Fall Harvest Guide 2024

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STREET

• ARTS & CRAFTS

FOOD VENDORS

Happy Fall Y’ALL!

Bluegrass Band will add some toe-tapping bluegrass to the mix! Local talent from Newport Dance and Cheer and Max Movement studios will keep the fun going.

Harvest Street Festival!

Come and enjoy the 38th annual Newport

NEWPORT – Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6 as downtown Newport transforms into the heart of fall fun with the return of an East Tennessee favorite! Get ready for a weekend full of food, crafts, live entertainment, and family-friendly excitement!

The celebration kicks off with a special opening ceremony coordinated by the Newport AMVETS Post 75 on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. as we come together to honor the brave men and women of our military. The ceremony will take place at the entertainment stage on Broadway next to the courthouse lawn. It’s the perfect way to start the festivities and show our appreciation for those who serve!

SHOPPING, CRAFTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

Be sure to stroll through the festival to explore an amazing selection of handmade arts and crafts, from pottery and quilts to paintings, toys and unique home décor for fall and Christmas. Be sure to stop by our local businesses and downtown shops for even more treasures! Discover new downtown spots, meet friendly faces, and support our wonderful community.

KIDS FUN AT KIDDIELAND

When the shopping’s done, KiddieLand is ready to deliver fun for the little ones! With an armband, kids can bounce, slide and play all day long! The Kiwanis of Newport Train is back, offering fun train rides through the festival and we’ve got helicopter rides for kids to enjoy! Plus, Rendleton Playground will return with even more surprises like teacup rides, jeep rides and games for all ages.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Get ready for a jam-packed lineup of live entertainment! Start your Saturday off with Jigsaw Jane, who’ll be bringing all your favorite classic and southern rock hits. Southern Addiction will follow with a mix of country and rock tunes, and Big Creek

On Sunday, join us for a special service with Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church and enjoy an afternoon filled with uplifting gospel music from Carson Creek Singers, Glory Bound, and more.

PAGEANT TIME

Don’t miss out on the crowning moments beginning Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the courthouse lawn to cheer on the little ones competing for Harvest Queen. The Miss Newport Harvest Festival pageant for ages 16-21 will close out the event. Who will wear the crown this year?

TRACTORS, FURRY FRIENDS AND MORE

Get a taste of tradition with artisan activities on the Main Street side of the Courthouse, and be sure to check out the Sevier County Antique Tractor display on Broadway. Plus, we’ve got some furry friends joining the fun this year!

As our festival grows, we love adding new surprises for your entertainment! This year, we’re thrilled to introduce Natasha the Dinosaur! Get ready to ROAR with excitement as Natasha makes her big appearance.

While you’re there, don’t forget to snap a picture with her as a fun keepsake of the unforgettable time you had at the Newport Harvest Street Festival!

For more details on this year’s Newport Harvest Street Festival, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (423) 623-7201 or via email at lramsey@cockecountypartnership.com or araines@cockecountypartnership.com. For photos and updates, visit our website or follow the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Facebook!

See you there for a fall weekend full of fun and memories!

Come celebrate the fall season at the 38th annual Newport Harvest Street Festival –a weekend filled with fun, food, and festivities for the whole family!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors for making this exciting weekend possible.

Jefferson Cocke County Utility District, Sonoco, Bush’s, Rural Medical Services, American Appliance, Lavelle Law Firm, McSpadden INC, Newport Paving, Ole Smoky Distillery, US Bank, Commercial Bank and First Horizon.

Jigsaw

Jane 12 Noon

Harvest Festival Entertainment SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

The day begins at 10 a.m. with Classic Strings of Cocke County.

The Cocke County Orchestra began in June 2011. Since it began its primary goal has been to bring good things to the community. It started as the Classical Strings of Cocke County and has played at a variety of social functions for clubs, schools and churches. The musicians are volunteers and come from all over Cocke County as well as Green, Hamblen, Sevier and Knox. The group gives us reason to practice and improve our musical skills. The group represents many careers, ages and walks of life, and truly enjoy playing music together.

Newport

Dance & Cheer

10:30 a.m.

Jigsaw Jane is a high-energy, fourpiece party band that plays everything from classic/southern rock/alternative with a splash of original music that is sure to please. This audience interactive band will quickly become one of your favorites. They are our neighbors from just up the road, from Abingdon, Va., and always put on a great show!

Max Movement 1:40 p.m.

Max Movement is a locally owned and operated dance and gymnastics studio. We offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pointe, tumbling, and acrobatics for ages 2.5 and up. Recreational and competitive classes are available. They have an award–winning competition team with two current regional title holders. Max Movement is located at 264 E. Main Street inn Newport (across from the train depot) For more information: (423) 237-3823.

