East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is committed to providing excellent pediatric care, offering help to every family and bringing healing to our region. We understand that providing the best care for your child means more than just treating their illness or injury. Our team of specialized pediatric healthcare professionals cares for the whole child and provides expert, customized care plans for your family.
Let the fireworks fill the summer night skies in celebration of the birth of this marvelous country where we are so privileged to live and raise our families. A country where we have the freedom to explore the call to follow our heart. This month, we feature some Knoxvillians who introduce us to the adventures that have called them to explore more.
Eric Dragonetti arrived in Knoxville in 2019, passionate about teaching people to fly, and started The CAVU Pilot flight academy, now with a team of instructors that help 100+ students discover the thrilling freedom of a classroom 3,000 feet in the sky.
Speaking of sky-high fun, Texas-to-Tennessee transplants Grant and Amy Curran have created the kind of wow-worthy stay/vacation homes with concierge services you have to see to believe at Cloud 9 Cabins in Gatlinburg. You’ll want to head up soon to the Smokies to experience it.
Jennie Treadway-Miller reports on an early summer exploration of Norway’s second largest city and takes us on an urban-rural tour of mountains, fjords, and 11th century Scandinavian architecture.
It’s back just in time for summer adventures. After an absence in our market, premier Italian motorcycle brands, from Vespa to Ducati, have been brought back by STAR Powersports. Sean Norman says Knoxville riders are delighted to take them out on the open roads.
Jake Hoheisel, CFP ® with PYA Waltman Capital, gives us a cautionary tale based on personal experience on the virtue of planning for your trip and the value of being flexible when those plans take a detour – true for financial planning as well as travel.
Knoxville History Project partners with the McClung Historical Collection to chronicle the 100th anniversary of the movement to create the Great Smoky National Park and Eric Dawson recaps the work of the pioneering Thompson Brothers who captured it all in photos and film.
Check out our Events page so you don’t miss a minute of Knoxville’s July 4th parades and family fun, Kuumba festival, baseball, museum art activities, concerts and other outdoor events. We love that you look to us for what to do, where to go, and where to shop. Thank you for supporting our partners, and in doing that, Marc’s and my adventure to explore the very best of our city each month with you.
AMY CAMPBELL AND MARC ROCHELSON , PUBLISHERS
@WESTKNOXVILLELIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennie Treadway-Miller, Patricia Storm Broyles, Eric Dawson, Jake Hoheisel, CFP
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shawn Poynter, Wes Hope Photography, Ben Finch, The McClung Digital Collection
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) Board of Directors and Staff. 2: L-R Dr. Melanie Fuertes-Hunt, RAF sponsor Dr. Donna McKenzie, Rholanda Brook, RAF volunteer Rholanda Brook, and Cheryl Gray 3: RAF arrangement, similar to arrangements delivered to individuals in healthcare facilities. Flowers would otherwise be discarded. 4: The 2024 Garden Party supporting RAF at the home of Mary Ellen and Steve Brewington. 5: RAF Founder Larsen Jay and wife Adrian Jay. 6: Tiffany Hearn, RAF board member, with Dale Christenson, RAF sponsor and supporter. 7: David Brooks and Denise Copeland Photography by Shawn Poynter
Whether your retirement plans are adventurous or modest, they’re as unique as you. No two people are alike so no two plans should be alike. Finding someone you can trust, who takes the time to understand you, makes all the difference. Our in-house, independent team of experts starts with a simple step—listening.
On July 4th at the World's Fair Park Performance and Festival lawns, from 5-10 p.m., enjoy a free, family-friendly, rain-or-shine event with activities, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's 40th Annual Free Lawson Family Foundation Independence Day Concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Amphitheater, and fireworks will launch from Henley Street Bridge at approximately 9:45 p.m. No ticket is required.
