Mountain Escapes Dec 22/Jan 23 Edition

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE

Saturday, December 31 | 8pm to Midnight

Choice of heavy hors d’oeuvres and party package or heavy hors d’oeuvres, party and deluxe guest room package

Music by Ivy Road in our Lobby and DJ Robby Branson on our Garden Terrace

Cash Bar (Must be 21 or older to attend)

Featured hors d’oeuvres include: Prime Rib with Rolls and an assortment of Sauces; Bourbon-Bacon Chicken Skewers; Lemon-Garlic Shrimp; Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crostinis; Charcuterie Display; Vegetable Crudite; and a variety of holiday Desserts

Photo by Nunn Photography

We are a full service propane company, providing propane, appliances and a full service department. Also offer grills, outdoor living products, fireplaces, gas logs etc. Blossman has been in business since 1952. 2138 west us 19 east, Burnsville 828-682-21183

TENNESSEE

CHECK OUT THESE BUSINESS IN OUR 2022 HOLIDAY GIFTS & EVENTS ON PAGES 20-21

It's that time again...

hi Friends, It's that time again, we are on the cusp of the holiday season. It's still early of course but you can start to feel that crackle of magic building in the air. My little dog Pepper so enjoyed our Christmas season Downtown, I sure do miss her, so I'm sharing a picture of her posing in the snow. Joyful memories and joyful times to come. There is so much going on here for the season so let's get started!

Save 20% on great gifts made by our talented local friends and neighbors. Sale runs November til Christmas. Come on by and you'll find: mini stockings, pet stockings, people stockings, stockings for mamaw and papaw, fun pillows, beautifully woven wool shawls, knit caps in local school colors, doll clothing, jewelry, handy bags for shopping and organizing, handmade buttons and more.

Duck Crossing is a three floor one-of-a-kind antique store. Featuring everything from fine furniture, primitive findings, vintage clothing to new home decor items & gifts. You will also find local memorabilia and handmade crafts. Located in the heart of downtown Elizabethton, TN among more than 20 antique/gift stores & local eateries.

KINGSPORT BALLET’S NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO STAGE UNDER NEW ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP

Kingsport Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the stage a bit earlier than usual this holiday season – December 9-11, 2022 - at Wellmont Performing Arts Center, with Leonid Flegmatov as artistic director and performer of the charismatic character, Herr Drosselmeyer.

Mr. Flegmatov is a former principal dancer with New Jersey Ballet and a graduate of the famed Bolshoi Academy of Ballet. He danced internationally with the Moscow Ballet prior to moving to the United States. He has danced as a principal dancer in the U.S. for 17 years with such companies as Columbia Classical Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and Grand Rapids Ballet, before his ten-year tenure with New Jersey. He has been teaching and performing with Kingsport Ballet since 2019 and guest taught and performed with the company on numerous occasions before then.

Principal dancer Sergii Sydorski will once again join the cast as the

Nutcracker Prince and will partner Kingsport Ballet company dancers

Anna Stephenson and Bess Ramey.

The young ladies have been Kingsport Ballet students and company members for 12 years and are now members of the senior company.

Mr. Flegmatov received the “best teacher” award during the Jewels Festival, hosted in Kingsport in February of this year. He believes the students’ best training opportunity comes with the hard work that is required to prepare for a challenging role usually reserved for guest artists.

“We want to show our audiences that a lot is possible with the right training and the dedication put in by the dancers. They must prepare for demanding physical performance and mental strength, and they are doing a great job,” said Mr. Flegmatov.

The cast is made up of young dancers from around the region.

The company will once again host Clara’s Tea Party. Children dress up in their holiday finest for holiday tea and

delicious goodies, they meet and are photographed with some of the cast members in costume and take home a special Nutcracker souvenir. Tickets to the tea are $12.

Tickets are for sale now online through Kingsport Ballet's website: www. kingsportballet.org or by calling 423378-3967.

Kingsport Ballet is funded for General Operations by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the General Assembly, under an agreement with the National Endowment for the Arts. Outreach programs are funded by the City of Kingsport. Kingsport Ballet activities are supported in part by federal award number SLFRP5534

DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

BLOCK

Both pictures shown of wooden Gazebos. Vinyl option available.

