The 76th Annual NC Rhododendron Festival is coming up on June 16-19, 2023
The NC Rhododendron Festival draws hundreds of visitors from all over the region and features the Rhododendron Festival Pageant, the Craft Fair with food vendors, children’s activities, and live music throughout the day, as well as a classic car show, a 10K run, 2 nights of street dancing. Come discover our Small Town Mountain Paradise!
Located
River
Knoxville, just steps away from Neyland Stadium,
Tennessee Riverboat Co. The Star of Knoxville, a woman-owned small family business, has been delighting guests with riverboat cruises since 1994. This authentic sternwheeler takes guests on lunch, dinner, and sightseeing cruises while taking in the gorgeous city views of Knoxville. The dining cabin is temperature controlled year-round, and the upper deck, while opened, is covered and provides seating and a bar with drinks and snacks available for purchase. The Star of Knoxville invites guests to sit back, relax, and feel the river breeze while taking in one of the many cruises offered. We'll show you Knoxville like nobody else can! For reservations or questions call 865-525-7827 or www.tnriverboat.com.
• Uno de50 • Brighton • Simon Sebbag • Alembika • Eileen Fisher Alpaca Coats • Souraka Handbags & More
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276-739-7995 304 Depot Square SW Abingdon, VA 24210
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BIG, UGLY, HULLABALOO: THE WORK OF ERIC DRUMMOND SMITH
December 29, 2022 - April 30, 2023
Colorful creatures, surreal stories, and embellished expressions are all phrases that describe Abingdon artist Eric Drummond Smith’s upcoming exhibition Big Ugly Hullabaloo.
Smith intentionally creates colorful visual cues that entice the viewer to look closer, think critically, and laugh while doing so. He utilizes vibrancy and humor in such a way that invites the viewer to linger in front of his work. Smith explains, “I close my eyes, listen to music, breath deeply, maybe sip some cold water, some hot tea, or a dark beer, and then pick up a thing (brush/pen/pastel) and make a mark, trying to scratch out the thing that is there, somewhere in the mess of my head. The whole thing is rather like improvisational jazz. I’m playing with bits and pieces, scraps and snips, some my own, some from cave walls and museums, graffiti and old newspaper strips. I’m rearranging them, adapting them, looking for themes, looking for joyful dissonances and unexpected melodies. I forget about the world, a little. I talk to myself, and the paint, mumbling and cussing and singing off-tune. I stain my hands and clothes in ink and paint, glorious battle-scars. I only notice later, in the mirror, chuckling.”
Please join WKMA for our FREE Tours at Two on April 30, 2023 at 2pm where folks can attend an artist talk given by Eric Drummond Smith himself; light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Anna Buchanan at (276) 628-5005 x106 or email abuchanan@wkmuseum.org.
Saturday May 20th, 2023 at 7:30PM
From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO recreate the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album... GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants...a high energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity.
A GTLO concert mimics the “light and shade” that are the embodiment of “The Mighty Zep.”
https://www.npacgreeneville.com/events/gettheledout
A small town with big adventures and wide open spaces, Burnsville is Home of Mt. Mitchell—the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Burnsville and Yancey County offer fresh mountain air, endless outdoor experiences, iconic American charm, and starry, dark skies. Stroll down Main Street, visit local artists, meander through the countryside, and make lasting memories in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The story of Burnsville and Yancey County is set in the gentle Blue Ridge Mountains of western NC. It takes place in the valley and on the Town Square, but goes beyond our beloved Main Street. The story is set on mountain slopes, in lush green pastures, along pristine rivers, in biodiverse forests, and among high peaks so majestic that the beauty is almost unfathomable.
Our quintessential mountain community is quaint, charming, and friendly. The inspirational landscape that surrounds us is a part of daily life. Outsiders are curious when hearing of its wonders. Visitors are filled with awe as they connect with the people who live and work here. But to fully understand what Burnsville is now, one must first understand what it once was.
