TRR Discover Grainger 2026

2026

DISCOVER

Grainger County TENNESSEE

RUTLEDGE • BEAN STATION • BLAINE • THORN HILL • WASHBURN • CENTRAL POINT LIBERTY HILL • BUFFALO • POWDER SPRINGS • RICHLAND

VisitGraingerTN.com

Have you ever watched a lake wake up?

October 24th, 2026 • Grainger County Park

If you’re yearning for an authentic and nostalgic Tennessee summer lake escape, Grainger County is the perfect pick with Cherokee Lake’s quieter scenic shores, breathtaking mountain Get Your Free Visitor’s Guide

GROWING GREAT MEMORIES

2 Discover Grainger County • 2026

views and rich Appalachian culture.

TENNESSEE

Discover Grainger County is published by Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 100 | Rogersville, TN 37857 www.therogersvillereview.com 423-272-7422

MANAGEMENT Duane Uhls Publisher Leslie Magalios Multi-Media Advertising Director John Cate Editor EDITORIAL Randy Ball Discover Grainger County Contributor Rita Dykes Discover Grainger County Contributor ADVERTISING Abby Swearingen Marketing Consultant Darla Allen Creative Services/Production Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Story suggestions, inquiries should be made to John Cate at john.cate@therogersvillereview.com or 423-528-0669 Additional copies of Discover Grainger County 2026 may be picked up at the Review office and are available at no cost. We will gladly mail at a cost of $4 per copy to cover postage and handling.

Copyright: 2026, Discover Grainger County 2026, Hawkins County Publishers, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the newspaper’s management.

Reproduction of advertising and design work is strictly prohibited due to the use of licensed art services and agency agreements.

DISCOVER

Grainger County

4

inside w Grainger

Tomato Festival Celebrates 33rd Year

12 Fine Wine 15 A Grainger 18 County Tradition w Bean Station

As Old As America Itself

w

Here In Grainger County

w

For 49 Years

22 Things

w Sweet Little

A Hobby That Grew Into A Business

24 Ryah Giles

w Photographer

Turns Moments Into Lasting Memories

29 Coffee Co.

w Bean House

Is Bean Station’s Coffee Destination

on the cover

This spring house once served the Tate Springs health resort in Bean Station between 1888 and 1941. The resort was later converted into an orphanage, but the spring house remains even though the main building burned down 63 years ago.

Photo by Randy Ball

Discover Grainger County • 2026 3

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Whatever kind of tomatoes you prefer, they have them all in Grainger County, and you can get all you want at the 33rd annual Tomato Festival on July 17 and 18.

GRAINGER

Tomato Festival celebrates 33rd year

BY RITA DYKES | Correspondent

It’s time once again, the Grainger County Tomato Festival is set to kick off on Friday, July 17th in downtown Rutledge. This year marks the 33rd festival that celebrates all things tomato...especially the Grainger County tomato! While the festival committee promotes all the county’s agricultural products, they also promote many local artists, authors, performers, and craftsmen in the area.

The festival is held in July each year and takes place at 7480 Rutledge Pike, locally know as the Rutledge

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Middle School grounds. Each July, people from across the region and beyond eagerly await the chance to get their hands on the ever-so-popular Grainger County tomatoes. From eating delicious tomato sandwiches to canning a year’s supply of spaghetti sauce, get your taste buds ready and your truck bed empty to take home a bushel or two of some of the finest tomatoes around. If sadly, you don’t like to eat tomatoes, no problem, they got you covered...you can just throw them in the Tomato Wars Saturday morning!

This year’s festival begins with early shopping on Friday the 17th from noon until 6 p.m. on the

festival grounds. After you have spent the afternoon shopping, join in the fun at 6:30 for another spectacular Grainger County Opry! Each year, the Opry features local talented performers singing and playing county, bluegrass, and gospel music, while others fill the stage with laughter while enticing the crowd’s participation. The Opry is one of the highlights of the festival and a great way to bring the community together for some clean, family fun!

