Mountain Escapes Oct-Nov 2023 Edition

MOUNTAIN ESCAPES prints 6 times per year.

HOW TO ADVERTISE OR REQUEST A MEDIA KIT: CONTACT TERRY PATTERSON 865-242-1512

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

ON THE COVERS

FAMILY, FUN & FALL ALONG THE CHEROHALA SKYWAY

Celebrate the 27th year of the opening of the Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic By-Way, Saturday, Oct 28, 2023 from 10-5 at the Cherohala Skyway Festival! The festival will be held at the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center and field in Tellico Plains. Admission to the festival and the museum is FREE and the Huge Kids Zone is FREE! Parking is only $5 and available in the field behind the museum. Enter at 122 Bank Street!

Find booth after booth of juried arts and crafts, incredible food and favorite fair foods, as well as festival fun like horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, kids train rides, tractor pulled hay rides, huge inflatable zone, a sawdust dig for cash and treasures, On the Road Axe Throw, antique tractors and more!

Enjoy bluegrass and mountain music at the Josh Graves Memorial

Music Festival section of the Cherohala Skyway Festival! Uncle Josh’s nephew, Tim Graves and his award-winning and recording bluegrass band, The Farm Hands, and the Graves Brothers will join other talented and recording artists: Tim Decker and Tennessee River and Western North Carolina’s, Appalachian Smoke! Local Junior Appalachian Musicians and the Mountain Music String Band will also take the stage with a day filled with heritage music!

Enter to win a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Softstyle Bike Raffle for only $50! See the QR code on our ad>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Enter the inaugural Cherohala 5K! See the QR code on our ad>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

More information: www.skywayfestival.com

Raffle Tickets

Memorable Holidays in Hiwassee

Have you ever thought about Holidays in Hiwassee? Probably not, but you should!

Hiwassee is home to the Tennessee Valley Railroad. They have rides and events all year long, but there’s just something special about a magical trip on a train at Christmas Time!

The have so many fun trips to pick through, something for all ages!

Starting with the Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday Train Ride which is a round-trip one-hour and 15-minute ride along the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge. Features of this ride include: writing a letter to Santa, a gingerbread cookie, chocolate milk, and a special visit from Santa!

A keepsake boarding pass and

holiday bell will be given to every passenger.

Next, visit the North Pole! As our most popular annual event, North Pole Limited train rides have been a family tradition since 1999. During the magical holiday season, trains take riders on an imaginary journey to the North Pole.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to refreshments and storytelling while you write your own personal letter to Santa. As the North Pole Limited train gently rolls down the rails, a number of lighted displays can be seen outside. When you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board for a special visit with all the passengers.

Wrap your holiday season up with a storybook adventure with our

newest trips, Holiday Light Train! From December 26th – January 1st, and January 6 & 7 take a magical journey on one of our festive light trains and experience the wonderment that comes from traveling through time.

The Holiday Lights Train Ride is a festive way to enjoy the holiday season starting after Christmas Day. The train ride takes you through a variety of light displays, from twinkling snowflakes to towering Christmas trees. The Holiday Lights Train Ride is a great activity for

families or groups of friends. It’s a fun and unique way to see the holiday lights and get into the spirit of the season.

So be sure to join us! Book now, spots fill up fast!

2 FRIENDS, A DREAM & WET BOOTS

It was May 1994, Greg Rowe and Charles Woody (aka Woody) were camped alongside Eagle Creek in North Carolina. Greg’s boots were drying (melting!) by the fire as two friends talked and sipped hot cider. They did not like their current jobs (suits!) and thought that maybe they could start their own business someday. As Greg noticed his boot soles dripping, Woody mentioned that Maryville, TN did not have a place to buy quality outdoor gear and clothing and that people were driving to Knoxville to get it. It was that night that Little River Trading Company was born.

PREPPING

FOR A “STEP

OF

FAITH.

Woody and Greg ventured to their first market in this business. They left with a “maybe loan” and a “not sure” on a location. With the loan going through and the location

panning out, things were starting to come together like clockwork, some would say it was destiny!

TURNING THIER DREAM INTO A REALITY.

All hands on deck to create a space that was inviting and equipped with the area’s most upto-date and high-quality gear to prepare you for any adventure. It’s amazing what elbow grease, some patience, and a fresh coat of paint can do for a space!

READY FOR OUR DEBUT!

