Mountain Escapes Volume 02 2023

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

ON THE COVER:

CHECK OUT THESE HIKING TRAILS IN HOT SPRINGS

When people think of hiking in Hot Springs, NC, their first thought is of the Appalachian Trail. Hot Springs is the only North Carolina town where the AT passes directly through the heart of downtown. Visitors from all over the world travel here to hike this section of the AT. And while its position as the paramount trail in the area is well deserved, there are dozens of other scenic hiking trails in the Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs.

Below is a listing of some of the more popular hikes in the area. When in town, visit the Hot Springs Welcome Center for brochures and information.

LAUREL RIVER TRAIL

3.6 miles one-way; good for all skill levels. Trailhead is located 5 miles from Hot Springs near the intersection of US 25/70 and NC 208. Trail begins on a gravel road through private property, so make sure you

stay on the trail to ensure the privacy of landowners. After one mile, the trail narrows down to single track on an old railroad grade to the ghost town of Runion, where the Laurel empties into the French Broad River. Along the way the waters tumble over large boulders and then slow down to create deep pools for swimming.

LOVER’S LEAP TRAIL AND APPALACHIAN TRAIL LOOP

1.6 miles; moderate to difficult. From downtown, follow the AT Northbound across the French Broad River bridge. Continue to follow the white blazes down to the road and travel upstream alongside the river. Continue on the AT as it climbs up the mountain along a series of switchbacks. You will encounter several rock promontories overlooking the river and the Town of Hot Springs where you may stop and rest. Ultimately you will arrive at a trail intersection where you turn left and follow the orange blazes downhill

towards the Silvermine Trailhead. Continue uphill for a longer hike, from which you may return to town along the Pump Gap Loop Trail. From the Silvermine Trailhead parking lot, walk down Silvermine Road approximately 200 yards back to the French Broad River to complete the loop.

PUMP GAP LOOP TRAIL

There are two options for this loop trail, with a shorter loop of 2.4 miles or longer loop of 4.2 miles. Follow the orange blazes of the Lovers Leap Trail from the Silvermine Trailhead. At the first major switchback, the Pump Gap Trail goes straight. At the next fork turn right and the trail climbs along a creek to the AT at Pump Gap, crosses then returns by a combination of old forest roads and foot trails. Can be looped with the Appalachian Trail. Take the AT between the two Pump Gap Loop Trail intersections for a shorter 2.4 mile loop hike. The trail is moderate in difficulty, offering many changes in elevation and scenery.

ROUNDTOP RIDGE TRAIL

From the Junction with the Appalachian Trail on Rich Mountain, the Roundtop Ridge Trail meanders down the ridge, past old farm fields and through an oak-hickory forest. The Trail ends on Reservoir Road near the Hot Springs Water Tank. Reservoir Road joins the River Road 1/4 mile downstream of US 25/70. This trail can be hiked as a loop with the AT.

SPRING CREEK NATURE TRAIL

Located at Rocky Bluff Campground and is an easy-to-moderate, yellowblazed trail. Begin hike at the trailhead near the restrooms at the north end of the campground. Descend trail for 0.5 miles to the first vista of Spring Creek. The trail continues upstream along the cascading waters and past a few ideal places to splash around and relax. After 0.75 miles, the trail begins a gradual ascent back to the campground to complete the loop.

BETTY PLACE TRAIL

An easy loop trail on a magnificent north-facing slope of Bluff Mountain, a moist habitat hosting immense biodiversity. Follow the yellow blazes across the bridge and up the slope, eventually passing remnants of several home sites. You will also intersect portions of the 3.7 mile-long Bluff Mountain Loop Trail, also marked with yellow blazes. The Betty Place Trailhead is on Upper Shut-In Road, approximately 4 miles from US 25/70.

There are many other trails to explore and we hope you get out there and see just how beautiful Hot Springs and the area is!