This year, the Opry will celebrate the 250th birthday of America and the 230th anniversary of Grainger County. Be sure to join in the fun inside of the Rutledge Middle School Gym. After a fun-filled day at the festival, head back down to the festival grounds on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. and enjoy another day out with friends and neighbors. Vendors of all kinds will be there selling produce, prepared food, jewelry, crafts, food, treats, and more.

At 10 a.m., head on down to the baseball field and join the war...the Tomato War! No better way to start a day than getting clobbered by tomatoes...or is there?

If you’re not into being a tomato thrower’s target, then be sure to cheer on your favorite warrior. Not only is it fun, but all proceeds go to support Rutledge Middle School’s football team.

Living history displays and demonstrations will

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Discover Grainger County • 2026 5

also be a large part of the festival. People dressed in period clothing will showcase what life was like during the Revolutionary War Era. Craftsmen will be set up, selling items like leather goods, iron tools, and wooden toys, while they demonstrate their craft and share their knowledge.

Entertainment will fill the main stage throughout the day. Talented authors, artists, craftsmen, merchandise vendors, food vendors, and lots of fresh produce will fill the grounds as you make your way through each area. There will also be bounce houses, inflatables, a dunking booth, and more

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Sneedville TN 6 Discover Grainger County • 2026

for the kids to enjoy.

Reminisce about the good ole days as you stop by and admire the antique cars, tractors and watch and smell apple butter being made just like grandma did!

Like to line dance or always wanted to learn?

Classes will be held throughout the day just for you! Grab your partner or a friend and do some boot

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scootin’.

Gas up you vehicle and head out for a weekend of entertainment and fun.

It will be hot so stay hydrated. If you bring your pet, there will be watering and misting stations to help them cool off!

For more information go to www. graingertomatofestival. com.

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8 Discover Grainger County • 2026

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Discover Grainger County • 2026 9

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Discover Grainger County • 2026 11

Bean Station as old as America itself

Founded as a frontier outpost in 1776, town is celebrating its 250th anniversary

BY RANDY BALL | Correspondent

Bean Station today is a quiet small town. It’s a good place to live, with lake access and close proximity to larger cities. Bean Station is a town rich in history. The town has changed many times over the years.

Early History William Bean and Daniel Boone first saw the area that would become Bean Station in 1775. William Bean established the frontier outpost of Bean Station in 1776. It is one of the oldest settlements in Tennessee.

The community became an important stop for travelers because of it being a crossroads on the Wilderness Road and the Great Indian Warpath.

The Bean Station Tavern, built in 1825, was a popular destination for travelers in the 1800s. The tavern had 40 rooms and was known for its wine cellar and ballroom. It was partially destroyed by fire in 1886.

It should be note that much of the area of the original Bean Station settlement is now under Cherokee Lake.

The Civil War Years Bean Station was the scene of a battle during the Civil War. In December of 1863, Confederate General James Longstreet and Union General James Shackleford led opposing armies at the Battle of Bean Station. There were approximately 115 Union casualties and 222 Confederate casualties. Longstreet succeeded in forcing the Union forces to retreat, but the outcome didn’t meet the Confederates’ overall goal. Longstreet and his troops wintered in nearby Russellville.

Resort Years Samuel Tate built Tate Springs Hotel after the Civil War. In 1876, Thomas Tomlinson bought the property

12 Discover Grainger County • 2026

RANDY BALL

This spring house once served both the Tate Springs Resort (1888-1941) and later the Kingswood School orphanage (1943-63). Much of the complex is no longer standing, but the spring house is still a local attraction.

and converted it into a mineral spring health resort.

Many of America’s wealthiest people visited Tate Springs. The resort thrived until the Depression and it closed in 1941. The site was turned into an orphanage known as Kingswood School in 1943. The beautiful main building was destroyed by fire in 1963.

The Peavine Railroad helped Tate Springs to boom in the 1890-1920 period. The Peavine Railroad was a branch of the Southern Railroad and ran between Morristown and Bean Station. Expansion of the railroad connected Grainger County with Knoxville.

Passenger service helped Tate Springs to flourish. The railroad ended operations in 1928.

Relocation In the 1940s, TVA planned on building Cherokee Dam downstream from Bean Station.

