Appalachian Celebration
Join in the 48th Mountain Makins Folk Life Festival
Step back in time and experience the rich culture of Appalachia at the 48th Mountain Makins Folk Life Festival hosted at historic Rose Center in Morristown, TN on October 26 and 27, 2024.
Browse over 50 juried arts and crafts vendors to find unique treasures handmade by regional artisans. Preview party passes are available for exclusive shopping on Friday evening, Oct 25th at 6:30 pm and will feature food, live music, and weekend entry to the festival.
This family-friendly weekend features two stages of old time, bluegrass, Appalachian and Americana music, storytelling, prize-winning dancers, regional authors, children’s activities, abundant good food, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, quilting, leather working, wool spinning, wheel-thrown pottery, and wood-turning.
Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday. Admission is $10; children under 12 are free. Find more information by visiting www. rosecenter.org, Contact 423-581-4330 or email events@ rosecenter.org, for details.
ON THE COVERS
MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
prints 6 times per year.
MOUNTAINESCAPES10@GMAIL.COM
PUBLISHER | Terry Patterson
DESIGNER | Cajun Graham
SOCIAL MEDIA | Hiring!
DISTRIBUTION | Karsten Lueth, Gary Flanagan
DISTRIBUTION AREAS
Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee & Seasonal North Georgia
ADVERTISING DEADLINES:
OCT/NOV ISSUE: September 15th
DEC/JAN ISSUE: November 15th
FEB/MAR ISSUE: January 15th
APR/MAY ISSUE: March 15th
JUNE/JULY ISSUE: May 15th
AUG/SEPT: July 15th
Published by:
MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
Locally owned and operated. Woman owned small business.
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SPRUCE
Eva Girl Says
“I’m starting a new chapter this year for school. All of you that drive, please be aware that school is back in session & pay attention to the speed limit in school zones. Fall is on its way. Go support a local school ball game this season!
Kingsport Ballet to Begin Classes in Johnson City
In Addition to the Full Offerings in Kingsport
Kingsport Ballet is accepting registrations for Fall classes with the addition of a few special offerings.
The Kingsport Ballet will be partnering with Vidya Yoga and Fitness in Johnson City to offer ballet classes at their state of the art yoga studio.
“We will begin offering two classes on Wednesdays,” said executive director Bertina Dew, “and we will gauge interest and see where that takes us,” she said. “We have historically had students commute from up to a 90 mile radius, this gives us a chance to provide more access geographically and bring our offerings closer to them.”
“We are really excited about this partnership,” commented Vidya Yoga owner, Ashley Davis.
“We have had a very successful business in Kingsport for the past 6 years and opened our JC studio in 2023. We aim to provide the JC community with a service they will love, and partnering with KB will give additional opportunities
for young parents to have a unique experience. While their child is in ballet class, they can take their own yoga or fitness class.”
New students who want to register for the ballet classes in Johnson City may do so through the online registration process on Kingsport Ballet’s website: www.kingsportballet.org. If they wish to register for an adult yoga/fitness class going on at the same time, they may do so through the Vidya website.
Ballet classes currently offered in Johnson City beginning in August are Prep I/II (ages 5 and 6) and BI/II (ages 7-9) Wednesdays 4:45-5:45 and 6-7pm respectively.
Kingsport Ballet is also re-defining their program offerings in Kingsport, providing two distinct training tracks: Company Track and Recreational Track. The Company track provides pre-professional training for the dedicated and serious ballet student and performer, opportunities for pas de deux classes and participation in
PRESENTS
FRIDAY, SEPT 6 AT 7:30 PM SATURDAY, SEPT 7 AT 7:30 PM SUNDAY, SEPT 8 AT 2:30 PM WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11 AT 7:30 PM THURSDAY, SEPT 12 AT 7:30 PM
high level performances, while the Recreational Track allows students to still study under top-notch professional instructors but on a more part-time, a-la-carte basis. Both tracks offer contemporary dance as well, and provide varied performance options.
The one-stop-shop model is no stranger to Kingsport Ballet as they have historically sublet space to other arts providers on their premises. They currently have a videographer and an in-house guitar teacher - both independent businesses under the same roof. The company also regularly displays and sells original artworks by regional artists throughout their facility.
Nutcracker 2024 will take place at the Ballad Health Performing Arts Center on December 12-15, 2024. Tickets will be available for sale on July 30.
Vidya Yoga and Fitness: Johnson City ScheduleVidyayogaandfitness.com/johnson-city Kingsport Schedulekingsportballet.org
Kingsport Ballet is funded for general operations by the Tennessee Arts Commission in agreement with the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly. Their outreach programs are funded in part by the City of Kingsport and area businesses and individual sponsors.
