Covering 50 Counties in Western NC, East TN, Southwest VA, Northwest GA & Parts Of SC!
MountainS
FREE June 2014
Fun Things To Do in the
.net
Eleventh Annual Balsam Range
Eddie Rose and Highway Forty
RED, WHITE, and
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
2009 IBMA Awards Nominees for Entertainer of the Year
June 26 - 28 | Morganton, North Carolina
Inside... Our Cover Story 3 - Red, White, and Bluegrass Festival Back Cover Story 23 - Red Tail Mountain Grows Against the Grain 31 - Events & Festivals NORTH CAROLINA 7 - The Bluff Mountain Festival 12 - Dogwood Crafters--Looking for Tradisional Crafters 13 - Get a Taste of Scotland this Father’s Day Weekend 14 - 25th Annual Mountain Artisans’ ‘Summertime’ Arts and Crafts Show 15 - Beth Bell | Morris Broadband -Representative Heralds New Technology 17 - Graham County Heritage Festival 18 - Never Stick Your Nose in Grits 18 - Coming--11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival 20 - Mud Dabbers 26 - Village Square Art & Craft Show 28 - Relax, slow down, and discover small town America with Sky-Hi Wi-Fi. 28 - RIDDLEFEST 2014 29 - Hammond Antiques EAST TENNESSEE 8 - Great Deals To Be Had At ‘Antiques and Estates’ in Knoxville, TN 8 - Wear Else! 10 - “Liberty!” Opens 36th Season of Outdoor Drama VIRGININA 2 - Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival 24 - “Welcome Back to Ivy Gap” 26- Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts in Virginia
2 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Fun Things To Do in the
MountainS.net
Mike Walker Publisher funthingstodo@adelphia.net 310-775-5165 Terry Patterson Account Executive Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery & Watauga NC Counties, East TN & Southwest VA funthingstodoterry@bellsouth.net Amy Ammons Garza Account Executive Graham, Northern Jackson, Macon & Swain NC Counties 828-631-4587 Melissa Cloyd Digital Marketing Specialist funthingsmagazine@gmail.com
Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival September 20 | CEDAR BLUFF, VA
The historic town of Cedar Bluff in Tazewell County will host the annual Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival on September 20, 2014. This festival is the region’s premier autumn festival attracting 200 vendors and 20,000 visitors on the third Saturday in September each year. Numerous artists, craftsmen, antique dealers and food vendors will fill the historic downtown area. Visitors will enjoy exciting musical performances from the bandstand in Town Square and on Stage II under the Big Top Tent. Horse and carriage tours of the Historic District and a Civil War camp re-enactment will highlight the heritage of Cedar Bluff, a charming 19th century mill town developed along the Clinch River. The 2014 festival will feature an Antique Car Parade, dance performances, the Great Clinch River Duck Race, apple butter making, pony rides and a petting zoo. From the beautifully restored old grist mill to the 1873 birthplace of Governor George C. Peery, Cedar Bluff offers the nostalgia of a time gone by. The Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival has received the Festival of the Year Award from the Blue Ridge Travel Association and has been entertaining visitors for 39 years. For more information visit Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival on Facebook, www.visittazewellcounty.org or call (276) 964-4889
3 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
BluegraSS CamP fOr KidS
June 25th - 27th - Hosted by Flatt Lonesome Kids Ages: 5 -18 Must bring instrument Jam Camp Learn New Tunes Camping Available
Camp Director: Greg Deal For more information log on …
RedWhiteandBluegrassFestival.com Tickets available online!! Call Gary W. Leonhardt 828-439-1866 Visit … 300 Collett St. • PO Box 3448 Morganton, NC 28680-3448
June 26th - June 28th – 2014
4 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Photos: MLANEPHOTO.com
2014
28th Annual Downtown Days Chili Cookoff and Car Show July 18 | MARION, VIRGINIA
the town of marion, virginia
This is a great event for the entire family-come out and join the fun!
Hungry Mother State Park Marion, Virginia Directions: Interstate 81 to U.S. Route 16 North
Friday July 18, 10am - 6pm • Saturday July 19, 10am - 6pm • Sunday July 20, 10am - 5pm Sponsored by: The Art League of Marion In Cooperation with: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Partner
Charter Media 10453 Wallace Alley Street Kingsport, TN 37663
street dance with LIVE music by Phantom Food, Fun, Music, Dancing, Kids Zone, Chili tasting... you’re bound to have a great time! 7-11pm in Downtown Marion!
$1500 Sponsors 102.5 WOLD All the Hits. The Greatest Hits! PO Box 85 Marion, VA 24354 276-783-4042 103.5 Thunder Country 1035thundercountry.com/wzva Your 10 in a row station! Big D and Bubba with the most Thunder Country and fun in the morning. The most New Country – 10 in a row all day! CMT’s Cody Alan live at 8 every night. PO Box 85 Marion, VA 24354 276-783-4042
Art
WMEV-FM- 94 Your home for today’s best and most country. 1041 Radio Hill Road, Marion, VA 24354 276-783-3151 WUKZ FM 101.1 Classic hits from the 70’s and 80’s. 1041 Radio Hill Road, Marion, VA 24354 276-783-3151
Food
$500 Sponsors The Bank of Marion 16 community branches in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Home owned and operated since 1874. Local (276) 783-3116 or long distance: 1-800-772-1807 www.bankofmarion.com Food City Food City #848 910 N. Main Street, Marion, VA Food City #849 145 W. Lee Highway, Chilhowie, VA General Dynamics Benevolent Fund
Outdoor Fun
$250 Sponsors Berry Home Center Building materials and relationships for over 40 years. Locally owned and operated in Chilhowie and Abingdon. www.berryhomecenter.com
Entertainment
Eye Physicians of Southwest Virginia, PC Providing routine and surgical eye care for all ages. Marion - 1128 N. Main St., 276-783-6131 Abingdon - 328-A Cummings St., 276-628-3118 Gates Dentistry 1128 N. Main Street • Marion, VA 24354 276-783-6818
Don’t forget the 41st Annual Arts and Crafts Festival July 18-20, 2014
Marion Family Pharmacy & Gifts 1581 N. Main Street • Marion, VA 24354 276-783-7284
$100 Sponsors
Crafts
Center Stage Music 122 E. Main Street, Marion, VA 24354 276-378-0829
The Lincoln Theatre 117 E. Main Street, Marion, VA 24354 276-783-6092
Slemp Brant Saunders and Associates, Inc. Since 1910 – Smyth County’s oldest insurance agency. Reliable insurance for your home, auto and business. 116 W. Main Street, Marion, VA. 276-783-5146 www.slempbrant.com
Music 5 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
What are you doing this fall?
www.ehc.edu
Visit the Abingdon Farmers Market in May, on Tuesdays from 3pm-6pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm. The market will be in full swing with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, prepared foods, arts & crafts and kids activities!
Coming Soon! 28th Annual Downtown Days on July 18 in Marion, Virginia Marion Downtown and the Town of Marion are hosting the Chili Championship, Show ‘n’ Shine Car Show, street dance with LIVE music by Phantom, and Kids Zone! Food, Fun, Music, Dancing, Kids Zone, Chili tasting...you’re bound to have a great time! This is a great event for the entire family, so come out and join the fun! 7-11pm in Downtown Marion! - See more at: http://www.marionva. org/events/28th-annual-downtown-days-chili-cookoff-and-car-show#sthash.sq8KSNGU.dpuf
6 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
The Bluff Mountain Festival June 14 | Hot Springs, NC
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oot-tapping bluegrass and old-time music, a silent auction of beautiful local and regional items, and artists’ market, good food, a beautiful setting, and much more make the Madison County Arts Council’s Bluff Mountain Festival a special community event. This year’s annual festival will be held June 14, 2014 from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Hot Springs, N.C. Bring your Blanket or lawn chairs for seating in front of the stage shaded by huge magnolias. The Bluff Mountain Festival is a fundraiser for the Madison County Arts Council. Regional and national performers donate their time to the festival. Many of the performers are fresh from Old Time Week at Mars Hill College, and the festival gives them an opportunity to play for the larger public while in the area. This year’s talent includes master fiddler, Roger Howell, The Green Grass Cloggers, Storyteller, Joe Penland, The Crooked Pine String Band, The Stoney Creek Boys and the popular Ballad Swap featuring centuries old ballads still sung and preserved in Madison County. The hills will be alive all day with sights and sounds from an amazing roster of musicians and dancers!
