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2019-2020 Tri-State
INSIDER GUIDE
A Claiborne Progress, Harlan Enterprise & Middlesboro Daily News Publication Photo by Danny Vaughn
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What’s Inside Claiborne County, Tennessee Norris Lake — Fun For The Whole Family.......................................................................................................................5 Old Claiborne Jail — Symbol Of Early County Corrections............................................................................................6 Tazewell Speedway Thrills.............................................................................................................................................8 Experience the Powell River..........................................................................................................................................9 Woodlake Lodge, Golf & Country Club...................................................................................................................... ...10 White Lightning Trail Festival Celebrates Moonshine, Fast Cars..................................................................................11 Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum............................................................................................................................12 Visit Claiborne County — Experience Beauty, Adventure, Hospitality.........................................................................14
Harlan County, Kentucky Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area...................................................................................................................17 Black Mountain Thunder Zipline...................................................................................................................................18 Portal No. 31 Underground Mine Tour..........................................................................................................................18 Kentucky Coal Mine Museum........................................................................................................................................18 Hiking In The Hills..........................................................................................................................................................19 Visit Harlan County — Discover Where Adventure Begins..........................................................................................20 Boating, Fishing, More Offered At Harlan Lakes ..........................................................................................................22
Knox County, Kentucky
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Barbourville — Fun All Year Round................................................................................................................................23
Bell County, Kentucky Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.....................................................................................................................25 Levitt Music Series Paves Way For New Tourism ...........................................................................................................26 Revitalizing Historic City of Pineville...............................................................................................................................27 Visit Bell County — The Experience of a Lifetime...........................................................................................................30 Downtown Middlesboro: An Area On The Rise..............................................................................................................34
CLAIBORNE COUNTY, TENNESSEE
Photos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress
Norris Lake — fun for the whole family By Allen Earl allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net
Claiborne County residents are blessed with two majestic waterways that help keep Norris Lake filled seasonally. Norris Reservoir ranges from the historic Norris Dam and extends 73 miles up the Clinch and 56 miles up the Powell River. Norris lake has many purposes including flood prevention and control along with numerous recreational uses. Every year there are festivals of all sorts along the 809 miles of shoreline. In addition to the festivals, the lake is utilized
by fishermen and women, and they have 33,840 acres of water surface to find a secluded spot for fishing. The lake is shared by recreational boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, kayaking and more. There are many guides that can help you find the fish including Stripers, Bass and Walleye in addition to great pan fishing. There are bass tournaments nearly every week and information can be found at or around the numerous boat docks and resorts. Camping can be found all along Norris and there are spots both privately owned and state owned.
Some of these feature swimming holes, tent and RV camping, boat rentals and almost anything needed to make your visit more enjoyable. There are restaurants all across the shoreline ranging from fine dining to local home cooking. The history of Norris Lake directly corresponds with the war effort of World War II. The dam holding back Norris Lake was named for Senator George Norris of Nebraska, who was the author of the legislation that created the Tennessee Valley Authority. The TVA is responsible for the regulation of Norris Lake and other bodies
of water around East Tennessee. The City of Norris was made just for the workers as they assembled the dam, and nearby a secret city was powered by the electricity provided by the dam. Waters flowing through Norris Dam helped the United States create the weapons that effectively ended the war. As Norris Lake provides flood prevention and control, it also provides a great resource for recreational use. To see what Norris Lake has to offer, point your browser to the Tennessee Valley Authority website as well as tn.gov for information on fishing and recreational use.
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Old jail symbol of earlier county corrections By Jan Runions
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Courtesy photo If only those walls could talk! The historic Claiborne Jail, located just off Broad St. in Tazewell, contains a bounty of stories within its walls.
Prisoners overseen by county corrections before 1933 would have no doubt welcomed with open arms the current Claiborne Justice Center and its state-ofthe-art jail. The Old Jail, located just off Broad Street in Tazewell, is a symbol of early county corrections and a reminder of just how far we have come in dealing with those who break the law. Today, inmates enjoy all the so-called comforts of home and are protected by certain statutes forbidding overseers from callous treatment.
From 1819 to 1933, county prisoners had little in the way of comforts as they sat inside the Old Jail awaiting trial or, in some cases, their death by hanging. In those early days, hangings were performed via a door opening off the front of the second story of the structure. County folk would make a day of it, packing up a picnic basket in anticipation of visiting old friends while awaiting the public hanging of someone they most likely had known for years. The one facing the final phase of his sentence had but a few steps to take, as he
was led from his cell to the hanging door. Certain hangings were performed at remote locations, however. The last public execution inside Claiborne County was held in 1875 in Academy Hollow, nearby Kentucky Road. What began as a case of common assault, over an apparent dispute about a hog, quickly morphed into a murder case. The doomed, Annanias Honeycutt, maintained his innocence to his last breath, claiming he had simply protected himself from harm inflicted upon him by the victim, Thomas Ausmus. The murder case apparently drew quite a bit of attention from county folk. Reportedly, some 6,000 people attended the popular event, warranting the use of 50 guards to protect Hon-
eycutt and two preachers to perform the last rites. The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogical Society (CCH&GS) website recounts the event. “The proceeding was opened by Reverend Billy Cruthfied with a reading from the Bible and a hymn, followed by a prayer and an hour long sermon about heaven and hell. Then Reverend Greer spoke. Honeycutt was asked to speak and he invited the crowd to meet him in heaven. The Sheriff put a black cap over Honeycutt’s head and face and adjusted the noose, the wagon moved forward leaving him struggling in the air. The body was cut down and his family took it home for burial,” reads the account, in part. Information about the Old Jail can be found in ‘Goodspeed’s History of Claiborne
County.’ “The first jail was completed at about the same time as the courthouse - 1804. It was used until 1819, when Josiah C. Ramsey, John Evans, William Graham, William Renfro, Robert Crockett, David Rogers and Reuben Rogers were appointed commissioners to erect a new jail. It was built with a double wall, the outside being rock and the inside frame,” reads ‘Goodspeed,’ in part. The architecture is more fully described in ‘The Peoples History of Claiborne County, volume II. “Originally, the stone foundation level served basically as the entry with stairs leading to the “Second” floor (brick section) which was the main facility. In the center of this floor was a single cell (“bull pen”) with steel bars; an open hallway was on
each of the four sides. A jailer had a bed in one corner. The cell has apparently been removed,” reads the volume, in part. In 2006, the Historical Society was handed the papers to the Old Jail, which is the oldest freestanding one in the state. Since that time, the members have worked tirelessly to bring the historic structure ‘up to snuff ’ in order to maintain its historic register standing. Quite a bit of work has been completed to the exterior. However, the interior will need about $100,000 in grant funds and donations to bring it back to as near its original state, as possible. Carolyn Lambert, Society treasurer, says the members welcome any documentation that would help them to authentically restore the Old Jail.
