Visiting the Smokies, Spring 2024

SMOKIES VISITING THE

• RAFTING THE PIGEON RIVER

• POPCORN SUTTON JAM

• TRAIL MAPS / CAMPING

• ROUTES FESTIVAL

• FORBIDDEN CAVERNS

• RHYTHM ON THE RIVER AND MORE u

is published by The Newport Plain Talk 145 East Broadway | Newport, TN 37821 423-623-6171

DUANE UHLS

Publisher & Editor

DAVE RUTHENBERG

Managing Editor

KATHY HEMSWORTH

Writer/Photographer

JAKE NICHOLS

Writer/Photographer

ANGEL DYKES

Account Executive

MAHLIA GONZALES

Account Executive

ABBY SWEARINGEN

Account Executive

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Rafting brings ‘cool’ option for Smoky Mountain visitors

Carrying on the legacy of legendary moonshiner ‘Popcorn’ Sutton

Routes to the River Festival set to debut in newport

Forbidden Caverns offers a look into the past and underground beauty

Hop aboard this famous spring train excursion through the Smoky Mountains

Parking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Rhythm on the River celebrates 10 years

Triple Creek Campground has much to offer

Tourists, locals hunt and find treasures at DJ’s Antiques

Smoky Mountain Trail Maps

Axe House Tavern offers sharp, fun entertainment

Hot Springs Trail Map

Rafting brings ‘COOL’ option for

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VISITORS

When looking for a fun way to cool off during the spring and summer, visitors to the Smoky Mountains do not have to search far.

Fourteen miles south of Newport’s Main Street, Hartford, Tennessee, marks a heavily traveled spot along the Pigeon River.

Tucked along that spot in the river are multiple whitewater rafting outposts.

Big Creek Expeditions, Rafting in the Smokies, Rip Roaring Adventures, Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting, and Big Bear Whitewater Rafting are just a few of the companies through which visitors can find summer fun.

These groups provide rope courses or zip-lining through the trees, tubing through the river or kayaking along the same water.

But the main point of fun, whitewater rafting, offers a zest that brings returning customers back each and every summer for rapids that range from classes I to IV.

For reference, all rapids are marked on a scale with six points in total — one being still water and six being “Niagara Falls,” as one worker quipped.

In preparation for taking visitors along the routes, the companies were awarded this season’s permits for rafting the Pigeon River March 12 in Newport. Last year over 200,000 paid rafting customers made their way down the Pigeon River and since 1995 over 4.6 million have made the journey.

“Right now, we’re in the process of hiring,” said Larry Ward, the general manager at Smoky Mountain River Rat Whitewater Rafting. “We’ve gone through the permit process, gotten our vehicles inspected and our insurance turned into the county.

“We’ve got the boats ready, having stored them up in the fall and deflated them. Us personally, we’re running limited trips right now, because we don’t have guaranteed water from the dam.

“We’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and then we have three times. When it gets close to the trip date, if we see we’ll have a better chance of water early, we’ll try to move our guests to give them the best experience.“

Ward did say that things heat up for everyone on Memorial Day, as they are at their busiest between then and Labor Day.

“Releases start Memorial Day, then we go to our full schedule,” he said, alluding to their 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Meanwhile, according to a Google search, Big Bear Whitewater Rafting is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Big Creek Expeditions is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each weekday; the same goes for Raft Outdoor Adventures, while Rafting in the Smokies opens at the same hour while closing at 9 p.m.

Regardless of the hours each facility is open, visitors can find an adventurous, fun-filled challenge on the water.

Returners and first-timers alike can expect plenty of smiles along the 5.5-mile upper river route, which features 12 Class III rapids and three in Class IV.

This choice may be more appropriate for the thrill-seeker — or at least someone who’s looking for a ride guaranteed to make a splash.

Children are welcome on that ride, so long as they are at least eight years of age or weigh at least 70 pounds.