“This year we are thrilled to have “The Crooked Pine String Band” as our headliner,” said Laura Boosinger. Crooked Pine begin in 1974, a fantasy of college boys who wanted to play music, grow their own food and live in the mountains. Marion Boatwright, Frank McConnell and Craig Bannerman moved to a mountain top cabin in Transylvania County that summer. They raised a garden and played old-time music stepping out occasionally for a gig or a dance. In the years that followed all of the players worked with other bands or pursued solo gigs and raised families. Fast forward to 2013 and the band has re-organized with the addition of Madison County native, Troy
Harrison. “Troy is a wonderful musician and adds so much to this stringband. He plays every banjo style, including music he learned from banjo master Obray Ramsey on Obray’s banjo! This band is a piece of living history and we know folks are going to love their performance.” Artist vendor booths featuring a wide variety of art and craft have been added in recent years and provide a unique shopping opportunity. In keeping with the fundraising theme, most artists will be donating a piece of their work and a portion of their sales to the popular silent auction. Food vendors from local nonprofits will sell a selection of home cooked delights, participating in the longtime mission of the festival, which is to be a both catalyst and meeting point for community togetherness, friendship, and support. “This is a great event,” remarked, Boosinger. “For 19 years now folks have looked forward to a family friendly day of good music and fellowship. We are honored to serve the residents and non-profits of Madison County with the production of this well-loved event.” Last year over 70 volunteers, nearly 50 performers, and more than 100 artists, craftspeople, and local businesses made the festival possible. Behind the scenes volunteers are already hard at work to make the 19th Annual Bluff Mountain Festival a great celebration.For more information please contact: The Madison County Arts Council PO Box 32 | Marshall, NC 28753| (828) 649-1301 www.madisoncountyarts.com
Experience Southern Charm... 101 East Jackson Street Suite 101, Gate City, VA www.robertsfamilybakery.com
• Located in the Oldest Historic District of Asheville • Only 2 ½ blocks walking distance to fabulous dinning, boutiques, galleries and night life • Call about our Lodging Specials!
276-690-BAKE (2253) ChestnutStreetInn.com • Circa 1905 176 E. Chestnut St. Asheville, NC 800-894-2955 • 828-285-0705
7 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Great Deals To Be Had At ‘Antiques and Estates’ in Knoxville, TN
Antiques & Estate Vintage Collectables
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ntiques and Estates , offers a large variety of old, vintage and new items. Furniture, jewelry, collectables, clothing, garden items, home décor, art, gift items are just some of the things we have for you to purchase. You must come in to see us in person! Please be assured you will not be wasting your time when you visit our store located in Knoxville, Tennessee. We would love to see you! Your visit would mean a lot to us. Our dealers have a great selection of well - priced goodies for your shopping pleasure. You will always be greeted by our friendly staff as you enter our store. We think you will be happy that you came in to see us and shop our large selections of items we have to offer. We are always looking for new vendors. Please let us know if you are interested. We offer Lay-Away if needed. Master Card, Visa are also accepted. Mention you saw us in Fun Things To Do In The Mountains and get 10% off your purchase. Located at 5613 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. 37919. Mon-Fri 10-5:30 | Sat 10-5 | Closed Sunday | 865-240-4289 Like Us on Facebook – Antiques & EstatesVintage Collectiables
Spring Clearance Sale!! 50-70% off thru July 4th!
Wear Else!
East Tennessee’s Premier New & Resale Boutique
5613 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865-240-4289 M-F 10-5:30 | Sat. 10-5 Closed Sunday Like Us on Facebook -Antiques & Estate Vintage
Wear Else!
East Tennessee’s Premier New & Resale Boutique 2 Locations for your convenience for our Spring Clearance Sale! We are getting ready for summer with our Spring Clearance Sale on all clothing and shoes through July 4th!
Mon-Thurs 10-6 | Fri & Sat 10-7 www.WearElseKnoxvilleTN.com | Facebook.com/WearElsestores 2 Locations 7519 South Northshore Drive 7550 Brickyard Rd. Knoxville, TN 37919 Powell, TN 37849 Located in Rocky Hill Center Located Next to Bojangles 865-691-8494 865-947-9277
8 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
We have plenty of other items in our store that we carry through-out the year in as well as speciality lines such as: Misses Maternity Wear|Women’s Men’s Clothing|Juniors Children’s|Plus Sizes Infants|Petite Sizes|Bridal We carry clothing for the entire family! You should come prepared to have fun and allow plenty of time for browsing! You will be surprised and delighted at the amazing prices, beautiful clothes, and luxury designer brands that are through-out our stores. We never meet a stranger. Our friendly staff will make you feel like you have met an old friend! Mon-Thurs 10-6 | Fri & Sat 10-7 www.WearElseKnoxvilleTN.com | Facebook.com/WearElsestores
Mesh Bracelets Stones set in White, Yellow or Rose
Custom Designs Clock & Watch Repair Estate Jewelry • Jewelry Repair Citizen Watches Sterling Silver Jewelry
Gems & Metalart Jewelers
Tony Underwood ~ Jeweler on Premises Hablamos Español 1068 S. Hwy. 92 • Dandridge, TN 37725 865-397-1810 email: gemmetal@bellsouth.net 9 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
“Liberty!” Celebrates Tennessee History the Last Three Weekends in July
Opens 36th Season of Outdoor Drama on Thursday, July 10, 2014
T
he Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee begins its 36th season July 10 at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, and continues for a three weekend run – Thursdays through Saturdays – beginning each evening at 7:30 in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater. Tennessee’s official outdoor drama is presented by a cast of local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. Liberty! portrays the significant history of Sycamore Shoals during the late 18th century. The concept of outdoor drama offers a very unique format in which to present a theatrical performance. Without a doubt, experiencing live theater, beside the cool waters of the Watauga River, with Fort Watauga as the backdrop to the play, is unlike any other. Theatrical lighting, professional sound, and a host of unexpected effects completely immerse the audience in the lifestyles of the late 18th century. As the story unfolds, long hunters and settlers begin leaving the protection of the English Colonies, crossing the Appalachian Mountains in violation of the British Proclamation of 1763. Historically, along the Watauga Old Fields, families soon made their homes, formed a new government, bought and traded land from the Cherokee, and ultimately, during the American Revolution, fought for the freedom we hold so dear today. The series of events that unfolded at Sycamore Shoals were critical to state and national history in the 18th century. These dramatic chapters in America’s westward expansion set the tone for a number of events that helped propel the British colonies towards independence and a democratic form of government. These stories are proudly shared with our guests during each performance of Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals. The 2014 season will also mark the 5th exciting year for Carter’s Trading Post, a venue named in honor of the original store opened by pioneers John Carter and partner William Parker shortly after they
10 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
arrived on the frontier in 1771. A fine menu of mouth watering treats will be offered each evening for Liberty! guests. During your visit to Sycamore Shoals, please plan to visit our new interpretive exhibit, shop in our Eastern National Gift Shop, and take in the sights and sounds of your Tennessee State Park. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, A to Z Rentals, Appalachian Lighting & Production, Big John’s Closeouts, CH2M Hill Corporation, the City of Elizabethton, Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Elizabethton Electric, Holston Gas, LeBleu, Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, Inc, Northeast TN Valley Regional Industrial Development Association, the Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution, John & Susan Kubenka, Michael & Lynne Barnett, Dr. Samuel Powell (Burlington, NC), 11Connects – WJHL TV, and WCYB TV 5
Thursdays-Saturdays, July 10- 12, 17 – 19, and 24 -26, in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton. Performances begin nightly at 7:30. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 & over), and $5 for children (6 – 7 yrs of age). Children 5 and under are admitted free. This year we are pleased to offer a Family Cap Discount for Immediate members of one family of $39.00 (Parents and their children). Friends of Sycamore Shoals Members will be admitted for $6.00. Veterans Night is Thursday, July 17 – Veterans and one escort are admitted for Free for this performance. For more information, please call the park at (423) 543-5808. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area 1651 W. Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643 tnstateparks.com/parks/about/ sycamore-shoals www.sycamoreshoalstn.org
Creeper Trail Bike Rental & Shuttle
2014
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK YEAR ‘ROUND
TENTH ANNUAL
Call or Email your reservations! JULY 21st ~ 25th
Whitetop, Virginia 276-388-3056 Damascus, Virginia 276-475-3611 info@creepertrailbikerental-shuttle.com www.creepertrailbikerental-shuttle.com
www.mountainmusicschool.org
The ORIGINAL and LARGEST Shuttle Service
Your Adventure is Waiting!
