Fun Things To Do In The Mountains | March 2014 by Mountain Escapes Magazine

Fun Things

To Do In The

Mountains

FREE

Covering 50 Counties in Western NC, East TN, Southwest VA, Northwest GA & Parts Of SC!

Volume 22 - Edition 1

FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

March 2014

March 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Page 1

Sleeping eauty B

THE

The

SEQUOYAH

BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

April 12-13, 2014 Public Performances Saturday, April 12th – 7pm Sunday, April 13th – 2:30pm School Performance Friday, April 11th – 10am

576 Hwy 360 • P.O Box 69 Vonore, TN

Toy F. Reid Employee Center Tickets $10-$20

423.884.6246

Call: 423/378-3967 www.kingsportballet.org

EXCLUSIVE SEASONS SPONSORS: EASTMAN CREDIT UNION, HMG, EASTMAN. SEASON SPONSORS: TAYLOR PROPERTIES, FIRST BANK AND TRUST, PIT ROw MARKET, ADVICOACH, EDwARDS TIPTON wITT AGENCY, REGIONS BANK, BANK OF TENNESSEE, URBAN SYNERGY, TIMES DIGITAL GROUP. PERFORMANCE SPONSORS: wOMEN’S HEALTH CARE SPECIALISTS, POwELL VALLEY NATIONAL BANK, FOOD CITY, wKPT-TV. OUTREACH SPONSORS: CITY OF KINGSPORT, HEAL APPALACHIA, HOLSTON MEDICAL GROUP, KINGSPORT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, FUNDS FOR AT RISK YOUTH.

Open Year Round • Mon-Sat 9-5 • Sun 12-5 Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years

March 2013 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

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Our Cover Story

he Carousel Project began as one man’s idea. Gale Joh grew up in Binghamton, NY where a local philanthropist had endowed the community with six carousels. As a successful and prominent citizen, Mr. Joh felt that the children of Kingsport would benefit, as he did, from the joy of riding a carousel. Gale Joh recruited a few of his fellow Kiwanis members to the Carousel cause and it wasn’t long before Reggie Martin, Ted Heilig, Milton Nelson and George Gibson had been trained in the fine art of animal carving by Bud Ellis owner of Horsin’ Around Studio in Soddy Daisy, TN. Bud and his band of carvers were instrumental in the establishment of two carousels in Chattanooga. By the fall of 2010, the Carousel horsemen (Reggie, Milton, George and Ted) had spent a week of their lives carving horse heads. Certainly it could have stopped there. It takes time to carve a carousel animal. Most conservative estimates suggest at least 1000 hours. A modest carousel such as Kingsport aspired to would require 32 animals and two chariots. Fortunately for the Kingsport community these carousel leaders had the enthusiasm and energy to persist toward the goal of finishing their animal and recruiting others to do the same. But that’s not all they had to do. The Kingsport Carousel Project continued to grow. The annual Farm Expo of January 2011 sponsored by the Kingsport Times-News was certainly a great place to recruit carvers! Many of our talented carvers found their way to the project through this event. With carvers recruited and animals in production, it was time to turn attention to the frame. A carousel frame is made of the floor, poles, sweeps and rounding boards, gears and electric motor. This is the mechanism that makes the carousel go round and round, up and down. The Horsemen and a newly created committee had been on the lookout for a frame. There are several national magazines that advertise the sale of carousel frames and Dan Horenberger is a broker who specializes in finding, buying and selling carousel frames. Early on the Kingsport Carousel leadership team connected Dan and had actually considered pursuing several options. And then came opportunity and serendipty. The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut had replaced their frame several years prior and had put the old frame in storage. Long story, short – Kingsport’s local moving company Still Transfer, just happened to have a truck returning to Kingsport after a delivery in New York. Reggie Martin and Ted Heilig met the movers in Connecticut and with the help

A Cause That Will Go Round and Round

The Kingsport Carosel Project of Kingsport, TN |engagekingsport.com of zoo staff, boy scouts and the drivers themselves loaded the frame and returned with a perfectly sized 1956-vintage Herschell Carousel. The Kingsport Carousel has been blessed by support given when it was needed. This support began with the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Arts Build Communities program. The East Tennessee Foundation and Kingsport Community Foundation both were early and strong advocates for the vision. In order to raise funds for the construction of a building to house the carousel, each of the 32 animals, the two chariots, 24 rounding boards and 24 sweep animals, 24 bird paintings need to have a sponsor. The Kingsport community has stepped up to be those sponsors and almost all have their champion. Pal and Sharon Barger have watched the efforts from the beginning and in June 2013 sponsored the Roundhouse itself! The Kingsport community is engaged in the arts! There is still work to be done and funds are needed to complete the connection of the Roundhouse to the Farmers Market via a gift shop. The leadership of the Carousel Project has established Campaign 2014 to finish this fund raising task. For a $100 donation, a sponsor can be part of the elite ‘First Riders Campaign’ and receive 6 tickets to be one of the first riders of the carousel. The Carousel Project needs 2014 First Riders to close the gap. The Carousel story continues to be written. Volunteers are still needed and will be needed even after the carousel is in operation. Several key sponsorships are still available including the amazing band organ, sweep animals, bird paintings and Campaign 2014 First Riders. It won’t be long before the public will see the changing landscape – roads are being reconfigured, a signal will be installed, an urban park will be established and Kingsport will have a carousel. Art Builds Sullivan Communities. County, TN

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Inside

Thoughts From Our Publisher...