The lower river trip consists of a more scenic route with class I and ÎI rapids, so children as young as three can take part in the

Photo courtesy River Rat Whitewater Rafting

fun.

Those rapids even allow for one to bring a waterproof camera, as the trip will wind around mountains and follow Hartford Road to Denton.

“The Pigeon is a great beginner river,” said Joe Novotny, an owner of owned Rip Roaring Adventures who has worked on rivers across the country. “A perfect one, really. No big class five rapids, no huge drops, but there are still continuous rapids.”

Either trip will take approximately two hours, said Ward.

For adults and children, that means time spent on rapids with names such as Power House, Vegamatic, Roller Coaster, Double Reactionary, Duck and Run and even Accelerator.

The names of the rapids themselves do not change much among the different companies.

Neither does the equipment, as each one gives each guest a helmet, a paddle and a personal flotation device.

Ward mentioned that River Rat also offers complimentary splash gear for anyone who wants it.

He also emphasized that people must wear shoes with heels, which comes down as a rule across the county.

After that, they will be given a safety instruction that is meant to familiarize guests with what they will encounter on the water.

Finally, guests will hop aboard a bus, which will take them to the put-ins.

Those spots can differ for each company, though they are all located off I-40 East at exit 451 for the upper river portion.

After that, all that is left is to ride down the river at whatever speed one may enjoy — while accompanied by a CPR-certified guide, many of whom provide the reasoning for guests to return to a specific company each year.

Those guides are trained extensively before guests are taken down the river, with Ward mentioning that the River Rat guides undergo more than 50 trips down the Pigeon before they are qualified.

“Each outfitter does it his own way, but the county trusts us,” he said.

The rafts can hold between 6-10 rafters depending on the company, and Ward noted that River Rat also has an Xtreme Raft with a rat skull logo for more adventurous visitors.

As each trip ends, rafters can find plenty of culinary options to cure their appetites.

The Bean Trees, Pigeon River Smokehouse, Gill’s BBQ and the Big Creek Market are available, with everything from coffee to ribs sold close to the rafting companies that dot this part of East Tennessee.

The names and information of rafting companies currently available for booking can be found below.

BIG CREEK EXPEDITIONS

3671 Hartford Road

Hartford, TN 37753 (423) 487-0178

www.bigcreekexpeditions.com

RAFTING IN THE SMOKIES

3595 Hartford Road Hartford, TN 37753 (800) 776-7238

www.raftinginthesmokies.com

RIP ROARING ADVENTURES

3555 Wheat Way Hartford, TN 37753 (800) 449-7238

www.raftingtennessee.com

SMOKY MOUNTAIN RIVER RAT WHITEWATER RAFTING

3630 Hartford Road Hartford, TN 37753 (423) 487-4303

www.smokymtnriverrat.com

BIG BEAR WHITEWATER RAFTING

3165 Big Creek Road Hartford, TN 37753 (844) 799-7238

RAPID EXPEDITIONS WHITEWATER RAFTING AND KAYAKING

3605 Hartford Road Hartford, TN 37753 (888) 504-7238

RAFT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

3635 Trail Hollow Road Hartford, TN 37753 (866) 333-7238

SMOKY MOUNTAIN OUTDOORS (SMO) RAFTING

3299 Hartford Road Hartford, TN 37753 (865) 430-3838

5 RIVERS ADVENTURES

3144 Dorsey Road Cosby, TN 37722 (888) 204-8779

Visitors to the Cocke County area can check out whitewater rafting as one entertainment option to cool off this summer.

Photo courtesy River Rat Whitewater Rafting.

Photo courtesy River Rat Whitewater Rafting

Carrying on the legacy of legendary moonshiner

‘POPCORN’ SUTTON

It has been 15 years since Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton died. A legendary moonshiner, Sutton was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He grew up in and lived in rural North Carolina and in Tennessee in Cocke County. He took his own life in Parrottsville on his property.