Southern Addiction Band

2:45 p.m.

Newport Arts and Athletics is the home of Newport Dance & Cheer Academy, Inc. and Newport Martial Arts Academy. It offers classes in dance, gymnastics/acrobatics, karate and occasional fitness and dance classes for adults. Classes are offered for students ages 2.5 and older. Newport Martial Arts Academy is led by Kyo Sah Nim, Jennifer Grillo Foster and Kyo Sah Nim, Ian Turnage, and their students study the Korean Martial Art form of Tang Soo Do. Newport Dance & Cheer Academy, celebrating 25 plus years of instruction here in Newport, is under the instruction of director and instructor, Susan McMahan. Assisting her are head instructors Haley O’Pry, Avery Hensley and Brooklyn Miller. Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics/acrobatics, pointe, hip hop and more! They also have a unique Sparkle dance program for students ages 2.5-6 years old. Private lessons are also available in addition to our group classes. Dancers have performed throughout the Eastern United States and most recently, the competition dancers performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, as well as competing at the Epic Nationals in Sevierville, where several of their routines placed in the top five in their division along with their minis receiving a special award for their outstanding character performance. For more information on classes, please contact their office at (423) 623-4113. You can also visit them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Southern Addiction Band has over 100 years of combined musical experience. The band consists of members Robert Pack from Bybee, Darrell Wilson from Mars Hill, N.C., Billy Wise from Newport and Dwayne Norton from Marshall, N.C. “We invite you all to come down to the Newport Harvest Street Festival on Saturday, October 5 to listen to our country and rock band. Come and see us and have a great time!” said Robert Pack.

Big Creek Bluegrass 4:25 p.m.

Big Creek Bluegrass got its start in 2015 playing at a little diner in Grassy Fork, really just as practice. It quickly became a show, and it stayed that way every time the band played until the diner closed. Since then, the band has had the pleasure of playing all over East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It brings bring a fun-filled show from high octane bluegrass to old sad country to uplifting gospel music, even doing some classic rock, just whatever the crowd want to hear! They guarantee you a good show and a good time! Come see them!!

A Day Filled With Gospel Music

On Sunday at 10 a.m. start your morning off with a Sunday service by Bridgeport Freewill Baptist Church, everyone is invited to attend.

Carson Creek Singers

12:10 p.m.

The Carson Creek Singers are made up of Roy and Paula Poore from Newport and Reece and Penny Grooms from Cosby. They have been singing together as a group for 12 years. They enjoy singing at churches and local functions.

Glory Bound 1:05 p.m.

Glory Bound is a southern gospel group based locally in Parrottsville. They enjoy traveling around the area to churches, events and festivals, spreading the gospel through their songs of praise.

Harvest Festival Entertainment SCHEDULE

Memorial Baptist Church Praise Team

2 p.m.

Gather around to listen to the amazing talents from Memorial Baptist Church. Their praise team will be sure to have you humming along to some of your favorite gospel songs that is sure to move you and bring blessings your way.

First Baptist Church Praise Singers 2:55 p.m.

The First Baptist Newport Worship Team is a group of volunteers who are dedicated to using their gifts to glorify God and help encourage others to worship Him through song. The team is multigenerational and comes from many walks of life. The group of students, educators, medical professionals, business leaders and retirees share the common goal of bringing their very best to honor God.

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PARROTTSVILLE Heritage Days

Parrottsville Heritage Days are traditionally held the second weekend of October. This year’s activities will kick off on Friday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. at the pavilion at Parrott-LaRueMyers Park with the chili cook-off. Chili is cooked off premises. Chili entries need to be registered and ready to judge by 5 p.m.

The chili will be served to the public after judging. There will be prizes for first, second and third place winners. There is no fee to enter the competition. For information about the chili cook-off, email parrottsvillecityhall@gmail.com or call (423) 623- 9380.

The festival gets underway on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. There will be dozens of vendors offering various foods, crafts and items. Vendor space is limited. For more information about reserving a spot, email pvlcourtclerk@gmail.com.

“We have some great music lined up,” said Parrottsville Mayor Gayla Hommel. “We have different kinds of music, so there is something to suit everyone’s taste.”

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Once again there will be plenty of vendors, lots of food, entertainment and children’s activities, including bounce houses.

The Mister and Miss Parrottsville Heritage Days beauty pageants will also be held during the festival. To learn more about the pageant, contact the director, Angel Fowler, at (423) 721-1855 or angelfowler1012@ gmail.com.

“We are excited about this year’s festival,” said Hommel. “We hope everyone will come out to join us. There is definitely going to be something for everyone. This festival is a popular event, and we hope to see you there.”