Front Cover Story 3 - A Cause That Will Go Round and Round Back Cover Story 5 - Tennessee Mountains Around Every Turn NORTH CAROLINA Jackson County 8 - Springtime Awakens in Dillsboro, NC 9 - Sir-Lamps-A-Lot 12 - 3-D Printing 12 - Flowers for Spring 13 - The “Land” Lady HaywoodCounty 11 - Maggie Valley Crafts Shows 10 - Pure, Honest-to-Goodness Antiques EAST TENNESSEE Sullivan County 11 - Sleeping Beauty

what a winter we’ve had! One storm after another, W ow, freezing cold weather, snow, ice, and I can’t find my long johns! Now for the good news: What a spring and summer

we’re going to have. All our rivers and waterfalls will be in full glory and the word needs to get out that coming to the mountains is THE travel destination for 2014. Can you imagine what the rafting is going to be like this year? Every color in our region will be more glorious than ever. This area of the world is going to be spectacular so call your family and friends and let them know that Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Virginia are all open to welcome and cater to your every need. Everyone here in our magazine is eager to help you navigate your travels and make your stay here as enjoyable as possible. You can also find all our advertisers on the web at funthingstodointhemountains. net. We are here to serve you and if you have any questions at all, please contact a local visitor center, chamber of commerce or contact us directly for any help you may need. Have fun out there and let folks know that you found them through our magazine. We’d appreciate that very much. All the best,

14 - Events & Festivals 15 - Save the Date FINAL THOUGHTS 16 - Spirit of Appalachia Please check out more events & articles on our new BLOG-funthingstodointhemountains.net

Mike

Please thank your favorite mountain town establishment for supporting our free magazine highlighting festivals, music and other mountain adventures covering 50 counties in Western NC, East TN, Southwest VA, Northwest GA & Parts Of SC!

FTTD Staff Mike Walker | Publisher funthingstodo@adelphia.net | 310-775-5165 Melissa Cloyd | Digital Marketing Specialist funthingsmagazine@gmail.com Terry Patterson | Account Executive Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery & Watauga NC Counties, East TN & Southwest VA patterson8865@bellsouth.net Amy Ammons Garza | Account Executive Graham, Northern Jackson, Macon & Swain NC Counties | 828-631-4587

Send Advertising Payments to: Fun Things To Do In The Mountains P.O. Box 491 | Johnson City, TN 37605

Please Submit Advertising Credit Card Payments to: funthingsmagazine@gmail.com or go visit our home on the web: www.FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net 4

Bringing you fun things to do in the mountains for 22 years!! FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net Submit an event | Get Effective Advertising Info | Fun Things Blog

Facebook.com/FunThingsToDoInTheMtns Like us on Facebook for updates on all the best fun things to do in the mountains! Pleae contact one of our account executives for advertising opportunities. If you are interested in joining our dynamic team and promoting your favorite mountain town please give us a call! March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Our Back Cover Story Tennessee Mountain Views at Every Turn RedTail Mountain Resort | Mountain City, TN As the end of the winter approaches and the re-opening of RedTail Mountain Resort is in clear sight excitement continues to build for the 2014 season. RedTail Mountain Resort, located in Mountain City, Tennessee sits on over 800 acres in the north east corner of Tennessee, where Virginia and North Carolina and Tennessee come together. Convenient to a number of cities including Abingdon, Bristol, Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, as well as the Tri Cities area of Tennessee it is a perfect place for a getaway or vacation with lots of activities nearby. The RedTail staff has been very busy during the winter completing improvements to the clubhouse and course to provide a better experience for customers. The main projects have included refurbishing all the bunkers, building more restrooms, and constructing a swimming pool with a hot tub. Other improvements include opening the elevator, adding a tennis court and adding more overnight accommodations. VISTAS, the casual dining restaurant located in the Redtail Clubhouse is open to the public and offers great food at affordable prices. Customers find the clubhouse offers a wonderful dining experience and a gorgeous place to enjoy great food overlooking the golf course. The outdoor patio has been described by many as the “best seat in the house” because of the breathtaking views overlooking the course and surrounding mountain vistas. VISTAS is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Menus, pricing and complete information about RedTail and upcoming events can be found on the web at www. redtailmountain.com or by calling 423-727-7600. Overnight accommodations called the Lodges at RedTail are proving to be a favorite of visitors to the area as well as many locals. Lodges are available in one, two and three bedroom units with rates comparable to other places. Overstuffed sofas, high end furnishings, top of the line bedding, private baths in each bedroom and great mountain views provide for a wonderful stay. These units can be booked online or by calling RedTail. Johnson County and the surrounding area of the high country provide endless activities for day trips just minutes away. RedTail Mountain has long been recognized as the “Best Mountain Golf in the High Country” and continues to get better as all the improvements are made to the property. However, many are finding Redtail is more than just golf. Redtail is a perfect location for a corporate event, wedding and reception as well as family gatherings. The beautiful clubhouse is a perfect backdrop for any event. Event planners are on staff to help you plan your details and stay with in your budget. Make your plans to visit RedTail for a round of golf, to gather information concerning your wedding or stop by for a meal and enjoy the great food at Vistas. Find complete information about RedTail and upcoming events on the web at www.redtailmountain.com or by calling 423-727-7600.