SMHC members are passionate about hiking. Their mission includes education about the outdoors and advocacy for crucial conservation issues. They also maintain 102 miles of Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and Nantahala National Forest. Join one of their weekly hikes in the beautiful, Smokies and surrounding natural areas in East Tennessee. Try your hand at trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail, or participate in conservation efforts to preserve our natural heritage. Everyone is welcome. SmhClub.org
The East Tennessee History Center presents an exhibit of home movies, artifacts, and musical recordings of Carl and Pearl Butler’s life and music. Daily until August 18th at the East Tennessee History Center. Dolly Parton toured the exhibit in May, pictured with Bradley Reeves of Smoky Mountain Radio and Author of Honky Tonkitis, On The Road With Carl and Pearl Butler. Bradley Reeves also provided many of the artifacts seen in the exhibit. EastTnHistory.org
Do you know what happens when you fix your smile?
You get to live your best life, free from embarrassment and fear.
So go ahead… that freedom is worth a big ol’ smile!
drjackhaney.com | 865.693.6886
Article by Mital D. Patel Patel & Eisenhower, PLLC
Despite fluctuations in the real estate market, rental properties remain a sound investment choice for individuals seeking passive income and long-term wealth accumulation. Whether you're considering entering the rental market or expanding your existing rental portfolio, it's essential to prioritize safeguarding your assets. One crucial strategy to achieve this is by placing your real property into a Limited Liability Company (LLC). While the decision to establish an LLC might seem like an additional step, its benefits far outweigh the initial effort. Here’s why:
1. Limited Liability Protection: By transferring your real property into an LLC, you create a legal barrier between your personal assets and any liabilities associated with the property.
2. Asset Protection: Real estate investments can be subject to various risks, including lawsuits from tenants, property damage claims, or creditor actions. Placing your property within an LLC provides a layer of insulation, ensuring that your investment remains secure even in adverse situations.
3. Tax Advantages: LLCs offer flexibility in taxation, allowing you to choose between different tax structures that align with your investment goals. Depending on your preferences and circumstances, you can elect to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation. This versatility enables you to optimize tax efficiency and potentially reduce your tax burden.
4. Enhanced Credibility and Professionalism: Operating your real estate investments through an LLC can enhance your credibility in the eyes of tenants, lenders, and business partners.
5. Estate Planning and Succession: Establishing an LLC for your real property simplifies estate planning and succession processes. You can designate beneficiaries and outline succession plans within the framework of the LLC operating agreement. This ensures a seamless transfer of ownership in the event of incapacity or death.
6. Flexibility and Control: Despite the protective benefits of an LLC, you retain significant control over your real estate assets. As the owner or manager of the LLC, you dictate key decisions regarding property management, leasing, and disposition.
217 S Peter Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923 865-217-1154 |
After almost a decade, STAR Powersports brings a premier European bike back to Knoxville riders.
In the iconic film “The Italian Job,” when the computer whiz Lyle first meets the pro safecracker Stella, he’s riding a yellow Ducati 748 superbike. A-list superstars like Brad Pitt, Usher, and Tom Cruise rave about their Ducati. Keira Knightly posed on a cream-colored Ducati for a Chanel ad. British sports racer Davey Todd rode the Panigale V2 in the legendary 2024 Isle of Man TT Supersport races, where lap records exceed 130 mph.
Now, after almost a decade of being unavailable locally, the sleek, sexy, super-performing Ducati is back in the Knoxville market: the flagship brand of an exclusive line-up of Italian motorcycles at STAR Powersports in West Knoxville.
Founded in 2012, the dealership on Alcoa Highway grew into a motorcycle, fourwheeler, and marine dealership. But as Chief Operations Officer Sean Norman explains, “We’ve made strategic changes over the past year to solidify our position in the East Tennessee motorcycle market. We’ve pared back inventory in other categories, such as our ATV and marine product lines, in order to focus on what has become our specialty as a premier Italian motorcycle niche dealership.”
In 2021, the dealership moved to a bigger space on Kingston Pike and acquired its first Italian brand.
“We started building our premium Italian brands – Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, and Aprilia,” Sean adds, “but our most exclusive brand acquisition is Ducati, the highest profile of all the Italian brands. With these elegant, extraordinary bikes, we can appeal to different classes of riders in the Knoxville market and offer something truly special and exclusive for riders of various experience levels.”
Sean says their customers report they really appreciate the sales team's knowledge base and comfort level with their bikes. “We have a very loyal customer base who come back for their next bike. They say they feel more like family when they walk in. They like the no-pressure, relaxed experience to explore our bikes. It makes all the difference in choosing the right bike for them.” Or their family members. The audience ranges from teens to bike fans in their 80s, both male and female riders.