With the dream to live the lifestyle they loved, Greg and Woody opened Little River Trading Company on April 1, 1996, calling it their “Step of Faith”. Operating the store with no other employees.

MAKING HISTROY, ONE NEWS ARTICLE AT A TIME.

A rapidly growing need for outdoor gear and an outpouring of support from our community led us to hire more employees and move into our current building on Washington Avenue!

Celebrating 27 years of being in this supportive community and providing the best gear for all of your outdoor adventures! Our motto has always been “quality outdoor gear and clothing since 1996” and it has always been “quality – everything.” Follow us for all our new ventures and exciting match-ups!

Historic Good Fun for Everyone

The Ramsey House may have been built in 1797 by Knoxville’s first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey but they sure know how to fun in 2023!

Check out their Calendar of Events for the Fall and Holidays while enjoying the beautiful home that is constructed of Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. (It was known at that time as the finest home in Tennessee.)

The Ramsey Family was one of the first families to settle the Knoxville area. They played vital roles in developing civic, educational and cultural institutions.

OCTOBER 27th, 2023

SPIRITS WITHIN

The Historic Ramsey House invites you and your whole family to join us October 27th and 28th between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm for a special spooky candlelit tour!

Learn all about funerary practices of the early 1800’s and if you’re lucky, maybe even about some of the spirits that are rumored to roam the rooms and grounds here at the Historic Ramsey House!

Before and after your tour, enjoy s’mores and refreshments around a warm bonfire.

NOVEMBER 11th, 2023

CHRISTMAS MARKETPLACE

Join us 10:00 am - 4:00 pm for a unique shopping experience as craftsmen from near and far gather on the grounds of the Historic Ramsey House to offer their creations for your holiday needs. From quilting to painting to handcrafted jewelry and more, you are certain to find the perfect gift or home decor item to make your Holiday gatherings even more special. This FREE event is great for the entire family. We will also offer onsite food, entertainment, great shopping and more!

Admission to the Marketplace, as well as parking are FREE!

Follow our Facebook Event Page for more info, and for sneak peeks at what you can expect!

DECEMBER 1st & 2nd, 2023

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS

Don’t miss this special Holiday tradition on December 1st and 2nd from 6:30pm - 8:30pm! At this annual event, enjoy a tour of Historic Ramsey House, decorated with fresh greenery and candles. Take a step back in history and learn all about Christmas traditions of the early 1800’s. Before and after your tour, relax around a warm bonfire, swapping stories, munching on s’mores and sipping on hot drinks.

On Friday, The Tennesseans For Living History will be setting up camp on the Ramsey grounds. These living historians offer a breadth of unique information about early TN history, as well as a few exciting demonstrations. Reenactors in period dress will greet tours every 15 minutes. Follow us on Facebook!

A Kingsport Tradition at a NEW Location!

The beloved Christmas Connection, Artistic Creations Fair, is celebrating 44 years of bringing some of the region’s best arts and crafts vendors to Kingsport. This year we will return to Kingsport’s MeadowView Convention Center, in their main convention hall –Convention Center A. This event favorite is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.

The Christmas Connection is here to connect you just in time for the holiday festivities! You can find unique gifts and support artisans in our region. Free Admission all weekend!

The sights, sounds and smells of Christmas will surround shoppers as they shop from the region’s best craftspeople, artisans, artists, and creatives. A few of the items you will find include Country Crafts, Home Décor, Fine Woodcrafts, Leathercrafts, Handmade Soaps and Lotions, Candles, Jewelry, Christmas Ornaments, Stained Glass, Wheel Thrown Pottery, Fabric Crafts, Needlework, American Girl Doll Clothing, Pet Accessories and Clothing, Dichroic Glass, Handmade Greeting Cards and Paper Art, Snowmen, Santas, Baked Goods, and much more!

As you enter the Convention Center, take your taste-buds over to the “Connection Café,” where you can enjoy country favorites. At the front entrance make sure to stop by the food trucks & booth by the Kingsport Ballet, to satisfy your salty, savory, or sweet taste buds.

Whether you have been enjoying the Christmas Connection for years or you are trying it out for the very first time, this artisan and craft fair has something for you! Kingsport’s Annual Christmas Connection, a free admission event, is to be held November 10 –11 at the Kingsport MeadowView Convention Center, and is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.

We are excited to be able to continue the tradition for its 44th consecutive year at our new location, serving the artists and

the community!

Thank you for supporting your local artisans!

