JUNE | JULY 2024 COVERING MOUNTAIN TOWNS OF EAST TN, SOUTHWEST VA & WESTERN NC
Ultimate Day of Fun
Abingdon: Your Must See for VA Adventure
Make Abingdon your go-to for fun and adventure! Located in the Blue Ridge mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town of Abingdon is known for its artsy vibe, historic charm and its proximity to some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation in the state.
Within an hour’s drive you’ll find world class hiking, biking, fishing and bouldering, and, thanks to Abingdon’s numerous guide and shuttle services, you can easily get on the trail and back to Abingdon in plenty of time to enjoy the award-winning restaurant scene and relaxed nightlife.
ONE PERFECT DAY
Visitors come from all over the world to ride The Virginia Creeper
Trail, a bucket-list recreation trail that starts in Abingdon and travels 34.3 miles through the pristine scenery of Jefferson National Forest, traveling over babbling streams and trestle bridges. The trail runs along a railroad right-ofway that dates back to the 1880s. Today, it is widely considered one of the finest rails-to-trails examples on the east coast.
One of the most appealing things about the Creeper Trail is how accessible it is for riders of all ages. Rent a bike from Blue Blaze Bike & Shuttle and take a shuttle to the highest point at Whitetop Station, then cruise downhill for almost 17 miles to the tiny trail town of Damascus, VA.
Request a shuttle pickup at the bottom of the mountain, or continue your ride another 17 miles to Abingdon through tranquil farmlands and over 19th Century trestle bridges. Stop by Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, a 50-acre farm winery with picturesque views of the South Holston River.
Your shuttle will return you to Abingdon in plenty of time for dinner at one of Abingdon 35
independently owned restaurants, offering selections from traditional southern fare to innovative international flavors. Abingdon’s most famous eatery is The Tavern, located in a moss-covered building dating back to 1779.
Complete your day with a performance at the famous Barter Theatre. When it first opened its doors during the Great Depression, patrons could buy a ticket by bartering produce or livestock.
ON THE COVERS
MOUNTAIN ESCAPES prints 6 times per
ABINGDON,
BRISTOL, VA-TN
PUBLISHER | Terry Patterson DESIGNER | Cajun Graham
| 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
Locally
A Mission to Entertain & Enlighten
Theatre Bristol has been enlightening the ages for decades
Theatre Bristol’s mission is to entertain and enlighten by providing quality live performing arts for all ages throughout the region and at the same time provide community members opportunities and skills that increase self confidence on and off stage, with a priority that no child is turned away.
Theatre Bristol, located in Bristol, Tennessee, was originally established in 1965 as the Bristol Children’s Theatre to reach children performers and audiences. They have performed before audiences of school children from local school districts, and for the general public in this theatre oriented area, growing through the years to serve all ages and around the region with a full season of performances.
Theatre Bristol also hosts many outreach programs, workshops, and other educational programs. It is run by volunteers, with minimal support staff. The theatre welcomes your participation as a member of the audience, or as a volunteer helping to stage the various shows presented throughout the year.
Theatre Bristol holds a distinction as the oldest continuously-run children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee.
EDUCATION – The Catherine F. DeCaterina School of Theatre Arts is a
year-round series of classes and workshops for people of all ages. Our teaching artists in the classroom program offers free classroom visits upon request prior to each of the plays. We collaborate with elementary school partners around the region. Children from over 60 school districts participate in our programs. Our plays and musicals are taken from the literature found on the required reading lists of the local school systems or have won international literary awards, such as the Newbery Award.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Theatre Bristol performs a community and public service by providing free study guides and theatre tours for classes attending Theatre Bristol productions.
MAIN STAGE – Our Main Stage season consists of up to 5 productions. Performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 100 and in The Paramount Center for the Arts, a restored 756-seat movie palace which has been converted to use as a performing arts venue.
