Monroe Life Summer 2024

Local Scenic Drives And A Few Day Trips

TELLICO GOODS & GEAR A Fresh Take On An Old General Store Ingles Table SUMMER RECIPES

Summer Offer: 12 MONTHS NO INTEREST & NO PAYMENT!

David’s Abbey Carpet & Floor has been owned and operated by David Hayes since 1973. He and his experienced and knowledgeable staff are committed to providing customers with superior quality products and installations, from start to finish. They just opened their third location in Maryville.

EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DESIGNERS & SALES ASSOCIATES

Still making up your mind about what you want for your new floors or feeling overwhelmed by their incredible selection? David’s Abbey has 20 sales associates with over 300 years of flooring experience. They hold specialized certifications in all aspects of flooring. These designers can help you choose the perfect floor, walls, showers, back splashes, etc. for your lifestyle and budget. All their consultations and measurements are free!

HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM JEWELRY

We have been serving this community since 1986, and we pride ourselves on creating the highest quality custom jewelry designs in the greater Knoxville area. We have been blessed to see our small business grow to manufacture, on average, 400 custom in-house designs per year. Using a variety of new and old techniques to accomplish the customers' goals, we are eager to help tailor our shop's abilities to each special moment.

Traditionally, a wax carver would create your item by hand, then it would be cast into gold. The customer would rarely be involved in viewing the item before the casting process. Today's newest technology allows us to rely on the much more accurate and efficient form of milling machines to carve the wax. We can take the same file we send to the milling machine and also 3D print

the prototype into a plastic model, which allows the customer to view the design before we move into the milling or casting processes. These new additional steps give our customers the ability to make changes, edit, and view photorealistic renders from the design software. While this is becoming a standard practice in our industry, we have been using these softwares, milling machines, and printers in our shop since 2004, giving us possibly one of the largest databases of pre-designed custom items in the area. Our archive is growing every day with new versions of projects, so we currently keep a database of images, prototypes, and photos of finished items in the showroom for new customers to discuss or see the level of work we do on a daily basis.

All jewelry is manufactured somewhere in this world, so why not here in Knoxville, and why not exclusively for you? The ability to look past our register, through the glass into our shop, and see your items being created

at our West Knoxville location is something we take much pride in. Without outsourcing the work or purchasing products that were not manufactured to our standards, we can assure our customer base that the priority of our entire team is the quality and workmanship we can provide. While there are many reputable manufacturers in our industry, we truly believe we are able to provide our customers with the same quality, materials, manufacturing, and workmanship that is available at any premier retail establishment in the world."

SPIRIT of challenge

The founder of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Genichi Kawakami, set a clear standard for Yamaha brand engineering and manufacturing when he said, “It isn’t a product if it isn’t world class.” 60 years later, Yamaha continues its endeavors to create diverse value through products and services, and we promise to keep delivering excellence in order to create a more fulfilling life for people all over the world

PROUDLY ASSEMBLED IN VONORE, TENNESSEE

The 42-acre Vonore manufacturing facility borders Lake Tellico and serves as the primary point of Yamaha boat production for the USA, Canada, and select International markets. The state-of-the-art facility has more than 450 employees and was recently expanded to include an additional 7 acres - with 36,000 additional square feet for future boat production.

www.yamahaboats.com

From thePublisher

Summer is the time to go swimming with your kids, laughing and playing together. It’s the season to sit under the shade of a tree, book in one hand, ice cream cone in the other. It’s the season to enjoy the warm weather and spend time outdoors.

This issue, read about my first intern, Sharisse Steber. I always knew she was destined for great things, and she’s accomplished so much with her recently released book on hiking and the great outdoors. Learn more about her beautiful illustrations in this issue. My office was in the Old City on Jackson Avenue in downtown Knoxville. The Old City was just being developed and it was a great time to be there.

Additionally, we’ve brought you some of the best summer recipes from Ingles as well as a list of fun summer events for you and your family. Learn about goldfinches and about the beautiful native plant false indigo from master gardener Gayle Fisher.

Joe Lee is a writer! His book, “The Magical Chair” would make a great summer read. He and his wife, Elaine also have written a “Chester” series for children.

Finally, read about our writer’s trip down the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon. These scenic roads are absolutely incredible, and we have beautiful photography for you to see by some very talented photographers.

The photo of my twins, Kathryn and Kelsey, was taken for our first story featuring The Cherohala Skyway. They were enjoying ice cream at “The Beach.” It was not their first trip to the Cherohala or the Dragon. The girls rode in car seats backwards for their first Tail of the Dragon experience! How many people can say they did it backwards? And yes, they did get a T-shirt. The other photo was this year’s Mother’s Day drive with the kids all grown up. We love the mountains!

East Tennessee is my home, and this magazine is my way to say thank you to all the people who make it so special. So please enjoy the latest issue and remember to shop local - the small businesses need you.

We are very thankful for our advertisers who keep our magazine going. We’ve put a lot of time and care into this issue. I hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

The Bingham Group President and Publisher of

PUBLISHER

The Bingham Group

President Lisa Atkins Bingham

Graphic Designers

Lisa Bingham

Contributing Writers

Matt Hollingsworth Gayle Fisher

Contributing Photographers

Brandon M. Johnson

KillBoy

Darryl “Killboy” Cannon

Lori “Killgirl” Cannon 129Photos.com

Advertising Sales Tel: 865.523.5999 mignonne@binghamgroup.com

Subscription or Editorial Inquiries Tel: 865.523.5999 www.monroelife.com

The Bingham Group, Inc. 11921 Kingston Pike, Suite 201 Knoxville, Tennessee 37934

www.binghamgroup.com www.monroelife.com ww.mcminnlife.com www.farragutlife.com

We offer a bit of everything - from stylish everyday dresses to cozy loungewear and figure-flattering shape-wear. Indulge in a special something for yourself or surprise your dearest friend. You will love the treats we carry for your furbabies - and so will they! A little bit of everything

TheKefauver

RESTAURANT SPACE FOR LEASE, SINGLE TENANT SEVERAL RETAIL AND SALON SPACES FOR LEASE

The Kefauver Hotel is located on Main Street in Madisonville. This unique building will be undergoing a major renovation. Madisonville is a Main Street community with an active Downtown Business Alliance. The restaurant has a large dining room with bar, private dining options and possibly a coffee shop.

False Indigo

Three years ago, my garden club went on a field trip to a nursery that specialized in native plants. We traveled up into the cool, misty, smoky mountains of East Tennessee. I am always excited to buy plants that are native to our area. I bought a false indigo Baptisia Australis. I have wanted this plant for years.

Baptisia, also known as blue false indigo or blue wild indigo, is a perennial herb native to

much of central and eastern North America. It typically grows in rich woods, thickets and along streambanks from Pennsylvania south to North Carolina and Tennessee. The plant has dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. It is a large bushy perennial.

The genus name Baptisia comes from the Greek word bapto, meaning “to dye.”

Early American colonists used this native Baptisia as a substitute (though inferior) for true indigo (Indigofera) in making dyes.

Blue false indigo grows upright, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. It features greygreen leaves and produces striking long racemes of indigo-blue flowers from late spring to early summer. The lupine-like flowers are arranged in erect spikes above the foliage mound.

The first year, I was dismayed with my small, weak purchase. I eventually placed a spike beside the plant so that I could remember

The seeds rattle after drying inside the pod. Early settlers used the pods to make toy rattles for their children.

where I had planted it. The second year I was surprised that it had wintered over beautifully and was ready to give me a showstopping display. It was three feet tall in less than a month. The color of the foliage was even beautiful. The leaves are clover-like and bluish-green, with leaflets about 2 inches long. After flowering, blue false indigo forms black seed pods (up to 2.5 inches long). These pods turn charcoal black when ripe and add ornamental interest after blooming.