His widow, Pam Sutton, started the Popcorn Sutton Annual Memorial Jam in 2009, the same year Popcorn died.

“The event is to carry on Popcorn’s memory and the legacy of Appalachian moonshine,” she said.

“ ”

“We have had this event for 15 years, and it continues to draw a crowd.”

This year’s event is set for June 7 and June 8 at the Cocke County A&I Fairgrounds in Newport, Tennessee. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday and the festivities continue until about 11 p.m. On Saturday, the gates open at 11 a.m. and the event again continues until about 11 p.m.

There will be various vendors, crafters and a variety of food scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Beer will be sold on site, and Pam said plans are for cocktails made from Ole Smoky products to be sold with proceeds benefiting the Hope House.

following year Sutton brought the event to Newport and she said she has worked hard to grow the event.

The first jam was held in Maggie Valley in the parking lot of a little restaurant called Smackers. Sutton said about 400 people attended the one-day event. The following year about 1,200 people gathered for the event, which was held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

The last time the event was held in Maggie Valley was in 2013 when about 10,000 people attended the event. The

There will be Popcorn Sutton memorabilia for sale at the event. Items will include shot glasses, T-shirts, caps and more.

“As far as I know, the Popcorn Sutton products from Ole Smoky will be available for purchase at the jam this year. However, they cannot get the products they purchase until they are leaving the fairgrounds,” she said.

Ole Smoky offers Popcorn Sutton whiskey and “likker.” Sutton has said that it tastes like Popcorn’s creations and is made directly from his recipe.

“I strive to make sure the Popcorn Sutton Memorial Jam is a safe family environment,” she said.

There will be live bands performing from 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and from noon until closing on Saturday. There will be an auction for charity on Saturday. Proceeds from the auction will go to the local chapter of the Sons of the Confederacy.

Admission to the festival is $15 per person per day. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are not sold in advance. Admission is paid at the gate.

The Facebook page for the Popcorn Sutton Jam will be updated regularly and include the lineup of bands.

“We welcome everyone to come out and have a good time while remembering Popcorn and celebrating the history of Appalachia,” Sutton said.

POPCORN SUTTON

Pam Sutton signs a bottle.

Popcorn Sutton products on display at Ole Smoky Distillery.

ROUTES TO THE RIVER FESTIVAL set

to debut in Newport

Cocke County hosts the first annual Routes to the River Music and Cultural Arts Festival on May 4 from noon to 10 p.m. at 300 East Main Street in downtown Newport.

The family friendly event is free for all ages and will feature a number of musicians in a seven-act lineup with plenty of variety. There will also be artisanal crafts made on-site and sold, including moonshine still building, Native American crochet dolls, gourd art and even live knife-making by Newport’s own Britt Barnes, a winner of “Forged in Fire” on the History Channel.

Plant lovers can speak with Denton Bragg, a local plant identifier, about the vegetation that grows across the mountains.

Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as they can enjoy the music while dining on different food options — Nikki’s Fry Bread, Gill’s BBQ and Baz Bakery and Deli, McDowell’s Boiled Peanuts and Sweet Toad Ice Cream, as well as some local restaurants in downtown Newport within walking distance of the festival.

Brazilian, Spanish, and French swing music.

Then, AniKituhwa will bring the same Cherokee dancers, drummers, and storytellers that they have taken to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, as well as Daniel Tramper, a three-time Cherokee hoop dancing world champion. They will blend together in their performances, then stay after for photo opportunities and a question-and-answer session.

Fans of old-time string band music can enjoy Boogertown Gap, which blends authentic Appalachian music and storytellers, with spoons being one instrument of choice.

“Her rhythm is going to make people want to get up and move,” said Asbury. Asbury added that their band will consist of a bamboo flute, guitar, fiddle and banjo.

As far as the musical specifics, fans can expect to see multiple acts in a lineup that brings quality and diversity.