PHOTO BY JOHN SUDBRINK
Roy Poore of the Carson Creek Singers Performs on stage at the Parrottsville Heritage Days at Parrot-LaRue-Myers Park in Parrottsville, Tennessee, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
PHOTO BY KATHY HEMSWORTH
Molly Layman, in the foreground, and Lakelynn Fowler are shown with Baylor Fowler at a past Heritage Days Festival in Parrottsville. They enjoyed sharing festival food with Baylor.

GRASSY FORK/HARTFORD FALL FESTIVAL

The sixth annual Grassy Fork/ Hartford Fall Festival is set for Oct. 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at River Rat Rafting, 3630 Hartford Road, Hartford. Admission and parking are free.

All proceeds from this event will benefit Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department.

The annual festival will include plenty of food, lots of vendors, activities for the children, hay rides and much more. There will also be live music throughout both days, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There will be a fall atmosphere with fall decor and hayrides, which will welcome the fall season.

Booth spots, while available, are $45 per day or $70 for both days. To get more information on becoming a vendor contact Tonya Ochs at tonya.ochs@gmail.com or Angie Hall at angiehall0172@yahoo.com.

LAKESIDE OF THE SMOKIES BALLOONFEST

Trick or treating starts early in East Tennessee this year with the 2024 Annual Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest, set for October 26-27, the last weekend before Halloween.

Located on 40 acres just off Interstate 40 Exit 417 in Dandridge at 295 W. Dumplin Valley Road, this year the festival will include trick or treating for prizes as well as fall and Halloween-themed activities. Children and adults alike are invited to dress up in family-friendly costumes to enjoy the weekend event. Due to safety concerns, full-face Halloween costume masks are not allowed.

The festival features hot air balloons, food trucks, over 50 craft and artisan vendors, a live band, local wine and craft beer gardens, corn hole, antique tractors, balloonist Q&A, local 4-H clubs, a kids’ fair with bounce houses and games, as well as plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the views of the hot air balloons throughout the afternoon as well as each night with the festival’s Balloon Glow Finale. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for sitting and wear comfortable shoes.

As the Jefferson County Festival Charities’ (JCFC’s) largest annual

fundraising event, this year JCFC has selected the Dandridge-based UT/ TSU Extension - Jefferson County office to receive proceeds from the festival. The local 4-H UT/TSU Extension provides research and evidenced-based knowledge about agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community development. This year’s signature sponsors include Bush’s Beans and Visit Jefferson County.

General admission tickets are available for one or both days of the event, and parking is free. Both days will include a free canvas painting

activity for kids 17 and under.

Add-on tickets are available for the Nine Lakes Wine Garden, the Beer Garden, and Morning Ascension Mimosa & Breakfast 7 a.m. each day, and the VIP Elevated Experience. A limited number of tickets for untethered rides will be available via the website, while tickets for tethered rides can be purchased onsite for $20 first-come, first-serve.

Gates open at 1 p.m. each day, and the festivities run from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. For more details, and to purchase tickets ahead, visit www.lotsballoonfest.com.

PHOTO COURTESY JALYNN BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY
The annual Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest is set for Oct. 26-27 in Dandridge.

CRAFTSMEN’S FALL FAIR • OCTOBER 3-20 GATLINBURG

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen Fall Fair is now in its 49th year of celebrating arts and crafts in the Smokies. Visit over 200 of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Artisans in nearly 400 fairs voted our Fairs 5th All-Time Favorite Fair in the nation!

Filling the 150,000 square feet of downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts artisans and craftsmen from all over the nation. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. All items represented are handmade and of utmost quality and without duplication. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, leather, copper art, local candy makers, and many more unique items. There is something for everyone at the Fair. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair and Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries provide a free Kid’s Corner during our July fair, with a selection of DIY crafts for our youngest visitors to take home with them. Also, be sure to stop by one or all of our daily music shows included with the price of admission. Check out the stage and enjoy contemporary country, bluegrass, and your favorite gospel tunes at noon and at 3 p.m. daily.

Admission is $10 for adults, children 17 and under are free with paid adults.

Concessions are available for sale through the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

usually takes most of the day to see. If you didn’t quite get through it all, multi-day passes are available at the Craftsmen’s Fair office located at the end of aisle 500.

For more information visit craftsmenfair.com.

Fall Fest • October 18-20 WEARS VALLEY

Sixteen acres of family fun including over 240 crafters, interactive activities, entertainment, children’s events and a great variety of food awaits all in attendance at the 11th annual Wears Valley Fall Festival coordinated by Keep Sevier Beautiful.

This year’s event begins on Friday, Oct. 18 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The festival site is next to Tennessee State Bank off Route 321 in Wears Valley in Sevierville.