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2019-2020 INSIDER GUIDE 7
U.S. 25 East - Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN (Behind Hardee’s)
Tazewell Speedway provides thrills By Allen Earl allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net
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Drivers and fans come from all over the nation for the speed and thrill of a little dirt track in Claiborne County. Located in the hills of Tazewell, Tennessee, the 1/3 mile high banked dirt track known as Tazewell Speedway or “The Taz” has been a bucket list track of many drivers and fans since created. Intimidated by the high speeds and high banks, not all drivers leave the speedway with an appreciation of the place, but fans on the other hand enjoy the action. With a track so small, the action should be easy to watch but when a field of
Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress David Clark drives his Modified Street car at Tazewell Speedway.
racing machines hit the dirt a race fan simply can not watch all the action. Built in 1965 by the Frazier’s on a portion of the family farm, no one knew at that time what the speed-
way would become. It went from a flat track to high banks and along with the change came the speed it is now known for. Jeff Wolfenbarger was the first driver to rip around
the track in the 10-second range. His lap of 10.947 was the first of many and was accomplished in 2009. Currently, nationally known and one of the best to ever wheel a car on dirt and East Tennessee’s own, Scott Bloomquist, holds the record at 10.822 seconds set in 2013. Many of the sports finest drivers have tried to tame the Taz including Jeff Purvis, Kenny Schrader, Jimmy Owens, Dale McDowell, Billy Moyer, Josh Richards, Jonathan Davenport and so many more. Some have been able to take the checkers while others have only seen wreckers. Tazewell Speedway has
been named the best place to spend a Saturday night numerous times by area residents and owners Gary and Shirlene Hall have kept the action going through good economic conditions as well as bad. The speedway provides action that stands the test of time and with the race fans from all over considering it as a destination track the future of the track looks great. When larger touring series like Lucas Oil visits, the place fills up with fans in the stands and on almost every blade of grass. Tazewell Speedway can be reached through Facebook, website www. tazewellspeedway.net or by phone at 423-6262222.
Experience the Powell River By Allen Earl allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net
The annual Powell River Kayak & Canoe Regatta is a 12-mile race on the scenic, Class one Powell River in Claiborne County, Tennessee for canoe and double kayaks. The Powell River Regatta is a function of the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce with the net proceeds used exclusively for the Powell River Blueway Project, an effort to improve public access onto the 114 miles of the Powell River for paddling and fishing in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of northeast Tennessee. There are both race and recreational categories with the race participants vying for a $150 prize. Second place
isn’t bad either as the prize is $50, all for taking a spirited float down the beautiful Powell. Racing kayaks are boats longer than 18 feet or weighs less than 40 pounds. A double canoe or kayak weighing less than three pounds per linear foot plus six pounds must be entered in the Racing Kayak category. In the Open Double event and “Recreational” category, one of the two persons in the boat may be as young as 14 years provided the other person in the boat is a parent or legal guardian, otherwise both must be over 18 years of age. Riverside Rentals will have kayaks and canoes available for rent on race day with prior
notification. Boats and paddles will be made available at the start line and can be left at the finish line. Please make prior arrangements for these boats by contacting Carson Williams of Riverside Rentals at 423-626-9761 or email at riversiderentals11@yahoo. com. It will be on a first come, first serve basis. The regatta will begin at the Well Being Retreat Center in Tazewell, Tennessee about 50 miles north of Knoxville and ends at Riverside (kayak) Rentals in Harrogate. Free transport for boats and participants back to the start line will be provided. For more information on this event, visit powellriverblueway.org/regatta. The date for the 2020 Regatta is May 2.
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Woodlake Golf Course By Allen Earl allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net
Woodlake Lodge, Golf and Country Club is located near the base of a wellknown Claiborne County geographical landmark named Lone Mountain and features a 72-par golf course and more. Woodlake is often enjoyed by golfers all over the nation, local middle school, high school and college teams. The course sits beside Norris Lake and features water hazards, beautiful greens and rolling fairways. The course itself is a mere 45 minutes from Knoxville, Tenn. and 30 minutes from Morristown, Tenn. In addition, the New Tazewell airport, with its 5,000 feet paved runway,
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is only a short car ride to Woodlake. Upon landing, a call to Woodlake is all that’s needed for a free ride to the clubhouse. Woodlake is much more than just great golf. They offer lodging and dining, boating, tennis, swimming pool, fitness center and even guided bass and striper fishing packages. Striper fishing is fun and rewarding and Woodlake’s choice of guides will allow you to catch fish and not just fish for them. A great option will be allowing the Woodlake Chef to prepare your catch for dinner that very evening. Fishing trips are often split between Norris and Cherokee Lakes, two of the best reservoirs for catching those
Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress
10-40 pound giant fish. Of course, Woodlake offers an awesome golf package with price running $100-$110 per day including lodging, green fees, cart, Cart Concierge drink service and reduced re-play fee. Woodlake is much more than a golf course that was named “One of America’s
Best New Golf Courses,” by Golf Digest in 2000 it is a mini vacation in one of the most beautiful places in East Tennessee. It’s physical address is 330 Woodlake Blvd, Tazewell, Tennessee 37879 and the website is woodlakegolf. com with the phone contact being 877-423-4653.