Open 7 Days a Week! Call for Reservations!
276-475-5095 or 1-800-475-5095 info@blueblazebikeandshuttle.com blueblazebikeandshuttle.com
501 East 3rd Street Damascus, VA 1-276-475-3629 1-866-475-3629 thebikestation.net 11 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Looking For Traditional Crafters With a Two-For-One Opportunity to Artisans Dogwood Crafters | 125th Anniversary of Dillsboro, NC By Amy Ammons Garza
I
n this year of many birthday milestones for local towns and universities, the historic town of Dillsboro has gone a step further in their 125th year-long celebration. In two consecutive fall festivals, one on September 6, 2014—Dillsboro’s 125th Birthday—and one on October 4, 2014—Colorfest—Dillsboro will offer to the local artisans a booth in each festival for the price of one! On September 6, for their 125th birthday, Dillsboro is looking for traditional quilters, basket makers, blacksmiths, gourd artists, broom makers, carvers/whittlers, soap makers, candle makers, beekeepers, metalworkers, spinners, needle workers, toy makers, metalworker and any other traditional handicraft...to demonstrate and sell their art/ craft in celebration of the time period of the founding of the town in 1889. Fine crafts have been added to the expected fine arts offered in the sixth annual Colorfest, scheduled for October 4. Here the artisans have the opportunity to show how their art/craft is created and to sell their artwork as well. This festival offers even more rewards for the
vendors participating. Cash prizes, sponsored by Champion Credit Union, will be awarded to the artisans. Categories: First place for fine art $100; Second place for fine art $50. First place for fine craft $100; second place for fine craft $50. Best of Show—Booth $150. Dillsboro is a small walk-about town, where the merchants of today wish to encourage and inspire the creations of the hands, both from yesteryear and today. They invite all fine artists/crafters to join them in both festivals—one fee in a “two for one opportunity� will cover entry into both festivals. Entries are steadily coming in, so they encourage you to get your application in early. For applications, please go to www.visitdillsboro.org or call 828-506-8331 for more information, or stop by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, or Town Hall in Dillsboro. Food vendors may also download the food application from the website. Festivals are produced by the Dillsboro Merchants Association, in partnership with Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. This project received support from the Jackson County Arts Council, North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Karen Cioce from Champion Credit Union presents a check for $450 to David Marker of Monkey Toes in Dillsboro, to benefit the cash prizes to be awarded to artisans at Colorfest on October 4, 2014.
Biker Owned & Operated
BBQ Beef, Pork, Chicken, Baby Back Ribs & Lots More
Full Selection of Domestic & Local Beer
403 Haywood Street • Dillsboro, NC 28723
828-586-9556
Dogwood crafters
Featuring over 100 artisians
Dillsboro, NC
828-586-2248 12 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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#ULLOWHEE "APTIST #HURCH A PLACE OF GRACE AND PEACE ĂŹa 7E WELCOME ALL TO JOIN US FOR WORSHIP 3UNDAYS AT AM #ENTRAL $RIVE #ULLOWHEE .# ! #ONGREGATION IN 0ARTNERSHIP WITH THE #OOPERATIVE "APTIST &ELLOWSHIP 2EVS 4ONYA AND *EFFREY 6ICKERY 0ASTORS
Get a Taste of Scotland Father’s Day Weekend Franklin, North Carolina June 14, 2014 | 9am—6pm
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et ready for a day of Scottish fun, food, music and culture for the whole family as Franklin’s Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival takes to the streets Saturday, June 14th. This event celebrates Franklin’s deep Scottish heritage from 9am to 6pm. “North Carolina has more residents of Scottish heritage than any other state in the union,” said Doug Morton, Event Chairman. “In fact, North Carolina has more Scots than Scotland. This festival and supporting events is a sampler of everything Scottish. We have a great weekend planned sure to be enjoyed by every member of the family.” Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival Saturday, June 14th is the main focus when the streets of historic downtown Franklin, NC will come alive with everything Scottish. Sample authentic Scottish foods, see demos of Highland Games, shop for authentic Scottish apparel and goods, plus you’ll hear plenty of great Scottish and Celtic music. Featured entertainers for the Taste of Scotland include: My Three Kilts, Calendonia Swing, Dunham Harps, John Mor MacKinsoh Marching Piper Band, Juniper Trio and the Highland Pipers just to name a few. There will also be Highland Game demonstrations throughout the day by Scott Medlin and company. In addition, the ever amazing Bill Coburn Border Collies will be present. The Taste of Scotland will also explore the deep history between the Scots and Cherokee in the Southern Appalachians. Chief Robert Youngdeer and Eddie Swimmer from the Cherokee Nation will speak at special symposiums that are scheduled. Clan Dinner Many other events are scheduled as part of this Scottish celebration in Franklin. Activities get underway on the evening of Thursday, June 12th with a Clan Dinner in Tartan Hall at Franklin’s First Presbyterian Church. The buffet style meal will feature Pot Roast & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes w/ Rutabagas, Peas, Salad, Soup, Scones and Apple Crisp. Those attending will be treated to live Scottish and Celtic music while dining. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 12 and under. A limited number of tickets are available for the Clan Dinner and can be purchased at the Scottish Tartans Museum or Life’s Bounty in downtown Franklin. Ceilidh A Ceilidh (prounounced kay-lee) will be held Friday night beginning at 7:00pm. What is a Ceilidh? That’s Scottish for party! The event will feature the music of the Juniper Trio and be held on Stewart Street just off Main Street in downtown Franklin. Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans The Taste of Scotland weekend concludes with a very special service at Franklin’s First Presbyterian Church. “The Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans is traditional closing event for our weekend celebration,” Morton continued. “The service begins with a roll-call of clans with each clan’s tartan presented. The service includes a blessing of the tartans by Pastor Kim Justice.” So come to Franklin, NC and enjoy some or all of the Taste of Scotland events this Father’s Day weekend. For additional information and a full schedule of events visit us online at www.TasteofScotlandFestival.org or find us on Facebook. The Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival is sponsored by the Franklin Main Street Program, Franklin Tourism Development Authority, Macon County Tourism Development Committee and Franklin Merchants.