Johnson County, TN

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Downtownsprucepine.com

Rock into Spring!

FUNTHINGS-12_NOVEMBER 10/26/12 10:44 AM Page 1

Penland

GALLERY Work by artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday, 12 – 5 PM Closed Mondays Located off Penland Road in Mitchell County, near Spruce Pine, NC Penland School of Crafts 828.765.6211 • www.penland.org

Southwest Trading Company

“Home of the Finest Rustic Furniture”| 279 Oak Avenue | Spruce Pine, NC | 28777 828.765.8261 | swtradingcompany.com Sarah Loertscher, Structure Necklace #25, sterling silver

Cure your cabin fever with a girl’s mountain getaway! Antiquing Shopping Hiking Spa Day Hot Tub! Historical Sites Camping Festivals Wineries Dining “Like” us on Facebook for mountain fun updates facebook.com/ funthingstodo inthemtns 6

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Do Something Fun for Kids!

BowlforKidsToday.org 423-247-3240

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee

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 March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Dillsboro, NC is the “Green” Choice for your Smok

You don’t have to go to Ireland to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day--Dillsboro has t

Photo Credit Facebook.com/ DillsboroNC

Springtime Awakens in Dillsboro, NC

Dogwood Crafters—Appalachian Blossoms Quilt Rafﬂe Please see ad on next page

by Amy Ammons Garza

the only shop with the Amish theme in Dillsboro! There’s quality of product here, at very Hours at The Hopberry during February are 10am to 5pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Phone number is 828-734-3254.

Dogwood Crafters is a craft cooperative showcasing the handmade treasures created by The town of Dillsboro, NC, is celebrating their 125th Bradley’s General Store—Shamrock Storewide anniversary this year—the quasquicentennerial celebration regional artisans who continue the old-time Sale! Appalachian craft traditions. Each year Dogwood will be highlighted at each event continuing through the Please see ad on next page premieres a new handmade quilt for their year-long town’s Festival of Lights and Luminaries in December. raffl e. Spring is always a beautiful time to stroll through the unique Open seven days a week, 10am—7pm, Bradley’s town visiting the shops and restaurants, the crafters and ﬁne General Store, located at the corner of Front and This year, the design is called, appropriately, the artisans, so come and experience the tranquil historic Depot Streets, takes you back in time with it’s old “Appalachian Blossoms Quilt,” and Dillsboro in the awakening of a new year in the mountains. was hand quilted by Larry Walter, one fashioned fountain and a store of vintage and new items selected to please just about anyone’s gift Dillsboro Inn—Always a Romantic Get-Away of the almost 100 crafters represented needs. The raffl e runs throughout the at Dogwood. Please see ad on next page year, with the winner drawn on the Monday after Imagine bringing the one you love to an inn located the last Luminaries in December. Tickets are $1, or In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and also the 125th anniversary of Dillsboro, 6 for $5. on the banks of the sparkling Tuckasegee River! Bradley’s General Store is featuring a Romance lingers in the soothing sound of naturally unique discount.“At our cash register, we will Beginning on March 1, hours will be 10am through fresh whitewater as it meanders on it’s way. The have an abundance of shamrocks to choose from,” 6pm, seven days a week. The phone number is inn offers seven non-smoking riverfront suites featuring scenic balconies, amazing river views, and 828-586-2248. Dogwood is hosting Business After says Rose Anne Johnson, owner. “On the reverse side will be a certain discount amount. Come and cozy fireplaces. This unique mountain retreat next Hours on March 21 at 5:00pm. Don’t forget to visit, choose your purchases, and then choose a bring your appetite when you come to tour the to a whitewater riverfront park is the perfect shamrock discount at the time of checkout!” shop and meet fellow business destination for families, couples, sportsmen, shoppers, small groups, and especially those who Come by on your way home from work, and visit The Hopberry—Everyday Savings! are wanting to spend time in the mountains with the fountain for a hot fudge Please see ad on next page the one they love. sundae, then surprise your Located at the enchanting historic Enloe House on family with a shamrock “We’ll have a campfire going day and Jackson milkshake, to boot!Another Front Street, The Hopberry shop showcases night and our hot tub is next to the option offered by Bradley distinctive primitive selections of owner Amy riverfront fire pit,” says owner T. J. Walker. County, NC General Store, is their “After Albury. When you enter her shop, not only do you “We invite you to come and bring the one you Hour Events.” encounter quality products at very affordable love...come sit by a campfire and listen to the prices, you’re greeted with a warm welcoming river.”Please call T.J. and Terry Walker for This allows you to book the store from 7—8:30pm smile...and an invitation to look to your heart’s reservations 866-586-3898. for ice cream parties, birthday parties, and other content. gatherings with an attendant scheduled to serve you. Give Rose Anne a call at 828-586-1888. “I’ve always had a passion to have a

place where I could bring a little bit of Amish country...south!” she says. “I had a

lot of fun putting the shop together. I love that it’s 8

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Read more about upcoming events at funthingstodointhemountains.net.

ky Mountain Spring Getaway!

the rolling green hills of the Smoky Mountains!!!