“We’re trying to be inclusive to all different cultures,” said Marilyn Asbury, the festival’s coordinator.

First up will be Cruz Contreras, the frontman, founder, and driving force behind The Black Lillies’ raw and rootsy sound. Notably, he also co-founded Robinella and the CCstringband. His former band mate Robinella will be there as well, playing with a driving beat to keep the audience moving as the second act of the day.

After that, Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego will blend Latino,

After that, Todd Wright will offer a multi-instrumentalist set as a master of old time traditional music, including a hammered dulcimer.

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As an alternative option to the musical acts, Lew Bolton will be there as an award-winning storyteller and author of “Wiley Oakley, Man of the Mountains.” Bolton will offer stories for kids and adults alike, as he became known for narrating “Jack Tales” near Gatlinburg.

The festival has partnered with the City of Newport, as well as Cocke County Parks and Recreation.

“We’re hoping to hit something for everybody,” Asbury said. “We’re making it very intergenerational, so it can be good for any member of the family. Our plan is to have this every year and so far, it’s looking very successful.”

FORBIDDEN CAVERNS

offers a look into the past and underground beauty

The State of Tennessee has more caves than any other state in the country with 8,350 caves registered. One of those caves, Forbidden Caverns, is located in Sevierville.

Visitors to Forbidden Caverns are provided with an entertaining and educational tour experience that includes sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, multiple grottos and a flowing stream of crystal clear water.

The caverns feature special lighting effects and well-trained tour guides combine to make this the most enjoyable experience for all visitors. Trails are well-lighted and handrails are available at all necessary locations.

Hundreds of years ago Forbidden Caverns was known to the Eastern Woodland Indians who roamed the forests and mountains of East Tennessee in search of hunting grounds. The cave was a winter shelter and the river inside the cave provided constant water. Scientists believe the water source is an underground lake below English Mountain, which is now famous for its spring water. Flint is found here and was used to create knives, arrowheads and scrapers. The cave is the home of many unique calcite formations that are still growing today. The cave also boasts the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones that are known to exist.

An interesting Indian legend explains the fate of an

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Indian princess who was lost in “a hollow mountain of two streams”...”which is forbidden.” From the early 1920s until 1943 the cave was used for making moonshine. The constant water supply and the isolated location was ideal for moonshiners to make their homemade whiskey.

A group of business professionals began planning the vast undertaking of opening the natural attraction to the public in 1964. After three years of development and excavation, Forbidden

Grotto of the dead.

Caverns opened in June 1967. The entrance to the caverns is through a picturesque valley that allows for a majestic view of the LeConte range as well as English Mountain of the Smoky Mountains.

A quaint grist mill museum, primitive farm houses and a trout farm are among the points of interest on the way to the caverns.

Forbidden Caverns is a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg and a 45-minute drive from Knoxville. It is also within a few minutes of the Bush Brothers Visitor Center, which is by the factory where the world famous beans are canned.

The average guided tour takes about 55 minutes. Free parking is available for cars and small RVs. There is a picnic pavilion and a souvenir shop.

Forbidden Caverns is open April 1 through Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The caverns are closed on Thursdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Day and November 29-30.

Ticket prices, which are subject to change, are $20 for adults ages 13 and older and $12 for children ages 5 to 12. Children 4 and younger are free.

Because of staffing shortages and a lack of designated parking, Forbidden Caverns is not accepting buses or organized groups at this time.

Call (865) 453-5972 for additional information. The tour is not recommended for those with mobility and/or respiratory issues because of typical slippery surfaces and tight places you encounter in most caves. There is a part of the tour that involves 50 steps that go down a narrow pathway, which can be difficult for some to maneuver.

The cave can be wet, can have water puddles and is 58 degrees Fahrenheit year round, so please dress accordingly.

Grotto of Evil Spirits.

Replica moonshine still.