The dam would impound the Holston River and cover the original site of Bean Station with Cherokee Lake. About 200 families and 20 businesses were displaced as the town moved to the current location.

Highway Commerce In the mid-1900s, Bean Station become important in the trucking industry. The location at the junction of Highways 11W and 25E brought truck traffic through Bean Station.

Truck stops and motels drove the local economy for decades until the construction of Interstate 81 drew truck traffic away from Bean Station.

RANDY BALL

The Tomlinson House, another part of the old Tate Springs and Kingswood School complex that remains standing.

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WWW.GREENLEECAMPGROUND.COM Discover Grainger County • 2026 13

RANDY BALL

This is the area where the Battle of Bean Station was contested in December of 1863. It is now under Cherokee Lake.

Bean Station Today Bean Station is now a quiet residential community. There are retail stores, restaurants, industry, parks and a golf course. It is known locally for its fireworks shops. Bean Station has its own history museum.

Part of the attraction of living in Bean Station is its proximity to Cherokee Lake.

Bean Station has a rich history and has managed to reinvent itself several times. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Bean Station!

RANDY BALL

Bean Station Town Hall.

14 Discover Grainger County • 2026

Fine wine here in Grainger County

Chuck and Alice Belt turned a local farm into a successful vineyard

BY RITA DYKES | Correspondent

Long-time wine enthusiast Chuck Belt turned his passion for wine into a wine lover’s paradise right here in Grainger County.

Chuck’s interest in the grape and wine industry began in 1974, as the California industry was expanding and Napa Valley and other areas yielded legendary harvests. In 1976 and again 20 years later, Chuck visited Napa Valley which peaked his interests in the processes of wine making. He soon realized that to achieve expertise in the field, the art of wine making must follow a scientific approach to succeed.

After retirement, Chuck and his wife Alice embarked on an adventure to find a place they could live with an abundance of space and a more simple way of life. The desire for that type of life lead them to Grainger County, where they purchased a farm once owned by Alice’s uncle. The farm land was the perfect place for a vineyard and winery. The couple began their journey into a different career path away from corporate life. Both Chuck and Alice were professional engineers, which in turn plays a pivotal role in Chuck’s wine-making abilities and Alice’s vineyard management capabilities. After all, making wine is an art form that requires the production of quality grapes and precise blending to master the perfect wine.

In 2004, the couple planted their first acre of grapes on their beautiful farmland and named it Spout Spring Estates Vineyard. Today, the vineyard has grown to more than six acres and produces some of the best grapes that you will find anywhere. Currently, the vineyard is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sangiovese, Stuben, and two varieties of Muscadine grapes. Also

RITA DYKES

Co-founders and owners Chuck and Alice Belt purchased what became the Sport Springs Estates Winery and Vineyard in 2004, and opened the winery to the public in 2015.

grown are blackberries, Japanese wine berries and blueberries, which are incorporated into their wine selections.

After years of planting and planning, the couple began their winery operations in 2015 and are continuing to expand their wine choices. Their wine choices currently consists of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello di Manopola della Nonna, Magnolia, Blueberry, and wine club exclusive - Noble.

Meet the rest of the crew at Spout Spring: Kenya Cook is an associate winemaker. When she isn’t working as an ER nurse, she is wine making. She crafted the 2022 Vintage Noble and did an excellent job of making a “Fine Wine” that pairs well with many foods or to just sip it on its own. Kenya also Discover Grainger County • 2026 15

assists with Spout Spring’s events and marketing. She is a great help in making the winery successful.

Abby (Abigail) and Gabby (Gabrielle) are estate grown Aussie Doodles. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by them asking for a bit of attention and a nice rub. While Abby is the quick and sneaky one, Gabby is the alpha. Gabby has been know to push Abby out of the way when she wants all of the attention. They are both well trained and friendly, and make all dog lovers’ experience at the winery even more delightful. All Chuck and Alice ask is for visitors not to feed them.