LOCATION: MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center 1901 Meadowview Pkwy. Kingsport, TN 37660

DATES/HOURS: Free Admission to the public!

Friday, Nov. 10th. 12 Noon - 6 PM

Saturday, Nov.11th. 9 AM - 6 PM

For more information on the Christmas Connection event, please visit EngageKingsport. com or call the Office of Cultural Arts at 423-392-8414.

Direct link: https:// arts.kingsporttn. gov/communityengagement/ christmasconnection/

Step Back in Time

Step back in time and experience the rich culture of Appalachia at the 46th Mountain Makins Folk Life Festival hosted at historic Rose Center in Morristown, TN on October 28 and 29, 2023.

authors, children’s activities, abundant good food, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, wheel thrown pottery, and wood turning.

Browse over 50 juried arts and crafts vendors to find unique treasures handmade by regional artisans. Preview party on Friday evening, Oct 27th at 6:30 pm featuring food and live music.

This family-friendly event features two stages of old time, bluegrass, Appalachian and Americana music, storytelling, prize-winning dancers, regional

Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday. Admission is $10; children under 12 are free. www. rosecenter.org; https://www. eventeny.com/events/mountainmakins-festival-2023-5678/. Contact events@rosecenter.org, or call 423-581-4330 for details.

Greeneville to Erwin (TN107/TN81) ---

Travel through the Nolichucky River Valley along the base of the Bald Mountains. Then drive through a narrow corridor between cliffs and the Nolichucky River. Scenic views of farmland, rural communities, mountains, and the river throughout.

Top Fall Drives

Newport (US 25/70) to Greeneville (TN 107) ---

Travel along the French Broad River Valley, surrounded by mountains, to the historic town of Del Rio. Then drive through the Cherokee National Forest and down into Houston Valley. Scenic views of farmland and mountains abound along the way.

www.discovergreenevilletn.com

Cmdr. Chad Tella Takes Command of USS Greeneville

KITTERY, Maine – The USS Greeneville has a new commander. Cmdr. Robert Lane turned over command of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772) to Cmdr. Chad Tella in a traditional change of command ceremony held Friday at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Kittery, Maine, the U.S. Navy reported in a news release.

Sixteen residents from the Town of Greeneville, the submarine’s namesake, attended the ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Capt. Daniel Reiss, commander of Submarine Squadron Two, the parent command of all PNSY units.

Lane praised the crew for their hard work and dedication during what he called a “challenging yard period.”

“We tested this crew’s resolve in ways we never could have expected,” said Lane, a Huffman, Texas native and graduate of the University of Houston. “Still, the crew of Greeneville rolled up their sleeves and got the job done.”

“Shipyard life is not the most glamorous of tours, but it is important nonetheless,” Lane added. “This crew and shipyard workers have inspired me over the last three years. I have no doubt they will finish the job, under Cmdr. Tella’s leadership, and return the ship to the fleet stronger, tougher, and better than ever before.” Lane, a prior-enlisted electrician

before commissioning in 2001, climbed the ranks through the submarine nuclear power pipeline and his previous tours include the USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), USS Maryland (SSBN 738), and USS La Jolla (SSN 701). Lane and his wife Carrie have three children, Trevor, Sabre, and Katie.

Tella also spoke during the ceremony, praising his predecessor and the crew, expressing his anticipation and excitement to get the boat back out to sea during his tenure.

Tella, a Plano, Texas native and graduate of Pennsylvania State University, previously served as executive officer of the USS Asheville (SSN 758). He also served on the USS Cheyenne (773) and USS Santa Fe (SSN 763). Tella and his wife Lauren have one son, Corbin.

Greeneville, commissioned in 1996, is the 61st and penultimate Los Angeles-class submarine and the only vessel in U.S. Navy history to be named after Greeneville, Tennessee. The submarine has a crew of more than 110 personnel, is more than 362 feet long, and can displace nearly 7,000 tons.

The Los Angeles-class, sometimes called the LA-class or the 688-class, is a class of nuclearpowered fast attack submarines that forms the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force.

Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare.

Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.

Among the sixteen residents representing Greeneville that attended the ceremony were USS Greeneville Inc. President Dale Long and Greeneville Mayor Cal Doty, who spoke with The Greeneville Sun this week. “I was very excited to have 16 representatives from Greeneville to attend the change of command. I can assure you that Greeneville was wellrepresented,” Long said.