Since this is a native plant, growing conditions are perfect here. Blue false indigo thrives in full sun to part shade. It prefers moderately moist, well-draining soil that can be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0-6.8). Minimal maintenance is required. Trimming after flowering helps maintain its appearance. Over time, it forms slowly expanding clumps with a deep root system. Indigo is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows and native plant gardens.

All parts of the plant are mildly toxic to humans and animals. The alkaloid compounds responsible for mild toxicity also make it unpalatable to insects, making it relatively trouble-free in gardens. Blue false indigo is a resilient and long-lived plant that adds structure and beauty to garden landscapes. Its unique flowers and seed pods make it a standout choice for naturalized settings.

This is the perfect plant for a butterfly garden. The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees and other insects. It is also a larval host plant for a variety of butterflies including: Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, Frosted Elfin, Eastern Tailed Blue, Hoary Edge and Wild Indigo Duskywing.

I will not be dying material or making rattles but I am enjoying watching this native plant flourish in my garden along with the beauty of attracting butterflies.

GAYLE FISHER

OUR FIRST INTERN

TBy Matt Hollingsworth

Sharisse Steber

his story is personal to us because it’s about The Bingham Group’s first ever intern, back in 1993. Lisa Bingham always knew her intern Sharisse Steber had great potential, and she’s lived up to it with an incredible career as a graphic designer and now as an illustrator for books. In 2021, she published her first book: “Rise and Roar,” a guided journal about hiking and the great outdoors.

The book began life as an illustrated calendar, but as she drew, it kept growing until it blossomed into a 130-page journal. Sharisse explained, “I decided to combine the two things I love: the great outdoors… and art.” After finishing the book, she signed with a literary agent. Within just one day of pitching the book to publishers, she got an offer.

After the success of “Rise and Roar,” she created a set of playing cards based on the book, featuring beautiful illustrations. The royal cards feature famous women who achieved great things in outdoor adventuring, often overcoming obstacles against all odds. These women are some of Sharisse’s heroes, and she knows everything about them off the top of her head.

Sharisse knows about outdoor exploration firsthand. She has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, hiked to Mount Everest’s Base Camp backpacked on the Lares Inca Trail in Peru, and gone caving on Easter Island.

Since the publication of her guided journal, Sharisse has been hard at work on other projects. Her first children’s book premiered in April. Written by Judy Young, the book, named “T is for Trails,” teaches kids about hiking and national parks.

“I want my art to make people happy,” Sharisse said. “If it has a theme, it’s to just find the joy in experiencing nature.”

FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK

Using poetry and expository text, “T is for Trails: A Hiking Alphabet” gives young readers an A-to-Z guide on how to prepare and make the most of their outdoor adventures. Topics include information on gear and clothing, trail etiquette and safety rules, along with recommended trails to travel.

Recently, Sharisse was an Artist-in-Residence at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was one of the highlights of her life, and she encourages other artists to apply.

NPS.gov/grsm/getinvolved/air-application.htm

Sharisse has designed greeting cards including the three depicted above. You can buy her cards at Trader Joe’s.

The Tarot for the Great Outdoors deck celebrates our National Parks and public lands. Each card depicts outdoor adventure activities as well as beautiful nature scenes inspiring you to get outside!

THESE RECIPES ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY INGLES, STARTED IN 1963 BY ROBERT P. INGLE AND COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE.

FARM TO TABLE

n order to bring the freshest produce available to his customers Elmer Ingle used to visit local farmers in the early mornings, picking up only the best. Today, the store and the people look a little different but the produce doesn’t… everywhere you look the Ingles produce department has the freshest and the tastiest produce available, from local farmers just like Elmer and from around the world. Making sure you have the less traveled – best selection. We have an excellent variety of organic selections and a fresh produce prep area where we can core a pineapple, cut watermelon or put together the perfect combination of fresh vegetables for you, all with knowledgeable and friendly associates ready to help. Next time you visit your neighborhood Ingles, take a little more time to notice how much the tradition of the highest standards still remains with every fruit and vegetable.

INGLES….EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL STORE.

SUZY’S ETON MESS

By: Suzy Neal

Shopping List

Meringues

3 egg whites, large

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

3/4 cup Laura Lynn granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. Laura Lynn vanilla extract Strawberries

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

4 tbsp. Unicoi Preserves Strawberry Vanilla Spread

Whipped Cream

1 cup Laura Lynn heavy whipping cream, cold

2 tbsp. Laura Lynn powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F.

2 Add egg whites to a clean mixing bowl

3. Use an electric mixer and beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy.

4 Add cream of tartar and continue beating until they hold soft peaks.

5. Slowly add the granulated sugar, beat until meringues hold stiff peaks. Beat in vanilla.

6 Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat. Spoon or pipe meringues into 12 equal mounds. Bake for approximately 1-1/2 to 1-3/4hours.

The meringues are done when the outsides are dry and crisp and separate easily from the

parchment paper Meringues can be stored in an airtight container for several days

7. Mix strawberry slices and Unicoi Preserves together in a medium mixing bowl, set aside.

8. In a large bowl, whip heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

9. To serve: Crumble 6 meringues into whipped cream, then fold in most of the sliced strawberries, reserving some for garnish. Spoon into dessert cups, garnishing with reserved strawberry slices and additional crumbled meringue. Serve immediately

This is a great do ahead dessert! You can make all three components of Suzy’s Eton Mess ahead, then just assemble it when you’re ready to serve

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/suzy-s-eton-mess

VERY BERRY REFRESHING COCKTAIL

By: Chef Abby J.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh blueberries

2 cups fresh blackberries

1 (16-oz.) container of fresh strawberries, halved 2 nectarines, sliced

Directions:

3 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. fresh mint, chopped 1/2 cup toasted, unsweetened flaked coconut

Divide the mixed berries between the two tall glasses. Add mint leaves. Muddle berries and mint until crushed. Fill the glass with ice. Add the vodka. Pour over the lemon lime sparkling water. Add the fresh fruit. Serve garnished with the mint and lemon peel.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/very-berry-refreshing-cocktail

SUMMER AMBROSIA

By: Chef Abby J

Ingredients

1 cup fresh blueberries

2 cups fresh blackberries

1 (16-oz.) container of fresh strawberries, halved

2 nectarines, sliced

3 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. fresh mint, chopped 1/2 cup toasted unsweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

Stir together strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, lime juice and honey in a large bowl until combined. Fold in marshmallows and mint. Sprinkle with coconut.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ autumn-chowder

PEPPERED BACON PORK BURGERS WITH CHIPOTLE SORGHUM BBG SAUCE

By: Smokin Joe Lasher

Ingredients

2 lb. ground pork

1 lb. thick cut bacon, chopped

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

6 tbsp. butter, softened, divided

4 tsp. coarse ground pepper

1 tbsp. smoked paprika

1 tbsp. kosher salt

4 fresh burger buns

8 slices of your favorite cheese

Instructions

Mix all BBQ Sauce ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until desired thickness. Set aside. Prepare grill for direct and indirect cooking. In a skillet or on a griddle over mediumhigh heat, caramelize onions with 2 tbsp. butter; set aside.

Thoroughly mix ground pork, chopped bacon, 4 tbsp. butter, salt, smoked paprika and 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Form into 1/3 lb.