The wide array of activities at this year’s event will give families a great way to make memories, experience a variety of fun activities and enjoy the incredible beauty of fall in the Smokies.

Looking for some amazing fall entertainment? The center stage features free live singers including country, southern gospel, old time rock

and roll and much more! Check back closer to the Fest dates to see a complete entertainment lineup.

There’s plenty of delicious food to delight anyone’s appetite.

There’s something about southern fall food! Enjoy a barbecued pulled pork sandwich, a steak on a stick, pizza, Greek food, corn dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken or many more main menu options!

Not ready for a full meal? Nibble on fried oreos, fried Twinkies, funnel cakes, nachos, kettle korn, cotton candy, ice cream or gourmet candy apples.

Exhibits and vendors include a diverse craft collection that includes both traditional and contemporary artwork.

Exhibitors include photography, painting, jewelry, basket making, metal crafts, woodworking and many more!

Live demonstrations are included as part of the festival – be sure to

check closer to the festival for the craft demonstration schedule!

Local businesses from the region will also be present, many of which are related to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Want to make crafts of your own? The Fall Fest Kid’s Tent is a free area for kids of all ages to create crafts – mostly from natural and repurposed item

The Wears Valley Fall Fest is NOT your typical Fall Fest! While it features classic autumn elements like talented artisans, pumpkin patches, tractors, and mouth-watering southern cuisine, its primary goal is to promote the mission of Keep Sevier Beautiful – reducing waste, preventing litter, and transforming public spaces into beautiful places!

Throughout the Fest, participants can discover ways to care for our environment both in Sevier County and beyond. From craft vendors creating items from repurposed materials to entertainers

using unconventional instruments like spoons and washboards, you’ll learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle to help make our world a better place.

This event serves as the largest fundraiser for the local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Tennessee Beautiful, specifically Keep Sevier Beautiful. Not only can you learn about reducing your environmental footprint and protecting the beautiful mountains we call home at the Wears Valley Fall Fest, but by participating, you’re supporting community-based programs like recycling drop-off events, community gardens and plantings, educational programs teaching our youth to be good stewards of the community, and vital projects that assist our neighbors in need through initiatives like Project Restore. For more information, visit www. wearsvalleyfallfest.com.

FALL IN LOVE with TN’s great outdoors this fall

Tennessee is a year-round outdoor playground, with countless fresh-air adventures available for visitors.

But the destination positively glows during the fall months, offering spectacular foliage, picturesque hiking trails and awe-inspiring waterfalls throughout the state. Below, find out how to fall in love with Tennessee’s great outdoors this autumn.

GATLINBURG’S GOLDEN DAYS

Best time to visit: Early to MidOctober (depending on altitude)

Gatlinburg has been nominated as one of the “Best Places to View Fall Foliage” by USA Today, thanks to the kaleidoscope of warm red, gold and orange that blanket the city’s downtown and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leafpeeping options abound, including the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, Ben Morton’s Overlook and more. Even better, many views are easily accessible from the comfort of your vehicle including such scenic drives as the Cades Cove Loop and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Gatlinburg Fall Tip: Wake up early for a Smoky Mountain Sunrise at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Lifted to the SkyDeck, the day starts with an immaculate bird’s eye view of a grand illumination of the Great Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.

GREAT SMOKY COLORS

Best time to visit: Early to mid-

October (depending on altitude) If finding seasonal scenes on foot is more your style, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 800 miles of trails offer beautiful panoramas and vistas that show off fall’s colorful tapestry of changing leaves. Guests to the area can also chase some beautiful waterfalls, including such gems such as Rainbow Falls or Grotto Falls – the only waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies, standing 25 feet tall. For those in search of a challenge, try the eightmile scenic roundtrip trek to Indian Flats Falls.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Tip: Fall is one of the best times for wildlife in the Smokies, with chances to see black bears, elk, deer,

wild turkey, foxes and barn owls.

AN APPALACHIAN AUTUMN

Best time to visit: Early to MidOctober

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by Cherokee National Forest, Unicoi County offers autumn outdoor adventurers more than 50 miles of Appalachian Trail, eight waterfalls, Rocky Fork State Park (Tennessee’s newest state park), and dozens of walking and hiking trails. No matter where you are, you’re sure to see stunning fall foliage. A few favorite spots for leaf peeping include the aptly named Beauty Spot (crowned as a “best sunset hike” by Travel and Leisure)

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower and Nolichucky Ridge Cliff.

Unicoi County Fall Tip: Viewing the vibrant colors of fall is accessible for even more travelers and residents in Unicoi County since one of the state’s colorblind viewfinders is located at the I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook. From this viewfinder, you’ll see views of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s stunning hills and valleys.