If you are a wine enthusiast like the Belts and so many others, you might consider becoming a member of Spout Spring Estates Winery and Vineyard to reap the benefits, visit often, and make lasting friendships along the way. The fees are very minimal but the perks are plentiful. You will enjoy: 10% discount on all wine purchases, 15% off 3 or more bottles, 20% off cases,1st choice on limited bottles and reserves, a wine tasting of 5 – 1 oz pours, special member only events, the privilege of being among the first to find out when they have new wine releases, and receive exclusive emails from the wine maker.

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A paint-and-sip event recently held at the Spout Spring Estates Vineyard.

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16 Discover Grainger County • 2026

CONTRIBUTED CONTRIBUTED

Lisa Johnston and Cindy Waggoner working in the vineyards.

Interns Stella Teeple and Adalyn Weaver, University of Tennessee students studying Ag Business, work in the fields at Spout Springs.

Chuck and Alice’s focus for the winery is providing a safe and inviting space for people to gather with one another, have a glass of wine, and relax. They have recently finished construction on a 56’ x 32’ covered pavilion that folks are already enjoying. Around the winery there are multiple gathering areas where you will have a gorgeous view of the magnificent East Tennessee landscape. There are also covered decks with tables and chairs, rocking chairs, a fire pit sitting area, and plenty of shade trees to insure a pleasurable visit.

The winery also hosts special events throughout the year such as; shrimp boils, taco bars, singo, karaoke, cook offs, holiday celebrations, and more. They even

host an annual tomato dinner, which is a perfect way to celebrate Grainger County and its famous tomatoes.

The Belts have also begun taking bookings to use their vineyard as a wedding and event venue. The beautiful landscape and vineyard serves as the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Plan a visit to explore what might just be the place to host your special day.

If you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to unwind, look no further, head out to Spout Springs Estates Winery and Vineyard, at 430 Riddle Lane in Blaine, and spend some quality time alone or with a special person in your life...you will be glad you did!

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Discover Grainger County • 2026 17

RANDY BALL

Whatever part you need for your motorcycle, Nick’s Cycle Shop probably has it.

A GRAINGER COUNTY

Tradition FOR 49 YEARS

Nick’s Cycle Shop is the go-to for local motorcycle enthusiasts

BY RANDY BALL | Correspondent

Nick’s Cycle Shop is in a small building near the small town of Bean Station in Grainger County. The shop is located at 1587 Broadway Drive.

In the world of motorcycle enthusiasts, Nick’s Cycle Shop is very well known. If a part is needed, Nick’s Cycle shop probably has it when other shops don’t.

Even at big events like Daytona and Sturgis, Nick’s Cycle Shop t-shirts can be seen, and you can bet that many of the people are familiar with the shop.

Lloyd Nickels and his wife, Pat, are the owners. He became known as “Nick” at a young age. Nick grew up in Kingsport and Pat is from Bean Station.

“I was drafted in 1972. Pat and I had two little kids.

In December of 1976, I went to work for Hasson Bryant Hardware Company.” He had a sales route, selling hardware,” Nick recalled. “I’d drive 1,200 miles

18 Discover Grainger County • 2026

RANDY BALL

Lloyd “Nick” Nickels can order just about any cycle part, no matter how obscure.

RANDY BALL

The famous Nick’s Cycle Shop, open since 1977 in Bean Station.

a week selling hardware.”

In 1998, he went to work for Monroe Hardware.

Nick said, “I enjoyed hardware. I made a lot of friends. I stayed mostly in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. I had clients in Sevierville, Johnson City, Erwin, and Hampton.”

During all the time Nick was selling hardware, Pat was sewing.

“She began sewing for a dress shop in 1975,” he said.

“She does alterations. She has worn out five sewing machines in her career!”

Nick always enjoyed riding motorcycles. He

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went into the parts business in 1977. The shop was originally attached to the family home. Nick explained that it was where there had once been a bait shop. A small house was located on the other side of the property, and when it became available in 1979, he moved the shop there. Shortly after moving, he added on to the building, replaced the original flat roof and put in six-foot windows across the front. He also tore out the inside walls.

Nick has a natural knack with hardware and parts.