The voice of the Blue Ridge is old. It speaks of a unity of people and place, past and present. “As old as the hills,” we say, and it’s probably the Blue Ridge Mountains we’re thinking of. Here we fostered the artifacts of mountain folk life: old quilts, old storytellers, old songs, old folk remedies, old cabins, and old barns. The people of today’s Yancey County inherit a kinship with each other and the land we love. We embrace the pillars our county that make the area a sought after destination for many: community, commerce, heritage, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, the arts, and the home of Mount Mitchell.
While we honor our past and the credibility it lends, we embrace the new and relevant southern Appalachia. We enjoy incomparable mountain
living in an accessible location, with fiber broadband Internet available to every home and business in rural Yancey County. With fast and reliable internet, remote worker solutions, free wi-fi locations, a pioneering spirit, and a welcoming attitude, our community is the ideal place to visit, work, or live. We welcome you to experience life here and create your own history in Burnsville and Yancey County.
www.exploreburnsville.com
Without a doubt, one of the best parts of being a relic dealer is the quest to find new pieces! This happens in several ways, attending estate sales, items that come into the shop on their own, on line and in person auctions, but my favorite means of procuring new items is attending shows. The largest World War II show in the United States is coming to Louisville, Kentucky the last weekend in February!
The Ohio Valley Military Society’s annual Show of Shows will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky from the 22nd through the 26th of February, 2023. There will be vendors and dealers from all over the United States and several European counties set up at this event. With over 2000 8’ tables in a 166,500 square foot exhibit space it will take you several days to see everything!
The show is open to historical items from all periods, to include the American Civil War, the War of 1812, the Spanish American War and World War I to name but a few, but has evolved into the largest World War II show in the US.
In addition to browsing through hundreds of thousands of military artifacts, a special treat awaits you in the back of the hall. Each year a number of distinguished veteran guests are invited to attend the show. They are seated at a special set of tables to meet with you, discuss their experiences, sign autographs and take pictures. This year’s guest include two Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients among many others. You will also discover that many of the dealers attending the show are military veterans themselves.
Among World War II collectors, this is considered the “Super Bowl” of military shows! There will be thousands of firearms, edged weapons, uniforms, accoutrements, personal items, images and other WWII period items on hand, most for sale. Many of these items are identified, some to famous WWII personalities.
If World War II isn’t your collecting focus, there are many WWI and other era dealers in the show as well. A personal friend of mine will have what will most likely be the main attraction of the show on hand, one of Jimmy Doolittle’s Pattern 1941 field jackets, complete with name tag, leather Wright Patterson patch and Brigadier General insignia sewn on the shoulders! If you happen to be searching for that one elusive relic
to complete your collection but don’t see it, don’t be shy about asking around for it. For everything you see on the tables, there are almost that many items behind and under the tables. The dealer world is pretty small, so chances are if they don’t have what you’re looking for they will know someone who does. You can view these collectible items that consist of uniform groupings, weapons and equipment used by our military forces from the very early days of the United States through the Vietnam period on my website, www.warroomrelics. com, or in the store, War Room Relics, located at 219 East Center St, Kingsport, Tennessee, 37660. For more information I can be reached at 615 717 7792.
Rocky Bluff Campground
When Open, campsites are available by reservation only and must be made at least 2 days in advance of desired arrival date. Combination gate code given upon reservation, through email. District office cannot give out code in the event of loss of number. *Please make note- unavailable campsites are listed as “FF” on recreation.gov. This does not mean there are any “first come, first served” campsites. There are no FF campsites on Rocky Bluff. To make reservations call (877) 444-6777 or visit www. recreation.gov.
Rocky Bluff Campground offers solitude in a wooded setting and is located 3 miles south of Hot Springs. The 1.2 mile Spring Creek Nature Trail circles the campground and meanders beside the creek, an excellent trout stream. Open during the weekend of Memorial Day-during the weekend of Labor Day. Please see www.recreation.gov for actual opening and closure dates.