REAL FALL BEAUTY AT REELFOOT LAKE

Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November

Located in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park

PHOTO BY ADAM JONES.
View of Thomas Divide at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina.

is a beautiful place for fall outdoor activities. Fall color pontoon cruises take place on the weekends during October and November at Reelfoot Lake. See the changing leaves and water birds on a two-hour tour with an experienced naturalist. Tour guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history and ecology while helping you find the best photo ops for fall foliage.

Reelfoot Lake State Park Fall Tip: Large groups of eagles and ducks migrate to Reelfoot Lake for the winter, arriving just as autumnal colors reach their peak, adding to the natural wonder.

A TRACE OF TENNESSEE COLOR

Best time to visit: Late-October to early-November

Spanning more than 48,000 pristine acres in Middle Tennessee, Natchez Trace State Park has some of the best scenic locations in the state, with endless trails to explore and snap some photos. For an onthe-water adventure, rent a kayak to take out on Pin Oak Lake to see a stunning display of autumnal colors reflecting off the water. Mountain biking is also a great way to experience this state park during fall,

with more than 50 miles of multiuse fire trails that take riders through colorful forests and meadows.

Natchez Trace State Park Fall Tip: Pin Oak Lake is also a favorite for anglers, with waters that are filled with largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.

NASHVILLE’S ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS

Best time to visit: Mid- to lateOctober

Discover the first ADA accessible colorblind viewfinder at Nashville’s Radnor Lake State Park. Outfitted with innovative EnChroma® lenses, the viewfinder has been designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness. Special lens technology enables those with colorblindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant colors. Additionally, the park’s Lake Trail is accessible to people with allterrain wheelchairs.

Nashville Fall Travel Tip:

Urban leaf-peepers should pay a visit to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where the main lawn is lined with a variety of trees that come alive with color in October. For more information on fall color in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com

PHOTO BY RANDALL SPRADLIN
Watauga Lake at Cherokee National Forest near Johnson City.

SMOKY MOUNTAINS Bluegrass Festival October 12

The Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival is Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the beautiful Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in North Carolina during the leaf season. An annual fundraiser, the festival brings all the Haywood County Arts Council’s programs, and artists together for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

The festival includes awardwinning bluegrass bands - Brew Davis, Blue Ridge Girls, Nu-Blu, Appalachian Road Show and Balsam Range - vendors, raffles, artist member demonstrations and artwork, a child and adult

playground, and local drinks and food.

• Local food trucks, wine, Boojum beer

• Kids art station

• Lawn games

• Rental chairs available at the gate for $5 each

Tickets are $55 and can only be purchased online at givebutter. com/SMBF24.

For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page and/or haywoodarts.org/ smoky-mountains-bluegrassfestival/

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The Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival is Saturday, Oct. 12 in Maggie Valley, NC.

WHAT’S NEW this fall in TENNESSEE

TN. DEPT OF TOURISM

Imersive cave walking tour, arts and fall color experiences and spooky season storytelling Vivid autumn leaves burst through the trees, new experiences await the fall bucket list, the aroma of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the air and echoes of ghost stories whisper with haunted happenings. Here’s what’s new and trending this fall in Tennessee.

NEW ATTRACTIONS, EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES

McMinnville – Get ready for an adventure. The Discovery Walking Tour is an all-new immersive experience surrounded by video, light and sound deep within the cave. Watch and listen to the story of how the cave was formed, came to life and the types of animals that call the cave home.

Morgan County – Hike MoCo kicks off the Fall Frenzy Hiking Series. Explore and soak in the scenery along trails of Big South Fork, Frozen Head, Obed, Cumberland Trail and more.

Chattanooga – Rock City’s Fall Colors is an autumn splendor of pumpkins, haybale vignettes and seasonal decorations and

live music with a picture perfect backdrop in the gardens.

Gatlinburg – Get creative and power your imagination in the Smokies. Painting Around offers DIY painting, arts and craft experiences like canvas, rock and splatter painting and holiday decorations.

SPOOKY SEASON

Rugby – Historic Rugby After Dark tours guide guests through original buildings and structures of the Victorian village founded in 1880s, telling history, legends and ghost stories.

Oneida – Hear chilling tales spun from the hills and hollows of the Cumberland Plateau during the Big South Fork Ghost Mine at the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum at 8 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Knoxville – Mabry-Hazen

House’s A Victorian Séance, an immersive, guided reenactment of a 19th-century Spiritualist séance filled with “mysterious and startling wonders,” takes place on the evenings of Oct. 24-27.

Adams – Experience October at one of the most haunted locations in the country. Hear the folklore at Bell Witch Cave, which offers paranormal tours, cabin Continued on next page •

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daytime hayrides, nighttime haunted hayrides, food, a gift shop and more.