13 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
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25th Annual Mountain Artisans’ ‘Summertime’ Arts and Crafts Show The Ramsey Center Arena | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC June 28-29 • 10am—5pm
T
he Mountain Artisans shows are famous for the biggest selection of original handcrafted art and crafts in the area! Promoter and fellow artist , Doris Hunter combs through many craft shows each year, looking for the best talent available. Always held in the Ramsey Center arena on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. It is the perfect venue with airconditioning, surround music and great lighting. Over 100 exhibitors will offer their heritage and contemporary crafts and art. Customers are impressed with the wide selection of folk art, fine art, clay and glass art, wood crafts and master jewelers. The whole family will enjoy the demonstrations of the broom maker, glass blower and blacksmith. Nancy Moore will be weaving her baskets and painting on old glass windows . A few artisans still
preserve the vanishing crafts like corn shuck dolls and rag rugs. They will be creating their treasures while you watch.The dulcimer player will be playing tunes and teaching you to play too. Live guitar player, Ronnie Evans will be strumming the old tunes and selling his CDs. Hours are 10-5 pm each day. Admission is $4 for a weekend pass; children under 12 are free. Parking is convenient and free. For more information, visit www. mountainArtisans.net or call Doris Hunter, show director, at 828- 524-3405.
14 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
A Book Is a Present You Can Open Again
and Again
BOOKS UNLIMITED 60 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828-369-7942 • Fax 828-369-2102 booksunlimited@smnet.net www.booksunlimitednc.com
Beth Bell | Morris Broadband Representative Heralds New Technology By Amy Ammons Garza
C
ommunications seems to be in the blood for Beth Bell, Commercial Sales Executive for Morris Broadband. Born and raised in Catawba County, Beth’s father owned a printing company, so, naturally she grew up in a family who were naturally community-minded. All through her years at Newton-Conover High School, she worked for her father, only pausing later in her job to at-tend Queen’s University in Charlotte. “When the printing business was sold,” she says, “I stayed on for awhile helping the new owner adjust to the change. Since I was drawn to customer service and sales, my cable career began when I was offered a position at Prime (now Charter) Cable in 1990. I had grown up in the business of communications, and loved it, so it was a perfect fit for me.” In 1997, Beth relocated to Hendersonville, North Carolina, and continued in cable with a company that in 2009 was purchased by Morris Broadband, an affiliate of Morris Communica-tions out of Augusta, Georgia. Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, cable television systems, book publishing and distribution, visitor publications and online services. Owned by the William S. Morris III family since 1945, today the Georgia-based company reaches across the nation and overseas, employing 4,000 people. In North Carolina, Morris Broadband serves the communities of Hendersonville, Franklin, Sylva, Nebo and West Jefferson. “As a representative for Morris,” says Beth, “I work out of Hendersonville, but also cover Jackson County. I learned to love the county when my brother went to Western Carolina Univer-sity (WCU), and I came to visit him. In my capacity as Morris Broadband sales executive, I fa-cilitate bulk sales such as Rabbit Ridge, The Summitt, Elisabeth St. John, (Wade Properties) and other facilities around WCU...hotels, apartment complexes, city and county facilities. Morris has rebuilt the cable system in Jackson and Macon Counties, upgrading all the technology, so I’m able to help many diverse businesses. “I receive great satisfaction through customer interaction. It’s such a treat to get to know my customers by meeting them face to face. Some of my customers I’ve had since I started. Giv-ing back to the community is not only part of my company’s engagement, but also part of my personal goals...so I participate in the Sylva Rotary club, an Ambassador for both Jackson and Henderson County Chambers of Commerce. I’m a board member of the Hendersonville Sym-phony Orchestra and an active member of several local leads groups. Morris Broadband is a local company and we take pride in talking directly to our customers. No jobs are sourced out to other countries and that is important to our new and existing clients. Morris is a community supporter and sponsor of many events throughout the year. My world has grown so much since I began traveling around the mountains, meeting so many other community-minded people.”
browsing to high speed internet with a new technology that was launched in 2012 —Docsis 3.0, with internet speeds of, 25Mb., 50Mb, and 100Mb. Businesses and serious gamers, music and video streamers would love this! Morris has taken the evolutionary step from broadband to wideband technology with this launch of the next-generation high-speed internet service. To take advantage of this “lightning-fast” service from Morris Broadband, contact Beth Bell at 828-273-2624, or 828-697-3608; or email her at beth.bell@morris.com. Check out their website at www.morrisbroadband.net.
Launch of Lightning-Fast Docsis 3.0 Internet Reaching out into the business world, Beth Bell (what a great name for a telecommunications specialist) has set her sights on helping businesses flourish by offering ways to convey their mes-sages properly to achieve efficiency in their communications. Morris Broadband offers digital and HD cable that retransmits programming that ranges from sports, movies and entertainment to breaking news stories; educational programs and documentaries, to favorite local shows. They offer VoIP landline telephone service and high speed internet for commercial and residential which could go from simple email and casual web 15 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
16 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Graham County Heritage Festival
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Robbinsville, NC | July 4 & 5 By Amy Ammons Garza
obbinsville is the place to be for the 4th of July. The Graham County Heritage Festival on the 4th and 5th is the county’s largest festival. In 2014, activities include a logging competition, greased pig contest, children’s games, a motorcycle show and much more! Local stars of the “Moonshiners” television show on the Discovery Channel will be there for pictures and autographs. You may even get to see a replica of a still and learn the history of moonshine in the mountains. People come back to this festival year after year for the amazing music, down home atmosphere, delicious food, street dancing, and activities for all ages! One favorite event is the lumberjack competition. Logging played a major role in local history and many men still make their living cutting timber. The lumberjack competition pits men and women against one another to determine the top lumberjack for the 2014 festival. If you love the mountains and Bluegrass music, grab your dancing shoes and spend your Independence Day in small town America - Robbinsville, North Carolina! Music Schedule Friday 12:00 - 1:15 Britthaven Bunch 1:15 - 2:30 The Jones Boyb 2:30 - 3:45 Fast Gear 3:45 - 6:15 Pointe South 6:15 - 8:45 Carolina Bluegrass Boys 8:45 - 11:15 Fontana Ramblers Saturday
1:30 pm: Horseshoe Tournament 1:30 pm: Going Bananas Kid’s Contest 1:45 pm: Bunny Board Kid’s Contest 2:00 pm: Kid’s Ring Toss Contest 2:30 pm: Egg/Spoon Kid’s Contest 2:45 pm: Kid’s Limbo Contest 3:00 pm: Kid’s Hula Hoop Contest 3:30 pm: Watermelon Eating Contest 4:00 pm: Kid’s Sack Races 4:30 pm: Kid’s Fish Casting Contest 5:00 pm: Cornhole Tournament Saturday, July 5 9:00 am - 11:15 pm As announced: 50/50 Money Walks and Door Prizes 9:00 am: Lumberjack Competition 10:00 am: Moonshiners and Booths open 10:30 am: “Little Miss Liberty” Contest 11:00 am: Bunny Board Kid’s Contest 11:30 am: Going Bananas Kid’s Contest 1:30 pm: Horseshoe Tournament 1:30 pm: Greased Pig Kid’s Contest 3:00 pm: Kid’s Ring Toss Contest 3:15 pm: Egg/Spoon Kid’s Contest 3:30 pm: Kid’s Limbo Contest 4:00 pm: Kid’s Hula Hoop Contest 4:30 pm: Kid’s Sack Race 5:00 pm: Kid’s Fish Casting Contest 5:00 pm: Cornhole Tournament 6:00 pm: Motorcycle Show and Contest
12:00 - 1:15 The Jones Boys 1:15 - 2:30 Britthaven Bunch 2:30 - 5:00 Pointe South 5:00 - 6:15 Fast Gear 6:15 - 8:45 Fontana Ramblers 8:45 - 11:15 Carolina Bluegrass Boys Free, live on-stage Country and Bluegrass music and street dancing; Free parking and shuttle rides from elementary school gym to festival grounds and return. Friday, July 4 Noon - 11:15 pm As announced: 50/50 Money Walks and Door Prizes 11:30 am: Veteran’s Ceremony at the Courthouse 1:00 pm: Veteran’s Parade
17 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Never Stick Your Nose in Grits 11th Story in the Cliff Harris Series Stewarts Jewelers of Frankin, NC by Amy Ammons Garza
