COVERING THE MOUNTAIN TOWNS OF EAST TN, SOUTHWEST VA, & WESTERN NC,
Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus onboard Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train
Shrubs & Trees For Winter Interest & Spring Color! Christmas Cactus Aryallis Paper Whites
Please join us for a magical evening of wine, cheese, music and beautiful blooming flowers that will surely melt away any sign of the winter blues. Friday, February 7th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, $45 pp
To register, Call 865-637-7475 or visit our website: www.knoxrmhc.org
This is a popular event so make your reservations early!!
WE OFFER POINSETTIA’S GROWN ON SITE UNIQUE AND A VARIETY OF COLORS!
Casual dress encouraged Take some springtime color home with you. Guest will receive 10% discount on any purchase made that evening.
PLANT & CELEBRATE
Pansies Bulbs
Fall & Winter Hours thru Christmas Mon-Fri. 8-5:30 • Sat. 9-5 NOW OPEN Sundays 1-5
PLANT & CELEBRATE
Shrubs & Trees For Winter Interest & Spring Color! Christmas Cactus Aryallis
Poinsettia’s & Other Holiday Plants
Make Great Gifts
TAKING ORDERS
Shrubs & Trees For Winter Interest & Spring Color!
5 Minutes from Downtown Knoxville across the river.
Left at 3rd red light next to Dunkin Donuts. First stop sign, take a right!
Poinsettia’s
WE OFFER POINSETTIA’S GROWN ON SITE UNIQUE AND A VARIETY OF COLORS!
5
OPEN Sundays 1-5
St. James Sessions
East Tennessee PBS’ celebration of Over 100 Years of Country Music highlights some of the little known stories of the people, places, and events from East Tennessee that shape the early days of country music. This month we look at The St. James Sessions.
Record companies in 1927 – 1931 became competitive in their quest to find the latest thing. Starting with the Bristol Sessions, rival record labels would go to various locations, set up shop, and invite musicians from all over to sing into a box. Ralph Peer with Victor Taking Machine started it all with the Bristol Sessions, where the Carter Family and Jimmy Rodgers careers got their start. The Johnson City Sessions followed and brought forth such talent as Clarence Ashley’s clawhammer banjo classic recording, “Coo Coo Bird.”
The Bristol Sessions and Johnson City Sessions are widely recognized as the start of country music, but the St. James Session (sometimes known as the Knoxville Sessions), did not enjoy the same notoriety. In 1929 and 1930, Brunswick Records choose The St. James Hotel in Knoxville, TN, as their location to find that Appalachian sound.
The Brunswick label out of Michigan had a reputation for
scouting new sounds before they were discovered. Brunswick partnered with the Knoxville-based furniture company Sterchi Bros. and owners of WNOX radio station, to build the studio. While it may seem like an unlikely pair, it was all part of a marketing plan. Sterchi Bros., one of the largest furniture companies in the US, liked having records playing in furniture stores, which is where people at the time purchased record players. This unlikely partnership served a dual purpose, selling records and selling record players.
The most famous of the 40 musicians that recorded at the St. James Sessions was Uncle Dave Macon None of Uncle Dave Macon’s recordings survived, and it is not clear as to if that was due to technical issues or money disagreements. The Tennessee Chocolate Drops, a local trio, recorded Knox County Stomp and Vine Street Rag, both known for their place in early country music history.
The grassy hill with the gated entrance to the TVA East Tower stands where the St. James Hotel used to be. When in Knoxville, take the Cradle of Country Music Walking tour, one of the stops is a placard recognizing where the St. James Sessions took place.
Christmas in July 2020
by Wesley Barker
In the spirit of the holidays, it’s not too early to be thinking of the Annual Christmas in July Festival in Downtown West Jefferson NC which will be held on Friday and Saturday, July 3rd and 4th, 2020. A festival that began as a promotion of Ashe County's farm grown Christmas tree industry known nationwide, has expanded to include live music, over 100 arts & craft vendors, street performers, food vendors, local non-profits, children’s activities, farmers market & much more while still focusing on the importance of our Christmas tree industry. 2020 marks the 34th year of this popular event which will include a larger music stage and even bigger sound! The time is now to mark your calendars and plan your vacation to beautiful West Jefferson, NC. Information on the 2020 festival can be found online at www.christmasinjulyfestival.com.