Nashville – Visitors can explore the haunted side of history with Ghost Tours: Tragedy and Mystery at The Hermitage with stories of unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson’s family and unexplained incidents on the site, a rare opportunity to see the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light.

Memphis – Each October, visitors can take special tours and attend Soul of the Cemetery to hear stories of Elmwood Cemetery. BackBeat Tours shares more historically spooky tales with walking ghost tours through some of the most haunted places in Memphis.

NEW HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY

Clarksville – Clarksville’s first Doubletree by Hilton. The 156room full-service hotel at the site of the former Riverview Inn is the city’s only downtown hotel with views of the historic downtown and Cumberland River.

Memphis – Aloft Memphis Downtown, one of the Marriott’s collection of boutique hotels. The hotel offers robotic bellhops, a full-service restaurant and a private-viewing movie theater.

NEW MUSIC VENUES

Nashville –Bayou Keys

Dueling Piano Bar, located in Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up Bar in the heart of Lower Broadway, serves up live piano duels and traditional Cajuninspire cuisine.

Memphis - Located in the Edge District, JEM Dining offers

a menu of elevated flavor with a comfort food vibe, focused on local and seasonal ingredients. JEM stands for “Just Enjoy the Moment.”

NEW AND POPULAR SEASONAL EVENTS

Pigeon Forge (Sept. 9-Oct.

28) – Experience the beauty of a Smoky Mountain fall with vivid colors, the smell of apple and pumpkin and thrilling adventure rights. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights illuminates the evening with the whimsical glow of over 12,000 pumpkins.

Nashville (Sept. 14-Oct.

27) – Cheekwood Harvest is a fall wonderland with 75,000 pumpkins and 4,000 chrysanthemums of different colors, shapes and sizes. Stroll through the Community

Scarecrow Trail, iconic Pumpkin Village, live music in the beer garden and pick a pumpkin to take home.

Pulaski (Oct. 12) – Big Creek Winery’s AutumnFest 2024 is a day-long family-friendly celebration promising fun, food, live music and fantastic wine.

Bell Buckle (Oct. 19-20) –Creativity flows at the Webb Art & Craft Show featuring handmade arts and crafts such as pottery, metal works, wood working, textiles, jewelry, oldfashioned soaps and lotions.

Franklin (Oct. 26) – Enjoy autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, and arts and crafts along Main Street at PumpkinFest. For a full list of events, check out tnvacation.com/calendar.

Unicoi County APPLE FESTIVAL • OCT. 4-5

The Unicoi County Apple Festival, coordinated by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, is a premier two-day festival on October 4-5 that has spanned more than four decades of longevity in Erwin, Tennessee.

With annual attendance of more than 110,000 attendees, the festival includes over 400 food and craft

vendors, two entertainment stages, contests, activities and much more.

Located in downtown Erwin, admission is free to the event with plenty of parking options. For more information, go to unicoicountyapplefestival.com or visit their Facebook page.

Continued on next page •

APPLE FESTIVAL BAKING CONTEST

Apple, Spice, and Everything

Nice - The 2024 Apple Festival Cooking Contest is here, so get ready to bring your A game!

On October 5, bring your favorite apple dish to the 2024 Unicoi County Apple Festival Cooking Contest, sponsored by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce and UT Extension Unicoi County.

This year’s contest will be held at the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Erwin. Entries will be accepted from 11 a.m.-noone with closed judging to begin at noon.

The three categories for the contest will be Apple Pie, Apple Cake, and Youth Candy Apple Decoration (ages 17 and under). Only one entry per category will be accepted. Entries for Apple Pie and Apple Cake categories must include at least one cup of apples, applesauce, or dried apples. A copy of the recipe must be included with the entry to qualify for judging. Youth candied apples must include all edible ingredients with a list of those ingredients. They will be judged on originality, display, and pairing with apples.

Prizes in each category will be $50 for first place, $30 for second place, $20 for third place. Winners will be announced on stage at 2 p.m.

For more information about the contest, call the Chamber of Commerce (423) 743-3000, UT Extension (423) 735-1637, or email Tracy Chandler, Extension Agent, at tpate6@utk.edu.

APPLE FESTIVAL 4-MILE

ROAD RACE & 3K RACE WALK

Runners from across the region will converge on the streets of

Erwin on Saturday, Oct. 5 for the running of the Unicoi County Apple Festival 4-Mile Road Race and 3K Race Walk. The event will again be coordinated by the Unicoi County Family YMCA.

Pre-registration for the running event is $30 and $25 for the walk. All participants receive a souvenir T-shirt.