Sean adds that STAR Powersports is building an active rider community, with a Ducati Club of Knoxville and one for all Italian brands (check their Facebook page for upcoming events).
“We are in the perfect location with some of the best riding roads in the Southeast – an hour from The Dragon and an hour from Maggie Valley.”
Taking these legendary mountain turns on a Ducati makes it an exceptionally exciting combination of bike, rider, and road.
FAQ
What attracts customers to these bikes?
I hear customers say they grew up admiring high-end European sports cars. Then, as adults, they realize, I may not be able to afford a Ferrari or Lamborghini, but I can afford an Italian superbike. In some cases, it’s the only bike some riders look at, but we also see riders come in and trade other brands for an Italian bike.
What’s a good first step?
Hop on and take a ride. With your motorcycle endorsement, sign our waiver, and you can take a demo ride.
What price tag am I looking at?
A surprising range of options – from $3,000 to $70,000.
What about servicing a high-performance bike?
We are known for the qualified tech service department we have built over the years. Since there hadn’t been a Ducati dealership in Knoxville, we see demand heating up for sales and service. There are specific services you must perform on Italian bikes at specific intervals. We have two master technicians who can diagnose most issues, answer any questions, and are certified for both Piaggio and Ducati brands, which is rare. Recently, we were the only service center around who could get an out-of-towner’s Moto Guzzi back on the road.
For more information, visit STARPowersportsTN.com or call (865) 851-8688.
SUMMER PRODUCT SALE
June 15 - July 26
BUY ONE FULL SIZE PRODUCT GET SECOND PRODUCT OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE FOR HALF OFF Travel sizes not included.
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Show this ad with your purchase during the dates of the BOGO product sale and receive a free gift. While supplies last.
Local, Family-Owned Salons for Over 45 years www.RossTheBoss.com
ERIC DRAGONETTI KNOWS HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR PEOPLE TO BECOME PILOTS.
Founder and CEO of The CAVU Pilot Eric Dragonetti admits his passion for aviation came later than perhaps other pilots. But he’s making up for lost time.
A New Jersey native, Eric landed in Knoxville in 2019 after getting a bachelor’s in Commercial Aviation at the University of North Dakota, moving to Phoenix “to thaw out” and gain flight instruction experience, and then flying for a regional airline out of Philadelphia. The draw was warmer weather and Knoxville was a crew domicile for his airline.
Then, Eric and his wife, Lindsey, fell in love with East Tennessee and bought their first home here. They met in college, and after Eric took Lindsey flying on a date to impress her, she too wanted to fly (common ground – Eric decided to fly after his first time in a Cessna 172). However, Lindsey became a helicopter pilot who flew commercially until she went back to college for a career in finance. After four years of flying for the airline, Eric realized he missed flight instruction.
“I loved flying commercial jets, but I have a passion for teaching people how to fly,” Eric says. He taught with a local flight school in Knoxville until COVID shut operations down. “I took out a personal loan, bought a Cessna 150, and started teaching on my own.”
Eric, who has logged over 2,000 hours of flight instruction, didn’t teach solo for long. Since October 2020, The CAVU Pilot at Downtown Island Airport has grown to seven airplanes, ten flight instructors plus a full maintenance crew, and more than 100 active students.
Eric, with Lindsey who heads up financial operations, started the flight training academy to teach both those who want a career in aviation and those who want to fly for pleasure/business, and potentially buy or rent an airplane.
“That’s when I realized there was a shortage of high-end aircraft for rent in our area,” Eric explains. “We purchased a top-of-the-line Cirrus SR22 and started our Elite Flying Club, which is now the premier flying club in the area. We offer the luxury, convenience, comfort and safety our club members want. We originally capped it at 10 members to ensure availability and are assessing opening up to more members.
“Private aviation is piquing the interest of more and more people, especially with so many moving to Knoxville," he continues. "Whether it’s career or private interest, we have our hands full with a waitlist. We add airplanes and fill them right up.”