Merry Christmas from George Washington
By Owen Haddock, Military Editor
General Washington often prayed to rise above the constant tensions, uncertainties and confusion created by friends and enemies alike.
He was just driven out of New York, had his Continental Army shrink from 30,000 to 2500 and faced doubt from everyone. Yet he went right to the genius of attacking a professional German force in Trenton, New Jersey. Despite having to march Christmas eve in a driving snow storm. The storm was so severe that the Delaware River was left unguarded. The Germans were not getting drunk on Christmas eve as commonly reported. Col. Johann Rall, commanding, did apparently drink heavily throughout the night thanks to an American agent, who kept him exchanging toasts. The Americans were handicapped with one third of their force not provisioned boots. The latter wrapped their feet in burlap and left a blood trail during the march. The Germans were worn out from earlier hit and run attacks. On Christmas day, Dec. 26, 1776, they arrived at dawn. The violent snow storm, which disguised the American advance, became known as the “Christmas Miracle”.
The storm did force two of Gen. Washington’s column’s to turn back. Again Washington’s brilliance saved the day. He split his remaining column in half with Nathanial Green
leading the Northern pincer and John Sullivan attacked from the West to cut off the line of retreat. The victory was stunning: Americans had 5 wounded with the British experiencing 905-1010 casualties. Twenty two Germans were killed (including Col. Rall), 83 wounded and 800 - 900 missing and captured. More importantly the Continental Army captured invaluable munitions, arms and other supplies, which allowed Washington to attack and win the Battle of Princeton in Jan., 1777. These victories were essential to restoring American and world confidence in their revolution. Fifteen thousand new recruits joined The audacity of Gen. Washington’s tactics showed how we could defeat a much larger occupying force.
We live in a time where many Americans want to give up on the core values that made our country work for all. We need to revisit how our modest beginnings overcame overwhelming difficulties and allowed for the spiritual, political and cultural growth essential to a free society.
The Christmas Miracle has kept our holidays a reason for celebration.
Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays to All, Owen Haddock Editor, Military Veterans Articles
Mountain Escapes oshaddock@comcast.net
Owen S. Haddock
Military Editor - "Mountain Escapes Magazine"
Recent Past Chair Military Order of World Wars
Recent Past National Security Chair Chair, Patriotic Education, Inc.
Air Commando Association, VVA Chapter 1078 American Legion, Post 2, Order of Daedalians (Founded by WW I Combat Pilots)
Distinguished Military Graduate, 800th AFROTC Wing University of Tennessee Class of 1964
Print of Prayer at Valley Forge was provided from Patriotic Education's collection by board member Col. Bert L. Rice USA. Col. Rice served two tours in thr Republic of Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star. “Prayer At Valley Forge” by Arnold Finberg
Colonel Bert Rice
Store Hours: Tue-Fri 10-6 ☼ Sat 9-4
Closed Sun and Mon
Ski Scuba is your “local” source for Scuba Diving Training
☼ Become an SSI Open Water Diver with personalized training!
DECEMBER SCHEDULE:
TRY SCUBA
17th – Tuesday – 6pm – 9pm
21st – Saturday – 10am – 1pm
28th – Saturday – 10am – 1pm
JANUARY SCHEDULE:
TRY SCUBA
21st – Tuesday – 6pm – 9pm update
9 th – Thursday – 6pm – 9pm
18th – Saturday – 6pm – 9pm
OPEN WATER – January 4th & 5th and February 1st & 2nd
Classes go from 9 to 6 both Saturday and Sunday
Pillows Zipper Covers – Machine Washable
Give the Gift of the Outdoors in Burnsville, NC
Burnsville, North Carolina, is home to the highest mountains on the East Coast. That rugged terrain makes for excellent hiking and biking routes. The Toe River Valley is a scenic oasis through the middle of Yancey County with trout-filled streams and waterfalls branching off in all directions. This rural landscape is a paradise for outdoorsmen, whether novice or experienced. As gift-giving season approaches, consider giving an outdoor experience rather than a physical present.
Bare Dark Sky Observatory, located at Mayland Earth to Sky Park, provides some of the most pristine night-sky viewing in the Southeast. The large telescope allows visitors to see the moon’s craters in detail, the eye of Jupiter, Saturn’s rings and more. The observatory hosts community viewing nights on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the moon phase and weather conditions. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at www.Mayland.edu/Observatory.