Norris Lakefront in Big Creek “Suits Us Just Fine”. This house has a lot going for it, but all I can say is- check out the water access!! And for $265 a night average, it’s definitely a contender. Nestled in the woods on 3 private acres with a lakefront inlet cove for your group’s private getaway. Recently updated charmer, offering 2500+ sq ft on three levels with firepit, fireplace, hot tub, dock and so much more. They also have a companion house you can rent next door called “Suits Us Too”. VRBO
#3. Off-the-grid Luxury at “Bear Necessities”. This stunning Cherokee National Forest vacation cabin sits alongside the crystalline Tellico River. The large deck overlooks the water and fire-pit. This home is a dream for the outdoor enthusiast! Step right outside for world-famous trout fishing. An off-the-grid vacation paradise! Our cabin offers the modern conveniences of satellite TVs, outdoor grill, full kitchen, and gas-fireplace. But the stunning wall of windows, overlooking the river, will steal the show! This cabin is perfect for families, fishing companions, and it also makes an ideal honeymoon retreat. The full kitchen is stocked with all you need for preparing your food. A full bathroom is on each level. On the spacious back deck you can sit on a rocking chair to view the wildlife, relax with your favorite beverage, and visit with your friends. The rush of the river will lull you to sleep each night as you sleep in one of our 3 luxurious beds. This well-appointed cabin sleeps 6 (2 full baths). Only 7 miles from Bald River Falls, this cabin (located in the Green Cove area) is only 2 miles from the Tellico Trout Hatchery and the Benton MacKaye Hiking Trail. Average $275-$350 a night. AIRBNB
ANCIENT LORE VILLAGE
7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN | 865-200-2434
www.ancientlorevillage.com/
A luxury event venue and boutique resort offering events for the community, private venues for rent, Village tours, axe throwing & archery, and overnight lodging.
APPLEVIEW RIVER RESORT
460 Lonesome Valley Road, Sevierville, TN | 865-286-5503
www.appleviewresort.com/
Nestled on a quiet peninsula on the banks of the Little Pigeon River, Appleview River Resort offers luxury riverside condos and villas near the Apple Barn in the heart of premier shopping, dining and entertainment. No better location in the Smokies.
CHEROKEE LODGE
3415 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN | 865-774-5900
www.cherokeelodgecondos.com
Beautiful two and three bedroom condos located in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Large, open floorplans that are great for families on vacation! Enchanting outdoor pool with slide. Near Dollywood.
RIVERSTONE RESORT & SPA
212 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN | 865-908-0660
www.riverstoneresort.com/?chebs=PFCOC-ResortListing
Beautiful one to four bedroom condos with spacious rooms, custom furniture, flat-screen TV’s, full kitchens and fireplaces. Relax at lazy river, indoor pool, and at our spa. One mile from Dollywood.
When visiting Vonore a person will be struck by the unique beauty, lush landscape and Smokey Mountain scenery. Vonore is surrounded on three sides by the Tellico Lake. The majesty of the water with the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in the background is ever present in any direction you wish to look.
Boating, Fishing, Hiking and Camping, are just a few of the attractions and sports that can be found in this community. The legendary “Dragon” for motorcycle enthusiasts is located only 10 miles from the city limits. Living accommodations to suite anyone’s taste and comfort requirements can be found in and around Vonore.
The people of Vonore consist of a vast array of backgrounds, from the farmer who grew up on the very land he now lives and tends to the retired person who found this ‘diamond in the rough’ while surfing the internet for a retirement community to move and enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the fast corporate and city life styles.
Vonore offers the largest industrial parks in Monroe County (Tellico West and Niles Ferry Industrial Parks) with employment opportunities for all ages. Vonore is proud of its Public Library and happy to have anyone who enjoys reading to visit the library in person or via internet to check out books and other written items. The Heritage Museum houses a wide array of artifacts from families and years of
history of days gone by. The City Mayor and Aldermen are very community minded and welcome everyone to their special town.
But how did this beautiful little town come to be?