Chipotle Sorghum BBQ Sauce

1 1/2cups ketchup 1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sorghum syrup

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp. brown mustard

1 tsp. ground pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

burger patties. Liberally coat one side of each patty with coarse ground pepper. Indent each burger in the center (to catch grease) and place over indirect heat and let cook almost all the way through before flipping. Watch for flare-ups! Once burgers are flipped, top each with two slices of cheese and let melt. Note: Burgers should reach internal temp of 165°F. Don’t forget to toast your buns!

Place caramelized onions on to your toasted bottom bun. Lay a cheeseburger over onions, smother in BBQ Sauce, and top with the other half of the bun.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/peppered-bacon-porkburgers-with-chipotle-sorghum-bbq-sauce

SUMMER SQUASH (ZUCCHINI) FRITTERS

By: Sweet Memories

Ingredients

2 cups grated Zucchini

2 beaten Eggs

1/2 cup chopped Onion

1/2 cup Flour

1/ cup grated Parmesan

2 grated Garlic Cloves

1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

2 tbsp. fresh Parsley

1/4 cup chopped Red Bell Pepper

1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper, or to taste

2 tbsp. Vegetable or Olive Oil

Directions:

Lightly salt grated zucchini & let sit in a colander for 10 minutes. Squeeze to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, except oil, and mix well. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop heaping tablespoons of mixture into oil; cook a few minutes on each side, until golden. Place on paper towels & sprinkle with parmesan cheese while hot. Serve with tomato sauce on the side.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ summer-squash-zucchini-fritters

WATERMELON SUMMER SALAD

By: Kaitlyn Baker

Ingredients:

5 cups watermelon, cubed

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1 cup rasberries

1 cup blueberries

1 lime, juiced

1 tbsp. agave syrup

4 mint leaves

1 small bag chia seeds (optional)

1 small bag coconut flakes (optional)

Directions:

In a big bowl, combine 5 cups of cubed watermelon, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of raspberries, and 1 cup of blueberries. Using a small bowl mix together the juice of 1 lime, 4 chopped mint leaves, and 1 tbsp. of agave syrup. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/watermelon-summer-salad

TOMATO PIE

By: Kaitlyn Baker

Instructions:

1 (9 inch) pie crust

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

3-4 ripe tomatoes

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 cup basil, sliced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. Frank’s Hot Sauce

1 tsp. Kaitlyn Baker’s Blackbird Hot Sauce

Directions:

Pre-bake your pie shell in the oven until golden brown at 350°F. Salt and drain your tomatoes. Lightly salt all your tomatoes and place them on a paper towel to absorb the moisture while you are pre-baking your crust. Layer your pre-baked pie crust in this order: onion, tomato, then basil. In a medium bowl, mix together the combination of cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauces, and black pepper. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the tomatoes and bake in the oven on 350ºF until golden brown.

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ tomato-pie

WATERMELON SUMMER SALAD

By: Kaitlyn Baker

any seeds or solids. Add juice of an orange and a lime. Then add pineapple juice and frozen lemonade. Chill. When ready to serve, fill the hollowed out watermelon 2/3 of the way, top with sparkling wine.

ONLINE RECIPE SEARCH

TOMATO PIE

By: Kaitlyn Baker

Instructions:

1 (9 inch) pie crust

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

3-4 ripe tomatoes

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 cup basil, sliced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Ingredients:

5 cups watermelon, cubed

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1 cup rasberries

1 cup blueberries

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ summer-watermelon-punch

1 lime, juiced

1 tbsp. agave syrup

4 mint leaves

1 small bag chia seeds (optional)

1 tsp. Frank’s Hot Sauce

1 tsp. Kaitlyn Baker’s Blackbird Hot Sauce

Directions:

Our new website is the best place to keep up with articles and stories between issues so you never miss a beat of what’s going on in our community. No matter if you’re using a phone, tablet, or desktop, our new website is fully optimized to make reading our content as easy as possible.

1 small bag coconut flakes (optional)

We also publish full versions of our print magazines online the same day they’re being delivered to homes!

Directions:

In a big bowl, combine 5 cups of cubed watermelon, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of raspberries, and 1 cup of blueberries. Using a small bowl mix together the juice of 1 lime, 4 chopped mint leaves, and 1 tbsp. of agave syrup. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad.

See all the delicious recipes from current and past issues complete with step by step instructions and an integrated shopping list!

Pre-bake your pie shell in the oven until golden brown at 350°F. Salt and drain your tomatoes. Lightly salt all your tomatoes and place them on a paper towel to absorb the moisture while you are pre-baking your crust. Layer your pre-baked pie crust in this order: onion, tomato, then basil. In a medium bowl, mix together the combination of cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauces, and black pepper. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the tomatoes and bake in the oven on 350ºF until golden brown.

NEED TO SCALE A RECIPE?

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/watermelon-summer-salad

No problem! Our online recipe system allows you to choose how many servings you want and it automatically adjusts the needed ingredients and shopping list!

www.ingles-markets.com/recipes/ tomato-pie

FATHER, SOLD SILVERSMITH,BLACK STATESMAN, CREATOR OF THE CHEROKEE SYLLABARY.

Sequoyah Remembrance Day

August 4, 12 PM – 4:00 PM

thplace Museum will be Sequoyah Remembrance Day

NEW 2.7 MILLI DOLL AR EXH

Advanced media technologies and electronics enhanc visitors’ enjoymen this all new exhibit. I portrays the Cherok and the legacy of S in an all new multi dollar museu

Open Year Roun Mon - Sat: 9am - 5p Sunday: Noon - 5p

423-884-6246 seqmus@tds.net Highway 360, Vonore, T

Owned and Operated b Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

yah’s contribution to the Cherokee reating a writing system, the yllabary with free admission to m from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The herokee Blacksmith shop will be up and running with demonstrations all through ternoon. Local demonstrators will e set up d emonstrating pine needle s and Gary Holt will be talking about herokees in the Civil War in our 1800’s dog-trot log cabin.

Cherokee Fall Festival September 7 & 8 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visitors will have the opportunity to p back in time to experience food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the p both days. Other demonstrations d displays will include Cherokee life in and a Civil War encampment. 1776 - 1843

Labor Day Weekend gust 31 & September 1

Balloons, Food Trucks, Great Bands, Smoky Mountain Storytellers

d Raiser for The Boys & Girls Club & Other Children’s Charities In Monroe County

Enjoy that fresh-from-a-facial glow with this gift-packaged 3 Steps to Glow Set of full & travel-sized skincare for beautifully smooth, hydrated, and protected skin.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

© 2024 Merle Norman Cosmetics Inc.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

2024 Merle Norman Cosmetics Inc.

Trains Run May thru November!

Sweetwater’s New Mural

In April, the City of Sweetwater got a new mural. It is on the Lazy Beagle restaurant owned by Sam and Kelly Moser and was funded by a grant from Sweetwater Merchants & Property Owners Association and the City of Sweetwater’s mural grant which is paid from hotel/motel packs out of the tourism fund. It was painted by Megan Lingerfelt.

Originally the mural was to include Sam and Kelly Moser’s pet beagle, Rose, who passed away several years ago and from whom the restaurant gets its name. However, during the concept sketch phase, the drawings were so good that the couple became emotional and decided they couldn’t bear to see their departed pet every morning. Instead, the concept was reworked to be about Tennessee as a whole with the Tennessee Tri-Star, a bluetick hound, irises which are our state flower, and fireflies which are our state bug. The couple are very happy with how the mural has turned out.