Professional race-timing will be managed by We Run Events. Online registration is available at www. werunevents.com.

The event is held at the Unicoi County Family YMCA at the corner of Ohio Avenue and Love Street in Erwin. Contact the YMCA at (423) 743-3361 for more details.

BLUE RIDGE POTTERY SHOW & SALE

The National Blue Ridge Pottery Show and Sale is a must-see for collectors and enthusiasts of Blue Ridge Pottery. Rare pieces are often found during the show. Individual pieces and complete sets are available for sale during the event. Dozens of vendors from across the country will be represented during this year’s Blue Ridge Pottery Show and Sale.

It’s Tailgate Time in Tennessee

SPOOKY AND FUN HALLOWEEN RECIPES

These recipes are simple, festive and perfect for adding a spooky touch to any Halloween celebration!

MUMMY HOT DOGS

Ingredients:

• Hot dogs

• Crescent roll dough

• Mustard or ketchup for eyes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Wrap each hot dog with strips of crescent roll dough, leaving a small gap for the face.

3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Add dots of mustard or ketchup for eyes.

GHOST CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

• Vanilla cupcakes

• White frosting

• Mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Frost the cupcakes with white frosting.

2. Use mini chocolate chips to create ghost faces on each cupcake.

WITCH’S BREW PUNCH

Ingredients:

• Lime sherbet

• Lemon-lime soda

• Pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. In a large punch bowl, combine lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice.

2. Stir until the sherbet is mostly melted.

3. Serve immediately for a spooky, frothy drink.

SPIDER COOKIES

Ingredients:

• Chocolate cookies

• Mini peanut butter cups

• Black decorating gel

• Candy eyes

Instructions:

1. Place a mini peanut butter cup upside down on each chocolate cookie.

2.Use black decorating gel to draw spider legs around the peanut butter cup.

3. Add candy eyes to complete the spider.

PUMPKIN CHEESE BALL

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese

• Cheddar cheese

• Green bell pepper stem

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese and

shredded cheddar cheese together.

2.Shape the mixture into a ball and refrigerate until firm.

3. Add a green bell pepper stem on top to resemble a pumpkin.

People travel from all over to CARVER’S ORCHARD and APPLEHOUSE RESTAURANT

There are plenty of apples to choose from at Carver’s Orchard and Applehouse Restaurant located at 3460 Highway 321 in Cosby. Danny Ray Carver, who has been in the orchard business for his entire life, reports that this year’s harvest is “wonderful.”

Carver’s Orchard was established by Carver’s father, Kyle Carver, in 1942. The orchard covers 75 acres and offers more than 100 varieties of apples.

Carver explained that the early harvest started around June 20, and right now, crews are harvesting Granny Smith and Arkansas Black varieties.

“This is a really good harvest this year,” Carver said. “All varieties have done well.”

He said the last variety that will be harvested will be the Pink Lady variety. He said that while some orchards are already harvesting that variety of apples now, they will not be thinking about harvesting them until around Thanksgiving.

“I am very pleased with this crop,” he said. “We have plenty of apples to go around and they are very reasonably priced.”

He said this is probably the best harvest he has seen in the last few years.

“We (Carver’s Orchard) have been here for years. We don’t change. We keep things the same,” Carver said. “We have customers who come back to visit us year after year.”

While many locals visit the apple house and restaurant, there are also many customers who live out of state who make the trek to Cosby every year for their apples.

One couple from Georgia said they visit the area about twice a year, and they always stop at Carver’s Orchard for apples to take home.

Another couple from the Chattanooga area was returning home with several bushels of apples for themselves, family and friends. They said they get their apples from Carver’s every year because they have always found them to be a better quality of apple.

Other customers visiting the orchard on Tuesday had traveled from North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. The apple house offers more than just apples. It has homemade fried pies, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables. There is also a candy store and a restaurant on the premises.

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Fall glows during DOLLYWOOD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL

Dollywood.com

PIGEON FORGE - Fall glows brightest at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, where autumn days burst to life in vivid color and nights glimmer with illuminating surprises. Explore among enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow, hear a mystical melody from Dolly’s giant, glowing guitar, and gaze up at a towering 40-foot pumpkin tree exclusively during Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health.

By day, celebrate the season of many colors with the return of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, which runs through Oct. 28. Dozens of talented musicians perform Southern gospel, country and bluegrass melodies, the scents of fall treats waft through the streets and the sounds of thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain fill the air with adventure. GREAT PUMPKIN LUMINIGHTS

Award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights returns to light up the night with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons. Back to delight for another year, family favorite Hoot Owl Hollow is the enchanting hideaway of a gigantic, glowing owl and its dozens of friends roosting in the trees, atop buildings and across the hillside. Explore a world of notso-spooky nighttime fun, Great Pumpkin LumiNights is the highlight of Harvest season at Dollywood.

