Mountain Escapes February & March 2024

ON THE COVERS

BAKERSVILLE,

PUBLISHER | Terry Patterson

| Cajun Graham

SOCIAL MEDIA | Hiring!

DISTRIBUTION | Karsten Lueth, Gary Flanagan

DISTRIBUTION AREAS

Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee & Seasonal North Georgia

ADVERTISING DEADLINES:

OCT/NOV ISSUE: September 15th

DEC/JAN ISSUE: November 15th

FEB/MAR ISSUE: January 15th

APR/MAY ISSUE: March 15th

JUNE/JULY ISSUE: May 15th

AUG/SEPT: July 15th

Eva Girl Says

“My

THE TASTE OF GOOD HEALTH!

Stepping into the world of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Conversations with K.C. St. Louis, Owner, Certified Olive Oil Sommelier Abingdon Olive Oil Co. 335 Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210

Mountain Escapes: Tell us about Abingdon Olive Oil Company

KC: At Abingdon Olive Oil Company, we are purveyors of Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. “Ultra Premium” boasts the highest standards in the world: Low Free Fatty Acid, High Oleic Acid, RICH in phenols: Squalene, Hydroxytyrosol, Oleocanthal and Oleuropein. Our olive oils come from all over the world. So at Abingdon Olive Oil Company, we take you on a tour of the world of extra virgin olive oils.

Mountain Escapes: Let’s talk about freshness. I was told you should look for a harvest date to ensure the highest quality olive oil.

KC: The harvest date is important it’s true but so is the quality of the fruit and the amount of time harvest-to-crush that will contribute to the shelf life of olive oil. Our supplier works with small batch artisans talented in their craft learned and taught over many generations. When the olives are at their peak, they are harvested and crushed within 2-5 hours of harvest to ensure freshness and high phenolic content for the best health benefits. When handled properly, our Ultra Premium Olive Oils will maintain their superior quality for up to 2 years from “Date of Crush.” Although I often tell customers, “If it takes you 2 years to use a bottle, there’s something wrong with you! You wouldn’t go to Florida, bring home fresh squeezed orange juice and then put it in your fridge for company. You’d drink it while it’s at its freshest! The same is true for olive oil. Use it! Enjoy it! It’s super

fresh and verrry healthy!!”

Mountain Escapes: How often do you get them?

KC: I get a shipment every 2 to 4 weeks. Olive Oil is a Northern hemisphere/Southern hemisphere product. When the olives are growing in the Northern hemisphere, they’re ripe and ready to crush in the Southern hemisphere and vice versa. Our Northern hemisphere oils come from Tunisia, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece, Albania and California. The Northern harvest is during months of Autumn. It starts early in some regions around the end of September, first of October, and can run through early January in other regions. Our Southern hemisphere oils come from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and Australia. The Southern harvest is April to July. So I see new offerings every 2 to 4 months. It all depends on when and where the oils are produced and transit time.

Mountain Escapes: Can you actually taste freshness?

KC: Oh yeah! Once you swallow, a really good extra virgin will tickle in the back of your throat. Just like a dentist shoots you with Novocain and it tingles before it goes numb, your nerve endings are affected by the tingle of the oleocanthal and you involuntarily clear your throat or cough. To olive oil connoisseurs, this is known as “the desirable peppery finish” and is indicative of a high quality and very fresh olive oil! Fun fact! Latest research shows if you gently gargle with extra virgin olive oil and let it kind of coat your

throat before going to bed, it stops snoring! Awesome, right?!!

Mountain Escapes: Does color matter?

KC: Not really. Some olive oils come in very green, others are golden. Our oils are sent to a lab for chemical analyses and also have to pass a human taste panel test. We’re interested in high phenolic content … those are all the antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, anti-cancer agents … and low Free Fatty Acid. Also, a good extra virgin olive oil will taste … well … green. It may have descriptors such as “bitter” or “fruity” but still, it will taste “green” overall. “Green” and “Fresh!” Two descriptors you can only describe with your tastebuds. Other descriptors include, banana, tomato leaf, artichoke, green almond, melon,

unripe berries and green apple peel. This will be a good discussion for the next issue!