And a for a little extra fun, send us pictures of you and your friends on the trails to enter our Hot Springs contest! *Bonus entry if you bring us with you! Send your picture and tell us what trail you are on with your contact information to our email: mountainescapes10@gmail.com

SEEK & FIND

When was the last time you drank coffee and caught up with old friends at the local diner, had an afternoon picnic under the shade trees by the river, or took a drive with no destination in mind? Bakersville is a small town just below the heart of Roan Mountain and is filled with history, charm, and a laid back atmosphere that will make any guest feel right at home.

You’ll find a town is teeming with life, arts, and culture and you will find a beautiful mix of old and new, classic and contemporary, timeless and modern.

As soon as you enter the town, nature lovers will notice the meandering Creekwalk. This 1 mile lighted and paved greenway runs alongside the Cane Creek, with open grassy fields on one side and shade trees on the other. This is the ideal place for walking your dog, watching your kids play on the play ground, or going for a morning jog. Another

outdoor activity that Bakersville offers is fishing. With many rivers and streams, Bakersville is home to trout, smallmouth bass, and many other fish. Rafting and tubing are also activities that are perfect to do while in Bakersville. Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing and NC Outdoor Adventures, both located in the Bakersville area, provide guided rafting and tubing adventures for people of all ages.

Bakersville has a vibrant arts scene and is proud to be home to many well-known artists from around the country. Stop by these studios and visit with artists and find a handmade treasure to take home. Just up the road is the nationally renowned Penland School of Crafts, the meeting place for craft education and allows artists to learn, create and experience art in a new way.

If you aren’t sure when to plan your visit to Bakersville, we suggest June! June is a special month in Bakersville

as they celebrate the blooming of the rhododendron atop Roan Mountain. The celebration gets into full swing the third weekend in June. This festival celebrates the natural beauty found in our local community and has been bringing people to Bakersville for more than 70 years. The festival features a beauty pageant, a car show, a 10K run, live music, arts and crafts, food, and the “must do” street dance.

Don’t miss one of the oldest mills of its kind, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dellinger Grist Mill is still grinding corn the same way that it was done in the 1800’s. The working waterwheel and old fashioned grinding method is a one of a kind place, and the only one of its kind in North Carolina that is still operational. An added bonusyou will get to meet Jack, a retired IBM engineer who helped send astronauts to the moon!

SPRUCE PINE PREPARES FOR ALIEN INVASION

UFO Enthusiast and Alien lovers will descend upon Downtown Spruce Pine, NC in the hopes of encountering extraterrestrials on June 10th, 2023; 9am-7pm. Many area residents and locals have reported an astounding number of unexplained UFO sightings in and near the small town and it is no small wonder that the event will be packed with UFO and Alien believers.

Show guests can shop from over 150 Local artists, crafters, nonprofits and Alien Vendors with unique handcrafted items featuring Space related goods made locally ranging from Space and Alien T-Shirts,

Galactic gems & Jewelry, Area 51 wood signs, children’s toys, , Jams, Jellies, Alien baked goods and more.

The Spruce Pine Alien Festival will rock the crowd at the Milk Way Music Stage with free music all day long. Headline Band “Thirty Ought Six” will thrill music lovers and rumble the ground beneath their feet as they kick off this Stellar Music Concert for Alien and UFO guest for an Interstellar good time.

Don’t miss the Area 51 Costume Contest for all Adults, children and even pets as dress in the spirit of their favorite Alien, Martian, Monster or Astronaut Costumes to win prize money, Gift Certificates, and more!

Vendors will line Oak Avenue for nearly a mile and show guest can browse and wonder through the towns gift shops such as the Market on Oak, Rocks and Things and Toe River Arts Studio. Savvy shoppers will have a blast checking out “Blue

Mountain Gifts”the Official Alien Store located in the middle of the festival on Oak avenue within the show venue.