crafters

“Sir-Lamps-Alot” Kenneth Lambert | Custom Teacup Lamp Dogwood Crafters | Dillsboro, NC by Amy Ammons Garza

o you have teacups and saucers that hold a special place in your memory--like they belonged to your mother or grandmother--but they are tucked away in the china cabinet, or away in the back of a closet? Well, “Sir-Lamps-A-Lot” can come to their rescue! Here’s a man who can take your special teacups and saucers and turn them into a lamp to light up your memories, and at the same time build a new family heirloom! Originally from Texas, and an ordained United Methodist minister of 57 years, Kenneth Lambert retired to Lake Junaluska 15 years ago. He and his wife, Gwen, had fallen in love with the area years before and decided this was where they wanted to be. Besides, at Lake Junaluska Assembly Kenneth could continue to work, pioneering and then conducting seminars on training Methodist preachers to function as interim ministers. “As a minister, I have always enjoyed listening to family stories,” he says, “and also have loved working with my hands. When my daughter, a decorator, saw a lamp in a magazine made out of teacups and saucers, she told me she knew I could make one to use in her decorating. I found the tools, and went to work. You have to drill a hole down through the middle of the teacups and saucers with a diamond-tip drill. By the time I had finished the first one, Gwen and I had become partners in the process...I drilled, she decorated the lamp shades, and I put the lamp together. It became such a fun process! I found I really enjoyed doing it, for it is a good finish of a product. “But the icing on the cake are the stories I get to hear when people bring me their treasures. One lady brought me a box with a dozen cups and saucers. She said she had no daughters but did have four nieces. The cups had been her mother’s, thus the cups had belonged to the grandmother of the nieces. So I made four lamps for her. Another lady brought me four cups and sauces. The cups had been on the breakfast table of the lady, her sister, and their parents. Now known to have lead in the paint and thus not to be used as cups, we made two lamps, one for the lady and the other a Christmas present for her sister as a memory from their childhood. ” He laughs, then continues. “It was my granddaughter, a very creative first grade school teacher, who,

Dogwood Featuring over 100 artisians

Dillsboro, NC

828-586-2248

after I began making so many lamps, gave me the name ‘Sir-Lamps-A-Lot!” Kenneth has now turned his hobby into a good way to share his talent with many people, for he’s turning his lamps out faster than he had imagined. He found he could not only make custom teacup lamps, but also lamps out of cookie jars, teapots, and other pottery. “Gwen and I go to estate sales facilitated by the CarePartners Foundation in Asheville,” he says, “where we find beautiful teacups and sauces with which to make the lamps I have for sale in the craft stores around the area, and in the craft shows at Lake Junaluska. I’ve just been accepted at Dogwood Crafters Cooperative in Dillsboro, and I’m delighted! I’m so impressed by the rich variety of crafts exhibited and so happy to be among them.” Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro supports many of our local crafters by selling their wares. Located at 90 Webster Street in the historic town of Dillsboro, NC, they are open seven days a week from 10am until 6pm beginning in March. Come on by and share in the love of buying American handmade products, and do take a look at the lamps made by “Sir-Lamps-A-Lot!” Phone: 828-586-2248. (If you’d like to talk to Kenneth about any items you wish to save by making them into a lamp, call him at 828-456-4523.) Jackson By Amy Ammons Garza County, NC

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Nancie, Owner, Blackberry Winter Antiques

Blackberry Winter Antiques Pure, Honest-to-Goodness Antiques Maggie Valley, NC By Amy Ammons Garza Come to a place where beautiful scenery, hiking, gem mining, fishing, history and Southern hospitality are a way of life. Franklin, NC franklin-chamber. com

On Highway 19 (Soco Road) in Maggie Valley, across from the Stomping Ground, is a wonderful place to visit if you love pure, honest-to-goodness true antiques! Owner Nancie Mehaffey is adamant about that! “There are very few collectibles in the shop! I look for pieces that are as original and pure as possible and have a life and story to tell.” How true! Blackberry Winter Antiques has seven rooms of especially chosen country furniture, primitives, quilts, baskets, pottery and so much more. Nancie only has one other vendor in the antique mall besides herself, Linda Transue, who has one room of vintage kitchen furniture, utensils, paintings, and more. To walk through the house is an adventure (a house which by the way, is owned by Kyle Edwards, owner of the Stomping Ground. In fact, he was born there)! The heirloom or period pieces are unique, distinctive and displayed with handmade quilts, baskets and other works of art to accent their matured beauty. Here at Blackberry Winter Antiques there is something for everyone who loves the evidence of fine workmanship! “When I purchase quality pieces, I pay quality prices,” smiles Nancie. “The pieces shown here are local treasures. They are make-do pieces that have been built with a purpose in mind for a special need. All of them have a story!” She pauses. “I can see the purpose of each piece. All I can think of was the hard work that went into making the item. For example, I had a chest of my own that was falling apart, but the drawers themselves were fine. Out came the drawers and now they are shelves.” In the sitting room of the house is a wood stove where the firewood is kept stoked and putting forth warmth...enough warmth to wrap the stories told as visitors, friends and neighbors stop by to chat. One such story told while this reporter was there had to do with Nancie’s mother’s scrap bag kept for the quilts she made. Inside the scrap bag was the material of Nancie’s Easter dress when she was a child, a scrap of dotted swiss material. Nancie smiles once more as she remembers that she found a piece of that dotted swiss in a bird’s nest close to the house. “Nothing was ever wasted in our home,” she says. And obviously, neither was it wasted in Mrs. Bird’s home, either! Another story told by Nancie certainly comes from the heart! Last year, she was diagnosed with stage II Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. “I put my life in the hands of God, and doubled my prayer life! With His help, and the assistance of my husband Carroll and son Brennan, I went through weeks of cancer treatments. I know it was God who healed me, so now my message is one of survival. I think I’m here in the store to be able to tell people about God’s miracles. I praise Him for it all!” Nancie seems to be like the items in her store...“pure” and one who has been saved and has lived to tell about it. And how uplifting it is to sit in the cozy sitting room, have a cup of coffee, and visit like we mountaineers have done as long as I can remember. Then to comfortably wander through all the rooms to see what is tucked away carefully, and displayed beautifully! Come out and visit with Nancie and the antique mall known as Haywood Blackberry Winter, and share in the saving grace that survives within it’s walls. 3131 Soco Road Hwy 19, Maggie County, NC Valley, NC | (828) 926-8977