Festival celebrates moonshine, fast cars By Jan Runions jan.runions@claiborneprogress.net
Today’s stock car drivers have nothing over the risk-takers who, once upon a time, barreled through the backroads of Appalachia, loaded down with illegal rotgut. The stuff could sometimes be heard sloshing around in the moonshine tanks that were custom built under the trunks of vehicles. Most any night, the roar of engines could be heard echoing from mountain walls as they tried to outrun local law enforcement. After all, moonshine was a very lucrative business. Only trouble was, it was illegal – revenue taxes were not being paid into the government for the sale of shine.
Photo by Kathy Matthews
It was the 1930s, ‘40s and 50s – before NASCAR invented itself with the help of those rugged dare devils. Most of the early stock car racers had learned their trade via moonshine hauls. Since 2009, Cumberland Gap has celebrated the legacy of moonshine runners with its ‘White Lightning Trail
Festival.’ The event was such a huge success that by 2012, the festival earned from the Southeast Tourism Society the award for “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.” The honor was bestowed two more times - in 2013 and 2014. Touted as one of the area’s largest summer events, festi-
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val continues the moonshine and fast cars legacy with a variety of family friendly activities, celebrating the Appalachian culture with roots music and demonstrations of old-time handicrafts. The event has expanded with a beauty pageant, a 5K run and plenty of arts, crafts, and specialty vendor booths showcasing the history of our way of life here in the heart of Appalachia. The festival has drawn hoards of tourists from across the nation and from many spots around the globe. The Claiborne Economic Partnership has worked to raise the event standard since taking over the festival. The CEP knows that once they come, they do return.
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Glimpse into Lincoln’s life offered By Allen Earl allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net
Allen Earl|Claiborne Progress
A hole between two mountains called the Cumberland Gap was once the gateway to history, and down in a little town called Harrogate much history is on display. Located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University and just right of the main campus entrance there is a building that houses the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. The museum was organized by General O.O. Howard on the request of Abraham Lincoln himself, and it’s history dates back to the late 1890s. The community was thought to be loyal
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to Lincoln and the Union despite being a southern state by definition. The loyalty given by these people are a huge reason that the museum and collection of Lincoln memorabilia exists. During the late 1970s, a large donation by Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Harland Sanders helped move the historic items to its present location inside a 21,000 square feet building. The museum now holds more Lincoln and Civil War history than almost anywhere in the south. Along with numerous Lincoln items the museum contains Civil War items including the largest sheet music collection, 2,500 Civil War area pamphlets,
Allen Earl|Claiborne Progress
Civil War weapons and more. There are two vaults containing everything from a lock of Lincoln’s hair to actual signatures from every American president through Barack Obama. Spending time in the
museum will allow you to visualize a time when a young man grew into a president that made a huge impact on not only the United States but the entire world. The museum is constantly evolving with ex-
hibits on rotation but lately some new contributions have made the museum even more interesting. The Dr. Robert L. Kincaid family donation made it possible for a gallery renovation and will help support additions to the museum. Currently the museum is undergoing a million dollar fund matching campaign by Dorothy M. Kincaid which will allow even more great things to happen at the museum. For information on the museum, contact the museum through Museum Director Michael Lynch at michael.lynch02@ LMUnet.edu and www. LMUnet.edu/museum. Admission to the Abraham Library and Museum at LMU is only $5 with group pricing available.
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The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is over 32 square miles of outdoor activity and historical exploration. The Visitors Center houses a museum and theater. The Center also features a gift shop with mountain crafted items. Beyond the Visitors Center, there are more than 80 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy quarter mile hikes all the way to multi-day backcountry adventures. Take a guided tour of the Gap Cave or of Hensley Settlement. As you explore, be on the lookout for bobcat, deer, beaver, fox, bear, and over 150 species of birds.
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Park marks the area where early pioneers first crossed the Appalachians. Just beyond its boundaries, the Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum sits on the campus on Lincoln Memorial University. If you’re in search of outdoor activities, Claiborne County offers scenic golfing options. You can spend the afternoon boating, kayaking, swimming, or tubing on Norris Lake. For more information, visit our website or call us at 423.259.8406!
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The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University is home to over 35,000 artifacts. Among them are a Lincoln family tea set, a lock of Lincoln’s hair, decorations from Lincoln’s coffin, and over 100 documents and letters signed by Lincoln. As the museum tells Lincoln’s story, it provides historical context through the presence of Civil War items. The museum offers self guided tours, guided tours, and group tours.
Smok’n Joe’s Express — fast, friendly service
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By Emily Perkins emily.perkins@harlandaily.com
Bringing in a new, upbeat space to Harlan County, the Smok’n Joe’s Express is scheduled to open its door Sept. 24 to both new and returning faces. The store, along with Don’s Super Saver and Don’s Express Car Wash, is one of the locally-owned businesses in Harlan operated by Scott Parsons and his family. Featuring a full-service convenience store, complete with a coffee bar, fountain drinks, roller grill, seasonal soups and groceries, the store offers the same fast and friendly service customers have come to know. In addition to the store, customers are also invited to refill their vehicles at the full-service pumps located in front of the store and then swing around the building for a Little Caesar’s Hot-NReady pizza. The restaurant now adds a new place for
Photos by Emily Perkins | Harlan Enterprise
people to grab a bite to eat, with options to suit the needs of all of their customers. Parsons and his staff look forward to welcoming back the people they haven’t seen
in about a year since Smok’n Joe’s first moved locations in order for the new store’s construction to begin. The construction kept residents of Harlan wondering
what’s been going on at the crossroads of U.S. 421 and U.S. 119 and will now keep them coming back for some of the best service they deserve and love.
HARLAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Discover where adventure begins
Courtesy of Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area
Thank you for visiting Harlan County, Kentucky - Where Adventure Begins! Black bears roar as you climb Kentucky’s highest mountains by ATV and the wind cracks as you soar about tree top canopies at the Black Mountain Thunder Zipline! Visit us and take a step back in time by visiting our Portal 31 Exhibition Mine tour or the Kentucky Coal Mine Museum in the Tri-City area. Here you will discover the many unique opportunities our county has to offer, however, to fully experience Harlan, you have to visit us!
BLACK MOUNTAIN OFFROAD ADVENTURE AREA Since it’s opening to the public in October of 2005, Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area is the fastest growing number one destination for adventure in Southeastern Kentucky and surrounding areas. Located in the picturesque mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky and the birthplace of Adventure Tourism. We are your one stop destination for fun! Here you will climb the highest elevations that any off-road park in Kentucky has to offer. The trails at the Black Mountain Off-
Road Adventure Area were created from strip mining roads and logging roads. The trails at Black Mountain offer a variety of experiences and levels of diffi-
culty. The majority of trails at Black Mountain are multiuse trails and open to all types of vehicles including ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt
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bikes, trucks, jeeps and buggies. Some trails are restricted for ATV or dirtbike use only. Some of the amenities of our ATV park include: · Open all day, all yearround · Over 150 Miles of Marked and Rated Trails · Approximately 7,000 Acres of Mountainous Terrain · Elevations up to 3,300 feet high · Detailed trail maps available · Beginner, Intermediate and Extreme ATV Trails · Levels 1 through 5 4x4 Trails and Obstacles · Two convenient trailheads located in Evarts & Putney · Minutes from rental cabins, RV Hookups and other amenities · Lowest Rates Nation-
wide! For more information on the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area, please visit www.blackmountainoffroad.com or call our the trailhead at 606.837.3205. You may also call our tourism office at 606.573.4495. BLACK MOUNTAIN THUNDER ZIPLINE Experience breathtaking views of the majestic Appalachian mountains on a 2-hour canopy tour at the Black Mountain Thunder Zipline! Completed in August 2011, Black Mountain Thunder is the newest addition to Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area. Our zipline is the highest, fastest, and longest canopy tour in Kentucky. Once you are shuttled to the top of the canopy tour, you will embark on a two hour
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tour that is filled with over 2 miles of cable and speeds up to 60 mph. At 400 feet, our zipline is the tallest in Kentucky and you will soar over beautiful tree top canopies on this tour. Reservations are required so call 606.837.3205 today to make your reservation or inquire for more information. PORTAL 31 Portal No. 31 Underground Mine Tour offers visitors the unique experience of touring a once working coal mine by rail car. Here, visitors will experience travelling through a coal mine as they enjoy animated exhibits along the tour. The tour tells the story of how coal helped shape not only Kentucky but the world from the early 1900s to the present day. This underground ride takes approximately 45 minutes and you should plan to be there 15-20 minutes prior to your tour. Before you begin your tour but sure to explore outside Portal 31 where a black granite monument stands in tribute to John L. Lewis, the long time president of the United Mine Workers. You will also find a memorial to U.S. Steel District #1 miners who died in mining accidents. The site also features a 1920s lamp house,
bathhouse, L&N train depot and loadout system. You will also find a walking tour around the site that includes signage explaining the history of the Portal 31 mining complex. Portal 31 RV Park is located directly across from the Portal. With 12 hookups and 8 primitive parking spaces, the park adds another option for local accommodations. The park offers a sewer dump station for tour buses and RV vehicles. Cable television hook-ups available. It is strongly recommended to make reservations to this one-of-a-kind tour! Admission prices to Portal 31 is: · Adults: $16.95 · Seniors: (62 & up) $14.95 · H.S. Students/College: $11.95 · 3yrs of age - 8th grade: $6.95 For more information or reservations, contact the Portal 31 office at 606.848.3131. You may also contact the Harlan Tourism office for any questions you may have at 606.573.4156. You can also visit us on the web at www.harlantourism. com. KENTUCKY COAL MINE MUSEUM Visitors to the Kentucky Coal Mine Museum can enjoy a step back in time to the
coal miner’s workplace, his home, and his community. The museum is housed in the old commissary built by International Harvester in the 1920’s and features four stores of exhibits on the history of mining and the life of the coal miner. Artifacts, antiques, photographs, and machinery make up the more than 30 exhibits. The Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts exploring the early years of industrial coal mining in Kentucky. Continuous featured exhibits include the Loretta Lynn Exhibit and the Mock Mine Exhibit. While visiting the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum, you can see the floor plan of a typical underground coal mine. The display shows all aspects of a coal mine including the tipple and other min-
ing activities. Visitors can have their picture made outside the building next to the two-ton block of coal that was specially cut for the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum. Kids will also enjoy climbing on the 1940’s model electric locomotive. It was used to haul miners inside the mine. You can see other heavy machinery used in mining the “black diamond.” The Museum also offers a complete picture of the lives that revolve around the coal industry. Visitors to the museum can view the process detailing the formation of coal by looking at several visuals and fossil displays. Next a narrated video describes the early coal mining days in Benham and Lynch. Other displays include items from the company hospital, early mining tools,
items from the commissary and the miner’s home, and a working scale model of a coal tipple. A photography collection documenting the history of Benham — mining accidents, new buildings, people, etc. — can also be seen. HIKING IN HARLAN Harlan is situated in a picturesque mountain community and offers a plethora of outdoor adventure peppered with natural beauty. While in town, a visitor can take some time to reconnect with mother nature by traversing some of our trails at Blanton Forest which protects 3,124 acres of old-growth and second-growth forests. As one of 13 large oldgrowth tracts remaining in the eastern United States, Blanton Forest is a diverse ecological treasure. Many
of the trees are 3 feet to 4 feet in diameter, towering 100 feet above the forest floor. You can also hike at Kingdom Come State Park which rests near the Kentucky-Virginia border on the crest of Pine Mountain. The park is the highest state park in Kentucky and offers scenic vistas second to none. Extraordinary rock formations are featured at this park, including Log Rock, a natural sandstone bridge, and Raven Rock, a giant monolith that soars 290-feet into the air at a 45-degree angle. You can also check out Pine Mountain Settlement School or even the Martins Fork Wildlife Management area for other hiking trails. For more information, call us at 606.573.4495 or visit us on the web at www. harlantourism.com.