A family favorite since its inception, Great Pumpkin LumiNights grows again this year with 10 ride-themed pumpkin displays, including representations of guest favorite family coaster Big Bear Mountain and the ever-thrilling Wild Eagle.

Pumpkins aren’t only visually present throughout the park; they’re in many new Continued on next page •

culinary offerings as well. Warm, hearty lunch and dinner options include spiced pumpkin bisque, everything toasted garlic knots with pumpkin cheese sauce, and hickory smoked ribs with pumpkin spiced rub, found at seasonal culinary booths and restaurants.

Other fall flavors are found in various stuffed sweet potatoes, including the maple brown sugar pecan cinnamon apple stuffed sweet potato and refreshing beverage options like harvest apple lemonade.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SPLENDOR

Just like Dolly’s beloved Smoky Mountains, Dollywood transforms every fall into a haven of harvest beauty. Thousands of fabulous fall flowers in traditional hues of red, yellow and orange bring autumn to life, while mountainfresh touches like white and green gourds, purple blooms and gorgeous greenery add a unique twist to classic seasonal decor. Feel the rush of a fall breeze when you grab a seat on any of Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions. Join the expedition on Dollywood’s newest and

longest coaster ever: Big Bear Mountain, traverse the mountainside with a thrilling ride on Mystery Mine as bright fall foliage rushes by, or soak up the splendor of the Smoky Mountains during a relaxing train ride on the classic Dollywood Express.

LIVE MUSIC

A tradition deeply rooted in the Great Smoky Mountains, live music is the heart and soul of fall at Dollywood. Be serenaded by the sounds of a Smoky Mountain fall with Southern gospel, bluegrass, Americana and country tunes to tap your toes to.

More than 1,100 live performances will take place during the festival run. A wide range of musical talent — including bluegrass, Southern gospel, jazz, country and points in between — will be on display.

For more information about Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, Great Pumpkin LumiNights tickets and other events, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTY HENSLEY SCOTT

BUSH’S history in the SMOKIES

CHESTNUT HILL - While most people know the name of Bush’s for its canned beans, it has long had a role in the history of the Smoky Mountains. The Bush’s company history started before the plant opened its doors.

A.J. Bush was born in Chestnut Hill, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. He established the A.J. Bush and Company General Store, which offered a place to sell local goods as well as goods from other locations.

Because of the need for jobs in the area, Bush decided to open a hosiery factory. As construction got underway, Stokely Brothers Tomato Cannery in Newport approached Bush with an offer. If Bush provided a building and workers, they would supply the equipment for him to open a cannery.

The cannery did well, and they worked with distributors in many areas, including Knoxville as well as Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. As World War I came around, the demand for canned goods increased, but as the war ended, so did the demand for canned goods.

The family business was incorporated and management was turned over to A.J. Bush’s sons, while the senior Bush focused on operating the general store. By 1930, the cannery produced and distributed a

Continued on next page •

The partnership came to fruition, and in 1904 the cannery opened, providing the jobs the community needed. In four short years, Bush bought out the Stokely Brothers partnership interest and formed a business with his sons, Fred and Claude, creating Bush Brothers and Company.

A.J. Bush and Company general store adjoins the visitor center and cafe at the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 92 in Chestnut Hill.

variety of canned products.

During the Great Depression, the company sought out affordable products to offer the country.

Among those goods were hominy, sauerkraut, and pork and beans. When the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded Douglas Lake, a lot of prime farmland was lost and the Oak Grove plant of Bush Brothers was also lost.

During 1944, the company bought a cannery in Blytheville, Arkansas, so it could increase production figures again. While various vegetables were being canned, it focused on beans and hominy, which were its top sellers. In 1947, the board of directors chose to go with a new identity, Bush’s Best, and the double B logo that became known nationwide.

It was the 1990s when the baked beans market transformed Bush’s into a champion in the canning industry.

The company’s headquarters are now in Knoxville, but the Chestnut Hill factory has grown. The general store is also in operation, and the Bush family home is open during the Christmas holidays for tours.

Thousands of people make their way to the visitor’s center in Chestnut Hill each year, located at the intersection of Highway 411 and Highway 92 in Chestnut Hill, where the general store and a diner welcome guests.

The museum and the store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The cafe’s hours are seasonal, open from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. January through March and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. April through December.

To schedule a tour group for 30 or more people at the museum or cafe, call (865) 509-3077. For additional information, go to bushbeans. com/en_US/about-us/visitorcenter.

The historic Bush home is across the road from the visitor center. It has a Christmas open house every year.

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