Painter Megan Lingerfelt said that putting the mural together and painting the dog was very fun. Her artistic process starts on her iPad, putting together different pictures that she has taken or that the client has provided and seeing how they look together. The process of mapping the mural onto the wall usually takes a day. There are different ways to do this, but for the Sweetwater mural, she put pieces of tape on the wall, took a picture, overlayed where the outlines would coincide with the pieces of tape, and drew it out from there, like a giant paint-by-numbers. Megan was assisted by Whit Herrington. Additionally, Megan also painted the Lilies of Devotion mural on White’s Marble Works

The city board allocates $15,000 every year towards murals. They are doing another mural on North Main Street at Sweetwater Market at the Mill. It is scheduled for completion in the last week of May.

A Premier Destination for Natural Beauty

The 90 foot Carmac Falls is just a short walk and is is located on the private property of Evins Mill. As such, one must be a guest of the resort in order to access its property and enjoy its trails. For those who wish to do so without staying overnight, the venue offers “day-tripper” packages that are available by reservation-only, made a minimum of 24-hours in advance. For more details, see their Day Tripper Packages and/or call (615) 269-3740.

Celebrating nearly 30 years of service, Evins Mill is a scenic Tennessee resort property located near the town of Smithville—just an hour east of Nashville. Minutes from Center Hill Lake, Evins Mill provides the amenities of a luxury destination in the intimate setting of a woodland resort, including creekside lodging, fine dining, and beautiful natural wonders.

It’s the perfect place for weddings, executive business retreats, romantic getaways, or day-trips. Hike along bluffs to overlooks and the base of Carmac Falls where you can swim beneath the cascades; fish at Evins Mill Pond for bass, bluegill, & brim; play lawn games like horseshoes, corn hole, ladder golf, bocce ball, volleyball, & badminton; or enjoy cozy bonfires.

After a long day of enjoying the great outdoors, you can step inside and relax with billiards, ping pong, foosball, darts & grand piano a variety of board games, cards & puzzles public television monitors (Roku only) binoculars & guidebooks for bird watching a library with an eclectic collection of books.

The property’s history dates back to 1824, when a Tennessee Land Grant recorded it as Lockhart’s Mill. Since then, the land has

seen several owners, including the Lockhart, Lawrence and Webb families, all of whom built mills on the property. Perhaps the most well-known proprietor was the politically prominent Evins family.

Edgar Evins was a state senator and successful businessman with a variety of interests, including banking, bussing, and oil. He bought the property in 1937 and built the present mill two years later. At the end of World War II, Edgar ceased milling operations. While the mill lay dormant for years, the present log lodge that his wife Myrtie built in that same era became a bustling summer retreat for the Evins family.

Mrs. Evins passed the property to her son, Joe L. Evins, who, as a U.S. Congressman from 1946 to 1976, used it as a political retreat. Governors of Tennessee, including Buford Ellington and Frank Clement, visited the Congressman here, as did Estes Kefauver and Evins’ friends Albert Gore, Sr. and his son Al Gore, Jr.

In 1980, the Congressman bequeathed the property to Vanderbilt University, his alma mater, and it was later sold to the Isaacs family. In 1990, Bill Cochran acquired the property to use as a private retreat for his

family and business. Four years later, Bill and his son William first opened Evins Mill as a business, welcoming the first of countless retreats it would host over the next twentyfive plus years. In the same time span, hundreds of couples pledged their troth at the resort, while thousands more marked a special occasion or simply took a break.

535 Evins Mill Road, Smithville, Tennessee EvinsMill.com 615-269-3740

Goldfinch

By Gayle Fisher

It’s hard to miss the cheerful yellow and contrasting black and white wing markings of male American goldfinches, especially when they’re crowded around your backyard bird feeder. Goldfinches are big fans of bird feeders. Although they will eat most small seeds, they love thistle (Nyjer) and sunflower seeds. To keep your birds happy make sure the seed stays dry. Most tube and mesh feeders are fine; a sock feeder also works well. If food is plentiful, goldfinches won’t typically migrate very far, which means their distinctive per-chick-o-ree call can be heard year-round. But you might not notice them at your feeders. When winter arrives, the males take on a more subtle brown coloring to match the females. The male American goldfinch sports three main feather colors during breeding season: golden yellow, black and white. Look for a small yellow bird with black wings, tail and forehead and an orange bill. They look like tropical birds. They measure 5 inches with a wingspan of 9 inches. This tiny finch weighs in at about half an ounce. That’s roughly onefifth the weight of an American robin.

As usual the females are less colorful yearround. The female is a duller yellow with patches of drab olive and white wing bars. Finches, like most small birds, molt all their feathers at the end of summer or during fall. This molt during the fall is far less noticeable than the transition back to their bright breeding plumage in spring. It’s fascinating to watch how quickly the males transition back into their dapper summer plumage.

Not only will thistle seeds attract finches, the birds famously use down from mature plants to line their nests. It’s one reason that they nest so late in the season, usually between late June and early August. The problem with thistle is that many types are invasive. When planting, look for native plants.

Thistle isn’t the only material females use to line their nests. Milkweed, cattails and dandelion are other options, as are willow catkins and cottonwood fluff.

This is part of what makes these birds so fascinating: They are incredibly adaptable to their environment.

Mama bird wants her nest in a cup shape, so if she can get access to a more supported structure she’ll use that. They often build nests in a vertical fork, where three or more branches meet to form the perfect spot for cup shape. Plants like dogwood, elderberry, buttonbush and hawthorn are common, as are Monterey pine, willow and fruit trees. These birds prefer open, weedy fields with shrubby edges. By the time they have young in the nest, it is late summer and they can easily find an abundance of wild seeds to feed their offspring. The female lays four to six pale-blue eggs.

Our colorful Goldfinches aren’t under threat. We have a breeding population of around 42 million. Found in cities and agricultural areas, they are a species that has done well with their human neighbors.

There is a place where furniture is built with the hard work and custom-crafted elegance of our ancestors, a place where furniture is made by hand, not by machines on an assembly line. This place is Amish Elegance in Farragut, where you can buy classic, high-quality furniture, and the best part is that every single piece is custom. Customers can choose their own dimensions, style, materials, stains, and finishes. Additionally, all the pieces are all made using environmentallyfriendly processes.

Amish Elegance was founded in 2016 by Angie Carroll. Since then, it’s grown from just two customers to over 4,000. Angie is committed to providing the highest quality work possible. As she explains in a blog post, “Following a 30-year career in human resources, it was time for me to follow my passion and desire to open a small business. I have always believed that beautiful spaces and inspiring relationships lift the spirit and punctuate true happiness within. I explored ideas for businesses that aligned with this sentiment.

I decided to open a furniture and décor store with a business model that focused on people, superior quality products, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to honesty and integrity.”

Stop by their beautiful showroom today to see all kinds of unique furniture pieces. Don’t settle for assembly-line furniture. Instead, order a custom piece—just how you want it—and get something that was handmade right here in the United States.

MEMBER BENEFITS

• 20% discount at Choice Hotels

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“The Magical Chair” and a Series for Younger Readers.

“What are you going to do with this?” Joe’s neighbor asked, motioning to the old swivel office chair in Joe’s garage. Joe Lee had recently retired from CSX Railroad and moved from Madisonville down to Florida and was still getting settled in and meeting his new neighbors.

Joe said, “Well, that was my Dad’s office chair.” He explained that his dad, Robert Lee, had been a successful insurance salesman in Madisonville. “He was quite a known person. Everyone in the county knew my dad.”

People would come to him for advice while he was sitting around in his office in this chair. “This seemed to happen so many times, people would put trust in him, you know.” This advice always seemed to work out, and several were successful from listening to Bob’s words. As Joe finished the story, his neighbor said, “You ought to write a book about that.”

That’s exactly what Joe and his wife Elaine Farmer did. Joe had never thought of himself as a “man with a lot of words,” so he didn’t think he’d get very far, but then

his wife started encouraging him, and his mother made him promise to finish it. This promise kept him going, and soon he, with Elaine as an editor finished a 459-page book called “The Magical Chair.” Joe and his wife read and edited the book 33 times before finally deciding it was done.