Hop

aboard this

famous SPRING TRAIN

EXCURSION through the Smoky Mountains

On Saturday, May 4, 2024 the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the spring season while riding the rails in vintage passenger railroad cars.

The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its 5% grade and many bridges. The scenic rail excursion takes you from the historic depot in Bryson City, North Carolina, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breath-taking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains and back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet, 100 feet above the lake.

Passengers ride in comfort in first class, crown class, tourist class, tourist coach or open-air coach. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.

First Class cars are climate-controlled and feature large windows and lounge-car seating.

Crown Class cars offer large windows and climate control for passenger comfort.

Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing.

Open-Air Coach cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.

AS SEEN IN THE MOVIES …

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie, The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy, My Fellow Americans, starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie, Forces of Nature, starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, were also filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation

Passengers have two options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, if that is more convenient. Please select the departure location on the order form when purchasing tickets. Free parking is provided both in Johnson City and Bryson City.

Schedule for passengers driving directly to Bryson City, NC

This scenic rail trip runs from the historic depot in Bryson City, N.C., through the countryside of North Carolina, into the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and back to Bryson City.

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, TN

Motor coach departs Johnson City, TN 7:30 a.m.

Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.

Train arrives back in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Arrive back in Johnson City 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS

First Class ticket price is $175 and includes a meal. No passengers under age 21

Crown Class ticket price is $120/adult and $95/child [2 -12]

Tourist Coach or Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $105/ adult and $86/child [2-12]

Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $107/adult $88/child [2-12]

All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum before boarding the train. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and

accessories, and an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.

MEAL OPTIONS

First Class tickets include a meal. [Indicate entrée selection on ticket order form.]

Box Lunch – includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. [Make selection on ticket order form.] Box lunches must be pre-purchased with ticket order and will be available trackside for pick-up before boarding

Concessions Car – sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board.

Bring Your Own – a small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you

Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link.

The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.

The Spring Great Smoky Train Excursions sell out fast, please order your tickets so you will not be left out. If you like riding a train and scenic mountains, this trip is for you.

Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs. org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com.

PARKING in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

There are three parking tag durations available for purchase. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass can be purchased for $15, and an annual parking tag is $40. The prices are the same for all vehicle types and sizes.

PARKING TAG GUIDELINES

Physical parking tags must be displayed in the vehicle, and digital tags will not be accepted.

Each tag is only valid for a single vehicle and it must include the license plate number of the vehicle it is displayed in.

Parking tags may be purchased online and onsite at locations within the park.

Parking tags will be required anywhere within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes.

Parking tags will not be replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradeable.

Annual parking tags must be displayed in the front, lower passenger side windshield.

Daily and weekly tags must be placed face-up on the lower side of the passenger side dashboard.

HOW TO PURCHASE A PARKING TAG

There will be a variety of options for those who are looking to purchase their parking tags, including:

• Purchasing an annual parking tag through Great Smoky Mountains Association and having it shipped straight to your door.

• Purchasing both daily and weekly parking tags through recreation.gov and printing them off at home. Note that the park will not be able to print your parking tag for you.

• Purchasing all variations of parking tags onsite at welcome and visitor centers across the national park. The locations

where you can purchase your parking tag in person include the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Townsend Visitor Center, Cades Cove Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store, Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Swain County Visitor Center, and Visit NC Smokies Visitor Center.

• Daily and weekly parking tags are available for purchase by credit card from automated machines available throughout the park. Guests will be able to access machines yearround, 24 hours a day.

Do parking tags guarantee a parking spot?

No, parking tags will not guarantee a parking spot at a specific location or for a specific time.

What are the consequences of failing to purchase a parking tag?

Failure to comply with the parking tag guidelines may result in a warning, citation, or your vehicle being towed at your expense.

When do daily and weekly tags expire?

Daily and weekly parking tags will expire at 11:59 pm ET on the date that is listed on the tag.

Are vehicles with disabled parking placards exempt?