For current updates, please visit Theatre Bristol’s Facebook page. After selecting Like, choose options to Follow or receive Notifications depending on your preferences.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Lineup
Listen • Dance • Experience
49 Winchester, Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Sam Bush, Wilderado, The SteelDrivers, Brittney Spencer, Drayton Farley, Jaime Wyatt, Bella White, and Silverada are set to headline the 23rd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Presented by Ballad Health and produced by the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), the festival returns to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. Sept. 13-15.
Additional 2024 performers include Grace Bowers, Jesse Daniel, Dale Watson & His Lone Stars, The Waybacks, Hannah Dasher, Stephen Day, Logan Ledger, Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Tommy Prine, Joshua Hedley, Ed Snodderly, Dallas Wayne, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, J & The Causeways, The Kody Norris Show, Lauren Morrow, Bristol Lightning feat. Dave Eggar, and more to be announced.
Split down the middle by the state lines of Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol is officially designated by U.S. Congress as the “birthplace
of country music,” due to the lasting impact of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings. Overtaking several blocks of downtown below the iconic “Bristol Sign,” the festival showcases the roots and far-reaching branches of those sessions on more than a dozen stages over the course of the three-day weekend.
Festival goers are encouraged to visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, located just steps away from festival gates. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the interactive museum, a milestone among many sweeping across The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail–which celebrates its own 20th anniversary this year. Other Crooked Road attractions celebrating milestones in 2024 include The Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, turning 50 this year, plus the 40th anniversary of the Floyd Country Store‘s Friday Night Jamboree in Floyd, the 20th anniversary of the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, and the 20th anniversary of the Song of the Mountains concert series in Marion.
Beat the Summer in Hot Springs
With outdoor fun, amazing food, and festive nightlife- Hot Springs is a must visit this summer!
Whether you are seeking fun and outdoor adventures, a relaxing soak in our natural mineral Hot Springs, or an evening out with friends and family, you will find yourself refreshed and invigorated by the beauty and charm of Hot Springs, North Carolina.
The Appalachian Mountains boast an abundance of outdoor activities, and Hot Springs serves as a perfect home base for everything from whitewater rafting and hiking to horseback riding and biking. Be sure to take a few steps (or more!) on the legendary Appalachian Trail, which crosses through Hot Springs and draws thousands of adventure seekers from around the world every year
You will be enchanted by the natural beauty of the area with its scenic mountain views and rushing waters of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. Spend time relaxing and having fun together while enjoying a float on the river, hiking in a pristine forest and soaking in natural hot mineral water.
Hot Springs’ shops feature an eclectic variety
of goods – local and regional arts and crafts, outdoor equipment, fabulous clothing, unique gifts and souvenirs.
When visiting Hot Springs, NC, you are in for a pleasant surprise! You will find a variety of unique restaurants serving fresh and creative cuisine.
All restaurants are locally-owned and operated. The diversity of choices includes the local-favorite diner with country cooking, casual taverns, tasty takeout, and casual fine dining. Eat fireside, creekside, or with gorgeous mountain views.
You will find several establishments that use locally-grown ingredients, featuring everything from vegetarian, to mountain trout, to a steak grilled to perfection.
Plus there is a festive nightlife in town, with live entertainment many weeknights and every weekend evening. Enjoy a locally-crafted beer, cider or glass of wine with your friends and family.
Quilts with a Purpose
Visit Mountain Piecemakers during the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Show will be in the Burnsville Town Center Main room during the Mt Mitchell Crafts Fair August 2nd and 3rd. The show will have large bed quilts, small quilts, wall hangings, and fiber arts, as well as displays of our Veteran Quilt and Project Linus service projects. There will be a “country store” of quilt items inside the Town Center and the guild will have a booth on the square displaying our 2024 opportunity quilt that we are raffling.
Our 2024 opportunity quilt is from the pattern “From The Heart: a Sampler Quilt” designed by Lori Smith. This beautiful quilt, 62 inches by 78 inches, is traditionally pieced blocks. The entire quilt is
quilted on a long arm machine by a member of the Guild. Additional photos can be viewed on our website.