The book follows twelve-year-old Michael Taylor who—after the mysterious deaths of his father and grandfather—inherits 3,500 acres of land in East Tennessee, near a small town near the Smoky Mountains. Here, Michael discovers a magical and ancient Chair hidden in his grandfather’s storm cellar. By sitting in the Chair, Michael becomes smarter, and people begin taking his advice. The Chair sends him and his two best friends on a dangerous journey to find and replace the powerful stones missing from its arms. Featuring a secret cave, a gunwaving thief, and a 105-year-old witch, this was a fun adventure that Joe enjoyed writing.

Joe and Elaine are currently working on a sequel to “The Magical Chair” about a magical schooner. They also published a series of four chapter books called “Chester, the Island Mouse” for younger readers. The mouse is named after Joe’s uncle, who was postmaster in Madisonville, and who Joe considered to be a great person. Find them all on Amazon.

CHESTER AND THE ISLAND MOUSE

A popular Anastasia Island mouse, named Chester, gets himself trapped in a wire cage and taken to a conservation park where he’s set free. He meets a friend who helps him try different ways to get back across the Intracoastal Waterway to his home on the Island. He desperately misses his girlfriend, Evie. This is a story of his dangerous and exciting adventures.

CHESTER RETURNS TO THE PARK

Chester returns to the conservation park to find two lost, island friends. He and his park friends hike to Jake’s hideout to rescue them. On their way, they find two young boys lost in the forest. Next, they meet a lady who has been living in an old boxcar for 30 years. Later, they are captured trying to rescue his friends.

CHESTER’S ADVENTURES IN SAVANNAH

Chester, a popular gray mouse who lives on Anastasia Island, in St. Augustine, Florida discovers that four of his friends have accidentally been taken to Savannah, Georgia. They were in the back of a neighbor’s old car that was being hauled there for repairs. Mr. Dalton and Chester travel to Savannah to find them and bring them home. While there, Mr. Dalton has a truck accident that leads them to meeting friends of Fletcher and Henrietta.

CHESTER AND THE MISSING DOG

Chester, a popular gray mouse who lives on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida, helps Mr. Dalton search for kidnapped dogs from their neighborhood.

Joe Lee is the son of Robert, “Bob” Taylor Lee and Gertrude Lee. Joe grew up in Madisonville with his siblings, Barbara, Peggy and Cheryl.

“Grandma’s Bakery Sweetens Athens, Tennessee With Homemade Delights And A Heartwarming Story”

Grandma’s Bakery, a charming new addition to the heart of Athens, is set to delight locals with a wide variety of options, from their kitchen to their bakery, they offer everything from breakfast and lunch, to baked goods and coffee. They also cater big events with the most recent one being 3,000 gingerbread men for Rock City in Chattanooga, TN. Grandma’s Gingerbread Bakery also prides themselves on their great customer service, going above and beyond for their customers. Dianne and her husband, Richard Pupard, have come together to fulfill Dianne’s lifelong dream of owning her own bakery.

NEED A PHOTO OF THE OWNERS

Dianne, Co-Owner of Grandma’s Bakery, expresses her excitement, “Opening Grandma’s Bakery is a dream come true. It’s not just about baking; it’s about sharing love and creating memories through our homemade treats.”

Richard, Co-Owner and Business Manager, adds, “We are proud to be a part of Athens and contribute to the community. Grandma’s Bakery is more than a business; it’s a reflection of our shared passion and commitment.”

Nestled in the heart of The Historic Downtown Athens, Grandma’s Bakery is more than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s a culmination of Dianne’s passion and dedication to the art of baking. Every product is crafted with care and precision, staying true to the tradition of homemade goodness.

What sets Grandma’s Bakery apart is its commitment to authenticity. The bakery boasts a full-service coffee bar, ensuring customers can enjoy their treats with the perfect cup of coffee. Grandma’s Bakery caters to the cravings of the community, offering everything from hearty bread to irresistible sweet treats.

Grandma’s Bakery is not just a business; It’s a love story. Dianne, driven by her dream, met Richard at their 50th high school reunion. Despite not knowing each other in high school, they discovered a shared passion for making dreams come true. Richard, the business-savvy half of the duo, built Dianne’s dream bakery and oversees the business side, allowing her to focus on the heart and soul of Grandma’s Bakery.

After years of baking from her home, Grandma’s Bakery is now a reality, and the couple is thrilled about the opportunity to run the business together. Their commitment to quality, authenticity, and community shines through in every delicious creation.

116 N. White St., Athens, TN, (423) 252-0632

Hours: Mon - Sat 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. RPupard@earthlink.net GrandmasGingerbreadBakery.com

Custom Printed Cookies: Edible images are printed directly to the cookies. Use your photo

By Matt Hollingsworth

Iam at Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, and I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. Or perhaps sideways through time, for this is not exactly a world of the past but a world of the imagination, a fantasy world of dwarves, elves, and fairies. I arrive just after noon with my girlfriend Annette and we are immediately given a tour of this strange world in which we’ve found ourselves, from the quaint and beautiful houses, to the axe and archery range, to the miles of hiking trails across the rolling hills in the distance. As a long-time

science fiction and fantasy fan, this is just the kind of thing I love.

We’re staying at Bokee’s Bungalow, a massive dwelling, partially underground, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining table, a reading nook, and a main room where four chairs cluster around a stone fireplace. We both find our rooms delightful with perfect fantasy touches in every detail. There are logs and kindling provided, so Annette and I look forward to sitting together tonight by a roaring fire.

But there’s much to do before that—exploring this beautiful fantasy world. Eventually Annette and I sit by the cascading blue waterfall and work on our writing. This peaceful, calm setting is the perfect place to inspire us.

After this, we go to the axe and archery range for guided lessons from the staff. I stand poised with an arrow nocked, aiming at one of the many targets. Thwick. The arrow releases and hits the target, just a few inches from the bull’s eye. I smile. I’ll certainly take that. The axe throwing is just as fun. The staff

gives us lessons to make sure we’re completely safe. I poise with the axe raised above my head, then step forward and release, just as I was shown. The blunt handle of the axe impacts the corkboard and bounces off. Not quite the result I was looking for. I try again, this time starting slightly farther back. I throw the axe and the blade embeds itself into the corkboard, leaving a satisfying gash in the dead center of the target. Oh yeah, I think. This is going to be great.

After an hour at the range, we are led to dinner. It begins with a lettuce wedge topped with cheese, bacon, hard boiled egg, and tomato. For the main course, we’re served a delicious chicken with sides of mashed potatoes and broccoli. Finally, we scarf down some cake for dessert. I recline back in the chair, satisfied with an excellent meal.

Adventure awaits with the Activity Pass! Enjoy the Village at your own pace as you explore our hiking trails, play outdoor games in the Gremlin Gameyard, and partake in a self-guided audio tour of the property. Then take aim at the Axe + Archery Ranges. They even have Trivia nights and movie nights so check out the event schedule online.

Not only does Ancient Lore Village provide an excellent experience for guests, but they also care about making our community a better place. The night of our stay, they are holding a fundraiser for Breast Connect, a charity for breast cancer survivors. The executive director of Breast Connect said that the people at Ancient Lore “were very accommodating and helped us out tremendously on getting everything organized.”

Annette and I spend the evening reading by the warmth of the fireplace. On the mantle is a leather-bound guestbook full of reviews from satisfied customers. One of them is written in fantasy-style text complete with designs and illustrations in the margins. Afterward, we sit in the reading nook and watch Fellowship of the Ring, but after such a full day, I’m too tired to finish the movie.