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In 1945, just as World War II was ending, Wilmer Harris from Morganton, NC, was killed, and left behind his wife, Pauline Garrett Harris, and four sons without a husband and father. The sons were in age, two, three, five, and six-years-old. The mother alone, without funds, without good health, and only able to hold down a part-time job in a cotton mill, struggled to take care of her children. Because of her situation, eventually she placed them in a “working farm” church orphanage in Concord, NC, with the stipulation they could not be adopted unless someone took all four boys. Pauline, who could not drive, took a room in a boarding house nearby so she would be close to them. rowing up on a working farm actually taught the boys values that would stay with them through the years to come. There were 30 boys and 30 girls (on average) who had been placed at the orphanage. Separated into age categories, some of the Harris boys were placed in different dormitories. Those who worked the farm chores were called “farm boys” and stayed in an old farm house. There was a common kitchen, where the girls were in charge of cooking and cleaning up, under the supervision of Sister White. “The farm manager was Brother White who had a second grade education,” says Cliff. “He couldn’t read or write, but knew his numbers and he certainly knew his farming. Years later, I realized his worth and learned to really respect that guy. He could pickup a handful of dirt and figure out exactly what it needed to grow a garden. “That was important, for we grew our own food, tended it, and harvested it,” continues Cliff. “At first, as young as I was, I helped do the laundry and swept, mopped and cleaned house. Eventually, I became a farm boy, feeding the chickens, pigs, and all the other animals.” Cliff was thrilled when he was promoted to farm boy, for he had a title: “Assistant Pig Feeder.” He moved into the old farm house on the property, where he joined the other farm boys, eight total. His immediate boss was a 16-year-old boy who had a driver’s license and could drive the farm truck. They would gather up all the left-over food wherever they could find it on the farm, and drive the “slop” around to all the pig pens. “On my first day as farm boy, we finished our chores earlier than the others,” says Cliff. “My boss told me to go on into the house while he
18 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
parked the truck. As I walked past the dinning room, I noticed all the food on the table. There was a big bowl of steaming grits. I reached over to get a smell, but there seemed to be none. Closer and closer I went, until my nose was almost touching the grits. Sister White came out, yelling at me, and scared me so badly, I got grits on my nose. ‘You’ve ruined our grits!’ she yelled, then called Brother White and told on me as she threw the grits into the slop bucket. “Well, I got a switching…but what was worse were the frowns on the faces of the other boys when they came in and found out what happened. I knew I was gonna get it from them, for they loved their grits! It took at least a week before everything settled down. “I learned a valuable lesson at a young age…never stick your nose in grits, unless you’re a pig!” Growing up in an orphanage with 60 children has certainly equipped this mild-mannered gemologist with patience and kindness toward others. He and his wife Gail have over 40 years in the jewelry business—estate jewelry, fine diamonds, precious gems and exquisite gifts for the whole family. Stewart’s of Franklin is also the place to visit for not only appraisals, but repairs as well, offering friendly and personal attention to each customer. Why not stop by and visit with Cliff and Gail Harris at Stewart’s of Franklin, located downtown Franklin, or give them a call at 828-3699440.
Coming--11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival ”A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage” July 19 from 9 am - 4 pm Franklin, NC
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et ready to stroll down memory lane and catch glimpses of days gone by as you take in the sights and sounds of this year’s 11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival, “A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage” being held on Saturday, July 19, 2014. Streets downtown will be open for pedestrian traffic only from 9am to 4pm where you might choose to get involved in the many hands-on demonstrations and exhibits focusing on heritage skills, join in the toetapping while listening to old-time/bluegrass music performed at one of several venues, or simply be a bystander that purchases Appalachian arts and crafts so you can take home a piece of the past. Co-sponsored by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) and the Franklin Main Street Program, this FREE festival has it all from antique cars clustered together at the Car Show to vintage farm equipment, fire engines and tractors spread about town; from huge quilt and textile exhibits inside the Presbyterian Tartan Hall to church, school and antique displays located at the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church. From Civil War Re-enactors camped at Frogtown involved in mock skirmishes to the Art Council’s Tall Tales, Myths, and Lies and storytelling from the “Front Porch”; from vendors selling heritage arts, crafts or delicious food to exhibits featuring crops and homegrown goodness prepared just like that of our ancestors. From kids’ activities, games, and make-it/take it crafts to contests for all ages, like the Bucket Brigade Challenge; from entertainment showcasing mountain music at the Gazebo Main Stage to gospel music sing-a-longs at Church in the Wildwood (First Baptist Church Chapel) and invitations to join in the pickin’ at the Jammin’ Tent (in front of Town Hall). New this year – we have added multiple bluegrass and old-time music jam sessions to provide a great opportunity to hear local talent or play along, so be sure to bring an instrument if you play. In addition to the Main Street Jammin’ Tent, sessions will be located at the Fire Department Area/Macon Bank parking lot, Life’s Bounty Bakery & Café, Paradise Music Store, Outdoor 76 and the Rathskellar Coffee Haus. Bluegrass Jam Sessions are a reflection of the importance music has played in our local heritage. Also new this year – beginning at 2:30pm., the Fire Department area will host a water feature that
will be sure to keep everyone cool in the July heat! Although exhibits open at 9am., the official kick-off ceremony will be held at 10am at the Gazebo Main Stage. Everyone is invited to gather for brief remarks, followed by our annual Corn Shuckin’ Contest involving local officials/guests. Returning this year, a Fire Truck Parade will begin at 9am from the Franklin Fire Station (traveling on Palmer Drive toward downtown, turning left onto Riverview Street and
Horn in the West Boone, NC | www.horninthewest.com
following the detour route back to Main Street). Helping us celebrate our heritage, downtown businesses and museums will also spotlight local artisans, authors (at Books Unlimited) and musicians, so be sure to stop in. Produced by the Jackson County 4-H Youth Development Office and assisted by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, youth will be given an opportunity to showcase their talents at the Mountain Youth Talent Show held on the Gazebo Main Stage at 3pm. Participants (open to youth through the age of 18) must exhibit a talent that reflects heritage and adhere to the Qualifications and Rules set up by the organizers of the talent contest and the Franklin Folk Festival. Register online http://jackson.ces.ncsu. edu/categories/4-h-youth-development/ or contact Heather Gordon at (828) 586-4009. Whether you enjoy just looking and listening or really getting involved, there is something for everyone at the 11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival. For more information, please contact Linda Schlott, Franklin Main Street Program Executive Director at (828) 524-2516 extension 304, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce (800) 932-5294 or visit www.franklinfolkfestival.com. Financial support for the festival is provided by: Macon County TDC, the Franklin Main Street Program, the Franklin TDA, the Town of Franklin, Macon County, festival volunteers as well as other key organizations that partner with us each year.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, “Horn in the West” is an outdoor drama that captures the essence of the Revolutionary War and provides the area’s finest outdoor family entertainment. Based on the legend of Daniel Boone, for whom the town of Boone is named, the drama weaves a rich narrative of the life of the pioneers who first settled in the Appalachian Mountains. The tale immerses its viewers into the rural landscape of the 18th century as native Cherokees and British settlers face battles of land, love, and country in the midst of conflicting ideas of liberty and loyalty. Before the first musket rings out, guests are invited to walk through the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, a museum comprised of historic log cabins, one of which dates back to the late 1700s. Various heritage crafts can be seen in each cabin, as docents dressed in traditional costumes give lessons in hearth-side cooking, metal-working in the blacksmith shop, and spinning yarn to be used for cloth. Visitors can purchase local crafts and historic relics from the museum gift shop, including pop guns, mock powder horns, arrowheads and coonskin caps. Each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night of the season, a special “Dinner with Dan’l” is offered before the show catered by Dan’l Boone Inn. This home-cooked buffet, served on site in the dining shelter, includes all the best southern comfort food. Dinner reservations must be made in advance. This season, the drama will be performed every Tuesday through Sunday night from June 27 through August 16. Gates open at 7:30 pm and the show begins at 8 pm each evening. Hickory Ridge Living History museum is open every evening before the show from 5:30 to 8 pm as well as on Saturday mornings, May through October. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.HornintheWest.com or call 828.264.2120.