UT IS AN EVERYTHING SCHOOL

It’s great to be a Tennessee Vol… especially right now.

The 2022 Football season has been sensational. In just his second year as head coach, Josh Heupel lead the Vols to their first 10-win regular season since 2003. Losing streaks were snapped, records were shattered, goalposts were torn down, and victory cigars were smoked. While there were some disappointments in the end, the Vols exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. It was (almost) everything a Vol fan could ask for.

As winter approaches, and the dreamlike football season comes to a bittersweet end, you might think the orange-clad fanatics would trade out their Hendon Hooker jerseys for something warmer and perhaps give their voices a rest after creating minor earthquakes in Neyland Stadium every other Saturday for three months. But Volunteers don’t hibernate; they migrate. In the following weeks, they will migrate across campus to ThompsonBowling Arena, and they’ll bring their thunderous rowdiness inside. They won’t be disappointed when they get there. Rick Barnes and the basketball team are creating an excitement of their own. On November 25 th , Tennessee stunned the 3rd-ranked Kansas Jayhawks

64-50, to win the Battle of Atlantis Tournament and advance to 6-1 on the season. With a deep arsenal of talent and experience, the Vols are well-equipped to defend their SEC championship from last year and make a run in the NCAA tournament. The Vols are extremely dynamic offensively; five volunteers average 10 or more points per game, led by senior guards Josiah-Jordan James with 13.7 and Santiago Vescovi with 11.3. After the Kansas game, Jayhawks head coach Bill Self lauded Tennessee’s potential, claiming they are “capable of being a Final Four-type team if things fell right.” This basketball season looks to rival the excitement of the fall with a rigorous schedule, including nonconference matchups against No. 14 Arizona and No. 4 Texas. And when basketball season ends? Well, Tennessee baseball is ranked No. 2 in the country in preseason polls.

I hope you weren’t planning on taking a break. On Rocky Top, there’s an elite team for every season.

I would be greatly surprised if you haven’t heard of Riverside Coffee Shop by now. Thanks to one thoughtful person’s Facebook Post, this wonderful little coffee shop can keep helping our local young adults who

have been diagnosed with Autism and other developmental differences.

How do they help these young adults? Through ABA Next Steps which provides a vocational training program that promotes community inclusion and social interaction utilizing the coffee shop as a teaching platform. These new skills lead to a more independent and productive lifestyle for teens and young adults who have been diagnosed with Autism and other developmental differences. The help them find meaningful employment and better their lives.

They also use local resources for their coffee. They We work with Vienna Coffee Company to source the freshest and tastiest coffee. You should see the perfectly created coffee drinks they provide.

They also have a day program that offers individual and small group training focused on developing social

skills, vocational skills and life skills to prepare their student interns for adulthood. This program is for those whose intake and assessment results show that a best fit is our full day program.

Do you know someone who could benefit for the program? You can visit abanextsteps.com and apply from there.

MORE THAN GREAT DRINKS! OUR SUPER SPECIAL TEAM MEMBERS DELIVER A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. WHETHER YOU’RE MEETING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS OR MAKING NEW ONES. COME FILL YOUR CUP AND YOUR HEART AT THE SAME TIME .

The Gift of Good

Experience the charm of a classic small-town Christmas with this tour of historic Abindon, VA.

Head to Barter Theatre for a holiday show, then browse the storefront displays downtown. Grab a bite at one of Abingdon’s locally owned restaurants, and enjoy the festive decorations downtown. You might even run in to Santa while in town!

Itinerary is 3 days/2 nights; available mid-November through late December

DAY ONE

Start the day with hot cider and cookies as you browse the art at William King Museum of Art, a fine arts museum located in a beautiful historic school. The museum is decked out for Christmas with lights and garlands. Special holiday concerts are planned throughout the season (must call the museum to confirm

specific dates and times).

After lunch in downtown Abingdon, stroll the charming brick sidewalks and take in the Christmas decorations, including garlands on old-fashioned lamp posts, brightly lit store windows reminiscent of Bedford Falls from A Wonderful Life, and the elegant decorations on The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Explore the Abingdon Antiques Trail, with more than 57,000 square feet of antique shopping.