SCORE A TOUCHDOWN with Game Day Style
There’s something special about getting dressed for game day. For some, sporting their team’s colors is about team pride and the spirit of the game, while for others it’s about good luck. At the University of Tennessee Knoxville, there’s no lack of loyal, enthusiastic fans. Volunteer football is an institution and legacy, and fans go all out on game day. Although game day has the game of football at its core, it’s still enjoyable to add a fashionable touch to the orange and white wardrobe. This season, you can cheer the Vols on in style while exuding team pride.
Kick Off with Fun Tops & Rompers
Instead of the usual team t-shirt, opt for a garment that is “in” this season, but that still sports the Vols colors or emblem. Tie dye and stripes are classic trends this season along with loose, racer back tanks. There are many local shops that have fun tanks in UT colors. If you’re looking for something more fashionable, an orange dress or romper is a great option. Orange Mountain Designs in the Gallery of Knoxville Shopping Center, offers stylish orange apparel featuring the latest style trends.
By Sarah Merrell
Public Relations Director for Gage Models & Talent Agency Where You’ve Seen Her: Fashion Correspondent for WATE-TV
Get a Sack...Full of Accessories
For game day, accessories are a fun statement, especially if you’re wearing a solid colored top, dress or romper. Orange and white bracelets are perfect to accessorize with outfits, or earrings with the UT emblem or orange and white prints. A scarf is also a great way to complete a look, especially as the weather becomes cooler. Look for scarves in fun prints that incorporate orange, white and even gray or black.
Make a Field Goal with Footwear
For head to toe team spirit, there’s even footwear. Flip flops in UT colors with the logo come in sizes and styles for men, women and kids. Interception of “Style and Spirit” with polos and button-down dress shirts. For men, you don’t have to wear the same old t-shirt either. During the warmer weather, a UT polo shirt is a great option, or a short sleeve button-down shirt. In cooler weather a long sleeve button-down top paired with a vest is a great option. These shirts can come in solid orange, or even stripes or plaids, all in UT colors.
Block the Weather with Easy Hair Styles
When attending a game or tailgating, you want your hair to like nice, but also to be out of the way and not be a fuss. During windy or humid weather, hair can be a challenge, so pulling your hair back can be helpful. Hair doesn’t have to be a plain pony tail though— your hair can be just as fun as your team apparel! For the perfect game day hair, try pony tails, braids and buns to look stylish, add texture and volume. Before putting your hair up, add texture with a curling iron, or wash and blow out your hair with a hair dryer. For a pony tail, add some teasing at the crown of your hair and wrap a few strands of hair around the rubber band and pin it for a stylish look. Braids are also great for game day hair. Side braids are “in” and an easy way to keep your hair in check. For a bun, after curling your hair, pull back the hair around your face and pin it into a top bun for a fun look.
Whether you’re a UT alumnus or alumna, a current UT student or UT football fan, with these style tips, you can look your best—and show your team pride—while cheering on the Vols. With football season around the corner, now is a great time to start preparing for tailgating, cookouts or attending the games.
UT Earrings - VolShop
Certify Your Yard
The North American bird population has decreased by 2.9 billion breeding adults, a net loss of 29% over the last half-century.* Scientists have identified habitat loss as the biggest reason for the decline. Wild Birds Unlimited is proud to be the Champion for the National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat program, whose goal is to inspire everyone to create a haven for wildlife in their yard. (Visit www.3billionbirds.org)
Creating a wildlife habitat is fun, rewarding and makes a big difference. It’s easier than you think. Here is what your wildlife habitat should include:
Food
Include native plants in youryard to provide song birds with natural food sources. You also can attract a greater number and variety of birds by offering a consistent, reliable supplemental food source in the form of a bird feeder filled with a quality seed blend. Creating a bird feeding station with a variety of foods and various bird feeders will bring you many hours of bird watching enjoyment.
Water
Birds need clean, reliable water sources for drinking and bathing throughout the year. Water can attract as many birds to your yard or patio as a food. Often, you will attract birds that do not normally visit your bird feeders.
Cover
Birds need protective cover for times of rest, social interaction and as a retreat from foul weather and predators. Landscaping for the ideal wildlife
habitat should use a variety of native plants ranging in size and density.
A Place to Raise Young
The same native plants that provide food and shelter can provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to mate, build nests and raise their families. But, with the increased loss of natural habitat, many cavity-nesting birds are having trouble finding homes. By providing bird houses, you will be encourage these birds to raise their young in your yard.