Yes, visitors with valid, state-issued disabled tags are exempt from having to purchase a parking tag.

How are proceeds from the parking tags being used?

All revenue generated from the parking tags is being directly put back into the operational costs for managing and improving services for guests, including trail maintenance, trash removal, and staffing increases.

Will there be a limit on the number of parking tags sold?

No, the park does not limit the number of parking tags sold on any given day or week.

Information from smokymountainnationalpark.com

RHYTHM ON THE RIVER celebrates 10 years

The Cocke County Partnership’s Chamber of Commerce will again host Rhythm on the River, a series of concerts this summer along the beautiful city of Newport’s riverwalk. The concert series is celebrating its 10th year.

“Over the last 10 years we have been so happy about the excitement and the increase of support and attendance from our community” said Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey.

This year, the first Rhythm on the River concert will be Thursday, May 30 and continue every other Thursday through July. All concerts are free to the public with concessions and drinks available.

This year’s lineup is still being finalized, so be sure to check the Partnership website at cockecountypartnership.com or its Facebook page for updates.

The series has regularly featured crowd-pleasing regional and local acts and more of the same top-notch entertainment is anticipated for the 10th anniversary season.

What could be better than bluegrass, mountains and the city of Newport’s beautiful riverwalk?

So bring your chair or blanket. Bring a football or a frisbee to pass with friends while taking in the sounds of summer. The Chamber will also have cornhole and other games for the little ones to enjoy.

Rhythm on the River has become a popular summer concert series, held at the downtown Newport riverwalk and hosted by the Cocke County Partnership.

TRIPLE CREEK CAMPGROUND

has much to offer

Triple Creek Campground, located at 141 Lower Bogard Road in Newport, consists of 12 acres surrounded by three creeks. With large trees that provide a peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect setting for all kinds of campers. Amenities have been updated to suit the needs of the guests, but provide a traditional camping feel.

A family-owned and operated campground in view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Triple Creek Campground is a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Most campsites are located on creekside and are shaded by large trees.

There are RV, camper and tent camping sites, nightly camper rentals, a camp store, fishing, tubing, outdoor games, a playground for the children, live outdoor music, special events and much more to make you feel at home.

Jim and Kristi Carpenter have owned Triple Creek Campground since November 2017. The Carpenters moved to Tennessee in 1999 after Jim completed his service with the U.S. Army. Since arriving in Tennessee, Jim has worked with law enforcement and Kristi worked as a nurse at a local eye doctor.

The Carpenters enjoy camping and the quality time they have been able to spend with their family when they were camping. They said they wanted to find that near perfect campground and make it great again, and they believe they found that at Triple Creek Campground.

To learn more about Triple Creek Campground, call (423) 4653060.

One of three creeks at Triple Creek Campground.

RV’s are welcome at Triple Creek Campground

A tent in a cozy spot along the creek at Triple Creek Campground.

There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing at Triple Creek Campground.

Tourists, locals hunt and find treasures at

DJ’S ANTIQUES

With more than four decades of experience buying and selling antiques and collectibles, Donna Jones knows her stuff. She owns and operates DJ’s Antiques at 218 Highway 25-32 in White Pine.

Every item in her shop is tagged with the price, so there is no question about the asking price for any item. She said she is always willing to “wheel and deal,” so many of the more expensive items are sold for a price that is less than the price on the tag.

When a customer leaves DJ’s Antiques they leave as a friend, and will likely come back. While many tourists visit the shop, she has customers who are locals. Sometimes folks moving into the area or building a new home visit the shop to get the furniture and decor that they need to add the personalized touches they want for their home.

The store is located halfway between White Pine and Newport, and it features a variety of items. It is located near Walters Bridge and overlooks Douglas Lake.

DJ’s has oak furniture, primitive woodcrafts, estate jewelry, bottles, glassware, advertising pieces, lamps, ephemera, toys and collectibles.