When Eric tells people what he does, their responses bring up barriers: I didn’t know I could learn to fly in Knoxville. I thought only the rich could afford to fly. I would love to fly, but I can’t figure out how to get started.
“I get it. The barriers seem daunting. FAA regulations and the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming. But with our flight training courses and ground school, our team of instructors knows how to successfully prepare students at each step of training, certifying and licensing.”
The CAVU Pilot caters primarily to those who become commercial pilots (80% of students) while 20% are private pilots who then want to rent or buy their own aircraft for personal and/or business travel.
What are the age restrictions?
Commercial: Minimum age is 23.
Private: Minimum age for a license is 17. Flying solo is 16.
Affordability?
Commercial: $80,000 investment
Private: $15,000 investment
What is my time investment?
Commercial: Flight school three times per week, study, do your homework, get your hours in. To earn your license and all ratings offered takes two and a half years.
Private: Flight school three times a week, study a few hours each week and earn your license in four to six months.
How can I pay for flight training?
You can pay out of pocket via cash, check or credit card. The CAVU Pilot also offers financing programs for students to fund training with payments.
Return on Investment?
Commercial: You don’t need a college degree. You can earn your license at flight school for under $100,000. The starting salary for airline pilots is $100,000.* In comparison, invest $100,000 to earn your degree. Stats to recoup your investment over years varies by careers.
Private: Time. Students often have their own business and need to fly to job sites or are in commercial real estate in several states. Flying is more efficient. For example, Charleston is a six- or seven-hour drive. Flying gets you there in one and a half hours. Look at the ROI. What can you do with those five hours you saved? How does that change your business day? Leave in the morning and get back home for dinner. How does five saved hours change your weekend getaway or vacation plans?
“Our private pilots discover the life-changing return on investment of flying. That’s why we call an airplane a Time Machine. Lindsey and I leave at 5 p.m. on a Friday, make dinner reservations at 7 p.m. in Charleston, hang out for the weekend, and fly home Sunday at 5 p.m. Our team loves helping students discover the freedom in a classroom 3,000 feet in the sky.”
To learn more, call (865) 293-2001 or visit TheCavuPilot.com
*May 2022 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of commercial pilots is $103,910/annually. The medial annual wage for airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers is $211,790.
“OUR
3,000 FEET IN THE SKY.”
ARTICLE BY JAKE HOHEISEL, CFP ® | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN FINCH
The average American family might discuss the idea of using the summer to take a quick weekend trip to the mountains or vacationing somewhere with sandy beaches and calm waters. Traveling, either with friends or family, presents an opportunity to create an array of memories – like that one special photo with your best friend, a laugh shared with your significant other by the pool, or the joy of watching a sunset as you eat ice cream with your children.
Fond memories like these can last a lifetime. As the traveler enjoys the view of a snowy mountain or the vastness of an ocean, it can be easy to forget the important pre-trip planning that created such a postcard memory. Planning for any vacation or quick getaway can sometimes be a confusing or stressful process but these feelings thankfully slip away once we get to our destination. One specific trip comes to mind when I think about my own travels.
To celebrate a newly married couple in our friend group, my wife and I pitched the idea of taking a “friend group cruise” to The Bahamas. The initial excitement was contagious. Our group of six discussed all the exciting elements of our upcoming trip, such as possible excursions. We then had to finalize the not-so-fun aspects of our trip, such as flights, travel documents, and budgetary items. Almost anyone would rather spend their free time daydreaming about a lazy beach day instead of comparing flight costs!
Before my wife and I left for the airport, we answered the most important pre-departure questions – Do we have our travel documents? Did we pack enough sunscreen? Is the stove off? These types of questions could throw a wrench into the works if they are left unanswered. We felt comfortable with our plan and so did our travel friends.
Our plan, unfortunately, did not work the way we hoped. After multiple delays at the airport and one lost suitcase, our group agreed to revise our travel plan. Fueled with bland airport food, our group boarded one last flight with hopes of arriving at our destination. Thankfully, we arrived at our destination and boarded the cruise with no further issues. Although the lost suitcase ultimately did not make its way on board, we were thankful to be safe and one step closer to a peaceful vacation.
