 2014. the date in the subject line to funthingsmagazine@gmail.com. Due to space Please feel free to contact me with any constraints, we are unable to list all of the events provided. They will be added in questions. Thank you!~Beth Estep, a timely manner to the Events section of funthingstodointhemountains.net 423-392-8415 Email: bethestep@ and possibly posted on facebook.com/funthingstodointhemtns. kingsporttn.gov Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please make confirmation before traveling long distances to attend.
MAY
May 16 - 18, Maryville College, Maryville, TN | The 33rd Annual Scottish Festival & Games The 33rd annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games will be held on May 16-18 on the campus of historic Maryville College, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. The event will include Highland heavy athletics, Highland dancing, piping, drumming, musical entertainers, food and merchandise, Clans, Heritage Organizations, animal exhibits, and much more. The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization formed to provide education about Scottish heritage and the contribution of Scots to America. For more information, please visit www.smokymountaingames.org.
gem show on the east coast, has been in the business of promoting wholesale business to business trade shows for over 35 years. This wholesale gem and jewelry trade show has seen more than 2 million Attendees, 60 thousand Exhibitors, 1,000 plus Shows in 34 States and the District of Columbia. With more than 200 exhibitors and the diversity of products at many of the G&LW shows gives business owners the opportunity to try new and different merchandise. Phone 601-879-8832 | E-Mail info@ glwshows.com | www.glwshows.com May 17, Abingdon, VA | Barter Theatre begins “The Wizard of Oz” This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” but there’s no better way to see Frank L. Baum’s magical story than live and on Barter’s stage! For information and to purchase tickets www. bartertheatre.com
May 23 - 25, Brevard, NC White Squirrel Festival This Memorial Day weekend, there will be plenty of squirrely fun for everyone in your family! For more information, visit www.whitesquirrelfestival.com or call Heart of Brevard at 828-884-3278. May 24 & 25, Hendersonville, NC Garden Jubilee Festival Garden Jubilee is Hendersonville’s premier lawn & garden show, and one of the largest in the Western North Carolina. For information call 800828-4244 or visit historichendersonville.org.
JUNE
June 14 & 15 and August 23 & 24, Highlands, NC | Village Square Art & Craft Show This free event is held from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Highlands at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street and neighboring Village Square, a block from Main Street shopping and dining. For more information call (828) 787-2021. And be sure to visit MCAA’s May 17, Historic Dandridge, TN Uptown Gallery in downtown Franklin May 17, Robbinsville, NC | Spring Cruisin’ and Groovin’ Bluegrass Festival at Stecoah Valley when you can. Over 200 great classic and collector Cultural Arts Center cars cruised into the historic little Meet, shop, learn, and be entertained at June 26th - June 28th, Morganton, downtown that first year and for this NC | Red, White and Bluegrass the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts fifth year they anticipate at least 250 weekend Center, a cultural oasis in the heart of (and more room for more!). The This three-day event has become one the Smoky Mountains. The Stecoah historic district, as designated by the of the largest traditional bluegrass Valley Cultural Arts Center is located National Trust for Historic festivals in the world and will continue off Hwy 28 in Graham County, about Preservation, is the perfect venue for to grow this year with more than 19 groovy oldies music and cars of every halfway between Bryson City and bluegrass artists performing. Celebrate Fontana Dam. More information is age, make and color. the 11th Annual Red, White and available at stecoahvalleycenter.com or For more information on the show and Bluegrass! Call (800) 939-7469 for by calling 828-479-3364. historic Dandridge go to www. tickets. For more information mainstreetdandridge.com/ regarding the festival or camping Through June 1st, Kingsport, TN carshow2014.html Christmas Connection Calling For details call (828) 433-7469, (800) 9397469, (828) 439-1866 or visit www. Crafters and Artisans May 9, 10, & 11, Franklin, NC redwhiteandbluegrassfestival.com. North Carolina Wholesale Gem and Now accepting ARTIST applications for the 35th year of Christmas Jewelery Trade Show Connection – Arts & Crafts Fair Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc. (G&LW), host of the larges wholesale Christmas Connection--Arts & Crafts Page 30 May 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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