Sustainable Practices
The idea of a flawless lawn may be a thing of the past. A few weeds and insects are a small price to pay - better for the environment and the birds. Maintaining your landscape in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way ensures that the soil, air and water that native wildlife (and people) rely upon stay clean and healthy.
Visit www.wbu.com/certify-your-yard
Celebrate all things wings
at Ijams Nature Center’s annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival
Enjoy live animal encounters, activities for kids and adults, speaker and hands-on sessions, guided nature walks, a marketplace, food trucks, and more.
Reserve a slot for a bird-banding session for an additional charge, and you’ll get a close look at a hummingbird or another bird with master bander Mark Armstrong, who will weigh, measure, band, and talk about the bird before one person in the group releases it.
General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Ijams members get a discount. The bird banding add-on is $5 per person.
The 14th annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival is sponsored by Accenture, HomeTrust Bank, Stanley’s Greenhouse, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and Wild Birds Unlimited Maryville.
So come celebrate all things wings at Ijams Nature Center’s annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival Saturday, Aug. 17, from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn more at Ijams.org/ ijams-hummingbird-festival.
Cherokee Fall Festival
Presented by the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
September 7& 8 Cherokee Fall Festival Will Take Visitors Back in Time
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum, will host its 33rd annual Cherokee Fall Festival on September 7th & 8th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.
Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance. In the museum we will be demonstrating our 1800’s Acorn Printing Press. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment doing living history demonstrations. There will be infantry, cannon and calvary demonstrations throughout the day.
Visitors will be able to meet and talk with Cherokees from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in
North Carolina. Special entertainment will be provided by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa who are the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians official ambassadors. Check out our reconstructed 1800’s dog-trot log cabin. There will be free Cherokee name cards and kits available for children. Traditional Indian Fry bread and Indian tacos, and other food and drinks will be sold.
This event is funded in part by Tennessee Arts Commission Rural Arts Program Grant, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Support the Arts with Specialty License plates from TN ARTS Commission.
Tickets Adults are $10.00, children 13-18 years old are $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Family rate for $25.00(2 adults and 2 children 1318) also available. For more information about the Festival, contact the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at (423) 884-6246
Sevier Day Fun
Celebrate John Sevier’s Birthday with Marble Springs
Join us on Saturday, September 21st, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for Sevier Day! Celebrate the life and legacy of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first Governor and Revolutionary War hero, with a day full of 18th-century fun. Enjoy living history demonstrations, crafting demos, live music, militia drills, games, dancing, storytelling, and more!
Keep an eye on our social media for more announcements! This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
Marble Springs State Historic Site is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Historical Commission. Marble Springs State
Historic Site is also generously supported by Knox County and the Arts and Heritage Fund with supplemental funds provided by the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.
Visit www.marblesprings.net or call 865-573-5508 for more info.
Twilight at Ijams Gets a Makeover
Ijams Nature Center’s popular Twilight at Ijams event is getting a makeover, and it promises to be an event unlike any other.
The nonprofit nature center’s largest annual fundraiser, Twilight at Ijams is Sunday, Sept. 8, from 6-9 p.m. and will feature curated, interactive vignettes and art installations at various locations along the paved Universal Trail. There will be opportunities to hear and track bats with a renowned bat biologist, explore aquatic worlds, and more while enjoying a wandering Southern feast of fresh, local bites and signature cocktails.
The event also features dancing to the music of The Tennessee Sheiks, a gourmet s’mores bar, an online auction, complimentary shuttle service, and more. Nature-themed dress is encouraged. Tickets are $175.
Photo by Jeremiah Harris Photography
Proceeds
Photo by Jeremiah Harris Photography
Fall Fun Guide
Here are our top picks for some seasonal fun!
Oakes Farm
CORN MAZE - PUMPKIN PATCH
PETTING ZOO - FARM FOOD
HUGE PLAY AREA - HAYRIDE 8240 Corryton Rd. Corryton, TN 37721 (865) 688-6200 | OakesFarm.com
Maple Lane Farms
CORN MAZE - BOUNCE HOUSE
HAYRIDE - PUMPKIN PATCH
HAUNTED CORN MAZE 1126 Maple Ln Greenback, TN 37742 (865) 856-3511 | TNMapleLaneFarms.com
Narramore Farms
CORN MAZE - PUMPKIN PATCH
HAYRIDE - FARM FOOD
BARREL TRAIN RIDES
199 Laurel Bluff Rd. Kingston, TN 37763 (865) 403-9335 | Narramore-Farms.square.site
Kyker Farms
CORN MAZE - ZIP LINES
Keep in mind these locations will be following safety guidelines to ensure a safe & fun experience for all. Check out their websites for instructions and guidelines.