Kyle Burnette grew up fishing in Burnsville. Now he shares that experience with others through his business, Southern Drifters Outfitters. Located in downtown Burnsville, Burnette runs a retail store with all the gear you need to get outdoors, as well as an outfitter. Choose from half-day or full-day, float or wade trips that explore miles of trout streams in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Discounts are available when booking for two people, so the trips make great gifts for couples, siblings and friends. To learn more, go to www.SouthernDriftersOutfitters.com.
Going for a hike in an unfamiliar area can be intimidating, but local naturalist Tal Galton strives to make the Black Mountains and their lofty heights more accessible to visitors and locals. Through his business, Snakeroot Ecotours, he leads themed and custom hikes for small groups. Discover rare orchids, hidden waterfalls and blue ghost fireflies as you make your way through the forest. For a more immersive experience, Galton hosts multiday Blue Ridge nature retreats in the spring. Choose from the full list of offerings at www.SnakerootEcotours.com.
While planning an outdoor excursion in Burnsville, make it a full weekend by staying in a quaint inn, homey bed-and-breakfast or vacation rental. For more information about the area including lodging options, go to www.YanceyChamber.com or call (828) 682-7413.
From
The Crazy Daisy Thrift Boutique helps support the programs of the Family Violence Coalition of Yancey County, Inc., so every time you donate clothing or household items to the store or make a purchase you are helping the FVC’s domestic violence and sexual assault programs. The FVC is a private, non-profit that has served victims of both domestic violence and rape/ sexual assault in Yancey County, N.C. since 1995. In addition to an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence
and/or sexual assault and their children, the FVC also provides a 24/7 crisis line, medical and legal advocacy, peer counseling, crisis intervention, referrals and information, multiple support groups, limited transportation and financial assistance, as well as outreach education/awareness. Stopping violence in our communities start with all of us. The 24-hour crisis line for the FVC is (828) 682-0056.
What is a Pappy’s Gunsmithin’ and Backwoods Livin’? We do gunsmithing, and gun sales. But Pappy has gone one step further and now repairs and sells air guns. If you think air rifles are just kids’ stuff - think again. He just got one in that shoots a .22 caliber pellet at 900fps. That’s as fast as a subsonic .22. We also have targets. Targets are fun, but exploding targets are just plain cool! (New Years Eve is coming.)
But what about this backwoods livin’? This is all kind of things from books on homesteading, selfdefense, and all kinds of the old school ways to
equipment for hiking, camping, and outdoor fun. He also carries aromatherapy oils and diffusers, trail and food storage freeze dried foods and snacks. We even pizza ovens that sit on top of a large 2 burner stove. He’ll also sell you the 2-burner stove. Seriously, the only way to truly understand all he carries is to come in and browse around.
So how did Pappy end up here instead of retiring like any sane man would do? Well, Pappy was a soldier for 22 years serving as an Infantryman, then as a Special Forces (Green Beret)medic. After retirement he went to Kuwait and then Iraq for 3 years. He was
injured and decided to come home and become a gunsmith. He took the Master Gunsmithing Course at American Gunsmithing Institute. Here he learned how all the parts work together which gave him the ability to diagnose and repair, rather than just replace parts and hope. With all this in place it was time to open Pappy’s Gunsmithin’ and Backwoods Livin’. He started in February 2015 working out of his garage. From there he moved to his shop at 56 Stardust and things started doing better. This year we moved into town at 613 West US Hwy 19E just across the street from TD Bank.
Veteran Owned & Operated
Burnsville Wedding Expo
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020
11:00am - 3:00pm
Burnsville Town Center
Venue & Event Space
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 208-0044
(828) 766-1233
Bare Dark Sky Observatory Community Viewing Nights
Join us for an evening of stargazing as you've never seen before! You will have the opportunity to view the moon, planets and stars through our 34" diameter Sam Scope, as well as our smaller planetary telescope. With the assistance of our Observatory Manager, you will spend 2 hours viewing and learning about the dark skies.
December Community Dates
December 14 – 6:15
December 20 – 6:15
December 27 – 6:15
Monday-Saturday 10:00 to 5:30 Sunday 12:00 to 5:00
One of a Kind Art Gallery, celebrating its eighth year of operation, continues to grow with the works of over 170 local artists and craftspeople in the nostalgic Old Micaville Country Store.