Having confidence in a more stable yet flexible plan can help anyone face the unknowns of travel, retirement, and life.
As our group spent the final evening of our trip reflecting on memories and retelling funny stories, we all agreed that our pre-trip planning reduced the number of stressors we could have faced along the way. We applauded ourselves for creating this plan, but we were specifically proud of our ability to pivot when things outside of our control, like a lost suitcase, turned our trip upside down. Although we had doubts along the way, sticking to our plan and adjusting that plan when needed helped our trip end in success.
Having confidence in a more stable yet flexible plan can help anyone face the unknowns of travel, retirement, and life. At PYA Waltman Capital, we recognize that creating a plan for the events ahead can sometimes be easier said than done. We understand that life throws unexpected curveballs, so we take pride in working with individuals and families to create a financial plan that helps them navigate these surprises. Whether your goal is to hike in the Grand Canyon or step back from work, we understand the importance of having a tailored plan that can help you navigate the unexpected surprises we all face.
PYA Waltman Capital, LLC (“PYAW”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYAW’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. PYA-24-16
LUXURY RENTALS A STONE’S THROW FROM KNOXVILLE
"We take care of our guests every step of the way."
Five years ago, Texas natives Grant and Amy Curran were burning the midnight oil renovating their first rental property in Gatlinburg. Grant lived in Sevier County full time, but Amy was back in Houston working as a night-shift nurse and flying to Tennessee at first light to help her husband. It was a grueling schedule that couldn’t last, so the pair decided to move to East Tennessee permanently and go all-in on their short-term rental business, renovating outdated properties and building their own new constructions from the ground up.
Today, Cloud 9 Cabins boasts a collection of 13 luxury homes designed to meet every need an out-of-towner or local
staycationer might have. From elegant three-bedroom rentals to six-bedroom, jaw-dropping retreats, the Currans have created the kind of vacation homes you have to see to believe.
“We try to make our homes feel like they’re someone else’s second home on the mountain. We choose comfortable furnishings, from mattresses to sofas, so we buy high-quality pieces,” says Amy. “We also construct our kitchens so that if the house sleeps 12, then it’s going to have two refrigerators. We design everything with the clients in mind. We can even schedule chefs to come cook for them in the home, if they request it. Or a masseuse, or whatever they want.”
"We try to make our homes feel like they’re someone else’s second home on the mountain."
This is just one way Cloud 9 Cabins is set apart – concierge services on request. Shelby Moehlig is the point person for all guests, from the first time someone reaches out, whether through Airbnb, Vrbo, or the company’s website, to the point of departure. Shelby is Amy’s cousin, and her husband, Dustin, serves as the property manager, making sure everything is up to snuff at every house before guests arrive.
“We’re a family business in that way. They were teachers, and during Covid, I jokingly said one night that they should move to Tennessee and help us with our cabin business,” says Amy. “They said it sounded great! We were so thankful.”
When the Currans started their business, their goals were two-fold: create a rental company that attracts guests through upscale design, and then knock their socks off with stellar customer service. So far, so good. This is in part because of how they’ve traveled, places they’ve gone and notes they’ve taken on how other hospitality brands function. Sometimes, it’s the accommodations that make a place shine, while other times it’s a friendly face and attention to detail. At Cloud 9, they focus on making each guest’s stay a five-star review.
“We try to distinguish ourselves by not having orange log cabins on the inside. Our homes are light and bright with lots of earth tones,” says Amy. “We want guests to feel at home but also feel like they’re in their surroundings. All of our properties are in the woods or on a mountain with
spectacular views. Then, we take care of our guests every step of the way.”
While the Currans have had plenty of out-of-town guests come their way, they are particularly proud to offer their Cloud 9 homes to locals who want to celebrate a milestone, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions, or plan a staycation that feels as though they’ve been whisked away to another mountain range. They’ve even had a slew of corporate parties when conferences and businesses converge in Gatlinburg.
While they have some properties in Pigeon Forge, the bulk are in Chalet Village, one of the most desirable lodging areas in Gatlinburg. Chalet Village has swimming pools, pickleball courts, playgrounds, walking trails, and so much more, all of which Cloud 9 guests have access to.