Lower street (Locust Ave) of Downtown Spruce Pine has a host of heavenly restaurants such as Hef’s well know for is Stellar Burgers and Bierdock Brewery for its rich crafted beers. Bierdocks Restaurant & Brewery is brewing a special Alien craft beer for the event. Enjoy appetizers, brew & hor devours during this unique private speaking engagement with all the Spruce Pine UFOXPO expert speakers.

Canada. Hear experts insights and the truth surrounding the US government activities and cover-ups. Speakers include TV Stars History Channel’s Ancient Alien Mike Bara & Thom Reed, the producer of UFOXPO in Roswell and others, USO and UFO Speaker Brittany Barbieri, Space technology consultant and former rocket whiz kid David Adair, Radio Show host & UFO author Brooks Agnew.

UFOXPO Speaker Conference is for Alien believers and skeptics seeking knowledge of the latest shoot downs and sightings over the US and

Get your tickets now on our website: SprucePineAlienFestival.com or on Eventbrite.

Fire on the Mountain is an annual celebration of the art of blacksmithing. The Festival is held the last Saturday in April in downtown Spruce Pine, NC. This event is a partnership between Spruce Pine Main Street, Penland School of Crafts, and the Toe River Arts Council.

Each year, the festival contains:

What is Fire on the Mountain?

- A month long exhibit of new work created by local and country wide artist blacksmiths.

- A featured Master Blacksmith who demonstrates multiple times at the festival, presents a lecture at Penland School, and conducts a Master Demonstration workshop the Friday before the festival.

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- Several invited demonstrators who share their talents at the festival.

- Vendor blacksmiths selling their wares, and demonstrating techniques in their booths.

- Tool vendors.

- A free hands-on tent, where the public can sign up to try their hand at blacksmithing, assisted by blacksmith volunteers.

- A youth and adult forge-off competitions.

Admission to the festival is free, so bring yourself, your family, and friends!

Just can’t wait until the April 29th, 2023 Fire on the Mountain Festival? Do you want to see more pieces created by one of Fire on the Mountain’s featured demonstrators? Then make sure to stop by the TRA

Blacksmith Exhibition at the Kokol Gallery in Spruce Pine to see more blacksmith works of art from local and country wide artists. The gallery is open from 10:30am -5pm, Tuesdays- Saturdays, March 25th- April 29th.

FEATURED ARTIST BLACKSMITH Rick Smith Rick Smith began exploring blacksmithing when he was thirteen in his family’s garage. By 1992 he had completed his MFA and was selected for the Penland School of Craft residency. He went on to work as an independent artist for eighteen years, earning accolades in American Craft magazine and other publications. In 1997 Rick was hired at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) to succeed Professor Brent Kington who was retiring.

Will you join us this year and explore the amazing art and creativity of blacksmithing?

How the Celebrated Food Writer Ronni Lundy Cooked Up a Bookshop

When the noted Appalachian food writer and editor Ronni Lundy wished that her small town of Burnsville, North Carolina, had an independent bookstore, she did the logical thing. She opened one. Not quite a year after launching Plott Hound Books, she shares her insights on bookselling—and plenty of insider tips on the local food scene with Steve Russell of Garden&Gun.

How did you come to open Plott Hound Books?

Every September, Burnsville hosts the Carolina Mountain Literary Festival. It’s really intimate and brings in stars such as Barbara Kingsolver and Charles Frasier and also some brilliant lesser-knowns. Anyway, based on festival attendance and also the type of books I saw being donated to our local library, I realized I was living in a seriously book-loving community. In 2019, I asked Asheville’s great independent bookstore, Malaprop’s, about doing a holiday pop-up bookstore in Burnsville, and it was very successful. It looked to me like the town could support a full-time store, but it didn’t make sense for Malaprop’s to do it. Through the grace of some friends who love bookstores in general and Burnsville in particular, I opened my own brick-and-mortar bookstore downtown last April, and it’s been a blast ever since.

What are your reflections as you approach your first anniversary?