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BLACK
MOUNTAIN
THUNDER
ZIP LINE
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harlantourism.com
BLACK MOUNTAIN OFFROAD ADVENTURE AREA
11 LINES 500Â FEET OVER 60 MPH Breathtaking views of the majestic Appalachian Mountains are unmatched when climbing rugged mountain terrain at the Black Mountain Offroad Adventure Area or by treetop canopy at Black Mountain Thunder Zipline! Harlan's ATV park is not only the highest elevated with trails ranging from amateur to extreme but our zipline is the highest, fastest, & longest in Kentucky! For more information on the attractions in Harlan County visit us online at harlantourism.com or call us today at 606-573-4156.
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Kentucky's first underground mine tour takes visitor's to the underground world of coal miners. Animatronic miners show methods of coal mining fromm the 1900s to present day. Open seasonally this is an experience that will not be forgotten. For information on how to book a tour or for further questions contact Portal 31 at 606.848.1530.
W elcome to Harlan County - Where the Adventure
Begins! Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, festival and events, history, culture, or just a good time look no further than Harlan County. Between our downtowns which are undergoing revitatlization and our rugged mountains we can guarantee you'll find something to peak your interests. Come stay awhile with us. For more information on our attractions.things to do, or places to see visit our website at harlantourism.com or call us at 606-573-4156.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
HIKING & BREATHTAKING
OVERLOOKS KAYAKING & BOATING MARTINS FORK LAKE
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PORTAL 31
Bethany Key|Harlan Enterprise
Boating, fishing and more offered by Harlan lakes
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MARTINS FORK LAKE Martins Fork Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Harlan County, located approximately 13 miles southeast of the city of Harlan in the Smith community. The lake is surrounded by a number of locations designated for activities such as outdoor meetings, grilling, picnics and fishing. A white sand beach is available for swimmers and those who just want to work on their tan. Fishing, be it from the bank or a boat, is the top attraction of the lake, which is teaming with bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish. Rainbow trout can
be caught in an area below the damn, rounding out the angling opportunities available. White-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel and grouse populate the forest surrounding the lake. Hunting and trapping are allowed only under statewide regulations. Portable tree stands are allowed but must be removed after each day. No vehicles of any kind may be taken off authorized roads. The Cumberland Shadow Trail winds its way around the back waters of Martins Fork Lake for five miles, offering fantastic views of the lake and surrounding country as well as opportunities for fishing and camping.
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Two primitive campsites are located along the trail for use by hikers, backpackers and campers. Swimming is allowed during the summer months, and is confined to an area marked off by buoys and an orange pipeline designating the swimming area in the water at the beach. Swimming is prohibited at the boat ramp and fishing pier. Pets, alcohol and glass containers are not allowed on the beach. CRANKS CREEK LAKE Approximately 15 miles southwest of Harlan just off KY 987 sits Cranks Creek Lake. Constructed in 1963, the 219 acre lake features ex-
cellent fishing for a variety of species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Boating on the lake is limited to idle speed with primitive camping, dock slips, picnic sites and telephone available nearby. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife manages 2,000 acres of adjacent mountainside, available for hiking and hunting. While open to the public, ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed. Hiking through the steep, difficult mountainous terrain is a popular activity in the area.
KNOX COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Barbourville — fun all year round Barbourville, located in Knox County, Kentucky, is a town rich in history with many firsts over the years (off of I-75, take US 25. 1750 — Visit Dr. Thomas Walker State Park and see a replica of the first cabin in Kentucky 1775 — First trails and roads — The Wilderness Road, Warriors Path and the Daniel Boone Trail known as the Boone Trace all cross in Knox County. 1800 — Barbourville is the oldest town and was the largest and most progressive city south of Richmond 1861 — Barbourville is the site of the first battle of the
Civil War with casualties 1879 — Union College, the first college in the southeastern Kentucky mountains Barbourville has something for you any time of the year — plan your adventure today! Attend a festival or event, visit the Civil War Interpretative Park, Knox Historical Museum, Thompson RV Park, eat some great grub at our own KCBS BBQ Competition, canoe or fish along the Cumberland River or Hike 'n Bike at Union College’s Turner Outdoor Center, or cruise the night away at our Knox Street Thunder Car CruiseIn.
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BELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Staff Report
For some of the most breathtaking views in the area, visitors travel to The Pinnacle in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park offers miles of hiking trails, an intriguing museum, a beautiful cave and a welcoming staff to help direct you to interesting stops during your time in Bell County. The park spans miles in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia including the Cumberland Gap — where hundreds of thousands of settlers passed to gain land westward during the late 18th century. Artifacts and the story of their journey is on display at the museum in the visitors center.