You can purchase tickets at our website, https://mountainpiecemakersquiltguild.org. Members of the Quilt Guild also have tickets to sell for the quilt. The quilt is on display at Sew2gether Quilt Shop in Spruce Pine as well at the local festivals.
Proceeds from our opportunity quilt ticket sale go to purchase fabric and batting to make Hero Quilts for local veterans and to create Project Linus quilts for children in need. Each year we award 50-60 quilts to local veterans from Yancey, Mitchell and Madison counties.
www.mountainpiecemakersquiltguild.org
This will be the twelfth year for the distribution of Hero Quilts to local veterans from Yancey, Mitchell, and Madison counties. During that time MPQG members have made and donated over 600 quilts to honor those who have served in our military. We also want to thank Mountain Air Giving Fund for the grant we received to assist with these costs, the Burnsville Rotary for the work they do to honor our heroes on Flags for Heroes Day in
November, Yancey Journal, WKYK and Yancey Graphics for their support of our Hero Quilt project. The 2024 opportunity quilt drawing will be held at the Flags for Heroes celebration in November. The quilt will be shipped if needed to the winner. Mountain Piecemakers is a non-profit 501C-3 organization and offers educational opportunities for those interested in quilting in addition to our community service projects.
Come Join Mountain Piecemakers Quilt Guild for a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at the Burnsville Town Center. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, the guild holds an all-day quilting bee at the Town Center.
The guild holds an annual quilt show where members exhibit quilts they have sewn during the previous year. This activity provides an opportunity for members to publicize accomplishments related to the guild’s mission, while extending an invitation to potential new members.
The guild creates Hero Quilts, providing quilts to veterans and service men and women within our community.
In addition, the guild supports Project Linus by creating and sewing quilts for children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.
friday 11am-10pm
Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains
Spruce
Pine: Something special for everyone
Explore the hidden treasures of Spruce Pine, NC, and its breathtaking surroundings in the Blue Ridge Mountains without breaking the bank! Uncover the charm of downtown and the natural wonders nearby with our guide to the top 15 attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or art lover, Spruce Pine has something special for everyone. Get ready for an adventure that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
1. Visit Downtown
Kickstart your Spruce Pine adventure by strolling through its picturesque downtown. Quaint shops, local eateries, and a friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place to soak in the local vibe.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique boutiques and galleries that showcase the town’s artistic spirit.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Embark on a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian Highlands. This iconic route is a haven for nature lovers, providing plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and breathe in the crisp mountain air.
3. Mount Mitchell
Scale the heights of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Enjoy a challenging hike or a leisurely drive to the summit for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes. Don’t
forget your camera; this is a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.
4. Riverside Park
For a serene escape, head to Riverside Park. Connected to downtown by our historic footbridge and nestled along the Toe River, it’s an ideal spot for a riverside picnic, leisurely walks, or simply unwinding in nature’s embrace.
5. Waterfalls
Discover the magic of cascad-
Hours: Tue-Fri: 10-5
ing waterfalls near Spruce Pine. Crabtree, Linville, Grassy Creek, and more natural wonders, tucked away in the lush greenery, provide a refreshing and enchanting experience. Each season unveils a unique charm, from the vibrant hues of spring to the icy allure of winter.
6. Overmountain Victory Trail
Step back in time with a visit to the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Immerse yourself in
Saturday: 10-4
Closed Sunday & Monday
the history of the Revolutionary War and the journey to Kings Mountain as you explore this scenic trail, which winds through the region’s picturesque landscapes.
7. Arts
Indulge your artistic side with a tour of Spruce Pine’s vibrant arts scene. From the Potters Market to the renowned Penland School of Craft and the galleries of Toe River Arts, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.
8. Paddling
If you’re a water enthusiast, grab a paddle and explore the serene waters around Spruce Pine. Whether it’s canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region’s beauty from a different perspective on the Toe River.
9. Orchard at Altapass
Experience the charm of the Orchard at Altapass, where you can stroll through the orchards, savor seasonal fruits, and even enjoy
live music. It’s a delightful blend of nature, culture, and entertainment.