His skills in hardware sales have also led to success with motorcycle parts sales. The has helped him to

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RANDY BALL

Some of the inventory of parts available at Nick’s Cycle Shop.

stay in business for 49 years. The little shop is a “goto” destination for motorcycle parts. Nick has always enjoyed a loyal clientele, but since he ended his career in hardware sales, the shop has become even busier.

Nick explained, “When I retired out of hardware, I needed something to piddle with.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and people hit the outdoors to avoid exposure, business boomed.

“When COVID hit, it became a 60-hour a week job,” he recalled.

In addition to motorcycles, Nick has also built three-wheeled bikes.

Today, Nick’s Cycle Shop sells trail, stock and custom parts. Some of the big sellers are oil-change kits, tires, inner tubes, and helmets. He also has oil and filters for side-by-sides, ATVs and dirt bikes.

Through it all, Harley-Davidson parts have remained a big seller. The shop has parts for 19362026 Harley’s. Nick also “trades for stuff.” In addition to the crowded shop, the attic is full of various motorcycle parts. Nick can get “just about any part within a few days. I have six wholesalers that I order from.”

While the business has always been successful, there have been some events that caused Nick to worry. The shop’s location was on the main road until 1998, when the four-lane opened. The change thankfully didn’t affect business, as customers sought out the shop.

Another change was when the telephone prefix was changed. Again, the shop survived change with few issues.

Nick added that he hasn’t done much advertising,

20 Discover Grainger County • 2026

RANDY BALL

The famous Nick’s Cycle Shop t-shirt.

RANDY BALL

Manuals for many different types of motorcycles are available.

and relies on word-of-mouth. Nick’s Cycle Shop t-shirts can be spotted at bike events nationwide.

New customers are still discovering the shop. Nick literally has generations of repeat customers. Many mechanics know that Nick’s is the place to go for hard-to-find parts. Several other cycle shops call Nick looking for certain parts.

Nick’s Cycle Shop has the distinction of being a “cash-only” business.

RANDY BALL

Tires are a big seller at Nick’s Cycle Shop.

Nick said, “I borrowed money to get into business, I just kept adding to it!”

A successful business lasting 49 years is rare, but Nick is modest about the shop’s success. He explained, “I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve got hardware in my blood! I was a parts guy in the Army. The shop has provided a little extra money. It’s paid the bills and got three kids

through college!”

Today Nick and Pat have six grandkids. Nick hopes his son will take over the shop someday.

Through all of the changes and challenges of 49 years in business, Nick said “I always liked motorcycles; I’m still here!”

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SWEET LITTLE

Things

A hobby that grew into a business

BY RITA DYKES | Correspondent

Just one year into adulthood, Mollie Ritter opened her first business, Sweet Little Things Bakery. Mollie comes from a family of entrepreneurs, so owning her own business is second nature to her.

Ritter Farms, once located in Rutledge, was owned

by Mollie’s grandparents and where she got her start in baking delicious sweet treats. Mollie said, “My love for baking started at a young age when I spent time baking with my Mamaw Char at Ritter Farms. Those experiences helped spark my passion for creating desserts and taught me the value of hard work. What began as special memories in the kitchen has grown into Sweet Little Things Bakery, where I now get to share that same love of baking with others and some of the same recipes everybody knows and loves.

“I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me from the beginning.”

Mollie began her baking adventure as just a hobby and something she enjoyed doing with her grandmother. With the support and encouragement of her family and friends, years of practice, and much trial and error, Mollie turned her hobby into a thriving business. Her inner circle continues to support her not only through encouragement but they help her bake, package the baked goods, and assist with events where she showcases and sells her mouthwatering works of art.

On July 1, 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, Mollie turned her passion into a business. She began and continues to operated out of her home kitchen, but someday she hopes to have a storefront

22 Discover Grainger County • 2026

CONTRIBUTED

Mollie Ritter, owner of Sweet Little Things Bakery.

in Grainger County to display and sell her treats.

Mollie’s main focus is to create custom cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, breads, bundt cakes, and seasonal treats. Seasonal treats include chocolate covered strawberries, tomato muffins, pumpkin rolls, pecan pie bars, sweet potato bread, and a variety of Christmas candies. Be on the lookout for other treats to be added to the bakery’s list of goodies, as Mollie is always up for a challenge and loves trying new ways to be creative.