After dinner at one of our local independent restaurants like the Peppermill, inside a Victorian home on Main Street, head to Barter Theatre for a lavish holiday-themed production in the beautiful 500-seat theatre, dating back to 1830.

DAY TWO

Do your Christmas shopping in Abingdon’s historic district,

ABINGDON, VA

beautifully decorated for the season. Visit unique shops like Holston Mountain Artisans, the Arts Depot, or Abingdon Olive Oil Company. Warm up with a hot lunch at BoneFire Smokehouse, offering BBQ, wings and classic southern sides.

Travel just 15 minutes down the road to the award-winning Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol TN/VA. See why Bristol is home to the “big bang” of country music and browse the award-winning interactive exhibits, and grab dinner in downtown Bristol.

After dark, experience Speedway in Lights, the largest holiday light show in the South.

Bristol Motor Speedway is transformed into a holiday spectacle, as you drive through approximately two million lights in four miles.

DAY THREE

On your last morning in Abingdon, indulge in the holiday brunch at Sisters at The Martha. You’ll love the elegant surroundings of this historic inn, originally built in 1832 as a private home, and later a Civil War hospital and an elite women’s college. Walk next door to Barter Stage II for another heartwarming holiday play guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Stage II’s intimate venue provides a totally unique theatre experience.

A “HART” FOR CHRISTMAS

It seems everyone in Catawba County has a Bob Hart story. He delivered hundreds of babies as a primary care physician at Frye and Catawba hospitals and cared for many patients at Hart Family and Hart Industrial Practices. He toured thousands of local students on field trips through his beloved Hart Square Village. And Bob saved a generation of stories through his work in historic preservation.

At heart, Bob was a teacher. He loved to quiz Hart Square visitors on oldtimey objects and how they worked. He was never afraid to turn a one hour tour into a full day of historic learning. Nothing gave Bob greater joy than to share the resourcefulness of the Early American pioneers with others, especially children.

Bob’s love of history was only surpassed by his devotion to his wife of nearly 60 years, Becky Hart. They were married in 1961 after Bob’s graduation from Wofford College and honorable service to his country as a Second

Lieutenant Marine fighter pilot. In the first years of their marriage, Becky worked as a music teacher and choir director to put Bob through medical school at MUSC to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

Upon graduation, the Lord led them to Hickory to raise their family after a spiritual conversation with the priest at Church of the Ascension, where Bob later served on the vestry. Together they shared a deep relationship with Christ, a passion for rescuing 19thcentury history, and a dedication to their local community charities.

Bob’s accomplishments have been featured in numerous publications including Foxfire, Homestead, Our State, Early American Life, and countless television programs.

He has also been honored with several awards for his work in preservation, public service and wildlife conservation. In 1997, he was a recipient of the Gertrude S. Carraway Appalachian

Award of Merit from Preservation North Carolina. And most recently, he and Becky each received the North Carolina Long Leaf Pine award, considered the most prestigious public service award in the state.

Bob was a lover of wildlife and environmental preservation. His efforts were recognized with the N.C. Governor’s Award for Wildlife Conservation, the highest award bestowed by the state and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. He will be dearly missed by the geese, deer, and cats that roam Hart Square Village.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William Hart Jr. and Adeline Hay Brunson Hart, and by his wife’s parents, Sidney Otis Holstein Jr. and Valera Bowers Holstein. Dr. Robert William Hart, III. is survived by his wife, Rebecca Holstein Hart, their two sons, Dr. Robert Eric Hart and Sidney Keith Hart, along with their wives, Margaret Hart and Lisa Hart, and their grandchildren, Rebecca Anne Hart, Sarah Hart, Abigail Hart, Dorothy Hart, Luke Hart, Robert Hart Jr., and Carson Hart.

Hart Square does NOT offer daily admission. Event tickets must be purchased in advance. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm for members only.

Membership at Hart Square is about partnering to preserve our nation’s history. Your membership funds provide the opportunity to share this

beautiful place with our community, North Carolina k-12 students, and beyond. The purpose of membership is to provide revenue to the continued preservation and maintenance of the log structures and interiors. This core group of supporters has a deep love for preservation and education.