Gallery owner Kari Weaver invites you to come on in and enjoy the fine, folk, and funky local art. The selection of artwork includes pottery, jewelry, paintings, prints, photography, lamps, woodworking, and more. The mountains of Western North Carolina are home to a diverse and vibrant art community, and OOAK offers a broad representation of the creative work being done here. Artwork is uniquely displayed in the vintage 1922 building which retains much of its original architecture still in place, right down to the original hardwood floor and windows.
OOAK has brought live music to Micaville by having the Micaville Music Jam every Saturday morning in the loft. Hosted by local singer-songwriter David Wiseman, the Jam is a gathering of local musicians and visitors to play and share music together. Everyone is welcome. Micaville Music is proud to be a part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.
Come visit us and stay awhile. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday. We are open 7 days a week through the first week of January.
Micaville is located 4 miles east of Burnsville, NC, 9 miles west of Spruce Pine, NC, and 14 miles north of BRP milepost 344 at the intersection of Hwy 80 S and Micaville Loop on the Mt Mitchell Scenic Byway. For more information, please call 828-675-0690, email ooakartgallery@gmail.com, or visit us on Facebook or ooakartgallery.com
spruce pine, nc
Hours Monday–Saturday 8:30-5:30
Closed Sunday Spruce Pine, NC (828) 765-9133
Kick Off & Starts our “Christmas Countdown”
*Fresh Poinsettias
*Fresh Christmas Trees
*Wreaths & Garland – Great for Home Décor inside or out
Gift items
Bob Timberlake Outdoor Furniture & Fire Pits by Buck Stove, Locally made in Spruce Pine
Gift Certificates Available
Rocks
and Things
Christmas is approaching really fast so come in and see all the wonderful gi s you can get for family and friends or just for YOU. Don’t forget to use the 10% o coupon below while you are here. We are usually open 7 days a week from 9 to 5.
We have over 1,500 rings for you to choose from including 200 Native American turquoise rings. We have 4 Squash Blossom necklace/earring signed sets, 6 silver and turquoise necklaces, 20 turquoise and gemstone necklaces, 50 earring sets, 300 gemstone pendants, and a lot more silver and gemstone jewelry. We carry a large number of authentic Native American items. We have thousands of crystals, from tiny single points to 90 pound single points and clusters up to 80 pounds. We also carry many metaphysical items like crystal balls, pendants, pendulums and a nice supply of crystal skulls. We have some antiques and vintage glassware.
For our virtual tour see www.shopmainstreets.com Select North Carolina, Spruce Pine, Rocks and Things
114 Oak Avenue
Spruce Pine,NC 28777
Store: 828-765-1667
Cell: 813-765-3073
Fall Bulbs for Spring Blooms
New this season. We’ve increased our “Mercantile” space!
A New Toy Shoppe has arrived just in time for Santa Claus shopping and North Carolina produced goods.
Healthy Mtn Gardener
Winter is Quiet Time for Lawns – Prepare for the Grown Season – Spring!
Now is the time to replant that tree or shrub in your yard that needed to be transplanted this past summer.
It’s time to clean up gardening tools and lawn mowers. You can now cut back and prune plants before new growth starts back in springtime. Flowering shrubs can be pruned in February. Cut to a low frame work to encourage new growth. Don’t fertilize your lawn too early, before April, it can increase disease and problems.
Zoned for winter hardiness: Flowering Quince
Witch Hazel
Juniper
Winterberry & Holly
Snowdrop
Boxwood
Buy your shrubs, trees, BULBS, lawn and garden supplies from us –Lakeview Mercantile & Gardens
Let the experts help you have a beautiful Lawn and Garden for springtime! 665 Oak St. Spruce Pine, NC 28777 – 828-765-9133
Christmas Open House Sunday, December 8th 1:00-6:00
Evenings on Elk Friday, December 13th 5:00-9:00
Fletcher’s Homemade A quilt shop and so much more in the heart of Elizabethton’s Historic District. Fletcher’s Homemade specializes in quality quilting fabrics and notions. Local made goods are on hand to support our talented local artists such as doll clothes, soaps, homemade buttons, jewelry, embroidered items, photography and more. I also make tee shirt quilts from your collection and long arm quilt new and vintage quilt tops.
DUCK CROSSING'S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
CHRISTMAS
HOUSE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 1-6PM ELVES ON ELK FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 5-9PM.