But when it comes to in-house amenities, the Currans spared nothing. Hot tubs, game rooms, private pools, home theaters, outdoor dining, you name it.
“We offer a lot of en suite baths, so there are fewer people sharing bathrooms. There are also a lot of king beds so people can be comfortable,” says Amy. “We’re big on fire pits. We love the idea of people gathering around the fire, which is why we made that our logo.”
Additionally, every house is optimized for families, so guests will find kids’ dinnerware in the kitchen and playpens on request. They can also install baby gates at every staircase if needed. Some cabins, but not all, are pet-friendly.
“When guests book, they have an option to do grocery delivery, and people do it all the time. Our team will pick up the delivery and put everything away so it’s ready when guests arrive,” says Amy. “It’s a huge convenience.”
As for their new life in Tennessee, the Currans couldn’t be happier.
“We love it here. People are so friendly. We live in Sevierville, so while there’s a lot of visitors who come through, it’s still a small town,” says Amy. “We love going to the mountains for a drive or to hike. One of our favorite things to do is go to Peaceful Side Social.
“Having four seasons is huge,” she continues. “People always ask when the best time to come is but Gatlinburg offers something for everyone in every season.”
Learn more at Cloud9Cabins.com
“All of our properties are in the woods or on a mountain with spectacular views. Then, we take care of our guests every step of the way.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIE TREADWAY-MILLER
EXPLORE NORWAY’S SECOND BIGGEST CITY
Located on the southwestern coast of Norway is a port city well worth your while. Nestled between mountains and fjords, Bergen is a popular port of call for cruise ships and those looking for a slower vacation pace than in the capital city of Oslo. Bergen is largely walkable, boasts a rich history, and offers a warmer climate than one might expect for Scandinavia. Plus, it’s only a short drive to three of Norway’s 48 national parks.
Whether on a family vacation or a solo trip, Bergen provides a perfect combination of urban and rural exploration, a vibrant cultural city surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and coastlines. Here are five things to add to your Bergen itinerary:
Stave churches are an integral part of Norway’s architectural heritage, dating back to the 12th century when Christianity was new to their culture. These timber-framed structures pay homage to traditional Norse woodworking, complete with medieval iconography and gables that resemble dragon heads on Viking ships. Though thousands of stave churches were built across Norway in its earliest centuries of Christianity, only 28 survive today. Located squarely between the airport and city center of Bergen is Fantoft Stave Church, which, after a devastating fire in 1992, was rebuilt in 1997 and is open to visitors from May to September.
When Bergen was established in the 11th century, its wharfs and seaside merchants were integral to the city’s growth. Gradually, the buildings – eventually known as Bryggen – became some of Bergen’s earliest warehouses and places of business. Today, it’s a must-stop haven for tourists looking for souvenirs and good food. In and around this row of vibrant structures are other spots not to be missed: St. Mary’s Church (the oldest building in the city), the Bergenhus Fortress, and a statue of Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian and poet who compiled the Prose Edda , the 13th-century guiding work on Norse mythology.
The Mostraumen Fjord Cruise offers a relaxing four-hour sail from Bergen to Mo, passing through the narrow Mostraumen Channel and turning around at the mouth of the river Moelva. Board the boat at Dreggekaien Pier next to Bryggen, and settle in for a scenic cruise with waterfalls and villages on both sides of the fjord. Mostraumen offers two options from April to September – a 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. call time. (October through March offers the 10 a.m. cruise only.) Bring your camera! www.MostraumenFjordCruise.com
"Bergen provides a perfect combination of urban and rural exploration, a vibrant cultural city surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and coastlines."
A trip to Bergen isn’t complete without a bird’s eye view of the city. In a matter of minutes, the Fløibanen funicular takes visitors more than 1000 feet above sea level where they can enjoy a restaurant and shop, a playground for kids, hiking trails, and plenty of space to sit and savor the view. Highly accessible and easy to get to, this mountain cable car excursion is enjoyable for all ages. When you get back down, take a left onto Kong Oscars Gate and grab a reindeer hot dog at Trekroneren. You won’t regret it. www.Floyen.no/en/Floibanen
STEINSDALSFOSSEN (one-hour drive east of Bergen)
While you can explore most of Bergen on foot, renting a car enables you to explore the surrounding smaller towns and, more importantly, Norway’s majestic waterfalls –such as Steinsdalsfossen. Located along one of Norway’s 18 scenic routes (Hardanger), Steinsdalsfossen offers free parking, entry, and accessibility via a paved path up to the midpoint of the falls. You can walk underneath the falls for an incredible view or dare to get close enough to its base for a serious shower. Then, stop into the gift shop on your way out.