First, that the indie-bookstore community is so supportive—everyone has been so generous with time and information. That said, every indie is different, a reflection of the interests and quirks of the community. So you have to pay attention to what your community is into, and build your store from that. Plus all the books you love yourself, because you’ve got to sell from the heart.

Is there a book you’re anticipating in 2023?

I am most looking forward to getting my hands on Praisesongs for the Kitchen Ghosts, Crystal Wilkinson’s cookbookmemoir-magical-realist-historical-fiction work. To my knowledge, it will be the first cookbook based in the Black Appalachian experience since Malinda Russell’s groundbreaking cookbook from 1866. Plus it’s Crystal—her Birds of Opulence is one of the most beautiful, moving novels ever written. Oooo, just talking about this makes me bounce up and down in my chair.

Beyond visiting Plott Hound Books, what are some favorite things to do in Burnsville?

Burnsville’s food scene is starting to simmer. We’ve got several places you can get good Southern food, from livermush and burgers at the diner Bantam Chef to the plate lunch at Pig & Grits to the slightly elevated, locally sourced dining at Cast Iron Kitchen; they make cornbread from a sixth-generation family farm’s fresh-ground Jimmy Red cornmeal. Homeplace Beer Company is a genuine community hub with music, and when its Hog Hollow wood-fired pizza ovens are cold on Mondays, there are great food trucks like The Scarlet Bee and Root

Down. Oh wow, that reminds me that we have a new food truck at the—not making this up—Crazy Car Wash called Las Cruces that has a vegetable tamale to die for. But the big deal is this: The historic NuWray Inn is being restored from the foundation up, and new owners Amanda and James Keith are bringing the dining room back to its glory days, so they’ve hired executive chef John Stehling who, with his wife, Julie, primed the pump in the Asheville food scene twenty years ago when they opened Early Girl Eatery. The renamed NuWray Hotel’s dining room won’t open until later this year, but word is that John will be dishing up breakfast, lunch, and small plates from an adjacent location by early spring.

Wow. What about when we can’t eat another bite?

I realize everybody isn’t motivated by books and food to the extent that I am. Many come to Burnsville for the mountain air, views, and hiking. Mount Mitchell in Yancey County is the Appalachian’s highest peak.

And for the art. Yep, I said art. The Penland School of Craft, about fifteen miles out of town, is going on a century of schooling and supporting artists and craftspeople. If you make a rough diamond shape out of Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, and Celo, there are more than 150 art studios, many internationally known and at least one MacArthur Fellow among them. The Toe River Arts Council sponsors semiannual studio tours, and there are numerous galleries that showcase the work—most notably pottery and glass, but also fabric arts and painting. I could go on, but hey, you should just come on over and see for yourself.

The 28th Annual Iris Festival of Greeneville!

“The Iris Festival held annually in Downtown Greeneville, Tennessee, is a vibrant and exciting event that celebrates the blooming of the region's stunning iris flowers. This festival has been a tradition in Greeneville for over 20 years, and it continues to be a highlight of the community's calendar.

The festival takes place the third weekend of May, when the iris flowers are in full bloom, and it typically lasts throughout the weekend. During this time, the downtown area of Greeneville is transformed into a colorful and lively celebration of the iris. Visitors can expect to see a wide

range of activities, from live music performances to food and craft vendors. The event this year is May 20 & May 21.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the merchants and arts and crafts vendors. Local artists and artisans set up booths throughout the downtown area, showcasing their handmade creations. Visitors can browse through a wide range of items, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and textiles.

Food is also a big part of the Iris Festival, with numerous vendors offering a variety of delicious treats.

Festival-goers can sample everything from classic carnival fares like funnel cakes and corn dogs to more gourmet options like elevated food truck offerings, charcuterie boards, or beer tastings.