Whether you are looking for a postcard to add to your

you

it at DJ’s Antiques. Donna is always willing to hunt down that perfect item and welcomes special requests.

Donna says that she learned about the antique business from her parents, and it has stayed with her all these years.

She said they told her to be honest with her customers, make a friend before you make the sale and invite all your friends and customers to depend on the shop’s service and selection.

DJ’s Antiques is open everyday except Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is also open by appointment. Call (865) 674-7196 for more information.

AXE HOUSE TAVERN

offers sharp, fun entertainment

Looking for something different when visiting the Smokies?

Well, head into downtown Newport, grab an ax and let it fly at the Axe House Tavern.

Among the new establishments in the recently completely remodeled multi-million dollar Duncan and Greer Center is quite possibly the perfect elixir for those seeking a fun outlet. But be forewarned, the moment one successfully “sticks the ax” it can become addictive. In a good way of course.

That’s exactly the reaction 26-year-old Dylan Cupp, the ax coach at the Axe House Tavern, likes to hear and strives for with his customers.

Located at 237 East Broadway in Newport, the ax throwing venue, which offers six throwing lanes, adjoins another thriving business in the Duncan and Greer Center, the very popular Neighborhood Beer House bar and restaurant.

Cupp said many of the customers come over from the restaurant for their first taste of ax throwing. They are welcome to bring over food and beer from the restaurant. But if the combination of beer and axes worries you, rest assured Cupp keeps a close eye on safety.

“A lot of people hear about us from the beer house side and then come over, but lately I have had people just come walking through the door, wanting to throw. Our popularity is going up,”

Cupp said.

He said they keep close supervision and he has not had to kick anybody out. The only time he can recall having a rowdy group was actually just a loud group of very competitive ax throwers.

Cupp is quick to add that customers range in age and the activity is something both men and women can enjoy. In fact, he noted that frequently it’s the women who wind up sticking the ax before the men.

The instinct for many guys is to try to throw it as hard as possible but it’s in the smooth motion that is required which women tend to do better with initially.

He also has had customers as young as 8 years old and for those younger there is also a Velcro board with a Velcro ax.

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Axe House Tavern adjoins The Neighborhood Beer House as part of the new Duncan and Greer Center in Newport.

“A lot of the younger kids are sitting there with their older siblings and feel left out and I add that to keep them involved,” Cupp said, emphasizing ax throwing is as much a family activity.

It’s all what one wants to make of it, from a social activity to a competitive outing.

Before proceeding though, Cupp carefully outlines the preferred methods of throwing the ax, from one-handed throws to twohanded overhead throws and, most importantly, he stresses safety as well as fun.

Throwers are asked to stand behind a white line but can step into their throw over the line, but not with their whole body and with good reason.

“If the ax bounces off the board, it is a bit unforgiving, so that (staying behind the line) is an opportunity to step out of the way,” Cupp explained.

Cupp says he stays in contact during the activity to observe and offer additional help and advice if needed.

He doesn’t allow trick shots or carelessness.

“Nothing behind the back or holding a beer with one hand and the ax in the other. You don’t want to do that, you might spill your beer and that’s kind of sad,” Cupp said.

That sounds like some sage advice.

You can also try throwing the ninja-style stars that were recently added to the Axe House Tavern’s arsenal.

Ready to give it a go? After all, how could one not fall in love with scoring points by throwing sharp objects in a fun, safe environment?

“I love this job, absolutely love it,” Cupp said.

PRICE AND HOURS

Axe House Tavern offers a discounted rate for veterans and first responders of $10 per person for an hour and $5 for the half-hour.

The regular rate is $15 for an hour and $10 for the half-hour.

Currently Axe House Tavern is open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are 2 p.m. — 9 p.m. and 2 p.m. — 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• All participants must sign a waiver/release form.

• Closed toe shoes are required.

• Participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian.

• Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Dylan Cupp demonstrates the proper grip for throwing the ax at Axe House Tavern.