Mountain Escapes: You can visit Abingdon Olive Oil Co by taking i81 to exit 17 (Cummings St.) and follow it to 335 Cummings St. in beautiful Abingdon Virginia. Tune in next issue for more in-depth information about true EVOO!

KC: You can also purchase online at www.AbingdonOliveOilCo.com

I-26 Welcome Center

The destination for nature lovers.

The I-26 West North Carolina Welcome Center has been a destination for nature lovers since it opened in 2013. Our beautiful landscaping and view of the Blue Ridge mountains is bar none. Because of our location, that sees folks from all over the world, we have become a viewing site for monarchs, bluebirds, and the beautiful fall color. We have recently been designated a NC Arboretum HotSpot as part of their ecoExplore initiative.

This program encourages families to spend time outdoors, recording their observations for research scientists. Kids, with their parents’ help, can sign up and log onto the ecoExplore. net website. Then they “see it”, “snap

it” and “share it” onto the website to earn points for badges and prizes.

Our center propery has an abundance of birds, insects, trees, flowers, and the occasional mammal sighting! As in squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and deer. Inside the center we have handouts on monarchs, pollinators, bluebirds, and bobcats.

The ecoExplore program is a part of the North Carolina Science Trail that was officially launched in April 2023. A collection of attractions, parks, preserves, and museums relating to a science experience, can be viewed on the ncsciencetrail.org website.

MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, serves as an annual homecoming for musicians and music fans. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, rootsoriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event.

The MUSIC of MerleFest was best explained by Doc himself: “When Merle and I started out we

MerleFest 2024

called our music ‘traditional plus’, meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional plus’.”

The MOMENTS of MerleFest are those unique experiences that only happen here. It may be two musicians you never expected to see collaborating, a shooting star over the Watson Stage during an evening’s closing set, or that one set that seems to have touched everyone in the audience.

The MEMORIES of MerleFest include the memory of Eddy Merle Watson, who we honor each day with “The Tribute to Merle” and the new memories we create each year we come together to celebrate MerleFest. Fond memories we will always cherish are those of Doc

and his unending contributions to the festival, the college and the music world. At MerleFest, fans would always flock when Doc graced the stage with his amazing flat-picking style, rich baritone voice and humble presence…a presence that will always be missed.

MerleFest, will celebrate its 36th year in 2024 and as always will celebrate the festival’s diverse, genre-crossing line-up of artists by presenting unique moments and collaborations where performing artists will take the opportunity to honor the festival’s founding legends, Doc and Merle Watson.

For over three decades, MerleFest continues to draw fans from all over the world to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to this annual bucket list event.

Along with recognizing MerleFest’s 36-year commitment to honoring

and preserving the musical legacies of Doc and Merle Watson, the festival will also celebrate its founding mission to raise funds for Wilkes Community College. MerleFest is Wilkes Community College’s primary fundraiser and to date has given back over 19 million dollars to the college and its students. Contributions from MerleFest directly support student scholarships, building improvements, emergency funds for students, and so much more.

WCC’s student organizations, as well as other local civic organizations and clubs raise over $400,000 annually by selling food or volunteering their time at the festival. Since its inception in 1988, supporting these organizations has been an integral part of what makes MerleFest so vital to its community year after year.

Marshall Native Gardens: A Destination for Garden Lovers

and Pollinators

Many gardens are beautiful, but Marshall Native Gardens (MNG), located on the grounds of the Marshall Branch of the Madison County Library at 1335 N. Main St. in Marshall, NC, is also a valuable educational resource. Designed to showcase plants native to our Southern Appalachian Mountains— one of the most botanically diverse regions in the world—these gardens demonstrate the landscape potential of native plants while providing needed habitat for pollinators.

One of the most popular of MNG’s 11 themed gardens is the Butterfly & Pollinator Garden located near the entrance to the library grounds. Local schools often bring classes to the garden to learn about the relationship between plants and pollinators, and their significance to our ecosystem.