In addition to these activities, the Iris Festival also offers a range of familyfriendly entertainment. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and other fun activities. There are also live performances by musicians and street performers throughout the festival grounds. Appalachian Renaissance Fair actors will also share folklore in colorful and intricate costumes.

Overall, the Iris Festival is a wonderful celebration of the beauty and culture of Greeneville, Tennessee. Its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of activities make it a must-see event for anyone visiting the area and locals alike. Come join us and discover the legendary Iris Festival for yourself! For more information on the Iris Festival, visit www.DiscoverGreenevilleTn.com, or visit our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/GreenevilleIrisFestival.”

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE STARS!

Bays Mountain Park OF KINGSTON, TN is home to a state-of-the-art planetarium theater. The only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere! Planetarium theaters are unique in that they accurately reproduce the night sky, or any environment, under a hemispherical projection dome. Be truly immersed with imagery all about you!

Ours houses a 40ft diameter Astro-Tec dome with 98 seats. The optical star projector in the center of the room with fiber optics for each of the over 7,000 projected stars. Over two dozen deep-sky objects are also projected with fiber optics, allowing you to use short-focus binoculars! With a recently upgraded LED light source, the star field is stunning.

Our theater also includes a 6-channel digital projection system that fills the dome with bright and colorful imagery. They provide a true black for the ultimate in contrast and night-sky beauty. Remember, space isn’t gray!

Complimenting the visuals is our excellent surround-sound system to complete the immersive experience.

Our public programs cover all kinds of topics in astronomy. The shows change regularly throughout the year. They are geared for family audiences and are most suitable for ages 6 and above.

Check out our “Forward! To the Moon”while it’s still here through April 30th, 2023. Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters launches us on a journey beyond the Earth towards a sustainable future in space. NASA’s 21st century Artemis program, named after the Greek moon Goddess and twin of Apollo, is the next step in our mission to explore the Universe and land the first woman and person of color on the surface of the Moon. The show is followed by a brief tour of the current night sky. Produced by Fiske Planetarium in collaboration with TEND Studio with funding from NASA SSERVI and Lockheed Martin.

STATE STREET FARMERS MARKET NOW SEEKING VENDORS!

The State Street Farmer’s Market is now seeking vendors who grow fresh produce, raise meat products, and hand make crafts and food items to be part of the 2023 season in downtown Bristol, Tennessee.

Saturday markets will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, beginning on May 6 and continuing through Oct. 28. Wednesday markets will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., beginning July 5 and continuing through Sept. 27. All markets will be held at Downtown Center, 810 State Street.

Online vendor applications and additional details are available by going to bristoltn.recdesk.com and clicking on the PROGRAMS tab at the top of the page. If you are a new vendor, please contact Angie Rutherford at (423) 764-

3463 or arutherford@bristoltn.org before registering if you have any questions and / or to determine if you are an eligible vendor. Please Note: You need to contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 423764-3463 with any questions and to verify the date you intend to begin selling at the market.

Saturday setup begins at 6:30am. Please arrive at the market no later than 7:45am. The market manager reserves the right to not allow a vendor to set-up once the market officially opens at 8:00am

Wednesday market set-up begins at 12:30pm. Please arrive no later than 1:45pm. The market manager reserves the right not to allow a vendor to set-up once the market officially opens at 2:00pm.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Polk

County Ramp Tramp Festival

The Ramp Tramp Festival will celebrate its 65th year on Friday April 21 & Saturday April 22, 2022 at Camp McCroy 4-H Camp located at 1058 Hwy 30 in Reliance Tennessee. This FREE two-day event features live bluegrass, folk, and rock-and-roll oldies music along with the traditional Ramp Meal which includes, Ramps in eggs, white beans, cornbread, fried potatoes, and streaked meat bacon.

Tennessee Strawberry Festival

107 Main St, Dayton, TN 37321

Join us May 8-13 2023, for the 76th Annual TN Strawberry Festival. Enjoy events that are sure to entertain the entire family, come celebrate and experience the food, fun, and entertainment!