Parking plaza on Clingman's Dome. Great Smoky Mountains (N.C. and Tenn.). Hand tinted photograph. Old Number A-3258 A2 [July 1939]
Photos taken by Knoxville photographers helped create a National Park, viewable in the McClung Digital Collection
This summer, the Knoxville History Project is partnering with the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection and other cultural organizations to celebrate the 100th anniversary of when Knoxville leaders and outdoor enthusiasts created a remarkable grassroots movement to establish a new national park in the Great Smoky Mountains. This event will feature an educational symposium with programs by Jack Neely, Paul James, and Smokies’ authors, including David Brill, Ken Wise and Daniel Pierce, at the East Tennessee History Center July 26-27. A special evening at the Bijou Theatre will showcase the Smoky Mountains photographs and films by Jim Thompson in partnership with Eric Dawson, McClung Historical Collection and John Morton, Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound on July 26. Learn more KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org/Smokies
ARTICLE BY ERIC DAWSON
These photographs, taken in the Smokies in the 1920s and 1930s, were selected from McClung’s extensive collection. These photos were widely exhibited and circulated, especially in the form of hand-tinted photographs and postcards, promoting tourism and advocating for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jim Thompson was also an avid motion picture photographer and would often haul his movie camera into the Smokies to capture moving images of flowing creeks and rushing waterfalls, as well as activities of his fellow hikers in the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. View more vintage photos online at CMDC.Knoxlib.org/
The Thompsons likely photographed Mt. Le Conte more than any other single location in the Smokies, either from a distance to showcase its majestic peak, or on top of the mountain itself. Looking at their photos of Le Conte, often amid clouds or backlit with sunlight, it’s easy to see why. At 6,593 feet, it’s the third tallest peak in the park and one of its most strenuous hikes.
It became a popular hike for the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club in the 1920s, and it remains a popular destination for hikers today, in part because of the lodge built there. The panoramic photos the Thompsons created are especially striking, this one showing the then small village of Gatlinburg at the base of Le Conte’s snowy peaks.
The five Walker Sisters were something of an unexpected tourist attraction in the Smokies during the 1940s and 1950s, even appearing in an article in The Saturday Evening Post. Their appeal to visitors was the fact they lived in a cabin in Little Greenbrier Cove built by their father, John Walker, in the 1840s, and their day-to-day life was much as it would have been in the 19th century. Though the sisters passed away decades ago, the cabin was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be reached via Little Brier Gap Trail in Metcalf Bottoms. The Thompsons made postcards of Walker cabin photos, such as this one showing Polly Walker sitting on the front steps.
In late 1923, the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association was formed with the aim of advocating for the creation of a national park in the Smokies. Col. David Chapman (1876-1944), foregrounded in this picture, was the Association’s president. Due to his enthusiastic advocacy, Chapman is often referred to as the Father of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was one of few Americans to have a major mountain peak named for him while he was still living, and this photograph captures the even more rare instance of someone sitting atop their namesake peak. Chapman Highway, Knoxville’s oldest direct route to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, also bears his name. Other Association members in the picture, from left to right, are Harvey B. Broome, Mrs. Charles W. Myers, Miss Mildred Query and Jim Thompson.
This hand-tinted photograph of Clingman’s Dome, dated July 1939, was taken five years after the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was chartered by Congress, but 14 months before the park would be officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at this same location. From the number of cars present at this still popular overlook, one can see that the Smokies were already a popular destination for tourists. Although several color processes had been developed since the 1860s, it wasn’t until the introduction of Kodachrome in the 1930s that color photography became widely used. Hand tinting, in which color was added to a black and white image, was a favorite alternative. The Thompsons frequently employed this process, especially when manufacturing postcards. Note how the road and certain cars and people in this image have not been colored, making the colors of the mountains in the distance and the grass in the bottom left foreground that much more vibrant.