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

maggievalley.org

Looking for Vendors F TWO U C S OR

PCOMING RAFT HOWS IN

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

MV Craft Shows 828-497-9425 • 828-736-3245 www.mvcraftshows.com

Maggie Valley Crafts Shows is Looking for Vendors

...or stop in at Poppy’s & see Rose 3455 Soco Rd. Market Sq. in Maggie

by Amy Ammons Garza

ith the production of two quality craft shows, MV Crafts Shows is certainly looking for vendors! Both MV Craft Shows are showcased at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in Maggie Valley, NC, and will run Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 9am-4pm:

Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft Show The annual Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft Show will be held Saturday August 30th and Sunday August 31st. October Leaves Craft Show The annual October Leaves Craft Show will be held Saturday October 11th and Sunday October 12th. Booth fees and deadlines can be found on the website www.mvcraftshows.com. You can do an online application and submit your payment using PayPal or download your application and mail it in to MV Craft Shows, PO Box 1208, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. For more information, call Rose at 828-497-9425 or 828-736-3245.

Haywood County, NC

The Sleeping Beauty Returns to Eastman’s Toy F. Reid

Kingsport Ballet Stages Popular Classic in April 2014

ickets are on sale through Kingsport Ballet’s website and Facebook page for The Sleeping Beauty 2014. The Company prepares to stage The Sleeping Beauty a second consecutive year as is their custom with their full-length classics. Last spring the Company’s staging of this classic enjoyed record high audiences from around the region. Staging a story ballet such as The Sleeping Beauty is a coordinated effort of all the artistic, marketing, fundraising, and production systems of a ballet company. Sponsors must be secured well in advance, and partnerships forged on many fronts. Scores of volunteers, paid staff and contract personnel coordinate their efforts to make a production such as this one possible. In this production, young professional members of PEAK, a local organization promoting the involvement of young business professionals in the community, will be assisting in the staging of The Sleeping Beauty as stage hands and ushers. Preparing the hundreds of costumes required, most of them hand-made, takes months of work for many diligent hands. Setting choreography and rehearsing the cast of over 50 dancers often takes place over many months. “Staging a beautiful ballet like this one in a professional manner takes a lot of work,” says artistic director Valeria Sinyavskaya, “So we like for that effort to last for a couple of years,” she explains. “If we could, we would perform this work for several weeks rather than one weekend, but that is just not possible.” The Sleeping Beauty was the first ballet to be staged by artistic director, Valeria Sinyavskaya, shortly after taking her post with Kingsport Ballet in 2002.

Ms Sinyavskaya has an illustrious history as prima ballerina with Novosibirsk Ballet and Opera in Russia. She has comprehensive teaching and directing experience from around the world. Ms Sinyavskaya came to East Tennessee from her position as master teacher with the International Ballet School in Tokyo. While there, she also staged The Sleeping Beauty, blending the work of professional performers and students from the school. The ballet is beautiful to look at and features Peter Tchaikovsky’s much-loved score. The choreography is set by Ms. Sinyavskaya after the traditional staging of Marius Petipa’s work. Audiences of all ages can delight in the well-loved story, the recognizable characters, and the colorful staging. Tickets are available through Kingsport Ballet’s Facebook page, through their website: www.kingsportballet.org, or by calling their box office: 423/378-3967.

Sullivan County, TN

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

3D Printing NC Heralding the Age of Custom Design Solutions | Balsam, NC

hile there is everything new under the sun, there will always be a way to recycle! With a long time interest in recycling, a year ago Sandra Seibert of Balsam, NC became interested in a new market for recycled plastic. One of her sons suggested making the plastic itself for 3D printers out of recycled materials. 3D printing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital printer. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down on a platform and printed in a solid form in different shapes. “The 3D printer allows ordinary people things that normally they couldn’t have because of the cost,” says Sandra. “There’s a story about a 12-year old boy who was born without a full arm. The kid went to a school where there was a 3D printer. The father found a digital file that would produce a design to build an prosthetic arm for his son, including the hand and fingers. Such a production, which would ordinarily cost thousands, was made to spec for his son at minimum cost.” Give Sandra a call, and tap into her ability to provide a one-of-a-kind distribution of goods—that is, to print that item you need on demand. To read more about Sandra and 3D Printing, go to funthingstodointhemountains.net. 3D Printing NC 828-586-8572 • info@3Dprint-nc.com

Jackson County, NC

Sandra Seibert, Owner

Sandra uses recycled materials to make plastic for the 3D printers.