Coke Ovens Bluegrass Festival

June 3rd, 2023. Located at the Historic Coke Ovens Park Amphitheater in Dunlap, TN. Musicians on stage and Jam sessions in the tree shaded park. Museum of Coal Mining and Industrial Coke Oven Ruins in the 83 acre park. This event raises the parks total operating income from the donations.

International Cowpea Festival

September 9, 2023. It will include a cook-off focusing on cowpea recipes created by professional chefs. A marketplace will feature arts and crafts, produce and other local items for sale. Returning this year will be a larger children’s area, entertainment, the photo contest, food vendors and a heritage area to share other parts of Charleston’s story such as Cherokee, Civil War and Wild River history.

How to Attract a Greater Variety of Birds

Each bird species has food preferences, and these may change seasonally. Offering multiple kinds of foods throughout the year will help attract a greater variety of birds to your bird feeding station on a regular basis.

Recommended Foods

Beyond our regionally-formulated seed blends, we recommend offering a broad selection of foods that attracts a greater variety of birds and meets their nutritional needs.

Peanuts

The best single source of protein and fat for birds. Some birds will cache nuts to retrieve later, making repeated trips to feeders to gather food.

Nyjer® (thistle)

Goldfinches’ favorite food. Nyjer’s high oil content is an excellent energy source for active birds and is best used in our specially-designed finch feeders. Mealworms

Attracts common and uncommon insecteating birds like bluebirds and wrens. Because mealworms crawl, place them in a smooth-sided feeder where they cannot crawl out.

Nectar

Hummingbirds’ favorite food. It’s important to continue offering nectar in areas where some hummingbirds stay in winter.

Suet

Woodpeckers’ favorite. Suet is a highenergy, pure-fat substance that birds enjoy all year long. It is particularly helpful in winter when birds need more calories to stay warm.

Seed Cylinders

The quickest, simplest, longest-lasting way to feed your birds. Available, in a variety of flavors, our seed cylinders meet the nutritional needs and feeding behaviors of a number of different birds.

Seed & Suet Stackables

The quickest, simplest way to feed your seed- and suet-eating birds at the same time.

Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter®

The perfect blend of fat and protein, no other single bird food attracts a greater variety of species; over 140 birds and counting.

Get these and more at your local Wild Birds Unlimited, Nature Shop in Maryville at 1714 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801

Call to schedule your consultation today!

MARBLE SPRINGS’ TN STATEHOOD CELEBRATION

Join us in commemorating Tennessee's statehood anniversary at the Marble Springs State Historic Site on Saturday, June 3rd, from 10 am to 4 pm.

• Permanent Cosmetics

• Microblading

• Microneedling • Lip Color • Eyebrows • Eyeliner

Paramedical Services: Breast, Scalp & Scar Therapy

This family-friendly festival is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the state's history while enjoying a funfilled day of activities.

Delve into Tennessee's rich history and learn more about the events and people that shaped the state we know and love today!

Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends along for a day of celebration and education. We can't wait to see you there!

Stroll through the festival grounds and browse a diverse selection of handmade products from our talented craft vendors. Listen to live music from local musicians and savor delicious eats from an array of food trucks

Marble Springs State Historic Site is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Historical Commission.

1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN, 37920

• Knowledgeable & Friendly Medical Professionals

• Full Body Composition Scanner

• Meal Plans & Nutritional Counseling

• Semaglutide Injections

• Phentermine & Natural Weight Loss Alternatives

• Super Immune Boost & B12 Injections

• Pharmaceutical Grade Supplements

• Lipotropic Injections

• Botox / Xeomin

• Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse and others

• Kybella / Deoxycholic Acid

• Chemical peels

• Latisse & Upneeq

• TSSAA Sport & DOT Physicals

The Tennessee Stage Company opens its thirty-third season with a new program: Shakespeare On The Hill which the company will present the Bard’s history play “Richard II” in collaboration with Mabry-Hazen House.