Long noted that those in attendance anted to not only welcome Tella to the USS Greeneville but also thank Lane for his service on the submarine.

“We were there to say thank you and there to give a welcome,” Long said. “Everyone enjoyed and appreciated the former Commander Robert Lane for all his work during the past three years and we are excited to welcome aboard Chad Tella and his family to the USS Greeneville.”

It was Long’s third time attending a change of command ceremony for the USS Greeneville. It was Doty’s first time attending a change of

command ceremony for the submarine, and he said that he felt “fortunate.”

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to go for the ceremony and show support for the USS Greeneville, and to be able to visit the naval base in Kittery, Maine where the Greeneville is being upgraded,” Doty said.

“It was a solemn and moving ceremony to see that historic tradition of the change of command being passed along.”

Doty was happy to see Greeneville well represented at the ceremony and he said that the Navy personnel at the event “were impressed with our support of the boat and very complimentary.”

Doty said that the USS Greeneville is something in which locals can take pride.

“Being the only small town with a submarine named after us is something to be proud of. We should all be proud of the USS Greeneville and its sailors,” Doty said. “I’m happy to see the local community supporting the boat and know that they will be happy to continue to do so in the years to come.”

Sixteen local residents attended the USS Greeneville change of command ceremony on Friday. From left are Todd Smith, Rhajon Smith, Alethea Smith, Dr. Scott Hummel, Starr Hummel, Alan Shipley, Robyn Shipley, Tracy Solomon, Cal Doty, former USS Greeneville Commander Robert Lane, Dale Long, Shelia Jeffers, Jann Mirkov, Rebakah Taylor, Jeff Taylor, Aly Collins and Curt Collins.

From left, Cal Doty, Alan Shipley, Dr. Scott Hummel, Tracy Solomon and Todd Smith visit with Cmdr. Chad Tella, far right, at a picnic following the USS Greeneville change of command ceremony Friday.

Cmdr. Robert Lane, right, outgoing commanding officer of the USS Greeneville, shakes hands with his relief Cmdr. Chad Tella during a change of command ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Capt. Daniel Reiss, center, commander of Submarine Squadron TWO, presided over the ceremony. (US Navy

Photo by Selena Bro)

Must Take Roadtrips This Fall

If you’re in desperate need of a little getaway but don’t know where to go, you’re in the right place. Weekend trips keep me sane. Whether it’s driving to Bryson City, NC or camping in Cades Cove, having a little retreat is so good for the soul. All of these destinations are awesome, each offering something a little differnt than the last. All of them make awesome weekend trips and some could be considered day trips from Knoxville. If you visit any of these places, tag us on social media so we can see you making memories with us!

chattanooga, tn

Everything. Simply put, Chattanooga has everything. Do you like being in the city? Check. Do you like being outdoors? check. Do you like good food? Check. Do you like being in nature? Check. Do you like awesome aquariums? Check. Do you like pretty rivers and watersports? Check. Do you like drinking coffee in a pretty park? Check.

Chattanooga is the East TN Mecca for outdoors lovers because there is literally anything and everything you could want. You can hike. You can camp. You can take scenic drives. You can rockclimb. You can paraglide.

I know this is a bit repetitive, but it’s just that simple. Chattanooga offers a great night life and some of the best food in the area, while being close enough to nature that it doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing either part of the experience. More information on all to do in Chattanooga can be found at www.visitchattanooga.com.

fall creek falls state park

There’s not a magazine big enough for me to talk about how amazing Fall Creek Falls is. If you could wrap an outdoor experience in the perfect present and give it someone for their birthday or Christmas, it is Fall Creek Falls. If you don’t know, Fall Creek Falls State Park is in Spencer, TN. Althought their is over 200 campsites availble. the Fall Creek Falls Lodge offers a different experience for those who don’t want to sleep under the stars. There’s a swimming pool, adult and child sized ropes course, horseback riding, 6+ waterfalls, watersports, hiking and more. This is a great place to take your family or even for a couple’s weekend getaway. Fall Creek Falls offers an oasis for outdoor lovers, and this is only a small fraction of what it offers. More information can be found at tnstateparks. com/parks/fall-creek-falls.