Flowers for Spring

carlett Blooms is the place to go for flowers! The shop, next door to Harold’s Supermarket at 60 W. Shopping Area in Sylva, is a haven for fresh and silk flowers! Owner Judy Gunter and designer Joyce Spivey are dedicated to producing just about anything you’d want for any occasion. Judy is always offering specials! Scarlett Blooms has blooming and green plants in an abundance of containers. There are silk flowers designed into different arrangements for churches, weddings, bereavement, decoration day, etc. Additional “thoughtful” articles decorate the bereavement arrangements— items that can be preserved by the family in remembrance. “We are here to assist anyone with flower arrangements as they prepare for any event,” smiles Judy, “especially in times of sorrow and pain. We’re open Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm. Please come see us...our blooms are blooming throughout the year!” Call her at 828-631-1414! To read the full article, go to funthingstodointhemountains.net. By Amy Ammons Garza

Jackson County, NC

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Ina Sams —The “Land” Lady in Real Estate NC Mountain Real Estate, LLC |Commercial-Residential-Land | Sylva, NC

hen Ina Sams first started out in real estate, she knew she had to gain more knowledge of the land she would be representing, so she set out in her vehicle to look over a certain development. As she drew closer to the area, she espied an older man sitting in a Jeep. He asked her what she was doing; she replied she wanted to look the raw development over. He told her he was the developer, so he would show her around. “I followed him over hill and dale,” says Ina, “through the briars, clumps of laurel, up and down the mountain. It was an adventure that led to years of working with him. Come to find out, he owned Hawk’s Ridge, Hemlock Falls, The Laurels, and so much more! It took years to look at all his land. I was fortunate to learn some of the most important things about building from him; for example, we would get to a portion of land, and he would stand in a spot and say to me, ‘I’m the house; now where’s the septic tank, where’s the well....’ There’s nothing like learning with a knowledgeable guide.” In real estate, there’s always something to learn, or a paper to fill out! “In order to make a living in our mountain area,” she says, “you have to do commercial, residential, and land, and know what you’re talking about in order to assist buyers in finding exactly what they need. The papers have to be completed and kept confidential! There are 72 forms to fill out, and the agent has to know them. It’s a responsibility, though, that I love! As a realtor, I get to help someone with one of the biggest decisions he or she will ever make in their life.” The very reason Ina is in real estate was because of what happened to her when she went looking for a home herself. The agent brought her through the front door of the house in question, never letting her know of the lumber company that was in the back of the home. At 8am, the company started in full force six days a week, with the noise level in full force all day long. This not so good experience in buying a home made her a realtor. “I want to be an agent who helps my customers find exactly what they want,” she

says, “and make sure they know everything about what they are buying. My reputation is at stake, and honesty is where it’s at!” Ina has over 10 years of experience in both commercial and residential real estate, so much so that locally she’s been called the “land” lady of real estate. She is a native North Carolinian, familiar with selling lots and large tracts of land. It’s natural with her, for she has grown up going down bumpy roads and slick highways, and understands the integrity, knowledge and pure professionalism necessary in purchasing a “home” for yourself or your business. “Give me a call,” she says. “I can help.” Looking for Independent Agents Ina, owner and broker in charge of NC Mountain Real Estate, LLC, wants to share her newly acquired space with additional independent agents. “I’m looking for honest, and very independent people who will help with the overhead, and then reap the benefits of their own efforts. I am interested only in sharing the space, not in taking a percentage from sales made by other independent agents. Please call if you are interested.” Jackson NC Mountain Real Estate, LLC is located on Cope Creek Road, right after Cody’s Express Hot County, NC Spot gas station, at 23 Hensley Circle, Sylva, NC 28779. Phone 828-269-1904. By Amy Ammons Garza

Photo Credit: Facebook.com/mountainlovers | mountainlovers.com March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Events & Festivals