10. Appalachian Trail
For the avid hiker, a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail runs near Spruce Pine. Lace-up your boots and explore this iconic trail, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
11. Gem Mining and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Uncover hidden gems both literally and figuratively. Engage in gem mining, a unique experience for all ages, and delve into the geological wonders of the region at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.
12. Fishing
Cast a line into the pristine waters of Spruce Pine’s rivers and discover why we are an NC Mountain Heritage Trout City. Fishing enthusiasts will find a variety of species, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing day by the water. www.discoversprucepinenc.com
NC Mineral and Gem Festival
How Spruce Pine became a mecca for gem stones & minerals
Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more!
Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom
designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.
Info on History
It’s a heritage that reaches back 2,000 years, to when American Indians dug tunnels 40 to 100 feet deep to cull mica from the ground. They valued its shiny quality for making beads and decorative belts, adorning graves, and use as money. From colonial years until the early 20th century, the locals — white settlers and Cherokees alike — mined mica and feldspar in the region. Mica was in such voluminous supply that, after the Civil War, researchers busied themselves finding things to do with it. Then, in 1879, along came Thomas Edison’s newfangled electric motor, whose wires needed the insulation provided by sheet mica. Then along came radios and other electronics that required mica components. From the 1860s until the 1960s, commercial mica mines pecked into these woods like sapsucker holes in hickory bark. As a nod to the mica boom, there’s even a community in Yancey County named Micaville.
Until about 1949, most of the mining work, especially extracting the mineral from ore, was done by hand.
Decades of mica mining left behind
piles of flung-away feldspar, which wasn’t as commercially coveted in the late 19th century. But in 1910, these scrap heaps brought a shine to the eyes of a gem prospector from Baltimore named William Dibbell. He scrubbed them real nice and sent a shipment to a big ceramic plant in Ohio called Golding Sons. The plant bosses liked the ceramic-grade feldspar so much, they drafted a contract for him to supply Golding Sons with more and more. This allowed Dibbell to found the Carolina Minerals Company of Penland. By 1917, North Carolina was the nation’s top feldspar producer.
Until about 1949, most of the mining work, especially extracting the mineral from ore, was done by hand.
The first Mineral and Gem Festival in Spruce Pine was produced by the Spruce Pine Chamber of Commerce and was called the Spruce Pine Mineral and Gem Festival. Chamber President Harold Van Day and Secretary Sudie English Stoppard decided to organize a festival to bring tourists to the area and spotlight the mining heritage of the area. The manager of the Festival was Mr. Peter Lowe . It was held August 5-7, 1959 at Harris High School.
In 1961, Mrs. Charlie Mae Sproles
became the director of the festival. Mrs. Sproles (pictured below) a local teacher, combined a love for mineral and gem collecting with rising interest in the hobby to organize the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival.
Until about 1949, most of the mining work, especially extracting the mineral from ore, was done by hand.
In 1961, Mrs. Charlie Mae Sproles became the director of the festival.
The Festival became the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival in 1969.
In 1984, on the Silver Anniversary of the Festival, the event moved from Harris High School to the newly completed and air-conditioned Pinebridge Coliseum which allowed the event to grow and add additional vendors.
2024 Christmas Connection
A call for vendors
Calling all artists, artisans, creatives and craftspeople of all trades. Applications are now being accepted for Christmas Connection 2024. The two-day event will take place November 15-16 at the Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center.
“The Christmas Connection – Artistic Creations Fair” is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and is celebrating its 45th year of artistic creations. The event hosts the region’s best craftspeople, artisans, artists, and creatives. People from our region and beyond look forward to the Christmas Connection year after year.
Application deadline is July 1, 2024, and there is no cost to apply. Christmas Connection is by invitation only. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee, taking various factors into consideration in order to create a high quality, attractive show having a good mix of artistic and craft creations.
THE 2024 DATES & HOURS:
Free admission to the public Fri. Nov. 15: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. Nov. 16: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
To access the vendor application from the city website, and for more information please visit www.artskingsport.org/christmas-connection.