The next morning, Annette and I check out, but we’re still able to hang out, so we explore the hiking trails, down Firefly Lane and Gremlin Path, before daring the trek to Yeti Peak where we’re greeted with a beautiful view of the village. A perfect conclusion to a wonderful trip.

If you want to visit Ancient Lore Village, go to their website to book your experience. This magical destination in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains is just 40 minutes from Farragut. Their unique village was designed around fostering community and creating unforgettable memories! Disconnect from the world and enjoy outdoor activities at this whimsical retreat.

AncientLoreVillage.com

865.200.2434

7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920

The rippling surface of the river reflects the serene sky above. Your paddle hits the water, first on one side then the other as you drift along the current. Maybe this is your ideal day in the great outdoors. Perhaps you’d rather go fishing or whitewater rafting—enjoying the thrill of being tossed like a leaf upon a tsunami by the violence of the rapids. Maybe you enjoy returning to nature through a camping trip, racing your bike along a gravel road, or clinging white knuckled to the sheer rock face you’re scaling.

Whatever your preference, River Sports Outfitters has what you’re looking for, from clothes and footwear to bikes, boats, and gear for camping, climbing, kayaking, and canoeing. They are your outdoor store with all the top brands including Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Kuhl, Osprey, Chaco, and Keen. Ed McAlister founded River Sports Outfitters 40 years ago to offer the absolute best in outdoor gear and equipment. Whatever you need, he has it. They are a local business that cares about our community.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their massive climbing wall! Also, visit their website and social media pages for fun events and special offers.

2918 SUTHERLAND AVENUE

(865) 523-0066 RIVERSPORTSOUTFITTERS.COM

ROAD TRIP

By Matt Hollingsworth

The Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon

Ifollow the road that my forefathers took by wagon train so very long ago. Well, actually not that long ago—the tradition only started in 1958, and the most recent wagon train was last August. I am driving along the Cherohala Skyway which connects Tellico Plains with Robbinsville, North Carolina. It is a beautiful road, one only built after years of a brilliantly unconventional political demonstration.

In 1958, the people of Tellico Plains and the nearby mountains were very isolated and lived traditional lives. Their children were often faced with a difficult decision—to keep living as their parents lived or leave everything they’d ever known and travel to more developed areas. It was in this environment that people began wanting a road to connect them to Robbinsville, thinking that this would expand their youngsters’ horizons, enabling them to travel and learn without permanently leaving their homes in the mountains. But how would they get the government to actually build such a road?

The answer started as a joke. During a meeting of the Tellico Plains Kiwanis Club while discussing the potential road, local man Sam Williams said, “Why don’t we have a wagon train? Since our roads are only fit for covered wagons.”

The others chuckled and smiled, but community leader Charles Hall grew serious and said, “Wait a minute, Sam’s suggestion makes sense.”

How could this small town attract attention to their plight? A modern-day wagon train from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville would be a perfect story to capture the media’s attention—and it worked better than any of them could have guessed. The trip was scheduled for July 4th. Newspapers and TV stations covered the event which turned into a huge festival. The organizers had hoped for eight or ten wagons participating, but instead they had sixty.

The 21-mile journey was just as rough as they were expecting, since the land was completely undeveloped, but it got the attention they needed and became an annual tradition that continues to this day. Charles Hall led the push, and by 1960, the journey reached an incredible attendance of 105 wagons and almost 800 horseback riders. The demonstrations worked, and in 1962, Congress made the first allocation for the road. There were many obstacles to the road’s completion including opposition from environmental groups

that shut down construction on the North Carolina section from 1968 to 1983. Eventually, an agreement was reached and the road was finished in 1996 for a total cost of $100 million. Today, I’ll be driving it for the first time.

It’s important to be fully prepared before going on the Skyway as there are no stops for miles. Also, it’s a long trip, so make sure to start early. This time, before heading out, I stop for a snack and drink at the Tellico Grains Bakery where I get a delicious raspberry and white chocolate scone. Next, I fill up on gas then start down the skyway. Another good place to stop is the Tellico Beach, a small drive-in, near the beginning of the Skyway, along the banks of the Tellico River.

At first the Skyway isn’t too different from any other road, the massive trees on either side are certainly beautiful. But it’s when we pass the first gap in the trees that I truly understand why this road is such a land-

mark. Swirling mountain ranges, covered in trees, stretch into the distance, forming valleys between them like grooves in a giant fingerprint. This is the Cherokee National Forest, and farther down the road, I’ll pass into the Nantahala National Forest. The word Cherohala is a combination of the two forest names. The ridges are covered in a thick woodland that seems to stretch on forever, and I wonder how long I could run through it without encountering a single other person.

With a maximum elevation of more than 5,400 feet, the Skyway truly offers incredible views. I pull to the side of the road to admire the scenery. Nearby, a man is camped by the road under the shade of a pop-up canopy. He faces the road, a large camera in his lap. A graphic on his car reads 129Photos.com Xtreme Sports Photography. I strike up a conversation with the man who introduces himself as Jason. He explains that he snaps

Photo by Brandon Johnson

Brandon M. Johnson Photography

pictures of passing cars and motorcycles. Those who are interested can go online, find the picture of their vehicle, and buy it. People come hundreds of miles to ride the Skyway in expensive sports cars, and Jason’s photography provides them with a convenient memento of their trip.

As we talk, a series of deafening Porsches pass by, loud enough to drown out our conversation. We can hear them for a full 30 seconds after they disappear around the curve. “And that’s them going slow,” Jason says once they’ve passed. I watch as other beautiful (and expensive) cars and motorcycles race by before I return to my car.

As I continue driving, the scenery just grows more stunning. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much forest, sprawled like an explorer’s dream across ridges and mountains. No wonder the ancients believed in monsters lurking in the deepest woods beyond civilization. It’s hard not to with views like this.

About 14 miles from Tellico Plains, I pass the turn off for the Indian Boundary Campground. At this family-friendly stop, visitors can camp, swim, or fish at the lake and hike or bike the trails, all against a beautiful mountain backdrop. The site also has a store selling supplies in case you forget anything. If you like hiking, you’re in luck, because there are many other trails along the Skyway.

After several more miles, I get an especially stunning view while crossing the Charles Hall Bridge, named after the Tellico Plains mayor who fought so hard for this road. This 700-foot bridge over Laurel Branch stands at 4,000 feet in elevation, making it one of the highest major bridges in the area. According to the Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center in Tellico Plains, the bridge opened to traffic early in 1983 at a cost of 1.1 million, although it wouldn’t be named and dedicated as the Charles Hall Bridge until 1997.

Brandon M. Johnson Photography

Bridge

View from the Charles Hall

Brandon M. Johnson Photography

When I reach the end of the Skyway, I seek out Tapoco Lodge for lunch. The large historic building is nearly 100 years old and looks slightly out of place after so much uninterrupted nature. It was originally built to house workers for the Tallassee Power Company, from which it gets its name, while they built the Cheoah Dam and other hydroelectric dams in the area. Today, the building is a hotel and restaurant.

After I’m seated, I order “Ethan’s Signature Burger” which is good, though a bit expensive. Honestly, I’m a little nervous not to eat too much since I know what’s coming next. Driving back, I’ll be taking the Tail of the Dragon, also called Deals Gap, which is known—with good reason—as one of the most dangerous roads in America due to its sharp curves: 318 in just 11 miles according to the marketing, at elevations reaching over 1,960 feet.

I leave the lodge and head towards the Tail.