WILD ABOUT POPPY’S

Located in the center of downtown Spruce Pine, Poppy’s Wildcraft is an eclectic little slice of heaven in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This unique emporium store features an all-natural approach to health and wellness, offering a wide-ranging selection of books, candles, therapeutic grade essential oils, carrier oils, certified organic dried herbs, locally handmade jewelry, natural & organic foods, premium incense, soaps & lotions crafted in-house, and much more! The business was born from owner Kim Hageman’s fond memories of growing up with her grandparents and the great outdoors. “The business was named in memory of my grandfather, Poppy. He taught me my love of gardening and plants.

The elderberry syrup that we make on site is named in memory of my grandmother, Nanny. The shop is a way to honor them and the values that they instilled in me.” More than just a health food store or an herbal shop, Poppy’s Wildcraft carries a little bit of everything. From personal care products that are crafted on site daily, to fresh organic foods and organic dried herbs, Poppy’s has something for everyone. “We pride ourselves on filling a niche in the community that was lacking before we opened. We offer items that locals used to have to travel elsewhere to buy, such as candles, gemstones, incenses, and new age metaphysical books.” Poppy’s Wildcraft is based on the belief that crafting a healthy lifestyle begins

with nature’s goodness. We are very proud to serve our community by providing high-quality products that heal, nurture, and soothe the body, mind, and soul using only Mother Nature’s finest ingredients.

Poppy’s Holiday Schedule:

Open Saturday December 24th, Christmas Eve until 4pm.

Open Saturday December 31st, New Year’s Eve until 4pm.

Closed for Inventory and a Store Revamp January 1st-6th.

Looking for a little Christmas cheer? Join us Dec 10th in Erwin or Dec 15th in Johnson City for the second annual Christmas Concert for Honduras. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go to support the mission of Shrimp Matters. Whisk Bakery will be open with all your favorite treats as well.

Shrimp Matters will be hosting a Christmas Concert with modern and traditional Christmas music for the whole family at The Commons on Main in Erwin, Tn to raise money for Shrimp Matters and the people of Honduras. Shrimp Matters relies on donations from people like you to spread Jesus’ love in Honduras. The best way to help further our mission is by becoming a monthly donor. Click the link to sign up today! app.autobooks.co/pay/ shrimp-matters

Christmas Concert for Honduras Dates

ERWIN, NC

December 10 @ 6 pm - 7:30 pm

The Commons on Main 111 S. Main Ave., Erwin, TN

JOHNSON CITY,TN

December 15, 7 PM – 8:30 PM

209 E Springbrook Dr 209 East Springbrook Drive Johnson City, TN 37601

ORGANIZER: Gary Schwenke

Phone: 423-220-0827

Email: gary.nrcc@gmail.com

Mountain Escapes Featured

Auditions / Performances / Tickets

theatrebristol.org

Elf The Musical!

Weekends

December 2 - 18

Theatre Bristol ARTspace

Join us for historic Christmas cheer! On Saturday, December 10 from 6pm to 9pm and Sunday, December 11 from 5pm to 8pm, tours will be offered every thirty minutes. See the historic house all lit by candlelight and decorated in a festive mix of historic and modern styles by our docents! Learn about the advent of Victorian Christmas in all its glory, join in classic Victorian parlor games, shop local vendors for gifts for family and friends, and celebrate the season with us. Reservations are strongly encouraged and walk-ups cannot be guaranteed. Tickets can be reserved at www.mabryhazen.com/christmas.

To Kill a Mockingbird AUDITIONS

December 5, 6, 7

Theatre Bristol ARTspace Coming March 2023!

“Quilting and Sewing in the heart of Downtown Elizabethton TN, see website to see fabric collection and class schedule”

Let’s keep sewing going!

510 East Elk Ave, Elizabethton TN www.FletchersHomemade.com

Start your 2022 holiday season with the National Christmas Tree Lighting! This beloved tradition, presented by NPF and NPS, features musical performances and the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park. In partnership with NPF, CBS will broadcast the 2022 ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 11 (8:00 9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and have it available to stream live and on demand on cbs. com.

Events and Gifts 2022

This Christmas we hope everyone has some Comfort & Joy!