After brushing up on history, visitors can walk through the Cumberland Gap, just as settlers did. Along the trail, you can hear rushing water — a beautiful mountain spring flowing from the
the significance of life underground and a basic understanding of karst, or cave-like, landscape. The Iron Furnace, located in the town of Cumberland Gap, is a landmark which
Photo submitted
mouth of Gap Cave. Tours of the cave give visitors an inside look at growing stalactite formations, tiny bats and possibly even a salamander. Rangers give an educational perspective on
shows guests how iron ore was turned into pig iron which was used in factories. Part of the original furnace still stands to commemorate the importance of industry in the Civil War era and the
strategic placement of the Cumberland Gap between the Union and Confederates. Other noteworthy stops include White Rocks, Sand Cave and Hensley Settlement, which all offer unique views, interesting geologic history or an antiquated homestead on top of a mountain. Stop in at the Visitor’s Center and speak to a ranger who can help you plan your trip. For those that wish to stay overnight at the park, tent and RV campers are welcomed. Several partial and full shade spots are available and offer a comfortable and safe place to enjoy the outdoors. For more information or to make tour and camping reservations visit www.nps.gov/ cuga or call the park visitors center at 606-248-2817.
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Always Within Reach ®
Music series paves way for new tourism By Jon Grace Bell Co. Tourism Director
Bell County Tourism has set record numbers the past several years. A lot of that has to do with the unbelievable amount of outdoor recreation we have; from kayaking, fly-fishing, golf, hiking in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park or Pine Mountain State Resort Park, hunting, off-roading…the list goes on and on. It also is because we are a renowned location for history buffs, especially frontier history. We sit at the original gateway to the west, where Boone and his company widened the Warriors Path to help facilitate the westward expansion of hundreds of thousands of people into the
ever-expanding country. And of course, the autumn season brings in droves of people to admire the unparalleled beauty of our mountains as the leaves change their hue. But the past several years, we’ve developed another calling card: live music. Now, mind you, music has always flowed through our hills, coursing through like the twisted mountain laurel in the hollers…made by hard-working miners after a long day’s shift. And maybe that’s why the expansion of live music has taken root here so well. It’s always something that many of our people have done as a hobby, something that brought family and friends together in times of joy and sorrow. But, it wasn’t
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until the inception of the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series a few years ago that we saw how truly impactful live music can be to our area. The Levitt crowds were small at first, as Middlesboro Main Street obtained a grant to help transform an unsightly gravel lot in our downtown. But with each passing year, the lot has been transformed into one of the most incredible outdoor music venues between Lexington and Knoxville. The crowds, likewise, have gone from a handful of folks in the beginning to now having hundreds of people fill it to capacity every Thursday evening. The Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series was a catalyst for other events, as well. We saw that not only were we getting a lot of people from here to the shows, but increasingly people coming from hours away. Three years ago, when Main Street Pineville renovated the Bell Theater, we at tourism partnered with them to start the Bell Theater Fall and Winter Concert Series. The colder months are usually slower, so we wanted to inject some life into downtown Pineville and put our theater to good use. The results have been incredible, with multiple sell outs in our 300-plus seat theater and bringing in acts like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Chris Knight, John Moreland, Colter Wall, The Steel Woods, The Ghost Of Paul Revere and many, many more. When there’s a show in town, it’s obvious: downtown Pineville is packed with people. We’re continuing to build that series this year and hope to take it to another level. And this past year also
Ray Welch | Daily News
marked the first year we tried our hands at a music festival. The Laurel Cove Music Festival is a partnership between tourism, Main Street Pineville and Pine Mountain State Resort Park. We brought over 20 national, regional and local acts together in the hopes of putting together an amazing new festival in one of Kentucky’s most beautiful and iconic venues — Laurel Cove Amphitheater at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Although the weather forced us to move the event inside, spirits were not dampened. We had folks from eight different states come and pack out the place. We were worried that the venue change would leave folks disappointed and angry, but we received nothing but glowing reviews from both the visitors and the musicians alike. It inspired us to dream even bigger for this upcoming year. Music has always been an integral part of southeast Kentucky. And although we’ve never thought of it as a mechanism for implementing positive change to both our downtowns and tourism economy, it’s proving to be just that. We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store!
Revitalizing the historic city of Pineville By Jacob Roan Main Street Pineville Director
Pineville is one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky, located at the crossing of the Cumberland River by the Wilderness Road. It was established as Cumberland Ford in 1781 and formed part of Gov. Isaac Shelby’s land tracts. When Bell County was formed in 1867, Cumberland Ford was formally laid off. Local landowner J.J. Gibson’s 1869 land grant permitted it to be selected as the county seat, but the courthouse was not completed until 1871. The settlement was renamed “Pineville” in 1870 and formally incorporated in 1873. Its riverside location has made it subject to flooding, including a devastating incident on April 4, 1977, in which a floodwall built in 1952 was overwhelmed and
Courtesy of Bell County Tourism The Bell Theater is located on Courthouse Square in downtown Pineville.
200 houses were destroyed or damaged. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upgraded the floodwall in 1988. The economy is dependent on the coal mining industry, local family-owned businesses and tourism. Many enjoy visiting Pine Mountain State Resort Park, where the popular attraction “Chained Rock” is located. Pine Mountain State Resort Park features several
hiking trails offering some of the most beautiful scenery in Appalachia. An 18-hole professional golf course, Wasioto Winds, is also located at the park. The golf course has been featured in Golf Digest. Thanks to works done by the community organization Main Street Pineville, the town is working on revitalizing downtown Pineville to its historical roots. A major
renovation to the downtown is scheduled to take place in 2020. In the meantime, folks enjoy entertainment at the Bell Theater, as well as shopping, dining and nightlife on the historic Courthouse Square. Every Memorial Day weekend (from Wednesday to Sunday) the town of Pineville welcomes all to the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, named for the Mountain Laurel flower which grows wild on Pine Mountain. The first Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival was presented in 1931. It remains the oldest continuously running festival in the state. For more information and upcoming events, please visit our website at thecityofpineville.com or the Main Street Pineville Facebook page.