During winter there’s not too much activity in the garden, but in spring, summer and fall pollinators abound.

They are drawn by hundreds of native flowering plants that fill the garden with color, texture, and fragrance. The garden also includes educational displays that describe the life cycle of a butterfly and the importance of pollinators.

The garden is enclosed by a rustic split rail fence. A bit of whimsy was added to the fence, courtesy of students from Heidi Summers’ Marshall High School art class. Students designed and crafted

lifelike sculptures of birds and other woodland creatures, which are mounted on the fence and gate.

If you are interested in visiting the Butterfly and Pollinator Garden or any of the other themed gardens at the library - the gardens are open to the public during library hours. For more information about Marshall Native Gardens visit: https://sites.google.com/site/ madisoncountygardens/

Mark Enix, As Good As Gold

Written by Alyssa Martin

After all the fireworks have gone off, the confetti have cleared the air, every champagne bottle has been popped, and the New Year has officially rung in, most people begin to look ahead. The next 365 days are envisioned through hopeful resolutions as to what changes, restoration, and commitments the New Year will bring. It all looks beautiful, it all looks promising, but for the individual, the 365 days preceding this New Year, tell of why it is profoundly important.

No one understands this on a dayto-day basis better than Mark Enix. Mark is a local, second-generation jeweler, who owns Fountain City Jewelers in Knoxville, TN. For Mark, being a jeweler is about restoring the past. It’s taking an heirloom, and making it new again, or completely redesigning it, so the next generation will enjoy wearing it.

“By keeping jewelry in the family, and giving it a new life, I get to help customers find mementos they will use to celebrate the most important moments in their lives. As an example, for many women, their engagement ring is their most prized possession, and selecting the one that represents their love is priceless. For others, they might be choosing a piece that they can pass on to their children one day. For men, I get to help guide them to a gift that makes them feel like a hero. Why would I ever want to do anything else?” Enix said.

When Mark was a child, he apprenticed under his father in his family’s jewelry store. He started at the bottom. Until he learned all aspects of his father’s trade, Mark

polished rings for .50¢ a piece, and wrapped presents for a $1.00 a package to earn his way. As he matured in age and skill, his father promoted him to the work bench. Every day, Mark would work on the repairs scheduled for the day, but as soon as he was finished, he would slip away to work on his own custom designs when no one was looking, honing skills he values today.

Throughout his youth, Mark’s father taught him many lessons, but what Mark recalls most, were the people that would come in to meet with his father. They needed something special, and each one would leave

with a bag in their hand and a smile on their face. His father taught him to value everyone’s jewelry like it was the most important item he had held all day, because to them, it was.

Mark enjoys helping customers design beautiful, custom pieces that they have been dreaming of their whole life, but he also understands that not everyone wants to design something specific. Some pieces are exceptional and need to be created from scratch, while others feel as if those items in the case were already designed just for them. “When you

see them sitting in the case, it is as if they were just waiting for you to find them,” Enix said. Whether custom made, or branded, Mark encourages customers that they will know it’s theirs when they find it.

Monitoring industry trends, as well as consumer requests, Fountain City Jewelers is excited to unveil their much anticipated 2024 line. Mark and his team have been planning for 2024 for some time now including Mark’s yearly trek to Antwerp, Belgium the “Diamond Capitol of the World” to hand select the perfect diamonds for his clients, delivering that personal touch Mark is known for. Those that know him, affectionately call him the “Doctor of Diamonds”, not just because Mark takes the journey to Antwerp as a special mission to hand select diamonds for his customers, but he doesn’t charge his customers for going the extra mile either, rather it’s a service he wants to provide so his clients know they are getting the very best he can offer.

“It’s a great opportunity to look through thousands of diamonds to find the exact one they have been looking for at the best price,” said Enix. His attention to detail and heart for his customers results in not just the purchase of a diamond, but the realization of someone’s dream.