Mollie said, “My favorite creations are custom cupcakes and/or cake pops. I especially enjoy decorating themed cupcakes. They allow me to be creative and customize designs for most any occasion.

I love making desserts for people to celebrate a special day and to create lasting memories.”

Mollie also enjoys giving back to her community by participating in local event and markets. She also supports other local small business and shares her baked treats with local police officers and others in the community in appreciation for all they do.

The community also supports Mollie and the bakery through word-of-mouth recommendations, social media shares, and attending local events where she sells her goods.

Kim Keener, a repeat customer of Sweet

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Mollie Ritter at work in the kitchen creating sweet treats for her business, Sweet Things Bakery.

Little Things said, ”Mollie is always very sweet and attentive to your order. She puts a lot of time and detail into everything she makes. I was very pleased with my cake order and her peanut butter fudge is outstanding.”

When Mollie isn’t baking, she is running her second business, Mollie Rose Designs. She designs and makes sublimation tumblers, key chains, bookmarks and more. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and creating new ideas for her treat and designs.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Sherry Beeler also sings Mollie’s praises, “I am a forever customer for the fact that her blueberry pound cake is delectable! I love to change it up with other goodies but cannot leave without a pound cake of any flavor, especially blueberry. She currently makes small, two-serving bundt cakes and I can buy as many as I want and freeze them and thaw them when I desire.

Even after freezing them, they remain amazing. I love Sweet Little Things Bakery!”

For a delicious treat for yourself or for a special gathering, visit Sweet Little Things Bakery on Facebook or visit its website at sweetlittlethingsbakery.square.site/ to see Mollie’s creations. To place an order, you can message her through Facebook or email her at sweetbakerything@gmail.com. If you see her out at an event in the area, stop by and try a treat or two... you won’t regret it!

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Smores Cookie

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Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Discover Grainger County • 2026 23

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Giles captures this couple in a photo shot using “old-fashioned” lighting effects.

24 Discover Grainger County • 2026

Photographer RYAH GILES

turns moments into lasting memories

BY RITA DYKES | Correspondent

Ryah Giles began her passion of photography at the very young age of six. As a child, her father attended college where he studied photography. His studies also included dark room developing. When she wasn’t in school herself, she tagged along with her dad on his photography journey.

At the age of ten, Ryah shot her very first solo image and developed it in her father’s darkroom at home.

From then on, she was hooked.

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At the age of 20, she began working in the photography industry, with her first job being with Photography by John Howard in Loveland, Ohio, where she lived at the time. She was hired for backend work, but quickly her skills advanced her to becoming an assistant in the studio and on location.

She said being on location was also where she studied the rhythm of a wedding day, while she assisted that level of photographers. After just a short time as an assistant, Ryah began shooting her own sessions.

Ryah has spent 35 years in the industry and has had

Discover Grainger County • 2026 25

photography businesses in other places before moving to Grainger County. Throughout her extensive journey, her professional influences include Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Jose Villa. As for her biggest fan, that would be none other than her fiancé Thomas. She said, “My fiancé is the first person I’ve ever met that supports my work more than I do! He adores my work, tells everyone about it, puts in the elbow grease to help me design sets, and is with me as my assistant when we travel for my work.”

Ryah’s photos range from concerts, portraits, nature, and commercial art to weddings, engagements, anniversaries, and events...she does it all. She said that a wide variety of subjects keeps her photos interesting and fresh. Ryah shared, “Moments are my passion, no matter the subject. I love weddings, where I can allow the day to unfold while working to capture

26 Discover Grainger County • 2026

CONTRIBUTED

the emotions, and the moments between family and friends. I also love the energy, pace and passion of concerts. I have photographed artists such as Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Barnes Courtney, Disturbed, Shinedown, Whey Jennings, and Big & Rich, among others.

“On the calmer side of photography are portrait sessions. Portraits allow me to slow down, create the whole scene, and set it up for a moment to happen.