PAINTBALL - PUMPKIN PATCH
HAUNTED TRAILS - BONFIRES 938 Alder Branch Rd. Sevierville, TN 37876 (865) 679-4848 | KykerFarmsCornMaze.com
Deep Well Farm
CORN MAZE - PUMPKIN PATCH
HAYRIDE - PETTING ZOO PLAY AREA - PICNIC AREA 9567 US 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772 (865) 803-4425 | DeepWellFarm.com
Mayfield Farm Park
CORN MAZE - PUMPKIN PATCH
PHOTO OPS - FARM ANIMALS
FESTIVAL FOOD - HAYRIDES
257 HWY 307 East Athens, TN 37303 (423) 746-9859 | MayfieldFarmPark.com
Tavern to Table Dinner
for the Hart Square Foundation
A taste of history is back with a progressive-style dinner that takes you into Hart Square Village. Join your personal guide for a tour that includes a welcome drink on the covered bridge, exploring two historic homes, and a soup tasting in the tavern. Return to the Great Hall of the Sigmon Family Education Center for two plated courses, and end your night with a visit to another historic home where you will enjoy cowboy coffee and dessert. Drawing inspiration from an 1800s cookbook, Chef Ben Sullivan will craft this multi-course dinner experience that embraces history with a modern twist.
Wine, beer, and a signature cocktail will be available for purchase.
The menu for this event is set in advance, and we cannot accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking down the paths into the village during the tour portion of the night.
Join us Saturday, September 14th, 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Event will take place at 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC. Tickets are $100 per person. Purchase tickets online at www. hartsquare.com/events/tavern-totable-dinner-sep-14.
Silent Witness
The Mitchell County Courthouse Ghost
The Historic Mitchell County Courthouse has been a landmark in Bakersville since 1907. For over one hundred years, the courthouse has served the community in many different aspects. It kept life records of Mitchell County citizens and oversaw many significant events in the history of Mitchell County, including the end of both World Wars and the Bakersville fire of 1922.
While there is no doubt that the courthouse is home to history, it is also the residence of a restless spirit. Over the years, the courthouse ghost has been known to speak to courthouse workers, open doors, descend up and down stairs, and wander throughout the building. In the November 22,1995 edition of the Mitchell New-Journal, district judge Bill Leavell recalled his encounters of the ghost. In his own words, the first experience came on a Sunday afternoon. “I was up here one Sunday afternoon, and I heard a door slam. I went to see if someone was here. I looked through the whole building, and no one was here. I thought it might have been a draft, but all the windows were closed. I couldn’t figure out why that door had slammed.”
Judge Leavell’s second experience came during a trial. “I was reading the jury instructions. I was about halfway through when I heard someone say, ‘Objection!’ It’s really not proper to object during jury instruction, so I looked out to see who had said it. Nobody had said it. It was really odd. I didn’t recognize the voice, just out of nowhere. I couldn’t tell whether it was a man’s voice or a woman’s voice.”
Longtime Clerk of Court Butch Woody recalled hearing the Ghost
speak to her. “Now I don’t remember when I first started hearing it. All it says is, ‘Butch,’ and I can’t distinguish if it’s a male or female voice. At first I thought the other girls were calling me, and I’d say ‘What?’and look around. I don’t know if I do or don’t believe in ghosts, but someone is calling my name, and I don’t hear it anywhere but in this courthouse.”
Sheriff Vernon Bishop reported hearing the Ghost while working late one night. “I was in here at 10 o’ clock one night. I heard someone walk down the back steps in the building. I went out to see who it was, and there was no one there. There wasn’t anybody in this building. And that’s the truth.”
Windle Young also heard the Ghost while working late at night.
“Back when I worked at night, I’d hear a door slam and then I’d wait for somebody to come in. At three or four in the morning, it’d slam. I’d hear steps and wait for it to continue, but nothing.”
Kay Woody was the only one to actually lay eyes on the Ghost. “As I was walking down the hall, in the second office, I saw a man standing there at one of the file cabinets. I went by, then thought, ‘Who was that?’ I backed up, and he was gone. I circled through all the offices and there was nothing, no one.”
She claimed what she saw wore a white shirt and gray pants.
No one knows who or what the Courthouse Ghost is. It is true that many associated with the courthouse over the last century have died untimely deaths, leading to endless possibilities of the identity of the spirit. Perhaps one day the Ghost will finally find what it is seeking and will receive its long waited eternal rest.
Monarch Release
Held at the 1-26 West NC Welcome Center
The I-26 West NC Welcome Center had a great spring raising eleven monarchs from eggs we found on our common milkweed.