After noticing that estate jewelry has become more prominent, Mark is making sure it will be a permanent fixture in his store all year. Synthetic diamond requests are on the rise, so Fountain City Jewelers is ready

for your calls and has all necessary inventory available. Art Deco styles have re-emerged, and are quickly gaining popularity, as well as stackable diamond bands, and layering with chains and bracelets. “These are trends that will continue well into 2024 and beyond,” Enix said. He even holds an annual Estate Jewelry event each April which includes Celebrity jewelry as well as antique and highly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces you can’t get anywhere else! See their ad on page 14 for details.

On top of inventory additions, Mark is making sure he and his team continue to expand their education in their industry, as well as understanding his clients moreand-more so that he knows what they need even if they don’t know to ask. Fountain City Jewelers want their customers to feel secure in what they are getting and from whom they are getting it. Mark always advises that if your do not know diamonds or jewelry quality, then you should know your jeweler. Experience speaks volumes, and Fountain City Jewelers is happy to share what they have learned in the over 30 years they have been in business. “Don’t be afraid to mention your budget either. It gives us the opportunity to make sure we are working within your guidelines, so we find exactly what you are looking for at the price you are expecting,” Enix said.

Mark is also amongst many other local businesses that are supporting the “Shop Local” movement. This movement encourages consumers

to be shopping local first in 2024 in effort to support the local community and businesses. Community has been top of mind for Mark since he started his business in 1999. He not only donates items for auction for charities but time and hard work to help make his community a better place.

If you are considering your next purchase, or are new to the community, stop by and see Mark and his team at Fountain City Jewelers, so they may help ensure your selection is perfect for the occasion, and sure to last a lifetime. And remember, “Nobody does ‘I do’ like we do” at Fountain City Jewelers.

Footsteps echo on cobblestone streets, drizzle hangs in the air under an over cast sky. Surrounded by buildings, which are older than my entire country, and have a modest majesty to them. It is here in Antwerp Belgium that over 85% of the world diamonds must pass though. We travel over 10,00 miles, for this moment. To be in the Diamond Capital of the World, and personally, handpick a diamond, just for you. This guarantees that our customers receive the best of the best, the most special, the most beautiful.

I am Flower with Fountain City Jewelers, and our Diamond Concierge service is now open for pre-orders. we can offer you the diamond of a lifetime at substantial savings over regular retail. No request is too large, too small or too unusual. We’ve seen Diamonds in all colors, shapes, and sizes and won’t stop until we find what you requested.

Let us find your Heart’s Desire, in the Diamond heart of the world.

Join us for our star-studded, one day event! Shop a 3 million dollar collection of Unique Vintage and Estate Jewelry.

Entirely brand new, one-of-a-kind pieces starting at $399 And a large selection of CelebrityOwned Estate Jewelry Items from Betty White, Janet Jackson, Barbara Walters, Sammy Davis Jr & more. *Some celebrity items may sell prior to show.

Annuals, Perennials, Herbs & Vegetable Plants. Huge selection of Garden Seeds. Garden Flags, Garden Decor and Nostalgic Toys. Old Fashioned Candies, Large selection of Garden Spinners

As we enter into early spring there are a few things, as gardeners, we should do to prepare for a successful season. February is a great time to start seeds indoors to transplant in mid-spring. Seed starting allows a plant to develop in an ideal environment so when the weather outside is warmer, the transplant has a more successful season. The key to seed starting is timing. Here in East Tennessee, our average last frost day is April 22 nd .

Comparing the last frost day with the time to harvest, a seed start day can be determined. This time of year is also a good time to do an inventory of gardening supplies and make sure all of your equipment is ready to go for the season. You want to make sure tools are clean and sharpened, tires are checked and aired, and engines are maintained. Each of these preparations reduces problems during the season.

Setting your season up for success includes pollinators. Pollinators are needed for many fruits and vegetables to be successful. The key to pollinators is making an inviting and safe environment. Here are a few tips to invite these friends into our garden. For butterflies, larva

host plants need to be planted. These include milkweed, spicebush, plants in the parsley family, etc., which are feeding sources for larvae. For all pollinators, plant a diversity of plants varying in color and size of flowers to meet the need of different pollinators.