I love photographing on location portrait sessions in Grainger County and all around the region where there is such a rich history and many beautiful natural locations.”

As if Ryah wasn’t busy enough, in January 2026, she opened another photography business, MonoChrome Vows. The business is a dedicated platform for proposal, wedding, and anniversary photography. With her boutique wedding photography website monochromevows.com CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

A concert photo captured by local photographer Ryah Giles.

just launching, she is working hard to become the top fine art wedding photographer in the state of Tennessee and beyond.

When Ryah isn’t on a shoot, she is working hard at her other business, MoonSpun Fiber Co. At MoonSpun, she hand-processes raw wool, dyes it and creates artisan hand-spun yarns that she sells and uses to create custom hand knits. She is also always looking for ways to give back to the communities in Grainger County. Giving back is very important to her and her family. They have been involved with The Community

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Garden Project in Rutledge for several years. They grow organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs to donate to local food banks, to other people in need, and allow the use of gardening as a form of therapy to children and others on the autism spectrum.

As you have read, Ryah is all about people whether its by capturing their special moments or helping meet the needs of others around her. If she is the type of person you would like to have creating moments for you and you love her photos, be sure to book soon as her spots are already filling up for the remainder of the year. Visit her Facebook pages: Ryah Heart Photos and Monochrome Vows or her website www.monochromevows. com to see what all she has to offer and witness the beautiful uniqueness of more of her photos.

28 Discover Grainger County • 2026

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Two birds out in the wild, captured in a photo by Ryah Giles.

RANDY BALL

The menu at Bean House Coffee, with the variety of different drinks they offer.

Bean House Coffee Co. is Bean Station’s

Coffee destination

BY RANDY BALL | Correspondent

Bean House Coffee Company owner Andy Bunch is one of the areas outstanding entrepreneurs. At the age of 20, he has two successful businesses in Bean Station.

The coffee shop opened on August 29, 2025 at 612 Broadway Drive. His first business, Aunt B’s Ice Cream, was opened in partnership with his mother, when Andy was 13 years old. Today, he manages both successful businesses.

Andy realized that there was a need for a coffee shop when customers at the ice cream shop asked about coffee. He shared, “Another reason for opening the coffee shop was that the ice cream shop is open in summer, and I needed something to do in the winter!

Another reason is that I’m a big coffee drinker!”

Andy explained that he went into the coffee business “completely blind.” He added, “I had a lot of help from our coffee roastery people, Coffee Library, located in Asheville, North Carolina. They helped with the layout

RANDY BALL

Bean House Coffee owner Andy Bunch.

Discover Grainger County • 2026 29

of the shop.”

The shop’s main attraction is coffee and coffee products: latte, mocha, Americano, frappe, cold brew and drip coffee. They also offer coolers (lemonade-based drinks), hot chocolate, ice tea and energy drinks. In addition to all the drinks, Andy explained that they have “some grab and go breakfast items, such as bagels and cookies.”

RANDY BALL The Bean House Coffee Company opened last August, owned and operated by the same people involved with Aunt B’s Ice Cream.

Business has been good so far. “It’s sometimes it’s 11. There isn’t any rhyme or reason for interesting that coffee when we get busy.” sales seem to go up the hotter it gets,” he said. “Early The Bean House Coffee Company has two mornings are busy when school is in session. Every day is different. Some days the rush hits at 7 and employees, Nikki Jobes and Gracie Nash.

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RANDY BALL

Andy said “We have lots of repeat customers; coffee is a repeat business. We try to keep everything the best!”

Nikki added “It’s nice to have regulars. We know what they want when they come in. This is a place to for customers to come to enjoy a cup of coffee and know that they are valued!”

Andy also disclosed that the coffee shop will be moving next door to the ice cream shop on Main Street in the near future.

The hours at the Bean House are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

RANDY BALL The company logo has Psalm 34:8 prominently Bean House Coffee Co. owner Andy Bunch with employee Nikki Jobes. mentioned.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the far and looking forward to our new customers. This is one who takes refuge in him.” the best job in the world and the best customers in the world!”

Andy said “I’m very grateful for our customers so Discover Grainger County • 2026 31