Kingsport Cultural Arts connects, coordinates and engages the public with a creative community. We operate the Renaissance Arts Center, the Farmers Market Pavilion, the Kingsport Carousel, the Carousel Fine Craft Show, Kingsport Public Art Program, Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series and a broad range of support to the area’s arts organizations. KCA works in tandem with Engage Kingsport, Inc., the “Friends of the Cultural Arts” group, a private, volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit community organization. For more information, please visit ArtsKingsport.org.
JUNE AT KINGSPORT BALLET
Summer Intensive | June 10-28 | Ages 7+
Offering ballet and pointe, variations and partnering, contemporary and modern, acting for dancers, dance history and injury prevention. Half or full days. Register at kingsportballet.org
Ballet & Bubbly | June 21 | 6-9 PM
Fundraiser at Allandale’s Harvey’s Barn. $75 per person. Features live music and dance, gourmet food, wine and craft beer. Come support the arts! For tickets email kingsportballet@gmail.com
JULY AT KINGSPORT BALLET
Angelina Ballerina Camp
Every Tues/Thurs in July | Ages 3 – 6
A fun environment for little dancers to enjoy movement and an intro to ballet! 10am -11am for 3-4 year olds and 11am-12pm for 5-6 year olds. Tuition is $125.
Register at kingsportballet.org
Renowned International Artists to Teach at Kingsport Ballet
Dancers from around the region will be participating.
Kingsport Ballet, under the direction of Leonid Flegmatov, will be holding its yearly summer intensive this June 10-28. It is a three week program for four levels of dancers, featuring half day and full days. KB instructors will be part of the faculty as well as visiting guest artists from Naples, Italy, New York (originally from Brazil), and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (originally from Cuba). Classes are taught in a variety of disciplines including ballet and pointe, variations and partnering, contemporary and modern, acting for dancers, dance history and injury prevention. The program allows dedicated dancers to receive professional instruction right here, without having to travel or incur great expenses. Dancers from around the region and beyond will be participating. Participants will be ages 7 and higher. Tuition is dependent on level.
In addition to visiting artists, the program will feature instruction by Kingsport Ballet artistic
director Leonid Flegmatov and teachers Laura Markus, Erika Ballard, Raleigh Shelton, Laura Mitchell, Graham Barnes and artistic director emeritus, Valeria Sinyavskaya.
The intensive culminates with a workshop performance free and open to the public on Friday, June 28th at 3pm in Studio A. For more information email: kingsportballet@gmail.com or call 423-378-3967.
JUNE AT KINGSPORT BALLET
Summer Intensive dates: June 10-28. Offering ballet and pointe, variations and partnering, contemporary and modern, acting for dancers, dance history and injury prevention. Students should be ages 7 and higher. Half day and full day program. Register kingsportballet.org
JUNE 21 - 6-9pm BALLET AND BUBBLY - Fundraiser at Allandale’s Harvey’s Barn. $75 per person. Features live music and dance, gourmet food, wine and craft beer.
JULY AT KINGSPORT BALLET
Angelina Ballerina camp will be held this July at Kingsport Ballet, each Tuesday and Thursday of the month. There will be two classes - 10-11 for 3-4 year olds and 11-12 for 5-6 year olds. Tuition is $125 per month. Register through our website: kingsportballet.org
Kingsport Ballet receives grant funding for general operations from the Tennessee Arts Commission under an agreement with the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, and outreach support from the City of Kingsport.
Greeneville Theatre Guild Presents
The Sound of Music
For their tenth season, the Greeneville Theatre Guild has three exciting productions in the works this year. The first is The Sound of Music, opening June 14 at the Capitol Theatre on Main Street in Greeneville. Under the direction of Matt Hensley, Kasie Shelnutt, and Beth Schnura, a cast of almost 40 will bring the beloved story of Maria and the Von Trapp family to life on stage. The production will run for two weekends. Performances will be on June 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:00 pm with matinees on June 16 and 23 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and
$12 for students, seniors (65+), and children for general admission seating and may be obtained on the GTG website, www.greenevilletheatreguild.org or reserved by calling 423-470-2792. The second show of the season will celebrate the GTG’s tenth year by assembling members of past shows for a reunion performance, highlighting productions and achievements of the Guild during their first ten years. A Decade Downtown will hit the Capitol stage on August 23, 24 and 25. Watch for more details!