Jim Thompson (1881-1976) and his younger brother Robin Thompson (1895-1977) were Knoxville’s most successful commercial photographers during the first half of the 20th century. Individually and operating as Thompson Brothers, they created thousands of photos documenting the city and its people. They were also avid hikers and were pioneers in capturing the Great Smoky Mountains in photographs throughout the 1910s and 1920s.
JULY 4TH
Farragut Independence Day Parade
Kingston Pike/Stadium Road to Boring Road | 9:30 PM
The annual 4th of July parade features floats, bands, dancers, animals, antique cars and more. VisitFarragut.org
JULY 4TH
Festival on the 4th
World's Fair Park | 5:00 PM
The City of Knoxville's 4th of July celebration at the World's Fair Park features family entertainment and activities. This festival begins at 5 p.m. and ends at approximately 10 p.m. at the conclusion of the fireworks display. There is no admission charge, and this event is rain or shine. KnoxvilleTN.gov
JULY 6TH
Taylor Nation Concert
World's Fair Park | 7:30 PM
The Joy of Music School presents Concerts for Our Own Featuring Taylor Nation. A Live Band Journey Through the Eras of Taylor Swift. Proceeds from this concert support the mission of The Joy of Music School of Music. ConcertsForOurOwn.org/events
JULY 12TH
2024 FanBoy Expo
Knoxville Convention Center | 12:00 PM
Featuring Celebrity Guests, Comic Industry Pros, Cosplay, Vendors, Live Entertainment and more July 12-14. FanBoyExpo.com/Knoxville
JULY 12TH
Cinderella
Knoxville Children’s Theatre | 7:00 PM
Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella July 12-28. In this specially created version, all the beloved songs and familiar characters have been adapted for young performers and audience members with warmth and comedy. KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com
JULY 14TH
Doobie Brothers
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center | 7:00 PM
Four-time Grammy Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers the Doobie Brothers perform at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center July 14 as part of their 38-city The 2024 Tour and features the Robert Cray Band in a special guest spot. FoodCityCenter.com
JULY 14TH
Second Sunday Art Activity
Knoxville Museum of Art | 1:00 PM
Bring your children in grades K-6 to the KMA for Second Sunday Art Activity Day. Children will do a hands-on art activity taught by a certified art teacher. This event is free, open to the public. KnoxArt.org
JULY 14TH
Second Sunday Docent Tour
Knoxville Museum of Art | 2:00 PM
KMA visitors can follow a trained docent educator through the galleries to learn more about the KMA collection and temporary exhibitions. Tours are 60 minutes. Visitors can meet at the front desk at 1:55 p.m. to join the tour. This event is free and open to the public. KnoxArt.org
JULY 19TH
Salty Dog Seafood Festival
World's Fair Park | 1:00 PM
This three-day festival, July 19 (1-9 p.m.), 20 (10 a.m.-9 p.m.), and 21 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) will offer fresh seafood, live music, arts and crafts, a kid's area, plus beer and wine gardens at the World's Fair Park Performance Lawn. There will be an admission charge for entry with price of food and drink varying by vendor. KnoxvilleSaltyDogSeafoodFestival.com
JULY 20TH
Grooves in the Garden Outdoor Music Festival
Knoxville Botanical Gardens | 5:00 PM
Grooves in the Garden is an outdoor live music festival featuring jazz, R&B, and soul music along with a DJ, food trucks, and a cash bar. This event is for ages 18 and over presented by UUNIK Academy, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. UunikAcademy.org
JULY 21ST
Smokies Stadium | 2:00 PM
Family-friendly baseball with the Tennessee Smokies, our Minor League Baseball team based in Kodak. Milb.com/Tennessee
JULY 26TH
Kuumba Festival
Market Square | 12:00 PM
The Knoxville Kuumba Festival is the largest cultural heritage and music festival in East Tennessee that celebrates African Culture. This three-day cultural event will showcase live performances from local, regional, and national artists. The African World Marketplace will open the day's event with food and merchandise vendors from all over the world. DowntownKnoxville.org
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