We brought the eggs inside to protect them from predators and when they hatched, we kept fresh milkweed for them to eat in their habitats. It took about a month for them to go from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Tourists love the surprise of seeing the life cycle and locals come back often to watch the transformation.
One local family comes through every weekend. Noah, and his mom and dad, have been stopping
by to say hi for over a year now on their way to see his PopPop.
Since they live pretty close, we said we would call them when the butterflies started to emerge (eclose) so he could release them.
On a beautiful day in June, Noah released five monarchs. His mom, Susan, said she was sure he would always remember it!
If you would like to know more about monarchs and milkweed, come by and see us at 6178 I-26 in Mars Hill, NC.
Article by Jennifer Hott, Certified Travel Counselor, I-26 West NC Welcome Center
41st Annual Mountain Glory Festival
Saturday, October 12th 2024, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m
Celebrate the arrival of autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains during Marion, North Carolina’s 41st Annual Mountain Glory Festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday in October.
This event spotlights regional makers and the joys of small-town living. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices for shopping with three jam-packed blocks, featuring over 200 craft, food, non-profit and sponsor booths of locally made arts and crafts; festival foods and local restaurants. Plus, two stages presenting Marion’s finest musicians.
One of the signature events during the festival is the Mountain Glory Quilt Show inside of the McDowell Arts Council, located at 50 South Main Street. Make plans to visit the show, where you can see a variety of handmade quilts created by quilters from around the region.
Bring the kiddos for a day of family fun. This year’s event features a “Kid’s Korner” with hands-on activities, local entertainment and the ever popular best-dressed pet contest.
monday - friday 11am-10pm 828-536-5500
saturday - sunday 11am-7:30pm
If you have a pet that you love to dress up, the best-dressed pet contest is for you. Simply bring your furry or feathered best friend, strut your stuff in the contest and wait for the crowd to vote for the best dressed.
Free shuttle services will run from Rose’s parking lot, located at 600 North Main Street, to the festival site every half hour. Handicap Parking will be available behind State Farm Insurance, located at 70 North Main Street.
Come for the culture. Stay for the fun. Who knows, you might even see Marion’s Official Animal, Bigfoot.
The festival is sponsored by the City of Marion.
For festival information, visit www.mtngloryfestival.com or call 828-6522215. To find additional area events, attractions and lodging information, visit www.blueridgetraveler.com or call toll free (888-233-6111) to receive a free visitor guide and map.
Follow in the footsteps of the Patriot soldiers
Join the Overmountain Men Victory Celebration
The Overmountain Victory National Historical Trail retraces the path taken by Patriot soldiers from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, who united to defeat a group of British loyalists at Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780. This pivotal battle marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War, paving the way for the American victory at Yorktown.
The idea for reenactments of the Overmountain March was first conceived by three Boy Scouts from Elizabethton, TN in 1975. They walked from their hometown to Kings Mountain, following the same route taken by the Patriot soldiers. Their initiative sparked renewed interest in the historical trail. The 2024 Annual March will commemorate the 50th year of the march and will be celebrated at the Treasures in the Fall Festival in downtown Spruce Pine on Saturday,
September 28th. A parade will be held as they march into downtown and stop at the visitors center to recount the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain.
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail was officially established by Congress in 1980, becoming the nation’s first designated Revolutionary War Heritage Trail. This trail symbolizes American patriotism, bravery, and resilience, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the past, learn about the present, and inspire the future.
A new North Carolina State Trail, overlaying the OVNHT, has been funded by the North Carolina Legislature. Seizing this opportunity, a new Friends group for the Overmountain Victory State Trail (OVNCST) has been established to recognize the importance of the OVNHT and
help bring greater attention to the historical significance, economic possibilities, and health and recreation benefits of the trail in North Carolina.
The Overmountain Victory North Carolina State Trail – Friends (OVNCST-Friends) is committed to completing as much of the unfinished trail as possible through the eleven North Carolina counties through which it runs by our America’s 250th Birthday Celebration, which begins on July 4th, 2026. These counties include Avery, Mitchell, McDowell, Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, Rutherford, Polk, and Cleveland.
The eleven counties are all planning special events to raise awareness of the trail’s importance and to engage the local communities in efforts to make the on-the-ground a reality. While it is an ambitious goal, having at least firm plans for this to happen by the 250-recognition effort in 2026 is the goal of the OVNCSTFriends.
In Avery and Mitchell Counites special events are planned including wider knowledge of the trail and its role in history and importance for local communities today.
For additional information, please go to https://www.ovncst.org/ or contact Executive Director, Starli McDowell at starli.ovncst@gmail. com