The third show of the season promises some Halloween fun. Zombies will come to the Capitol Theatre in October for Night of the Living Dead. In addition to regular performances, the GTG is preparing for a double feature Halloween night! Keep an eye out for details…and zombies!
Cast members rehearse for The Sound of Music: Rehearsal1, from left to right, Angie Carlson, Ezri Harrison, Carlie Shipley, Zanna Parker, Evan Litchfield, Samuel Monahan, Trinity McLain, and Abbie Shipley.
Rehearsal2, from left to right, Brooke Morrell, Cindy Sams, Stephanie Frye, Linda Barnett, and Kaitlyn Younger.
Tradition Never Tasted So Good
at Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams
Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams are slow cured using salt, brown sugar, and sodium nitrite and typically aged 9-10 months, though hams are available 1 year and older. This time-honored practice dates back to the era of our forefathers, when the preparation and preservation of meat was a way of life and sustenance.
Although the hands of time and technology have sculpted many aspects of our modern world, at Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams we have upheld the traditional dry-curing process and are striving to produce world class country hams and bacon”. Starting this year Benton’s Country Hams has begun curing and smoking
WWC Pastured Pork Hams and Bacon. We are so thrilled and honored to help uphold Bentons traditional practices of preserving hogs. Our traditional and regenerative practices raising and caring for our hogs gives even more flavor to the process.
Statehood Day Celebration
In the days before statehood, Tennesseans struggled to gain a political voice and suffered because North Carolina did not want the trouble or expense of protecting its western counties. The national government formed under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to meet the westerners’ demands.
In 1784, frustrated settlers formed the breakaway State of Franklin, also known as “Frankland.” The ever-popular John Sevier was named governor, and the state began operating as an independent but unrecognized government.
In 1795 a census taken that showed Tennessee’s population had grown to 77,262 which more than met the federal statehood requirement of 60,000 citizens. The next step in the statehood process was a vote by the citizens. Most citizens supported statehood which was easily approved by a vote of 6, 504 to 2, 562. Governor Blount called for a constitutional convention to meet in Knoxville, where delegates from all the counties drew up a model state constitution and democratic bill of rights. The Tennessee Constitution borrowed from the United States Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution. The constitution allowed free males 21 or older who owned land to vote without regard for race. Therefore, both white and free black men who met the requirements could vote. The voters chose John Sevier as governor.
Tennessee leaders converted the territory into a state before asking Congress for approval. Since the Southwest Territory was the first Federal territory to apply for statehood, Congress was uncertain how to proceed. Members of the Federalist party opposed statehood for Tennessee because they assumed voters in Tennessee would support their opponents, the Democratic-Republicans. Finally, Congress approved the admission of Tennessee as the sixteenth state of the Union on June 1, 1796. Knoxville was the first state capital.
So visit Sequoyah Museum to celebrate this important Tennessee Holiday. Their 1809 Blacksmith shop will be open with demonstrations going on throughout the afternoon. Come out and share the afternoon with living history in their 1800’s Dog-trot Log cabin. Learn about Cherokees in the Civil War.
The museum is named for Sequoyah, a Cherokee, who could not read or write in any language, who perfected a system for reading and writing the Cherokee language so that the nation and its heritage would live forever. Our acorn printing press will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. All Statehood Day activities are free and also enjoy free admission to the museum.
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
576 Highway 360, Vonore, TN | 423-884-6246 | www./ sequoyahmuseum.org
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 - 5:00 Sunday 12:00 - 5:00
Celebrate with Sequoyah Birthplace Museum with live demonstrations.
Tips for Healthy Summer Eating
Barbecues, vacations and cocktails don’t have to tank your diet
From backyard cookouts to poolside cocktails, eating and drinking takes on a whole new dimension in the summertime. Though you might indulge in more treats than usual, you can still balance out your diet with the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the warmer months.