The play will take place on the grounds of the historic house museum. Evelyn Hazen, the last of the Mabry-Hazen family to live in the

house, was very fond of Shakespeare’s works and “Richard II” was her favorite play. Attendees are urged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and other ways to enjoy this open-air show.

Refreshments and light concessions will be available for purchase. General admission is $15 per person, and $50 for a group of four tickets. For special pricing details available, visit the Mabry-Hazen House Office.

After-Hours Event Night at the Museum II on May 24, 2023; 6pm-9pm Attend the 2nd Annual event for a chance to visit the house museum after-hours on a weekday and drink up a little history. Explore the 1858 historic house in an entirely different light as twilight falls upon Mabry’s Hill, watch the sun set behind Sharp’s Ridge and North Knoxville flicker

alight, all while enjoying drinks from a local brewery. Presale online tickets are $10 per adult and visitors under 16 are free. Each purchased ticket includes 2 (two) adult beverages and additional drinks are $5. Tickets will be available at the door for $12, with  Mabry-Hazen House Members will get a discount down to $10. Tickets will be available starting April 24, 2023.

In the Neighborhood – Bearden

Bearden is an eclectic neighborhood west of downtown that is difficult to define. Ask a local where Bearden starts and ends and you might receive conflicting answers. For our purposes, we’re using the parameters of Papermill meeting Kingston Pike on the west end, and Lyons View meeting Kingston Pike on the east end.

One thing we think about when we hear “Bearden” is shopping! Bearden has a heavy emphasis on high-end art galleries and interior

design. If you’re looking to take home that special something for your humble abode, you’ve come to the right place. To name a few places to peruse, spend some time in the Persian Galleries, Bennett Galleries, The District Gallery & Framery, Todd Richesin Interiors, Laws Interiors, Art Galleria, G&G Interiors, Davis Studios, and more. If antiques are your jam, head to Bearden Antique Mall and Blair House Antiques.

All that shopping sure makes one hungry. And thirsty! Stop by Bearden Beer Market for an interesting and huge selection of cans and bottles, and their draft list features many Knoxville faves on tap. You won’t have to go far for some chow either.

El Mezcal, sports rar Bearden Hill Fieldhouse or Indian like Tandur and Sitar , even Thai with Surin of

Thailand and who could leave out sushi at Nama! Keep in mind some other pubs for later – like Back Door Tavern, Stillhouse Tavern, and Union Place Bar & Grill.

Get some fresh air and stop by Everly Brothers Park. This pocket park is a tribute to Don and Phil Everly, a pair of boys who went to West High School in the 1950s. They might be best known for “All I Have to Do Is Dream” and toured with Buddy Holly in 1957/58. The pocket park connects to the Bearden Village Greenway at the corner of Kingston Pike and Forest Park Boulevard. You’ll see inlaid quotes and signatures from Paul McCartney, Joan Baez, Graham Nash, Carole King, Brian Wilson, and more.

And just fun- a few stops on Homberg Drive like The Southern Market with more than 40 mini shops inside, full of jewelry, home décor, gifts, and much more; it’s an iconic Bearden stop! For some retro vibes, visit Nostalgia just down the

street. You’re sure to find records, memorabilia from the 1982 World’s Fair, and other kitschy items. If vintage really is your thing, there’s more to be found at Four Seasons Vintage just a bit west on Kingston Pike. Before leaving Homberg Drive, grab a selfie at the above mural. True to the neighborhood, it’s on the side of Jerry’s Artarama.

After you’ve wrapped up the afternoon, we’ve got both drinks and dinner covered at Harvest land, sea and vine. Make sure you drop in on a night they have live music with local artists like Rey Pineda. They have a great outdoor seating section where you can watch the passer-bys- even in colder weather they have portable heaters so you can still take advantage of the outdoor space. You must try one of their signature boards! From Caviar, Charcuterie & Fromage, Oysters or Low Country Rockefeller, they have a board your whole crew can enjoy.