Items available to purchase from Backroads Market Located at 514 Walker St., Knoxville, TN 37919

(right across the street from Riversports) backroadsmarketknox.com

Merry Christmas from Mountain Escapes!

Snowy Mountain Christmas Shop & Sweets

4697 Linville Falls Hwy. Newland, NC 28657

Visit with Santa & Get Your Picture

Every Friday 5pm-7pm, Every Saturday 12-4pm

Choose & Cut Precut Christmas Trees and Greenery Plus Homemade Sweets, Coffee and Hot Chocolate!

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 1pm-6pm

Facebook:

snowymountainchristmasshopandsweets

Or online at snowymountainchristmasshopandsweets.com

Ashe County Arts

W. Jefferson, NC

www.AsheCountyArts.org

336-846-2787

TreeFest Now thru December 31, 2022

Decorated trees, ornaments, gifts and miniature paintings

Shine and Rust: January 5 – February 6, 2023

January & Opening Reception, 5-7

Artworks of any medium inspired by metallic textiles and surfaces.

Mountain Escapes

Crystal Coast Star Party 2023. Cape Lookout National Seashore, Harkers Island, NC. Two days of astronomy and stargazing activities including starlight cruises to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse! Registration will begin in January 2023. Visit our website for updates: www.ccgazers.com/crystalcoast-star-party-2023

Event Sponsors: Crystal Coast Stargazers, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, Island Express Ferry Service, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

Spruce Pine Alien Festival June 10th, 2023 Oak Avenue Downtown Spruce Pine. Join alien and UFO enthusiasts the annual Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo (SPACE). Hear national speakers discuss stories of encounters and sightings. See and buy out of this world products and souvenirs. Dress up for the costume contest. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, pub crawl, river race, and more. The free event is held in downtown Spruce Pine.

April – October

Fire on the Mountain is Spruce Pine’s annual celebration of blacksmithing, featuring demonstrations, vendors, competitions, and hands-on experiences. Watch leaders in the art share their skills, and try your hand at an age-old craft that’s been forged anew.

April 29, 2023

www.DiscoverSprucePineNC.com

Find us on Facebook: Fireonthemountainblacksmithingfestival

Find us on Instagram: fire_on_the_mountain_sp

For more information contact 828-765-3008

10th Year - Lyrics on the Lawn

Every Thursday in July

July 6-29 2023

Mainstreetgreeneville.org

Featured Events 2023

32nd Annual Cherokee Fall Festival will be September 9th and 10th 10 am to 4 pm. Contact Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 423-884-6246, or visit our website at www.sequoyahmuseum.org or visit us on Facebook.

40th Annual Mountain Glory Festival. October 14, 2023

Marion, North Carolina celebrates the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices shopping with three jam packed blocks, featuring locally made arts and crafts. Enjoy lots of festival foods and the wide variety of live entertainment, focusing on old time mountain music. The kids will have fun in the “Children’s Arena” with hands-on activities, local entertainment and the ever popular best-dressed pet contest. Vendor applications will be available April 1, 2023. For festival information visit call 828652-2215. mtngloryfestival.com

Spruce Pine ScareCrow Festival-Pine Valley Motel Sept 16th,2023. Free admission- free parking – pet friendly! This 1 day outdoor fall festival features local artisans and crafters with handmade crafts and gifts for the fall season, Halloween and Christmas. Find the perfect mountain treasure from over 60 local talented artist and crafters selling handmade goods such as: gemstone jewelry, antler and wood knives, wood signs, furniture, decorations, honey, wreaths, kids toys and games, women’s and men’s clothing, custom tee-shirts, tumblers, tea products, soy candles, floral arrangements, and so much more kids area: features giant slides, bounces houses, obstacle course, apple bob, pie eating contest and games. Face painting and balloons! For more show info or vendor booths call spruce pine southern shows office at: (828) 688-1148.

Spruce Pine Southern Christmas Show-Nov 4th,2023 (Location TBD)

This Arts & Craft event showcases a 3-D winter wonderland scene and holiday decorations in two large exhibit halls featuring over 60 local artists and crafters selling handmade jewelry, pottery, ornaments, home decor, soaps, garden art, and so much more. Also, enjoy an array of baked goods and the center’s boutiques and shops. Keep up to date by following us on Facebook!