Antique & Estate Jewelry Sold at Wholesale
Downtown Franklin
Stewarts of Franklin
DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN, NC
• 828-369-9440
Best Little Jewelry Sto in e Mountains
19 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Mud Dabbers Balsam, NC
Come see us play in clay! Balsam, NC
A fully functioning studio and gallery in Balsam, NC, family owned and operated since 1988. Mon - Sat 10 AM - 6 PM Sun 1 - 5 PM Open year-round! Fiery Gizzard Pottery has joined Mud Dabbers! Now showcasing the pottery of Mark Karner.
facebook.com/muddabbersbalsam
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estled near Balsam Gap just off the bustling Great Smoky Mountains Expressway, Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts is a family-owned, fully functioning studio and gallery, home to one of the largest selections of locally-made pottery in Western North Carolina. Founded by John O. Dodson and his wife Sybil in 1988, Mud Dabbers has grown into a second-generation family business, with son Brandon (Brad) Dodson opening the Balsam location in 1998. In the following years, Mud Dabbers has become a favorite stop of tourists traveling Highway 23/74 between Waynesville, Sylva, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This year, the Dodson family is excited to welcome a new production potter, Mark Karner, to the Mud Dabbers team. Karner has owned Fiery Gizzard Pottery, located just a few miles from Mud Dabbers on Highway 23/74, since 1997. The new partnership allows both potters to reach a wider audience with their work, while giving customers a variety of pottery to choose from. Karner’s sleek, wheel-thrown forms complement Dodson’s whimsical, hand-built creations. Longtime customers of Fiery Gizzard and Mud Dabbers will now find all their favorite pottery at Mud Dabbers’ Balsam location, while new customers will discover an even more diverse selection of handmade pottery. Additionally, Dodson and Karner are collaborating on pieces that showcase each potter’s unique talents, including face jugs, mugs, and more. Stop by Mud Dabbers this summer to see what’s new! Location: 20767 Great Smoky Mountains Expy. Waynesville, NC 28786 (Between the Rest Area and the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance) (828)456-1916 facebook.com/muddabbersbalsam Hours of Operation:
Blair-Moore House B&B www.blairmoorehouse.com We Are Totally Smoke Free And Totally Green!
423-753-0044 Save the Date!! July 18-19
Smokin the Valley Blueberry Festival and Bar-B-Que Cook Off FarmHouse Gallery Unicoi, TN
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SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
Smokin the Valley is also a fundraiser for Unicoi Vol. Fire Dept. There will be craft vendors, live music and 5k road race. 423.735.8787
In House Financing 90 Days Same As Cash Mon-Fri 9am - 5:30pm Sat:9am - 5pm Closed Sunday
Open: Mon–Sat 9a.m.–5p.m. and Sun 12–5p.m. 576 Highway 360 | Vonore, Tennessee 37885
423.884.6246
www.sequoyahmuseum.org
519 E. Elk Ave
423-542-4177
21 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Linville Caverns Just 4 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway
See Inside a Mountain...
Exit at Linville Falls Village marker • Turn left on US 221 19929 US 221 North • Marion, NC 28752
linvillecaverns.com • 800-419-0540 22 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Redtail Mountain Growing Against the Grain
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ed Tail Mountain Growing Against The Grain In a nationwide climate where more golf courses are closing than being built, the new owners at the Johnson County resort are banking that a big investment will pay off handsomely. “Maybe we’re crazy, but we’ve been in business before and we saw a good opportunity here to take this and do more than just golf, to build it into a resort,” RedTail Mountain general manager Vernon Brady says. Last weekend, the resort was the site of the sixth Battle of the Smokies, an almost-annual event that pits golf journalists from Tennessee against their brethren from North Carolina. The Tar Heels hung on for a 32-28 victory, but as has been the case in the five previous events, nobody left feeling like a loser. That’s because the event’s hosts, resort owner Lyle Habermehl and Brady, put on quite a display of hospitality. From the luxurious on-site accommodations to the food prepared in the clubhouse restaurant to the 32-year-old scenic course, it all added up to quite a weekend. It’s that kind of hospitality the new owners want to convey to potential resort guests. “We want people who come here to really enjoy themselves, really feel like they’re somewhere special,” Brady said. Habermehl, a Canadian businessman, bought the resort out of bankruptcy on the last day of 2012. “A lot of folks are backing off on golf,” says RedTail Mountain’s longtime golf professional, Sam Adams. “Mr. Habermehl is full bore. He has great plans and he’s gonna do them. Lots of people have great plans, but they don’t do them. He is doing them.” Those plans are already in the works. The owners have invested in the course, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to refurbish all the bunkers. The green-side traps now have new sand, liners and drainage systems, and the fairway bunkers are in the process of being fixed. The course has remained somewhat of a hidden gem, used by golfers from Tennessee and North Carolina as well as visitors from other states. The true mountain course features views of the nearby hills and elevation changes of around 400 feet. The near future includes some dramatic changes to the course as well. The new owners have already switched nines -- the current front nine used to be the back and vice versa -- in hopes of creating a better atmosphere around the first tee and 18th green with a new pro shop currently under construction. Another
planned change is the addition of what is being called a “huge new practice area.” RedTail Mountain’s current practice area is small and limits golfers to hitting irons. Adams, the only pro the course has ever had, was in from the beginning, moving fence rows as the course was originally laid out. He worked with Dan and Ellis Maples as they designed what used to be known s Roan Valley Golf Estates. “Sam’s an icon in the community,” Brady said. “We knew right off he was somebody who needs to stay at RedTail Mountain. The golfers love him.” Adams, a former player and coach at Appalachian State in nearby Boone, North Carolina, was quite a golfer in his day. He became the first American lefty to win on the PGA Tour when he captured the 1973 Quad Cities Open. “It’s been so long now and there have been so many successful left-handers that it’s not such a big deal,” Adams said. “Two of the top 10 players in the world are left-handers in Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.” As the management team will tell you, even though the golf course is the focal point of the resort, RedTail Mountain is striving to be known for more than just golf. The resort bought 32 acres on Watauga Lake for its guests to use. Two clay tennis courts and a pool are under construction next to the resort’s clubhouse. Hiking and biking trails are planned as is a full service spa. In addition, the new pro shop will allow the clubhouse, all 20,000 square feet of it, to serve as the hub of the non-golf-related resort activities. It also includes a restaurant, The Vistas, worth driving to Mountain City for, whether you’re playing golf or not. “We pulled back from selling lots,” Brady said. “We’re almost ready to do it. We knew we had to build that base of amenities so people would want to come here. Rather than talking about what we may do one day and make a lot of promises, we decided we would build the amenities first and then we would have something to bring people here. “When they come, they’ll have a great time.” The resort has 21 guest rooms, and the condos were once for sale for $400,000 each. They are now rental units and can be used as part of golf packages or rented individually. They feature comfortable furnishings and fireplaces, and large windows offer views of the golf
course and surrounding mountains. “When outsiders come in and see the beautiful facilities ... it’s refreshing to hear them say this is one of the finest places,” Brady said. Read more: RedTail Mountain growing against the grain | Johnson City Press http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/117461/redtailmountain-growing-against-the-grain#ixzz32etKjsJZ
23 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Barter Theatre Brings Back Lots of Laughs This Summer with
“Welcome Back to Ivy Gap”
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arter Takes You to First Baptist of Ivy Gap, TN, for a New Southern Comedy Barter Theatre is gearing up to introduce a rich new comedy that we Southern folk can truly appreciate. The author of “First Baptist of Ivy Gap” and “My River, My Valley” brings Barter another warm and hilarious play, “Welcome Back to Ivy Gap.” It begins May 29 on Barter’s Main Stage, and tickets are going fast. Just as they did in “First Baptist of Ivy Gap,” audiences will fall in love with this unique and spirited group of women from East Tennessee. “We know these ladies. They are the same people that go to your church, the same personalities we recognize from a Southern church setting. It’s that familiarity that resonates with this play,” says Director Katy Brown. The five ladies of First Baptist Church are each at a fork in the road. Edith, the late pastor’s wife, returns to the church to find things have gone to the dogs. Mae Ellen, the church’s organist, has started wearing hippie clothes and playing her own (and very loud) renditions of the classic hymns. Vera is auditioning for the spicy play “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” startling her fellow Baptists, and a snooty new member of the church is
24 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
making waves for everyone. Enter the awkward new preacher, “Pastor J.J.” He’s an outsider hailing all the way from Texas, and let’s just say he isn’t exactly the next Billy Graham. Faced with a declining church membership, a shrinking building fund for the new sanctuary, and the church ladies at each other’s throats, he finds an ally in Edith and they begin their journey to restore harmony to First Baptist Church. Their journey is warm and filled with laughs. There’s nothing funnier than watching these ladies try to overcome their differences to work together to help their church and its members succeed.