New items arriving daily!
Come see Duck Crossing's amazing selection of Vintage Christmas decor! We have aluminum trees, vintange ornaments and tree toppers, ceramic Christmas trees, blowmold Santas along with other vintage lawn ornaments. Exclusive items like "Coming Home" soy candles, Covered Bridge Christmas Cards and post cards. With over 40 vendors and local artisans spread out over three floors, Duck Crossing has something unique for everyone on your list!
We offer monthly classes – Please check our website for dates & times DECEMBER CLASS WORKSHOP: Making Elderberry Syrup Saturday - December 14th 2pm
Hiker & Biker Gift Bags, soaps, essential oils, teas and lunch is always a great gift for Christmas!
LampLight eatre
With preparations for Christmas coming around the corner, LampLight Theatre ushers in two Kingsport classics for the holiday season. This year’s productions, The Toymaker’s Wish and The Christmas Heirloom , bring heartwarming messages of family, home and love. Through song and storytelling, the audience will be swept away into the lives of the shows’ characters and leave with hearts full of Christmas spirit. Performances for The Toymaker’s Wish will be held from November 8 through November 24, and The Christmas Heirloom will show on November 30 through December 20. For tickets and information, visit https://www.lamplighttheatre.com/ or call 423-343-1766.
Lamplight Theatre
140 Broad St Kingsport, TN 37660
BOX OFFICE: 423-343-1766
Administration: 423-245-1551
Noelle Invites You
Avoid the crowds as you join us for extended store hours
Every Friday in November 5pm – 8pm
Where Are the Bears?
This summer, bear sightings were numerous. So where are they now? Asleep in their dens so perhaps your high-hanging bird feeder is safe for now. They are in a state of torpor, a deep sleep. Yet, this is a busy time for females. According to Justin McVey, district wildlife biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, “January is about the time cubs are born. Mom hangs out in the den, nursing them. Male bears will also be denning but, on a warm day, it is not uncommon to see one on the prowl.”
While most envision bears overwintering in caves, the most common “den” is simply a thick, brushy area. They also shelter under the branches of a toppled tree or in the crater of its upturned root ball. Denning is genetically engrained in bears and is triggered by a drop in temperature and the absence of food. When it starts to warm up, they will emerge from their dens, with bear cubs sticking close to their mothers. Cubs are weaned around July; by September, they will weigh about 25 pounds and can survive on their own, although they typically remain with mothers for a year and a half.
McVey is on the Advisory Board of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit that provides care for injured and orphaned wildlife. If you find an animal in need, check out the “Found an Animal” flowcharts at AppalachianWild.org or email wildlife@appalachianwild.org. If you spot a bear in need, that’s Justin’s department. Visit ncwildlife.org for more.
PHOTOS BY STEVE ATKINS of FOX COVE PHOTOGRAPHY
hot springs, waynesville, nc
Happy Holidays from Hazel and the Avery Humane Society!
This is what love, medical care and your support look like! Hazel posed for you just before going home with her forever family. She’d come a long way in a month. Hazel was in bad shape when she was brought to the shelter. She needed immediate medical attention for a skin condition and had lost big patches of fur. She was trembling and scared.
Your gift today will provide medical care for animals like Hazel. It will go twice as far now to end of year. Because of a wonderful donor has offered a match of up to $10,000 to cover medical expenses. Every donation—regardless of amount—will be matched! Hazel thanks you for your support, and so do we!
https://www.averyhumane.org/donate
And stay tuned for photos and videos of Hazel celebrating her first holiday season with her forever family. #holidayswithhazel
Something calendar is the 16-18. This addition to wrapping on all & Saturday, families come And everyone slip at time of short drive Gift Shop and picturesque them out on
Free Gift Wrapping
Conveniently Located Downtown
Extended Holiday Hours
Free Personalization on Ornaments
Great Selection of Gifts under $20 Gift Cards Available
Holiday Hours
Mon-Thurs 9-6, Friday & Sat 9-7, Sun 11-5 12 West Main Street Downtown Burnsville 828-682-9101
Burnsville is situated in the heart of Blue Ridge mountains and is well worth the short drive to experience it’s hometown charm. The Something Special Gift Shop and Monkey Business Toy Shop is located at 12 west main street, one block from the picturesque town square.
For more information on the shops in general, check us out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/somethingspecialburnsvillenc