At the start is the infamous “Tree of Shame” decorated with broken parts of crashed vehicles who had failed the road’s test. Not wanting to end up among them, I’m planning to take this road very slowly.

The road is like a roller coaster, and I often have to slow to 10 miles per hour or under to safely make a turn. Some of the drivers behind me aren’t so cautious, however, and I have to pull to the side two or three times to let them pass. Along the way, I encounter many other photographers like Jason snapping pictures of passing cars and motorcycles. The views on the Dragon are incredible, just like the Skyway. The road itself is a cross between a scenic drive and a thrill ride, even if you’re taking it slowly, as I am. I’ve heard one driver describe it as “the most exciting 11 miles I’ve ever driven in my life.”

The Tail of the Dragon and the Skyway, are both Meccas to car- and motorcycle-enthusiasts. The two roads aren’t just ways to reach

your destination but destinations in and of themselves. While the route has existed since before the founding of our country, it became popular as a tourist attraction in the 1990s due to marketing and a newsletter by motorcycle enthusiast Doug Snavely.

As I reach the end of my road trip, I think of the men and women who fought so hard to get the Skyway built. I imagine them, like their ancestors before them, riding covered wagons across hills and mountains into the sunset, like the pioneers of old, like a living portrait of American history.

SOME QUICK TIPS BEFORE YOU SET OUT ON YOUR TRIP.

Check your tires. The Dragon will wear on your tread, so make sure you have plenty.

Check your brakes. This includes brake fluid; make sure that it is not dark colored. The last thing you want is a brake failure on this road.

Get plenty of sleep. Even though it is just 11 miles, this journey is tough on the mind and body. Be prepared in both respects.

Be respectful of other drivers. The Dragon is simply too dangerous for any showboating or turf battles.

It is best to keep your clothes on!

DRAGON SLAYERS

Killboy has a team of photographers stationed along the famous Tail of the Dragon ready to capture your Dragon slayer moment.

Darryl and Lori Cannon are the owners of the Killboy team of professional photographers.

Killboy started in 2001 and has been featured in dozens of magazines, books, and even on The Discovery Channel, History Channel, and Travel Channel, killboy.com is your source for motorsports photography and area scenery around the world-famous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap TN/NC. They recently won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Camera work for the Dragon.

Our team of photographers are also available for private or corporate photography and video.

You can also find us at the Tail of the Dragon & Killboy Shack located on the North Carolina side of the Tail of the Dragon.

Our store is open from March through October, 9am – 6pm.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE ARE BY KILLBOY

MATTIE WILKIN

stood in the entrance to her flooded store, Tellico Goods and Gear. The rainstorm that day that had washed out the Skyway, and Mattie had expected some damage, but this was just overwhelming. There was water from the back almost to the front door, up to 11 inches in some places.

Unable to process what she was seeing, Mattie sat down at one of the checkout counters and began to think of all she’d have to do—from filing insurance, to cleaning up, to borrowing a Shop-Vac. The business was only four months old, and she felt overwhelmed—at least until her team arrived. Unable to process what she was seeing, Mattie began to think of all the tasks ahead and where to begin—from filing insurance, to mopping up mud, borrowing a Shop-Vac, and taking inventory of damaged products. The business was only four months old, and she felt overwhelmed—at least until her team arrived. She didn’t even call them. Her staff members just showed up on their own saying, “Hey I heard what happened. I want to be here to help clean up.”

Not only did her team arrive unprompted, but dozens of people from around Tellico Plains came with mops and cleaning supplies. Before even introducing himself, one passerby said, “I’m off work today. Do you need help cleaning up.” Others brought water bottles for the workers or bought items to help support the store.

Tellico Goods and Gear opened again in four days. It’s hard to think of a better impression the people of Tellico Plains could have made on Mattie, originally from Knoxville, who has opened up this new store in their closeknit town. And it seems that Mattie had made just as big an impression on them. Reviews of her store shine with praise about her friendly staff and great selection. As Mattie said, “I have a really wonderful staff… and a great crew.”

Tellico Goods and Gear sells outdoor gear like tents, boots, apparel, kayaks, hiking equipment, and more. It also features work and gifts from local artists and makers. Mattie is passionate about giving opportunities to local vendors, and she has work from over 50 from East Tennessee in her shop.

Tellico Goods and Gear recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, having opened on April 13, 2023. For their second year, Mattie is hoping to get even more involved in the community with group hikes, group bike rides, demos on how to set up a tent, and other events. The store strives to be inclusive of both locals and visitors, experienced outdoors men and people who have never been on a hike before. The store caters to a diverse range of customers, welcoming both locals and visitors, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to beginners. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift, the store has something for nearly everyone. Tellico Goods and Gear.

TO CHATTANOOGA

SWEETWATER VISITOR CENTER AND DEPOT TO KNOXVILLE

SWEETWATER

INDIAN BOUNDARY CAMPGROUND

Just off the scenic Skyway on Forest Service Road 345. Offering 100 campsites as well as day use picnicking, swimming and biking. Open April - November. Reservations are recommended. Call toll free at 877.444.6777.

TURKEY CREEK OVERLOOK

2,630 ft.

OOSTERNECK CREEK

1,045 ft.

Overlook and boating takeout on the Tellico River. When the water is up, the Tellico River, with its Class III, IV, V rapids, is quite a challenge for canoeists and kayakers.

INFORMATION STATION Bulletin board welcomes visitors with general information about the Skyway and Tellico Ranger District.

TELLICO RIVER

950 ft.

The Tellico River is famous for its world class trout fishing.

Overlook with 3 picnic tables and restroom. Beautiful view from the Appalachians over the Tennessee River Valley. Tellico Plains can be seen in the distance. GRASSY GAP

LAKE VIEW

3,360 ft.

A perfect place to enjoy distant views of Tellico Lake. This lake was created from TVA dams of the Little Tennessee River.

Located on Forest Service Road 210, you can view Bald River Falls without leaving your car as water cascades over 100 feet onto the rocks below. Further along the road, you may be interested in visiting the state-operated trout hatchery and Pheasant Fields Rearing Pools.

Overlooking Sassagras Ridge and other major ridges running south down to the Tellico

Opened and dedicated in 1996, the Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway crossing through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The Skyway is a wide, two-lane road connecting Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina, and has elevations ranging from 900 feet to over 5,400 feet above sea level. Enjoy 40+ miles of scenic views, and be sure to stop at one of the many attractions and destinations along the way!

Skyway

River. BALD RIVER FALLS

CHARLES HALL MUSEUM

PHEASANT FIELDS

In 1936, an extraordinary 3,800 acres of “one of the few remaining tracts of virgin hardwood in the Appalachians” was set aside as a memorial forest in honor of Joyce Kilmer. A 2-mile loop trail winds beneath the towering trees and through a forest carpeted by a rich variety of wildflowers, ferns and moss-covered logs from the fallen giants. HORSE

STRATTON RIDGE

4,420 ft

This is a perfect place to stretch, enjoy a picnic lunch (5 tables) and a restroom facility. A bulletin board provides additional information about the Skyway.

4,950 ft.

Take a leisurely stroll (about 3/10th of a mile) along an easy grade through hardwood forest to a fabulous vista overlooking the byway and a seemingly endless range of mountains. The trail is accessible for the physically challenged, and two picnic tables are easily accessed from the parking lot.

ft.

Listen carefully to the sound of Santeetlah Creek far below while enjoying the mountain vista offered at this scenic overlook.

HOOPER COVE

3,100 ft.

SANTEETLAH

5,390 ft

Over a mile high in elevation, enjoy a picnic (3 tables) at the highest overlook along the skyway.

HOOPER BALD TRAIL

5,290 ft.