1. Be mindful of your fruit intake. Yes, fruit is good for you. It broadens the range of nutrients in your diet, and it’s much better than a sweet, processed snack.
2. Eat locally.
With the abundance of fresh summer produce comes the opportunity to
purchase more of it at the source. In the summertime, we have the ability to get to know local farmers, to seek out farmstands and learn what produce they have. Summer squashes and other vegetables are great to get nearby, if you can.
Keep in mind that what’s available at the farm down the road may look different than what you’ll find in the store, smaller or slightly different in color, but that’s not a bad thing. Small mom-and-pop farms may not have the same capabilities as large farmers, so their produce might look a little different, but it doesn’t have the additives that produce from large-scale farms can have.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
There are some simple rules to follow when it comes to summer hydration. If you’re outside for longer than 30 minutes, have a big glass of water as soon as you come back inside. If you’re starting to feel thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated.
4. Set some general cookout rules.
Barbecues don’t have to be diet bombs. You don’t have to feel guilty if you keep everything in balance. That means having some grilled or raw veggies alongside your burger instead of potato salad or making your coleslaw with Greek yogurt or using a vinegar-based sauce instead of mayo. Provide or bring your own healthier options, like turkey burgers or plant-based meats, or grill some mushrooms.
How do you stay on track through the summer? Let us know of Facebook!
Vintage Base Ball
at Historic Ramsey House
Join Historic Ramsey House for another season of Vintage Base Ball! We have four games throughout June and August, so be sure to mark your calendars!
This is a FREE event for the entire family! Concessions will be available for purchase, as well as tours through the house ($10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors & Children) and all proceeds will go directly to the ongoing preservation of Historic Ramsey House. Make sure to bring your own chair and a shady umbrella or tent!
Be sure to visit ramseyhouse. org/calendar for times, themes and the most up to date information!
About the League
The Tennessee Vintage Base Ball Association promotes living history by bringing the 19th century to life through baseball events that use the rules, equipment, costumes and culture of the 1860s. Their goal is to exemplify, to youth and adults alike, the values that are lacking in modern-day athletic programs, and encourage a sense of belonging, regardless of race, gender, religious conviction or physical ability. To learn more about the Tennessee Vintage Base Ball Association, visit tennesseevintagebaseball.com
Get All Your Neighbors Talking and Gawking with a Thailand Giant Elephant Ear
With leaves nearly as big as kiddie swimming pools by late summer, Thailand Giant elephant ear will stop traffic. From a 6-inch plant in May to 8 to 10 feet tall by September, it grows just that fast, with leaves that can get to 5 feet long and 4 to 5 feet wide. To boot, it even blooms! In late summer, it produces white flowers reminiscent of peace-lilies toward the center of the plant.
As with all elephant ears, Colocasia (Leucocasia) gigantea ‘Thailand Giant,’ is easy to grow. For maximum growth, plant in good garden soil in full sun to light shade. It performs well in a large container but is not likely to reach its full potential. The large leaves can become tattered in strong wind, so protection from gusty conditions is recommended.
As a specimen in the ground or large container, it cannot be ignored. Thailand Giant is fun growing near a pool or patio where you can use the large leaves for shade. With the bold look of these big tropical leaves, you can create your own summer oasis.
It is winter hardy in zone 8 but often can be overwintered in zone 7 in the garden with enough protection. It can be overwintered indoors or in a semi-dormant state
in a basement/cellar, in the crawl space under your home, or in an enclosed garage, so long as it does not freeze. Be careful not to over water it in the winter.
Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina, introduced this huge strain of elephant ear from seed collected from plants growing wild in Thailand in the mid-2000’s.
Both the UT Gardens locations in Knoxville and Jackson grow them each year from seed collected from their plants. They can be tricky to grow from seed even in a greenhouse, therefore, the reason they are uncommon in the trade. All three UT Garden locations will have them at their spring plant sale and growing in the gardens this summer.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the state of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public.