1:00pm and 3:00pm in Dillsboro. Hats and gloves are welcomed. Seatings will be by reservation only, with a $15 THIS LISTING INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS donation. All proceeds are going to in the mountain towns of East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, Virginia, support the Dogwood Crafters’ Georgia and South Carolina. Most of these events are provided by Chambers Building Fund. Come at 10:30 am to and tourism departments. make a hat (Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street) – or bring your own. To add your mountain town events in this section, please email your event with Get your face painted!. Meet the Easter the date in the subject line to funthingsmagazine@gmail.com. Due to space Bunny. Egg hunts begin on Webster constraints, we are unable to list all of the events provided. They will be added in Street, every half hour by age group a timely manner to the Events section of funthingstodointhemountains.net beginning at 10:00 am. Registration and possibly posted on facebook.com/funthingstodointhemtns. begins at 11 am. Parade starts from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 pm. Events are subject to date change or cancellation. Please make confirmation Antique cars from the Old Timers before traveling long distances to attend. Model A Club lead the parade. Calling all ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs. Grab your hat and join in the fun during Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Now through May 10, Abingdon, Parade! Plenty of prizes are are VA announced after the Parade. Barter Theatre Presents Man of Now through March 12, Bryson CONTACT: 828-586-2248. LaMancha | A funny, imaginative City, NC musical that will inspire you to ”Dream Touring exhibit, “Understanding the Impossible Dream.” In Cervantes’ April 24 - 27, Wilkesboro, NC Our Past, Shaping Our Future” | Merlefest | An annual homecoming unforgettable story, the knight errant Swain County Center for the Arts of musicians that was founded in 1988 Don Quixote and his lovable sidekick traveling exhibit focuses on the in memory of the late Eddy Merle Sancho roam the countryside battling Cherokee language and culture and Watson, son of the late American monsters (or are they windmills?) and used sound recordings as the basis for music legend Doc Watson. Legendary wooing the lovely lady Dulcinea. A presenting a coherent story in words country music artist Merle Haggard moving story of hope in the face of and text. Major themes include will perform for the first time at almost insurmountable odds. Cherokee Homeland, Heritage Sites, MerleFest as he closes MerleFest 2014 CONTACT: 276-628-3991 Tourism, Family and Community in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on Celebrations. The result is an exhibit Sunday, April 27. The festival also that tells a more personal story than welcomes back MerleFest favorite just the history as it provides insight Ricky Skaggs, whose Saturday, April into the Cherokee identity. 26, evening performance will mark the CONTACT : 828-488-7843 April 12 &13, Kingsport, TN 12th time that the famed bluegrass Kinsport Ballet presents Sleeping musician has appeared in the lineup. Saturday March 15, Franklin, NC Beauty at Eastman’s Toy F. Reid Ticket purchases for MerleFest 2014 Don Williams--The Gentle Giant | Center | The ballet is beautiful to look can be made on the web at www. The Smoky Mountain Center for the at and features Peter Tchaikovsky’s MerleFest.org or CONTACT: 1-800Performing Arts presents this man much-loved score. The choreography 343-7857. who has lived life, who knows the is set by Ms. Sinyavskaya after the depth of feeling and emotion ordinary traditional staging of Marius Petipa’s April 26, Sylva, NC people are capable of, not only in work. Audiences of all ages can delight 17th Annual Greening up the Texas, but in all the other places where in the well-loved story, the Mountains Festival | The 17th his straightforward simplicity has made recognizable characters, and the annual Greening Up the Mountains its mark the Brazil, Britain, Ireland, colorful staging. festival will be held from 10am-5pm, in Africa, Australia, Finland, Norway. Tickets are available through downtown Sylva. As a project of the CONTACT--greatmountainmusic. Kingsport Ballet’s Facebook page, Town of Sylva, the event draws com through their website: www. between 10 and 12,000 people to Main kingsportballet.org, or CONTACT: Street and Mill Street each year. The March 22-23, Kingsport, TN 423-378-3967 streets of downtown will be lined with Carosel Fine Craft Show | The Brass food, art, craft, retail, and nonprofit Ring Gala opens the Carousel Fine April 19, Dillsboro NC vendors, and two stages will feature Craft Show. It is a reception for the Dogwood Crafters English Tea & live, local music all day long! public and our fine craft artists to meet Easter Hat Parade| This will be Strengthened by its roots as an Earth & greet and to share some food, music, fourth year for the Dogwood Crafters Day celebration, the festival includes a shopping and community spirit. It is a English Tea. The crafters show their focus on environmental protection, fundraiser for the Kingsport Carousel cooking abilities by preparing all the sustainability, and promotion of local Project. Last year’s Brass Ring Gala food—finger sandwiches, cakes, fruit businesses and civic groups. was the largest art event in Kingsport and English-style tea—and by bringing CONTACT: 828-226-8652. history! CONTACT -their best china and silver from home. engagekingsport.com There will be two seatings for tea,

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March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Save the Date Route 23 Music Festival Wise, VA | August 30, 2014

xciting changes are coming to the Birthplace of Country Music®’s summer concert programming in Wise, Va. The RTE 23 Music Festival will be held on Aug. 30, 2014, on the campus of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. This one-day music event will replace the Concert Series at Big Glades organized by Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and coinciding with Bristol’s Border Bash concert series, which runs from May through August on the first and third Fridays. “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the town of Wise and UVA-Wise hosting this concert series over the past five years,” says Leah Ross, BCM’s executive director. “It’s exciting to see

the reach of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in our surrounding region – and RTE 23 is another great way to take this music beyond Bristol.”

Four acts have been selected for RTE 23 including The David Mayfield Parade, Sol Driven Train, Jarekus Singleton and Derek Hoke. “We really wanted some sonic diversity,” says RTE 23 Festival Director David Stallard. “We were excited to confirm

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion alumni David Mayfield and Sol Driven Train very quickly. Then the job became rounding out the bill. Singleton is an amazing guitar player, in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Muddy Waters. Derek Hoke is another festival alum – the real deal when it comes to vintage rockabilly.”