The Little Tennessee River Valley (of which Vonore forms a part) is one of considerable archaeological and historical value. The valley was the principal homeland of the Cherokee Indian Nation for a long period of time. Many of the Overhill Cherokee Indian villages were located in the area. Tanasi, widely regarded as the source of the name of the State of Tennessee and Chota the Cherokee capital were located in the Vonore area. Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet lived in the area and the Indian villages played host to Sam Houston during his sojourns with the Cherokees. Vonore is the home to Fort Loudoun the first Anglo settlement west of the Alleghenies which was completed in July of 1757 only to be surrendered to the Cherokees in August of 1760.
The geographical location of Vonore along the Little Tennessee River has long been the envy of developers arid politicians and this very valuable natural advantage led to some of the most
disruptive years in recent times. Vonore's geographical advantages gave rise to one of the most outrageous governmental land grabs in recent history. With the aid of biased media representatives, prejudiced jurist and constitutionally questionable laws, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began the Tellico Project.
This project involved the construction of the Tellico Dam and the resulting Tellico Lake caused the inundation of most of the prime river bottomland along the Little Tennessee River and resulted in the relocation of persons of influence and leadership from the area. This project involved TVA'S acquisition of some 38,000 acres of land in portions of Blount, Loudon and Monroe Counties. Of this acreage, l,841 acres comprise the river channel. About 8,447 acres were designated as prime farmland, about 5,488 acres were designated as land of statewide importance for agriculture, and 22,224 acres were undesignated, there proper use (in terms of agricultural capability) being limited to pasture and forest. This land grab allowed the acquisition of roughly twice as much land as was necessary for the land inundated by the resulting Tellico Lake and proper easements. This land was then transferred to the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency (TRDA) a puppet
agency created to allow the transfer of this newly acquired TVA land to large developers. Some of the land is now being sold in 1/4 acre lots in the development for as much as $200,000 dollars. The average price paid to the original land owners was about $200 per acre. And County, State, and Federal Agencies sanctioned this amazing grab of private lands. An article in the Knoxville News Sentinel described the situation as local land owners, fisherman, and environmentalist argued in congressional hearings in an effort to stop the Tellico Dam and save the Little Tennessee River for posterity. A quote from this article says, ''...arrated against this meager force were ranks of beady eyed bureaucrats pork barrel congressmen, biased news media, prejudiced jurist, and greedy local promoters and politicians". The rights and freedoms of individual property openers throughout the nation suffered a major setback in the Tellico Project and mere words or government reports cannot described the untold anguish of families uprooted from there life long homes.
Ironically, TVA itself in its Alternatives for Completing the Tellico Project admitted that the area could be developed just as well or possibly better without the Tellico Dam. The encroachment of an out of control Federal government into the lives of the inhabitants was nearly a death blow to the Town of Vonore as the Tennessee Valley Authority continued with the Tellico Project. Indeed the plans for a new Town of Timberlake (a planned community based on river resources) were almost implemented. Some of the new industries tried to unofficially call the area New Tellico or Tellico Lake. Local State, and Federal Authorities seemed intent upon replacing the Town of Vonore with a government planned entity. The puppet agency, TRDA was authorized
to control the development of the land acquired from TVA. Vonore was the only municipality directly affected by the Tellico Dam, and quite significantly Vonore was, and is the only municipality not represented on the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency Board. This means that the development of the Town of Vonore and its surrounding communities is in the hands of persons outside the area. To this day there are practically no state highway signs providing directions to the Town of Vonore despite the town being the site of the Fort Loudoun State Park the Tellico Blockhouse and the Sequoyah Birth Place Museum. Efforts by government and industry officials are to emphasize "Tellico" in describing the area (Tellico Lake, Tellico Village, Port of Tellico, Tellico Industrial Park, etc.) but the Town of Vonore still exists and maintains an identity much to the dismay of government planners, local media and politicians.
Town Leaders had foreseen this turn of events and had incorporated the town on June 21,1965. This allowed the town some control of its area. The Town of Vonore was too tough to die, and at the present time, Vonore is poised on the verge of tremendous growth, residentially and commercially. Ironically, this growth with probably allow Vonore to regain almost full control over its destiny, but the Vonore of the past has to give way to a new identity. The historical society has tried to maintain and strengthen Vonore's identity by forming a group dedicated to preserving out past heritage and documenting the changes that are occurring.