Barter audience favorites Mary Lucy Bivins, Tricia Matthews, Hannah Ingram and Nick Koesters team up with newcomers Anita “Jo” Lenhart and Paris Bradstreet to make up an all-star cast. “Welcome Back to Ivy Gap” is sponsored by corporate sponsors Food City and Abingdon Roofing and media sponsors East Tennessee Medical News, WCYB 5 and WBEJ. For tickets and more information, call Barter Theatre box office at (276) 628-3991 or visit bartertheatre.com.
As the old Southern saying goes: God works in mysterious ways, and Lord knows this little church will need some divine intervention. Will the new pastor be able to put up with their shenanigans? Will their conniving and bickering ruin it all? Or can this preacher be accepted in this new congregation and these ladies find a place for forgiveness and redemption?
Begi
Village Square Art & Craft Show June 14 & 15 and August 23 & 24 | Highlands, NC Everyone loves an art and craft show. They are places where color and creativity meet up with talent, skill and originality. Throw in some good food and music, and you have the makings of a memorable experience. You will find it all at the Village Square Art & Craft Show in the cool mountain resort town of Highlands, NC the weekends of June 14/15 and August 23/24.Sponsored by the Macon County Art Association, there will be many fine art originals and prints to choose from. With over 70 local and regional artisans in all, you will also find jewelry, pottery, weaving, metalwork, woodwork and other high quality crafts for the home and garden. A wide selection of food and drinks are available, and there will be live music from 11 to 3 both days.This free event is held from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Highlands at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street and neighboring Village Square, a block from Main Street shopping and dining. For more information call (828) 787-2021. And be sure to visit MCAA’s Uptown Gallery in downtown Franklin when you can.
25 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts in Virginia 41st Annual | July 18-20th | www.hungrymotherfestival.com
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he 41st annual Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival will be July 18-20th, 2014. Sponsored by the Art League of Marion in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and in partnership with Charter Media, the three days of outdoor family fun include original, handcrafted arts and crafts as well as music and food. Visitors to this year’s festival can expect to find craft vendors selling jewelry, books by local authors, baskets, cloth items, furniture, glass, leather, photography, pottery, snacks, toy, wood crafts, and many one-of-a-kind items. In addition to kettle corn, cheesecake-on-a-stick, blooming onions, tacos, chicken-on-a-stick, ice cream, and other foods visitors have come to love, German food including Bratwurst, German Potato Salad, and Shweischitzel will be available. Visitors who arrive early may purchase blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Entertainment will include a variety of local musicians, including Wayne Henderson, Whitetop Mountain Band, Wise Old River, Fire in the Kitchen, If Birds Could Fly, Sandra Parker, K.T. Vandyke, Michael Jacobs, The Winters Sisters, Virginia Remnants, Southwest Virginia Cloggers, Darin Handy’s amazing exotic animals, and the Royal Oak Youth Theater’s children’s play directed by Matt Pruitt. Additionally, Boogertown Gap will peform and conduct workshops on spoons, washtub bass,
26 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
and clawhammer banjo. 100% of jury fees and a portion of booth fees paid by vendors help provide college scholarships to Smyth County students continuing their education in art, music, and theater. Festival proceeds also help sponsor a county-wide high school art show and support a variety of community programs promoting the arts.
Parking fees are $6 per vehicle per day and $9 for a weekend pass. The festival is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. All held at beautiful Hungry Mother State Park, this is the longest running festival held in a Virginia State Park.
Bluff Mountain Outfitters Appalachian Trail Mile Marker 271 Life is Good Teva Outdoor Research Keen • Chaco Natural Foods
152 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743 828-622-7162 • www.bluffmountain.com
I Remember This
Consignment & Buying Antiques, Household & Furniture
Tues-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-4 901-7 • 828-484-9701 Old Mars Hwy (Forks of the Ivy)Weaverville, NC 28787
27 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
Relax, slow down, and discover Small Town America with Sky-Hi Wi-Fi.
2014
June 21-22 | Yancey County, NC FOCUSES ON RAILROAD & WORK SONGS OF THE MOUNTAINS
RiddleFest, presented annually by Traditional Voices Group, honors native son and musician Lesley Riddle, who played a critical role in the development and early practice of American country music. This year’s celebration, June 21 and 22, focuses on railroad and work songs of the southern Appalachian Mountains through a variety of programs and performances in Burnsville NC and at the Historic Orchard at Altapass off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Spruce Pine. Professor Lee Bidgood and students from East Tennessee State University’s Program in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies will be the featured musicians. Lee Bidgood is a musician and scholar, performing and researching a wide range of traditional musical styles. He has performed on mandolin and fiddle with North Carolina bands the Steep Canyon Rangers and Big Fat Gap. The 2014 RiddleFest celebration begins with Super Saturday at the Orchard at Altapass, 10:30-noon, where children will learn mountain railroad and work songs from ETSU students and make a take-away CD of their singing. Saturday afternoon, 2-4 pm, Prof. Bidgood will lead a lecture/demonstration at the Burnsville Town Center about the history and variety of railroad and work songs in the mountains. Saturday evening the annual RiddleFest Concert takes place at the Burnsville Town Center, 7-9 pm, presented by Lee Bidgood and the ETSU Bluegrass and Old Time Bands. Tickets are $10 at the door. On Sunday, Bidgood and the ETSU students will play the regular free afternoon concert, 1-4 pm, at the Historic Orchard at Altapass. Visitors can dance and sing along to traditional work and railroad songs. Traditional Voices Group Howell, TVG Chair 828-682-9654 Michele Williams, Orchard Director 28 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
June is a great time to visit the mountains. We are in full BLOOM!!! Join us on the 6-8 for TRAC’s Studio Tour and see some of the best Art produced in the country. Also on June 21&22 come enjoy RiddleFest and the Traditional Voices Group pays homage to Railroad Songs of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Music, art, theatre, natural beauty, outdoor adventure, we’ve got it ALL. It’s a great time to be in Burnsville. Yancey County / Burnsville Chamber of Commerce June Calendar of Events June 5 Penland School of Crafts Scholarship Auction Penland School of Crafts, 828-765-0433, www.penland.org June 6-8 Toe River Arts Council Spring Studio Tour TRACT 828-682-7215, www.toeriverarts.org June 7-21 Ghost Riders Parkway Playhouse, 828-682-4285, www.parkwayplayhouse.com June 14 Emerald Village Black Light Tour 828-765-6463, www.emeraldvillage.com June 16-20 YHA Storytelling Summer Camp Yancey History Association, 828-678-9587 June 19 Penland School of Crafts Scholarship Auction Penland School of Crafts, 828-765-0433 June 21-22 RiddleFest Traditional Voices Group, www.tvgnc.org June 28-July 12 Forever Plaid Parkway Playhouse, 828-682-4285, www.parkwayplayhouse.com
From rare finds to classic collector’s items at Hammond Antiques you’re sure to find what you are looking for.