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OPEN WATER CLASSES (2 DAYS)

MAY 6TH & 7TH : 9AM-6:30PM

JUNE 3RD & 4TH: 9AM-6:30PM

JULY 8TH & 9TH: 9AM-6:30PM

TRY SCUBA CLASS AGES 10 & UP

APRIL 26TH: 6PM-9PM

MAY 13TH: 10AM-1PM

MAY 18TH & 31ST: 6PM-9PM

JUNE 3RD: 10AM-1PM

UT

Gardens EcoLOGICAL Gardening Symposium: The Follow-Up

UT Gardens EcoLOGICAL Gardening Symposium:

The Follow-Up

On a lovely day in early March a group of gardening enthusiasts joined together for the EcoLOGICAL Gardening Symposium hosted by the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville. The day started with attendees trickling into the room and grinning as they met with friends both new and old. Fortunately, the smiles stayed throughout the day as they won door prizes, bid on silent auction items, ate delicious food, and listened to excellent presentations.

As the name suggests, the theme for the day was focused on how the home gardener can make decisions that are

beneficial for both people and the ecosystem. Topics included insects in the garden and landscape design for the 21st century. Between those presentations were talks on urban tree selection, native herbaceous perennials, and rain gardens. Each topic was dynamically presented by one of our speakers: Danae Wolfe (insects), Andrea Ludwig (rain gardens), John Manion (perennials), Sharon Jean-Philippe (trees), and Julieta Sherk (landscape design).

If you are interested in learning more about any of the above topics, please check out these resources shared by our presenters. Chasing Bugs is a fun social media account and website created by Danae Wolfe where you can

find information about the importance of insects and other invertebrates in our gardens. Tennessee Smart Yards is a program designed to help homeowners practice good stormwater management; you’ll find information and the certificate program online. Trees are Good is a website with many tools and resources related to trees.

We are grateful for the support from our community in this event, particularly the donation of native plants for our attendees from Overhill Gardens and Nursery (you can find them in beautiful Vonore, Tennessee). Our efforts to move towards having a Zero Waste event was supported by the provision of compostable plates and utensils by Garden Gallivants. Finally, our silent auction items were provided by the following: The Happy Envelope, A.M. Leonard, Dramm, Wayne and Sylvia McLaurin, Andrea Ludwig, Danae Wolfe, Elder’s Ace Hardware of Bearden, Plant Curators, Holly Jones, and Kelly Smith Trimble. Funds from the Silent Auction go towards supporting the Education Program at the UT Gardens through which we provide engaging, gardening education for both children and adults.

One of the attendees stated after the event that the “symposium was both entertaining and informative- the best combination for an all-day session,” and I couldn’t agree more. If you are interested in gardening and would like

to attend workshops or symposia at the UT Gardens, you should sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and consider becoming a member. You can find this information by visiting utgardens. tennessee.edu.

The UT Gardens inspire countless families, children, youth, green industry professionals and students to enrich their lives with beauty, better health and a closer connection to nature every day of the year. The mission of the UT Gardens is to educate and cultivate an appreciation of plants through horticultural displays, educational programs and research. The UT Gardens feature more than 1,000 woody plants under long-term observation and 2,000 varieties of herbaceous plants evaluated annually. The Gardens function as an outdoor laboratory, teaching and research facility and public gardens, sharing their beauty with more than 50,000 visitors yearly. Established in 1983 by the UT Institute of Agriculture Department of Plant Sciences, the Gardens are recognized as an official All America Selections test site for evaluating new plants for the ornamental market, an American Conifer Association and an American Hosta Society reference garden, and a Tennessee certified arboretum. They are a valuable resource for home gardeners and landscape professionals.

By

Whitney Hale, Education Coordinator at UT Gardens, Knoxville