Vonore has a total area of 11.9 square miles. 8.7 square miles of it is land and 3.2 square miles of it is water. The total area is 26.58% water.
You might not know that I grew up in Tennessee. I don’t spend a lot of time talking about it on my blog. Mostly because I started my blog after I moved to Seattle. But also because I’ve taken my hometown for granted.
Sure, Knoxville, Tennessee isn’t as glamorous as New York or London. It’s not even the most well-known city in Tennessee (Nashville and Memphis are fighting for that top spot). But, there are still plenty of hidden gems in Knoxville worth exploring.
I was recently back in Tennessee for a friend’s wedding and I spent a day in downtown Knoxville. I noticed so many local restaurants, boutiques, and art displays that I never really paid attention to when I lived there. Since there are now so many things to do in Downtown Knoxville, I decided to create a post with my best ideas!
If you are heading to Downtown Knoxville here are a few things you
might want to know right away:
1. Downtown Knoxville is just about an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Personally, I think this is a much better base for exploring the park than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
2. Many of the Downtown Knoxville parking garages are free on nights and weekends.
3. Market Square is the main hub of activity in downtown. But the Old City and Gay Street are also filled with great bars and eateries!
Ok Let’s begin! [*We picked a few from her list of 30, so if you would like to see them all visit adventuringmillennial. com]
1. Admire the Street Art in Strong Alley I’m not going to lie, I was very surprised to see beautiful street art in Knoxville. I look for street art in every city I visit but I never expected to find some here! Walking through the alleys of Downtown Knoxville made me feel like
by Stephanie, the Adventuring Millennial. See more of her adventures at www.adventuringmillennial.com
I was exploring the lanes in Melbourne, Australia!
As you wander through Market Square, peek into the alleys to look for art. Strong Alley (between Wall and Union Street) has some of the best murals in downtown Knoxville.
If you are in Knoxville on a summer Saturday, head to the Market Square Farmer’s Market. This is one of the absolute best things to do in Downtown Knoxville! You can shop for seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, and artisan crafts. There are also a few vendors selling gorgeous cut-flower bouquets.
4. See the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial
Tennessee played a major role in the woman suffrage movement. It was the last state to ratify the 19th amendment which ultimately gave women the right to vote. This statue was unveiled in 2006 and honors local women who helped push Tennessee lawmakers to ratify the 19th amendment. You will find the Memorial, which depicts Elizabeth Avery Meriwether, Lizzie Crozier French, and Anne Dallas Dudley, in the Middle of Market Square.
6. Treat Yourself to Cruze Farms
3. Buy Local Treats at the Market Square Farmer’s Market
Ask anyone in Knoxville about the city’s best ice cream and they will mention Cruze Farms. This local creamery used to only serve milk (don’t skip the coffee milk) and ice cream pints at the Market Square Farmers Market and in grocery stores. Now, you can visit their permanent location in downtown Knoxville.
9. Take a Walk in Krutch Park
Ok, it won’t be a long walk but this small park is a nice place for a short stroll. The trails are lined with leafy trees and interesting sculptures. There are a few benches scattered around the park so this is also a nice place to sit and relax for a bit.
10. Go Bowling
Maple Hall isn’t your regular bowling alley. This trendy spot features exposed brick walls, leather couches, and a specialty cocktail bar. After 9 pm, this becomes a 21+ venue. They don’t offer reservations but come early to put your name on the list- the lanes fill up quickly (especially on the weekends).
11.