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UNMATCHED HIKING & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
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bellcountytourism.com
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elco W a visit to
LEVITT AMP
MIDDLESBORO MUSIC SERIES
Conveniently located on 25E, Middlesboro is a multi-year winner from 2015 through 2021 of the Levitt AMP [Your City] grant award where locals and visitors alike have had the opportunity to experience world class music in our beautiful mountain hometown. Visit Bell County today and have the experience of a lifetime in our downtowns, in our outdoor adventure offerings, or partake in our fun events & festivals. For more information visit our website at bellcountytourism.com or call us at 606-248-2482.
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At Cumberland Gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer... all traveled this route through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic features found in the park.
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK elcome to Bell County, KY! We hope you'll come pay W a visit to our home in the mountains. Whether you're BEAUTIFULÂ looking to soak in our rich culture and history or seeking outdoor adventure, we have it all. You can visit the DOWNTOWNS Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where Daniel Boone created the original gateway to the western frontier or tour our fantastic state park at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Visit our two downtown areas or enjoy our opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visit our website at bellcountytourism.com or call us at 606-2482482 for more information.
FESTIVALS, EVENTS
& MORE!
KAYAKING, BOATING FISHING, & MORE!
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2021 of grant sitors nity to sic in metown. d have e in our
CUMBERLAND GAP
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Downtown Middlesboro: An area on the rise Special to the Daily News
Beautifully restored historic buildings and clean and attractive public spaces have made Downtown Middlesborough a leading regional and statewide attraction. A world class hiking, biking, and horse trail system draws people downtown and connects with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. A wide variety of shops and restaurants provide everything from daily necessities and a quick and inexpensive meal, to higher-end goods, services, and fine dining all at locally-owned businesses. People travel from miles around to be part of the fun and excitement downtown has to provide.
Listed below are some of the highlights of the downtown area of Middlesboro: American Association Building This building served as headquarters for the American Association from 1891 until the 1950s. The building was badly damaged by a fire in 1997. Later the building was restored. Today artifacts are on display recognizing Alexander Arthur and his role founding Middlesboro. Bell County Tourism have their office and visitors center here. The museum and Victorian Garden are open to the public. Historic Canal Walk The Canal was built between 1889 and 1891 to provide drainage for the city. Italian workmen undertook the construction. Original-
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ly the canal was lined with wooden planks of which a few can still be found. A paved Canal Walk is open to the public. Centennial Park, Veterans Wall At 21st Street between the Centennial Park and City Hall are memorials with the names of veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Also along the wall are panels describing the history of Middlesborough. These were erected to commemorate the city’s centennial in the 1990s. Coal House and Coal Museum The Coal House was built in 1926, utilizing 42 tons of bituminous coal taken from mines in our area. The Bell County Chamber of Commerce has their offices there today. Next to it is an outdoor museum showcasing mining tools and equipment. U.S. Post Office This Classical Revival building was constructed in 1915. The façade has the appearance of a Classical Greek temple. Eight Doric columns with fluting are enframed within the front wall. A decorative frieze rests atop the columns. Bell County Historical Society and Museum This building was originally a Carnegie Library built
in 1912. Today the museum here has exhibits from all periods of the area’s past. Special exhibits showcase the meteor crater, life in Appalachia, the Victorian era, the birth of ragtime music, hometown boy and TV movie star Lee Majors, and local industries and businesses. The museum also has a research library with an emphasis on local history and genealogy. Exhibition Hall and Library Built in 1889 by the American Association, Ltd., to showcase the natural resources of the area, it later served as a high school and now houses the Masonic Hall. First Presbyterian Church In August 1889, the Presbyterian Congregation was the first to build in Middlesboro. The original church on this same lot was replaced by this building in 1912. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church This is one of the finest examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in the U.S. The cornerstone was laid in 1890 and the church was dedicated on Feb. 11, 1891. The design is based on blueprints of St. Mary’s Church in Middlesbrough, England. Alexander Arthur once attended church here. Gifts from British founders and
descendants on Easter 1891 included a Tiffany-designed stained glass window, handcarved eagle lectern and brass Communion rail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Edgewood Court (Site of The Middlesborough Hotel) A fine four story high hotel was built here in 1889 and enlarged in 1890. The main porch faced east and had excellent views of Cumberland Gap. Other buildings included hitching shed and service buildings to the west. The hotel had an annex called the Occonita Club that was reached by a “skyway” built over Edgewood Road. While many of these buildings are long gone, portions of their foundations remain. Harvey Lee Yeary Home Boyhood home of Harvey Lee Yeary, known to his TV and movie fans as Lee Majors. Cumberland Manor B&B The Carey-Easton Home was built during the initial boom period. Tudor detailing on the front facade is distinctively English in appearance. A Craftsman style brick porch was added in the early 1900s. The interior has ample rooms on the ground floor with beautiful wood molding and other decorative features including stained glass, fireplaces, and extensive histori-
cal antiques and furnishings. Today this is the Cumberland Manor Bed and Breakfast. Colonel Arthur Campbell Grave Colonel Arthur Campbell fought in the Revolutionary War. Later he had an illustrious career as a soldier, statesman, and planter. Campbell died in 1811. His two sons John and James died in the War of 1812. A.D. Campbell’s This building is an excellent example of late 19th century commercial architecture and one of the only buildings downtown with an original storefront. The A.D. Campbell’s clothing store has been in business at this location since 1889. Site of Manring Theater A movie palace was once located on the northeast corner of 21st St and Cumberland Ave where the doctor’s office is located today. People would come far and wide to visit. Part of the terra cotta façade still remains. Look closely and try to find it! Central Block This Victorian Romanesque building has rough-finished stone coursing and terra cotta tile. The building is organized into five bays with a central entrance and piers that go through roof level. Similar piers are to either side. Fanciful sunburst windows over round arched win-