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Hammond Antiques Over 50,000 sq. ft. of the Finest Antiques and Collectibles in Western North Carolina! We Offer Professional Upholstery
ammond Antiques is a full-service antique and collectible shop in the heart of Burnsville. We have three floors – over 30,000 square feet. It is a great place to spend the day. We have items for every taste AND budget. Hammond Antiques has true antiques but also some modern furniture, costume jewelry, fine china from every major maker, glassware, vintage toys and housewares, hundreds of lamps, and decorative items of every description. Hammond Antiques offers 100% free layaway with low monthly payments. You can also get your favorite lamp repaired or furniture reupholstered here as well!! And please don’t forget our 10% off jewelry sale in May. We have the right accessories for every occasion. Hammond Antiques has a large collection of costume jewelry, hand bags and other accessories. We have also acquired some rare fine pearls, sterling silver, and gold jewelry. Visit our website for a sneak peak of these items. www. hammondantiques.net
Hammond Antiques • 828-682-2777 Open 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday 201 W. Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714
This Spring Go Green with American made, low maintainance polyresin outdoor furniture! Southwest Trading Company “Home of the finest in Rustic Furniture” 279 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC • Open Mon - Sat 10a.m. until 5 p.m.
Have a True Mountain Experience in the Heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway--Yancey County, NC
www.swtradingcompany.com • 828-765-8261
Plan your visit at www.yanceychamber.com
Yancey County/Burnsville Chamber of Commerce 29 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
3rd Saturday THIRD SATURDAY In September IN SEPTEMBER Downtown Cedar Bluff
September September 20th 20, 2008
9:009am-6pm am - 6:00 pm Arts & Crafts • Arts & Crafts Antiques • Antiques Music Food • Music • Food Horse & Carriage Tours • Horse & Carriage Tours Civil War Encampment • Civil War Heritage Encampment Demonstrations • Heritage Antique Car Parade Demonstrations • Hot Air Balloon Rides www.visittazewellcounty.org www.cedarbluffva.org
30 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
PHOTO CREDIT: RITA SURRATT
200 150 Vendors Vendors! 20,000 15,000 Visitors! Visitors! 276 964-4889
P.O. Box 807 Cedar Bluff, VA 24609
T he Grand Canyon of the South Camping | Cottages | Cabins | Hiking | Biking Whitewater Rafting | Water Park | And more!
plan your adventure today at BreaksPark.com
development and early practice of American country music. Traditional Voices Group, www.tvgnc.org
Events & Festivals THIS LISTING INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS in the mountain towns of East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina. Most of these events are provided by Chambers and tourism departments. To add your mountain town events in this section, please email your event with the date in the subject line to funthingsmagazine@gmail.com. Due to space constraints, we are unable to list all of the events provided. They will be added in a timely manner to the Events section of funthingstodointhemountains.net and possibly posted on facebook.com/ funthingstodointhemtns. Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please make confirmation before traveling long distances to attend.
JUNE
Ongoing--Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA “Welcome Back to Ivy Gap” is sponsored by corporate sponsors Food City and Abingdon Roofing and media sponsors East Tennessee Medical News, WCYB 5 and WBEJ. For tickets and more information, call Barter Theatre box office at (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com. June 14th, Franklin, NC Taste of Scotland Hours are 10-5 pm each day. Admission is $4 for a weekend pass; children under 12 are free. Parking is convenient and free. For more information, visit www.mountainArtisans.net or call Doris Hunter, show director, at 828524-3405. June 14, Hot Springs, NC The Bluff Mountain Festival Last year over 70 volunteers, nearly 50 performers, and more than 100 artists, craftspeople, and local businesses made the festival possible. Behind the scenes volunteers are already hard at work to make the 19th Annual Bluff Mountain Festival a great celebration.For more information please contact: The Madison County Arts Council PO Box 32 | Marshall, NC 28753| (828) 6491301 www.madisoncountyarts.com June 14 & 15 and August 23 & 24, Highlands, NC | Village Square Art & Craft Show This free event is held from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. in
downtown Highlands at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street and neighboring Village Square, a block from Main Street shopping and dining. For more information call (828) 787-2021. And be sure to visit MCAA’s Uptown Gallery in downtown Franklin when you can. June 26th - June 28th, Morganton, NC | Red, White and Bluegrass weekend This three-day event has become one of the largest traditional bluegrass festivals in the world and will continue to grow this year with more than 19 bluegrass artists performing. Celebrate the 11th Annual Red, White and Bluegrass! Call (800) 939-7469 for tickets. For more information regarding the festival or camping details call (828) 433-7469, (800) 9397469, (828) 439-1866 or visit www. redwhiteandbluegrassfestival.com. June 28-29, Cullowhee, NC 25th Annual Mountain Artisans’ ‘Summertime’ Arts and Crafts Show Hours are 10-5 pm each day. Admission is $4 for a weekend pass; children under 12 are free. Parking is convenient and free. For more information, visit www.mountainArtisans.net or call Doris Hunter, show director, at 828524-3405. June 21-22, Yancey County, NC RIDDLEFEST 2014 RiddleFest, presented annually by Traditional Voices Group, honors native son and musician Lesley Riddle, who played a critical role in the
JULY July 4 & 5, Robbinsville, NC Graham County Heritage Festival The Graham County Heritage Festival on the 4th and 5th is the county’s largest festival. In 2014, activities include a logging competition, greased pig contest, children’s games, a motorcycle show and much more! July 19, Franklin, NC Coming--11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival Whether you enjoy just looking and listening or really getting involved, there is something for everyone at the 11th Annual Franklin Folk Festival. For more information, please contact Linda Schlott, Franklin Main Street Program Executive Director at (828) 524-2516 extension 304, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce (800) 932-5294 or visit www. franklinfolkfestival.com. Begins July 10, Elizabethton, TN “Liberty!” Opens 36th Season of Outdoor Drama The Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee begins its 36th season July 10 at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, and continues for a threeweekend Thursdays-Saturdays, July 10- 12, 17 – 19, and 24 -26, in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton. Performances begin nightly at 7:30. tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamoreshoals/ www.sycamoreshoalstn.org July 18-20th , Virginia 41st Annual Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts in Virginia Sponsored by the Art League of Marion in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and in partnership with Charter Media, the three days of outdoor family fun include original, handcrafted arts and crafts as well as music and food. www.hungrymotherfestival.com 31 June 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net
RedTail Mountain “The finest mountain golf in the High Country”
Mountain Golf ● Lodging Dining ● Events
RedTail Mountain Resort, located in beautiful Mountain City, Tennessee is just minutes from the Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and surrounding communities. RedTail, family owned and operated sits on more than 850 mountain acres offering beautiful mountain vistas and breath taking views with over 400 feet of elevation change over the property. At RedTail Mountain you wi ll enjoy one of the finest mountain golf experiences available, upscale accommodations and great food with incredible views. You will also discover a pool, tennis courts and numerous activities offered on our property and in the surrounding area. We are well suited for stay and play, corporate retreats, events, or a vacation. Redtail was recently recognized in the top 10 locations to retire in Tennessee. Golf is open daily. Vistas open daily for lunch, dinner on Thursday—Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Take 10% off dining or golf with this coupon Not valid with other offers
RedTail Mountain Resort 300 Clubhouse Lane
Mountain City, Tennessee
37683
423.727.7600
®
www.redtailmountain.com