Happybirdwatcher

Bespoke Birdseed Delivered To Your Door

The Happy Birdwatcher Co. believes in the happiness-inducing power of birdwatching and offers premium, customized birdseed blends tailored to each customer’s location and preferences. Crafted by bird experts using bird-sighting data, these blends defy the standard mass-market approach, ensuring a diverse range of bird species graces customers’ surroundings.

The company’s mission is to help their customers “attract more birds, and feel happier!” And more than just a bag of birdseed, each HappySeed Box comes with a personalized letter filled with intriguing bird facts and tips for a fulfilling birdwatching experience. Happy Birdwatcher’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its use of plastic-free packaging, opting for paper product bags and recyclable boxes to reduce plastic waste. Understanding the mental health benefits of birdwatching, the

company donates a portion of its sales to local and national mental health charities.

Founder Susan Vandergriff’s personal journey of finding joy through birdwatching has blossomed into a thriving business based in southeast Tennessee. As a new bird-feeding hobbyist, I was overwhelmed by all the birdseed choices at my local superstore. I thought, “If only premium birdseed could be delivered to one’s door tailored and blended for their backyard birds based on the season!” I wanted everyone to experience the simple joy I felt watching my birds. And with this idea, Happy Birdwatcher began.

Since its founding in 2021, the company has shipped products to 49 states and three countries. To learn more about its custom-crafted birdseed subscription boxes and gift offerings visit HappyBirdwatcher. com.

1714 West Broadway Ave. Maryville TN 37801 (865) 980-8040

Events

THE KNOXVILLE MAN SHOW & JOB FAIR

MARCH 8TH 2PM

CHILHOWEE PARK, 571 LAKESIDE ST, KNOXVILLE

This family-friendly event on March 8 & 9 is unique, entertaining, and informational.

Admission is FREE!

- Giveaways and contests

- Local vendors

love at a dazzling ball. The awkwardly funny stepsisters along with the glorious elegance of the Fairy Godmother and her Season Fairies help create a spectacular production for the enjoyment of the entire family. Cinderella is a ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev and is one of the most popular and melodious compositions. (The production will run approximately one and a half hours).

Cinderella will be danced by Laura Morton La Russa and dancing the role of the Prince will be James La Russa. This husband and wife team will bring the romance to life.

- and so much more to be announced soon!

WATE 6 has hosted this Ultimate Expo for men (and the people who love them) each year.

Come join us! For more information, email: manshow@wate.com

CINDERELLA

MARCH 22ND 7PM

CLAYTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS 362 LAMAR ST, MARYVILLE, TN 37804

Cinderella, a classic fairy tale ballet, will be presented by Appalachian Ballet Company. This romantic and light-hearted three act ballet tells the triumphant story of a young girl who finds

HIGHLAND

COW FARM VISIT

MARCH 23RD 9AM-11:45AM

DOUBLE H FARM, 331 ALFRED MCCAMMON RD, MARYVILLE

You will be able to feed them treats, brush them, take pictures and we will teach you about this breed. We will answer any questions you may have about the breed or how we care for them. If you or a loved one LOVES HIGHLAND COWS...... this is for you! 4 people max in a group.

ADULTS OR CHILDREN OVER 5 years old FOR THIS DATE ONLY

Highlander Manor

The Highland Manor Inn was built in 1982 by the owners, Don and Sandy Headrick, and they continue to operate it today. There are 49 sleeping rooms that are decorated traditionally and offer the necessary amenities and a clean and comfortable accommodation. Rooms feature either a king, queen, or 2 queen beds, refrigerator or microwave. Coffee makers available upon request. Some rooms also have wood burning fireplaces for the cold weather seasons and private whirlpool baths to rest weary bodies after a long hike or a horseback ride in the mountains.

Highland Manor Inn also has an excellent meeting facility.