BRYSON CITY, NC

Bryson City became my favorite place to visit the first I went. There’s great food, breweries and cute shops for gifts and hiking essentials. If you’re interested in history, there’s a museum dedicated to the city’s history as well as a few more historical buildings you’re able to visit. For the outdoorsy people, there;s hiking, whitewater rafting, camping, waterfalls, fishing streams, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The train depot and museum sits in the middle of Bryson City offering rides to Nantahalla Gorge. This is by far my favorite thing to do in Bryson City. Once you’ve arrived in Nantahalla Gorge, you have an hour to grab lunch if you didn’t eat on the train and explore. It’s a must do if you’re planning a trip to Bryson City, but tickets sell out quick so reserve them ahead of time! This is only a tiny bit of what all Bryson City has to offer, for more information visit www.greatsmokies.com

CHIMNEY ROCK, NC

If you’ve never visited Chimney Rock, you need to. It’s the perfect fall weekend trip. The hike, consisting of 1.5 miles and 500 stairs to the top, is considered difficult on travel sites; however it is worth it. If you don’t want to climb to the top, you can forgo the hike and drive to the stairs. On a clear day, you’re able to see 75 miles of gorgeous scenery, including Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Chimney Rock is also a very quaint town with cute shops, a few good dinner spots and the gorgeous Rocky Broad River running through. A few movies have been filmed in the area, like Dirty Dancing at Lake Lure and Last of the Mohicans at the top of Chimney Rock. Even if you aren’t huge fans of the movies, it’s still cool to see some of these spots. Take a guided boat tour on Lake Lure, rock climb with Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School or sit by a fire and enjoy some moonshine, Chimney Rock has something for every outdoor lover, even if it’s just the fall scenery.

HOT SpRiNgS, NC

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

In 1886 when the Mountain Park Hotel was built, a natural hot spring was found, which prompted the Southern Improvement Company-the company who owned much of the area at this time-changed the town’s name from Warm Springs to Hot Springs. Here, you an find a little bit of everything. For those searching for a little bit of romance and a lot of outdoors, Hot Springs is the place. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, explore the Appalachain Trail, kayak down the French Broad River, take a break by listening to live music at Big Pillow Brewing and finish the night soaking in a natural hot spring. Stay at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a fully relaxing escape or at one of the many VRBO or cabin rentals in the area! When you visit Hot Springs, there is no time to be bored! There’s something to do all week long. More on what to do: www.hotspringsnc.org.

26oz Water Bottle | $40.00

828-520-1423

Shop with us this Fall & Holiday season for decor, clothing, gifts & more! Lots of handmade items to choose from.

Hours: Tue-Fri: 10-5 Saturday: 10-4 Closed Sunday Closed Monday

Ingredients

Crust:

1 stick melted butter

About 2 cups gingersnap crumbs

2 tblsp sugar

Filling:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

4 packages of 8oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup granulated sugar

5 eggs

Directions

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 9 in. springform pan. Mix melted butter, 2 tbsp sugar & gingersnap crumbs. Press crumb mixture into springform pan. Wrap the outside of pan with foil to prevent drips. Bake 8-10 min. Let cool completely.

In another bowl mix flour, pumpkin spice & pumpkin. Set aside. Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in one egg at a time on low speed just until blended. Gradually beat in pumpkin mixture until smooth.

Pour filling into cooled crust. Bake 1 hour 15-25 minutes or until set. Center of cheesecake should still jiggle slightly when moved.

Turn off oven and open door at least four inches. Leave cheesecake in oven for 30 min.

Remove cheesecake and run knife around edges to loosen. Let cool 30 min. Refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving.

Recipe from the Mountain Holler Steak & Seafood Restaurant.

Appalachian Christmas & Tinsel Trail

Shelton House in Historic Waynesville welcomes you to join them at the 4th Annual “Appalachian Family Christmas Event” and “Opening of the Tinsel Trail” on December 3rd from 5pm-7pm.

Enjoy Live Holiday music on the front porch of the house, hot chocolate and goodies, beautiful lights, decorations, and a visit from the jolly old man himself... Santa Claus.

View the beautiful trees lining the walkway and decorated by local businesses and organizations and bring the kids for a Holiday Photo Op in a real sleigh with Santa by their side. Don’t forget the letters to Santa as well, as they

will be collected and “Reindeer Expressed” to the Elves working in the North Pole.

Still looking for those Special Holiday Gifts? The Shelton

Carriage House Gift Shop will be open that night from 5pm to 7pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am - 3pm through December 16 with incredible handcrafted gifts locally made by

our very own WNC Artists! You won’t believe the selection!