RTE 23 Music Festival will be free of charge and open to the public. Hours for the event have yet to be determined.For more information about RTE 23 Music Festival, visit BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org or call 423-573-1927. Birthplace of Country Music® is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating Bristol, TN/VA as the Birthplace of Country Music. BCM inspires new generations with authentic music

The David Mayfield Parade

experiences that honor Bristol’s vital role in recorded music history – the home of the Bristol Sessions, whose music continues to inspire the artists of today. The David Mayfield Parade If you’ve seen David Mayfield perform with The Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion or Bonnaroo, then you’ve caught his charisma, heart, and comedy, and you’re likely to come back for more. Sol Driven Train Sol Driven Train’s music weaves through genres like images in a Tom Robbins paragraph. The band’s sonic schizophrenia reflects songwriting influences like John Prine and Paul Simon, Afro Caribbean rhythmic explorations and funky New Orleans-style brass into earnest songs of life, love, loss and long johns. Jarekus Singleton 29-year-old Jackson, Miss., award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Jarekus Singleton is one of the brightest, most exciting young stars on the blues scene today. His cutting-edge, streetwise music – melding contemporary and traditional blues with rock energy and hip-hop wordplay – turns audiences of all ages into devoted fans. Derek Hoke Born in Brunswick, Ga., Derek Hoke is a self-taught guitarist, composer, singer and loner. Hoke’s first love was the theatrics of KISS, but when his grandfather showed him country music’s roots, Hoke started down a different path. Hoke’s music is not your dad’s country or your granddad’s country, but the REAL country. Touring for three years with Ricky Skaggs, Hoke is a musician whose Wise experiences unfold in his music and come alive on the stage. County, VA

Sol Driven Train March 2014 |FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Spirit Of Appalachia By Amy Ammons Garza

We ARE Story E

veryone has a story. Some can write it down; for others to write is not in the cards. As a storyteller, I have come to value the wisdom I hear from people who rarely get an opportunity, or even want to speak in public, yet desire to tell their stories. Once a man came to my writing workshop who told me he had dyslexia and even though he could tell a good story, he doubted he could write it down. I asked him, “Then why did you come to the workshop?” He said a friend had paid his way, and encouraged him to come at least once...and since he was retired, he had the time. During the workshop, I had everyone go to a spot in the house or outside, and write about an event in their lives. They had an hour. This fellow went outside to his truck, and wrote his story on its steering wheel. When it came time to read the writings aloud, I cannot tell you how proud I was of his story. At the time, I told him if he didn’t do something with his story, I’d haunt him the rest of his life! Today, this man has many stories published in magazines, has completed two books, and working on his third. He could communicate orally, and had the talent, all he needed to write his stories down was validation, encouragement and a safe place to open his heart. Heart. Telling a good story comes from the heart. There are many people who want to hear what you have to say. Look at what has happened with the internet! My Space! Facebook, and other such communicative outlets. In 1748, the British politician and aristocrat John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, spent a lot of his free time playing

cards. He greatly enjoyed eating a snack while still keeping one hand free for the cards. So he came up with the idea to eat beef between slices of toast, which would allow him to finally eat and play cards at the same time. Eating his newly invented “sandwich,” the name for two slices of bread with meat in between, became one of the most popular meal inventions in the western world. What’s interesting about this is that you are very likely to never forget the story of who in-vented the sandwich ever again. Or at least, much less likely to do so, if it would have been presented to us in bullet points or other purely information-based form. Since time began, telling stories has been one of our most fundamental communication methods. Did you know that personal stories... and gossip...make up 65% of our conversations. Telling a true story of personal experience is not just a matter of being oneself, or even of finding oneself. It is also a matter of choosing oneself. We are story, story is us. We communicate and experience life through stories every day of our lives. There is power in storytelling.

Jackson County, NC

Amy

Amy Ammons

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

Garza, Storyteller and Author, will be teaching a creative writing class, “Writing From the Heart,” at the campus of Southwestern Community College, Sylva, NC. When: 6:00-8:00 PM, consecutive Tuesdays Session One: March 18, 2014—April 22, 2014 (6 weeks) Session Two: June 3, 2014—July 1, 2014 (5 weeks) Cost: $40 For more information or to register, call Jenny Williams in Continuing Education at 828-339-4497.

March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

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March 2014 | FunThingsToDoInTheMountains.net

April 24-27, 2014

Over 130 Artists on 13 Stages Featuring: Richard Watson • Alan Jackson • Old Crow Medicine Show • Keller Williams and The Travelin’ McCourys • Merle Haggard • Carolina Chocolate Drops • Dailey & Vincent with Jimmy Fortune • Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys • Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder • Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott • Steep Canyon Rangers • Todd Snider • Holly Williams • Alison Brown Quartet • Peter Rowan • Sam Bush Band • Scythian • The Duhks • The Kruger Brothers • The Deadly Gentlemen • The Waybacks • Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line • Claire Lynch Band • Della Mae • Donna the Buffalo • Jerry Douglas • Jim Avett • Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice • Larry Keel and Natural Bridge • Mark Johnson and Emory Lester • High Valley • I Draw Slow • Missy Raines and The New Hip • Pete and Joan Wernick • Shannon Whitworth • Sleepy Man Banjo Boys • Lonesome River Band • Balsam Range • Darin and Brooke Aldridge • Volume Five • WBT Briarhoppers • And many more! See the complete lineup at www.MerleFest.org.

Alan Jackson

Keller Williams

Todd Snider

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Steep Canyon Rangers

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Merle Haggard

Sam Bush Band

Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys

Jerry Douglas

Dailey & Vincent with Jimmy Fortune

Old Crow Medicine Show

Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott

www.MerleFest.org • 1-800-343-7857 MerleFest and WCC are 100% Tobacco Free. The views presented are not necessarily those of Wilkes Community College or endorsed by the college. ©2014 Lowe’s. LOWE’S, Gable Mansard Design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC

Holly Williams

Want the ULTIMATE MerleFest Experience? Check out our PATRON PACKAGES! www.MerleFest.org/Patron

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