The Conference Center is 1752 sq. feet, octagonal in design with a dome ceiling. It is an excellent place for small to medium size corporate groups to meet, host planning sessions, conduct training sessions, or whatever the need. Churches have found the Conference Center at Highland Manor Inn to be a great place for retreats for deacons, teachers, or choirs. Family reunions are also popular. The Inn has an outdoor swimming pool with a diving board, and the property is

beautifully landscaped with two gazeboes to relax in.

Breakfast is included and will satisfy almost everyone. Bagels and cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly, English muffins and boiled eggs, assorted pastries, three kinds of cereal, and homemade muffins are served to guests every morning.

You can keep in touch with those important to you using the free wireless internet service at the

Highland Manor Inn. Townsend is the little community in Tuckaleechee Cove that is the western entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are 32 miles from Knoxville, 18 from Maryville, 15 miles from Pigeon Forge and 21 miles from Gatlinburg.

Please give us a call 865-448-2211. We look forward to hearing from you.

46th Annual Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show returns February 9-11th

Step into Spring February 9-11, 2024 at the Knoxville Convention Center

January 25, 2024 [Knoxville, Tennessee]— The Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, is set to return to the Knoxville Convention Center February 9th through February 11th, 2024.

This perennial preview of spring, presented by Tim’s Fencing, invites guests to leave winter at the door, experience over 10,000 sq. ft. of Grand Gardens, and meet with over 250 vendors in home improvement, interior design, appliances, and more.

Daily giveaways include three luxury getaway packages, courtesy of ORNL

Federal Credit Union, and deluxe outdoor accessories, courtesy of the Home Depot.

“The House & Garden Show is more than just your typical trade show,” said Shannon Herron, Marketing Director for Dogwood Arts, “it’s an event that lifts up small businesses, local makers, musicians, and community organizations - the show is an extension of Dogwood’s overall mission of promoting and celebrating the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee.

We’re also excited to welcome over 40 first-time exhibitors to

the Show this year!”

The funds raised at this event allow Dogwood Arts to host the rest of their 20+ annual events and programs at no cost to the community. Ticket proceeds go directly to operating costs for events like Chalk Walk, the Dogwood Arts Festival, Featured Gardens, and more. Show hours are Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM6PM, and Sunday 10AM-4PM.

Tickets are: $10.00 for adults, $8.00 Seniors 65+ and Military, and FREE for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at

dogwoodarts.com in advance or at the door (cash/card accepted).

On the How-to Stage presented by Acme Block & Brick, local experts and tastemakers will provide DIY demonstrations, tips on real estate trends, home improvement, gardening and much more.

Don’t miss presentations by Blackberry Farm’s Master Gardener, John Coykendall, the Director of Horticulture at the Biltmore, Parker Andes, and daily live music from Blue Ridge Gathering, Stranger May, and Melissa Hale.

In addition to the top home and garden vendors in the region, attendees can expect to find unique art, jewelry, and handmade products from local and regional artists in the Maker Market.

Maker Workshops will be offered daily. Attendees can pre-register for a variety of classes from local experts including Oglewood Avenue, Board & Brush Knoxville, Wither & Bloom Designs, A New Hue, English Rose Farms, and 865 Candle Company.

Don’t forget the kids! The ORNL Federal Credit Union Creation Station has free art activities and entertainment for kids of all ages.

The Community Organization Fair will feature 30+ nonprofit and community organizations,

sponsored by David’s Abbey Carpets and Floors.

The 2024 Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show is presented by Tim’s Fencing and sponsored by ORNL Federal Credit Union, Knoxville Utilities Board, David’s Abbey Carpet and Floors, Acme Block & Brick, Pattersons Home Appliances, Ag-Pro Companies, Lazydays RV, Graphic Creations, Hamarki Wellness, A.G. Heins Co., Junk Bee Gone, The Scout Guide Knoxville, and the Crowne Plaza.

A full list of vendors can be found on the next page.

For more information, call 865.637.4561 or visit:

https://www.dogwoodarts.com/ houseandgardenshow.