Skip the Starbucks and enjoy some local coffee! My two favorites are K Brew and Coffee and Chocolate (I mean really, is there a better combination?). When you visit K Brew, be sure to check out their specials. They always seem to be creating a new latte, like their Coconut Cream Latte and their Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer Latte.
favorite. Here you can find beautiful art prints, cards, and t-shirts made by local artists. Nothing Too Fancy is another fun boutique. This shop is filled with soft graphic t-shirts featuring local neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and more! [*editor’s note: there’s now a home for Knoxville’s makers at Knox Makers116 Childress St. SW Knoxville, TN 37920. knoxmakers.org]
16. Climb to the top of the Sunsphere Knoxville’s golden landmark was created for the 1982 World’s Fair (yes, Knoxville hosted a World’s Fair!) and still serves as a symbol of the city. You’ll find the eye-catching structure in World’s Fair Park, which is a nice place to relax or go for a run. You can also climb to
the {FREE} Observation Deck inside the Sunsphere for a 360-degree view of World’s Fair Park and downtown Knoxville.
18. Enjoy a Sundae at The Phoenix Pharmacy
After stocking up at the Mast General Store, stop by The Phoenix Pharmacy for an old-school ice cream sundae. This authentic soda fountain serves delicious creations like the Great Smokey Mountain Sundae with a fudge-soaked brownie, Italian sponge cake, vanilla ice cream, caramel, whipped cream, brittle, and a cherry.
19. Admire Local Art
Near World’s Fair Park you can visit the Knoxville Museum of Art. This museum features pieces by East Tennessee artists. The museum is free to visit so step inside and check out the local art scene!
21. Take a Themed River Boat Cruise
can also be rented and is a popular option for special events (I’ve been to a few parties on the boat)!
22. Visit the Birthplace of Knoxville James White’s Fort is the restored 1786 residence of Knoxville’s founder. James White was granted the land following his service in the Revolutionary War. He named the city after Henry Knox, President Washington’s Secretary of War. Today you can take a guided tour of the historic fort to learn more about the beginnings of Knoxville.
28. Listen to the Blue Plate Special Every Monday-Thursday at noon, stop by the Visitor’s Center to enjoy free live music. This concert is sponsored by WDVX and has featured some wellknown artists (including The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show) + many local talents throughout the years.
This simple and sweet project brings local artists and community musicians together. As you explore downtown Knoxville, you might notice a few colorful pianos. Local jazz pianist Brian Clay started the project after being inspired by a similar project in Atlanta. With the help of a few Knoxville-based artists, he brought the vision to life. Today, anyone is welcome to sit and play on these beautiful pianos.
13. Visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Did you know Knoxville is home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame? If you are familiar with women’s basketball this might not be a surprise to you. The University of Tennessee Lady Vols are known for being coached by Pat Summit. This legendary coach won eight NCAA championships and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. The Hall of Fame honors female basketball stars at all levels.
One of my favorite things to do in downtown Knoxville is to browse the local shops. Rala is my absolute
For a different type of night out, take a cruise on the Tennessee River. The Star of Knoxville offers themed dinner cruises, including a Holiday Cruise and a Murder Mystery Cruise. This boat
how zoo keepers take care of Zoo Knoxville’s animals. Maximum group size is 45 participants.
With Zoo Knoxville’s Bedtime with the Beast program, your group doesn’t only see the zoo, you get to spend the night up close and personal with our residents.
Go on a starlight zoo safari. Fall asleep in Tiger Forest to the roar of a tiger. Wake up in the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Center in a room full of reptiles. Camp out in the Gibbon Treehouse and wake up to the call of the wild.
If you thought the zoo was fun during the day, just imagine the adventure when the sun goes down!
Creatures of the Night is appropriate for ages 6 and up. Not all animals are awake and active during the day. Many only start moving after the sun goes down! Learn about all of the wild nocturnal and crepuscular animals that live at Zoo Knoxville. Maximum group size is 75 participants.
Keeper for the Night is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Join us for an all-night exploration into the life of a zoo keeper! Learn through games, activities and animal encounters
All programs include a private after hours tour of Zoo Knoxville, hands-on educational activities, an encounter with one of our animal ambassadors, continental breakfast, and an adventurous night sleeping at Zoo Knoxville!
Offered by reservation only, minimum three weeks in advance. For ages 6 and up.
Year round from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.
$50 per person (includes zoo admission the next morning). Group dinner options are available for $9 per person.