dows have great preservation potential. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Home Originally built as an Elks Home, ca. 1911, it later became a hospital during the flu epidemic of 1919. Hospital use continued until 1956. Several floors had residential use as late as the 1980s. Today work is underway to preserve the building. Adams Building Built in 1890, this building originally housed the Palace Saloon. After the town went dry in 1915, this became a men’s store. Bell County Library The Bell County Library has a local history archives and genealogy collection in addition to standard library services and children’s story hours. Park Theater O.G. Roaden opened the
Park Theatre in October 1947. William Price Coomer had taken over ownership by 1953. David Pitts, an evangelist from Louisville, began holding religious services for his “Calvary Temple Church” here starting in the 1960s. By the 1970s the Park was in trouble. A classified ad in the April 20, 1974, Middlesboro Daily News listed 200 “theater type seats for sale at $1 apiece. The Jaycees continued to manage the theater for a few years more before it was closed altogether around the time of the opening of the Middlesboro Mall. St. Julian’s Catholic Church The Middlesborough Town Company conveyed a lot to the Catholic pastor in Jellico, Tennessee, on July 10, 1889. The first Mass was celebrated on North 10th Street in May 1890. By 1892 this location proved inadequate, so
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the church deeded back their lot to the Town Company in exchange for their present location on Chester Ave between 18th and 19th Street. Arthur Building Built in 1890 by the founder of Middlesborough, it has a crest designed by the Arthur family over the door. During the “boom” era, the lot sold for more than a comparable lot cost in downtown Manhattan. Weinstein Building Built in 1906, this housed one of many mercantile businesses started by the large Jewish population that immigrated to Middlesborough in its “boom” days. The building served as a department store for many years and was a J.C. Penney’s at one time. 19th Street From the 1930s to 1950s when Middlesborough was “wide open,” this street was
lined by saloons, dance halls and similar activities. Even the grocery stores on this street sported slot machines. Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church This African-American congregation was organized in 1889. The present church was built in 1910. Further renovations were made in 1921. Boone Trace Daniel Boone passed through this way on his journey westward in 1775. After crossing the Yellow Creek near the present-day location of Kentucky Fried Chicken, he is thought to have passed through this area. A portion of the Wilderness Road remains at the end of 17th Street on the east side of the railroad track. 1938 WPA Bridge The Works Progress Administration was a Federal program during the Great Depression designed to pro-
vide jobs and make public improvements. A concrete bridge south of Ashbury Street east of 17th St has the inscription “W.P.A. 1938.” Lincoln High School Construction on the Middlesboro Colored Public School began here in 1908. Instruction began in 1910. The building housed the elementary and secondary grades. Later this became known as the Lincoln High School, a segregated school. In 1965 the school closed and was demolished. Today this is the Old Lincoln High School Park. J.R. Hoe & Sons One of the city’s original industries, the Pioneer Iron Works, originated at this location. The company was bought by the Hoe family and has continued to be operated by members of the family for over 100 years. This is one of only a few foundries remaining nationally still doing custom iron work.. Colson House This is a brick structure that was originally constructed around 1800. When built the house faced the Wilderness Road that passed through Middlesboro. At some later time the brick was covered in stucco and a front porch added. Colson/Middlesborough Cem. This hilltop cemetery with commanding views of the
Cumberland Gap is the burial place of Alexander Arthur and many of the town’s earliest settlers. Middlesborough Airport This airport has a 3,650 foot runway that was built in 1921. It is the second oldest airport in Kentucky. At one time it was the home of the P-38 “Glacier Girl” that was recovered from Greenland from under 268 feet of ice, brought to Middlesboro, and fully restored. Jewish Cemetery Middlesborough once had a sizable Jewish population. After the initial boom passed, many members of the Jewish community decided to stay on. Members of families by the names of Horr, Ginsberg, Euster, Goodfriend and many others lived, worked, and were eventually buried in Middlesboro. Famous among these was Jack Zuta who immigrated from Russia between 1903 and 1905. Zuta was involved with several saloons in Middlesboro. After the town went dry in 1915 he moved to Chicago. As he gained influence there, he became known as Al Capone’s arch-rival. He was gunned down gangland style at the Lake View Resort Hotel near Delafield, Wisconsin. His body was brought back to Middlesborough and buried in the Jewish Cemetery.
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Sleep Inn & Suites in Middlesboro, Kentucky, is located just off of U.S. 25E, on the hill behind Hardees and Holiday Inn Express. Sitting in the heart of Middlesboro near the Middlesboro Mall and the Bell County Historical Society Museum, the hotel is also within the region of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Wasioto Winds Golf Course and Pine Mountain State Park. Owned by Jay Shoffner and Sammie Mars, this hotel has been an award-winning property every year since it opened in October 2010. The friendly staff welcomes guest to this Designed to Dream property with the promise to help them “dream better here.” They want their guests to feel well-rested and happy to stay at a Sleep Inn. The hotel staff greets each guest with a smile and they are always willing to offer information about the hotel and surrounding area. Some of the amenities the Middlesboro Sleep Inn offers are a full complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily, fresh baked cookies nightly, 24-hour coffee or tea service and free high-speed internet. And whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, they have you covered with their business center, guest laundry and fitness center. Their covered back patio is a great place to meet up with friends or simply sit and enjoy your morning coffee. The patio has ceiling fans, an outdoor grill and is completely wired so guest can stay connected. To be an award-winning hotel, properties are ranked by Choice Hotels International based on guest surveys, property inspections and complaints per thousand. All of the information, from these metrics, is compiled by Choice Hotels and
SLEEP INN & SUITES
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proud to be a part of Middlesboro, Kentucky and to represent the area in such a positive manner to the rest of the country.
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