Minimum group size 15 people. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and overnight gear.
Boo at the Zoo Bedtime with the Beasts! Dates and information will be posted May 2nd.
For more information contact us at zkcommunity@zooknoxville.org.
This trip combines luxury resort & liveaboard experiences! Join us March 30th- April 13th.
Once we land, just a thirtyminute drive from the local airport, on a long peaceful stretch of beach, lies the lush and luxurious Atlantis Dive Resort – Dumaguete.
Surrounded by an amazing tropical garden with some of the rarest plants to be found in the Philippines, it is just a short trip to some of the most renowned dive sites in Asia – Apo Island, Siquijor, and of course the local Dauin Marine Sanctuaries.
While better known as Atlantis Dumaguete, the capital, principal seaport, and largest city of the province, we are actually a part of the municipality of Dauin (pronounced Da-win), the
epicenter of Dumaguete’s dive scene. *We will spend 7 days at this resort
The Azores has set new standards in liveaboard diving in the Philippines, and as many of our guests say, in Asia. Azores is the perfect place from which to explore some of the best diving in the world – we offer three distinct itineraries showcasing parts of the Philippines on schedules only possible by liveaboard. *We will spend 7 days on the boat.
Visit www. skiscuba. com for more information.
Oh My Gosh! I want one! That’s what you’re gonna hear when your child sees the HEAD Sea Pals Junior Dry Snorkel Set. Heck, we’re saying it and we’re adults. They have Turtles & Clown Fish and other cute sea critters to choose from! Get them at Ski Scuba right here in Knoxville! www.skiscuba.com
OPEN Tues-Fri 10am-6pm
Saturday 9am-4pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Me and co is the hidden gem located in The Gallery Shopping Center on Kingston Pike.
The owner Michelle Eargle fills the store with unique and fun gifts, toys and hand-crafted items.
She is actually a talented artist as well! She can personalize any item in her shop.
She absolutely enjoys making memorable gifts for holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations and so much more.
From Easter baskets, ornaments, clothing hangers, and more you can find the perfect gift that will have so much meaning.
Since opening her doors October 6th, 2014, Michelle has touches thousands of hearts with her unique gifts.
She greets you with a bright smile, and her true heart for people shows in each interaction.
Here, we’ve picked a few of our favorites throughout the years. If you are ever in need of a gift or just want to visit a place that makes you happyher store is the place to go! Follow her on Facebook & Instagram. Visit her location at 7240 Kingston Pike , Knoxville, TN
Are you searching for how to decrease the amount of “stuff” you put into your landscape? Or are you concerned about those news reports of huge algae blooms killing sea life? And what about those songbirds?
It’s easy to get caught up in the sad web of true stories about the
decline of our ecosystem’s health, but those sad stories are not the “only” stories.
There are countless gardeners, landscapers, and other professionals who are working diligently to make their landscapes ones that support the Earth rather than damage it. We want to help you do the same,
or encourage you in your efforts to do more.
The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville (UT Gardens) is excited to invite you to the second EcoLOGICAL Gardening Symposium taking place March 4, 2023. This one-day event will highlight ways that homeowners, gardeners, and even landscape professionals can create positive stories of how they are doing their part to help people, plants, and animals around them.
One of our previous attendees said of last year’s symposium, “Was focused every moment. Absolutely awesome.” Clear your schedule and prepare to join fellow gardeners and environmental enthusiasts for a day dedicated to (eco)logical approaches to gardening and home landscaping. You will learn from experts and network with others who, like you, are passionate about making their home landscape inviting for creatures of all shapes and sizes.
Pre-registration is required for the symposium and can be found by visiting utgardens.tennessee. edu. Registration includes a light breakfast and catered lunch. You must register by Sunday, February 26, at 11:59pm.
A silent auction along with five presentations from field experts will make the event one that no gardener will want to miss.
If you have questions about the symposium or other UT Gardens programs, feel free to reach out to UT Gardens’ Education Coordinator Whitney Hale by emailing her at whitneyhale@tennessee.edu.