A quarter-mile hike leads to Hooper Bald, near the site of the old hunting preserve, where many exotic species, including the Russian boar, were imported by George Moore in 1908. An information board, restrooms and two picnic tables are easily accessed from the parking lot.

Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest is Tennessee’s only National Forest and comprises 1/3 of Monroe County. With such distinction and acreage, it’s no wonder Cherokee is the destination for outdoor recreation in East Tennessee. Enjoy a scenic drive, with beauty and wonder aplenty during any season, hike the many trails for a more close-up experience with nature or get in touch with your wild side with a kayaking experience.

RATTLER FORD GROUP CAMPGROUND

Reservations required through Cheoah Ranger Station.

This open area with a view into the Santeetlah Creek drainage offers a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, 4 tables.

SHUTE COVE

3,550 ft.

SANTEETLAH GAP

2,660 ft.

A park bulletin board with information.

A quiet picnic can be enjoyed at the one table available at this pullover. A few steps to the small wooden platform presents a beautiful view into the valley below.

The Tellico Ranger District contains 123,372 acres in Monroe County with its highest peak, Haw Knob, reaching 5,472 feet above sea level.

Photos courtesy of Darrell Cannon, Bill Armstrong, Darrell Young, Ken Gables, Jerry Denham and Monroe County Tourism Department.

JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST

TO

TELLICO PLAINS

The gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest. Here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, a simpler way of life prevails. Enjoy the bakery and the other shops in town that sell fine arts, crafts and furnishings. There are plenty of restaurants and places to stay. www.tellicoplainstn.com

Cherohala

The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains is a “must stop” before starting up the Skyway. Come by between 9am and 5pm daily for free maps of the Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, Skyway driving conditions and local area souvenirs and gifts. Picnic tables and spotless restrooms are also available, with friendly staff waiting to welcome you with important Skyway and area information!

225 Cherohala Skyway 423.253.8010 www.cherohala.org

A local historian and collector since boyhood, Charles also served as mayor of Tellico Plains for 31 years. Showcased in two museum buildings are his magnificent collections of historical local pictures and documents, antique telephones, guns, Native American artifacts, coin and currency collections, a moonshine still, a 1922 Model T Ford telephone repair truck and so much more.

Open Daily: 10am–5pm, Admission: Free 229 Cherohala Skyway, 423-253-8000 charleshallmuseum@hotmail.com www.charleshallmuseum.com

You will also find local handcrafted items and souvenirs in their gift shops!

Find your perfect property with Sharron Jenkins, an experienced Realtor® for over 30 years!

Come discover the most beautifully biodiverse area in America. We’ll help you find your place on the planet in the East Tennessee mountains with creeks and meadows and a chain of lakes leading to the rivers flowing down to the gulf.

We offer log cabins in the forest and farms in the valleys. And if you want to sell, we can find the very best buyers for you!

Jenkins Realty Sharron@JenkinsRealty.com www.JenkinsRealty.com 5588 Hwy. 360, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 (423) 253-3526

Skyway Visitor Center

Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center

The Bookshelf is a quaint little bookshop in the Historic District just off the Town Square. Celebrating 15 years as Monroe County’s only full-service bookstore, they offer new local history books and gently used books in all categories. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff also offers free out-of-print book searches.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10am - 5pm 108 Scott Street, 423.253.3183 www.tellicobookshelf.com Find us on Facebook

Savor the serenity of your own cabin in the mountains! Choose from one to five bedrooms that sleeps from two to ten guests. Select a cabin with a hot tub on the deck, a cozy stone fireplace or a pool table in the game room. Our cabins are ideal for a romantic getaway, a wedding or honeymoon, a family vacation or reunion. With your own kitchen, multiple bedrooms, comfortable living areas and outdoor decks, you’ll find cabin rentals to be a fabulous value for extended vacations for several couples or extended families. Our cabins are private and comfortable, each totally unique. A change in altitude creates a change in attitude!

206 Cherohala Skyway, 866.253.2254 tvr@tellicovacationrentals.com

Everhart Lumber Company specializes in high quality specialty timber and furniture products. Everhart’s is a wood specialty and furniture store in Tellico Plains, Tennessee that offers Ready-Made and Custom-Made Furniture from unique character woods such as black walnut, figured maple, flaming box elder, eastern red cedar, teak, and other wood types.

We also offer mantles, wooden counter tops for kitchen islands and paneling made from reclaimed barwood and reclaimed wood previously used to harvest mushrooms

911 Veterans Memorial Drive

Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Skyway Realty Land and Homes

Skyway Realty’s associates create home and land dreams for buyers and sellers. For buyers, we hone in on and help you select the places you are most likely interested in buying. Sellers have new dreams we help them find as we sell their current properties. We love being helpers in one of the most important decisions of your lives. We make the real estate experience enjoyable from the first call to the close and enjoy win-win transactions with everyone at the table talking to each other as friends…that’s what we all like about Tellico Plains, it’s warm, friendly, peaceful and successful.

411 Cherohala Skyway, 423.253.7100 info1@tellico-tn.com www.tellico-tn.com

The Bookshelf

Tellico Vacation Rentals

Everhart Lumber Company, LLC

Summer

MONROE HAPPENINGS

FOOD TRUCK NIGHT

First Monday of Each Month

April through October

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 305 College St Madisonville, TN

Bring the family, the friends and the lawn chairs, and we will bring the food and fun! Enjoy a wide variety of food options from local food truck favorites

VisitMonroeTN.com/events

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION: SWEETWATER

July 4th

Time: TBA 310 N Main St Sweetwater, TN

VisitMonroeTN.com/events

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION: VONORE

July 4th

Time: TBA 613 Church Street Vonore, TN

VisitMonroeTN.com/events

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION: MADISONVILLE

July 4th

Time: TBA 204 Church St Madisonville, TN

VisitMonroeTN.com/allevents

SEQUOYAH REMEMBRANCE DAY

August 4th 12 PM Sequoyah Birthplace Museum 576 TN-360 Vonore, TN

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore will observe Sequoyah Remembrance Day with free admission to the museum. Sequoyah died in August of 1843, but no one knows what day he died, so we’ve chosen the first Sunday in August to remember him and his life. We will have the printing press and blacksmithing demonstrations.

SequoyahMuseum.org

SIEGE GARRISON WEEKEND

August 10th through 11th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 338 Fort Loudon Rd Vonore, TN

Garrison Weekend is a free, family-friendly, living history event that features the daily lives of the men, women and children of historic Fort Loudoun.

TNStateParks.com/parks/fort-loudoun

FARRAGUT

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

July 4th

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kingston Pike/Stadium Dr to Boring Road

This annual 4th of July parade features floats, bands, dancers, animals, antique cars and more!

VisitFarragut.org/events

June 20th

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Founders Park

405 N Campbell Station Rd, Farragut, TN 37934

Celebrate the longest day of the year with one of Tennessee’s oldest musical genres at the Bluegrass Summer Solstice concert.

VisitFarragut.org/events

July 26

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Farragut Community Center

239 Jamestowne Boulevard Farragut, TN 37934

July is National Parks and Recreation month, and we are celebrating by throwing a familyfriendly party. Make sure to stay tuned. More details about this event are coming soon!

FarragutParksAndRec.org

August 9th through 11th Time

Village Green Shopping Center 11435 Kingston Pike Farragut, TN 37934

Enjoy one of the best canine events in East Tennessee. This 3-day festival of fun, food, and shopping is highlighted by the Smoky Mountains Dock Dogs canine diving competition. Watch dogs leap through events such as big air and speed retrieve while enjoying food from local restaurants and food trucks. Shop from a wide variety of vendors and visit local merchants throughout the Village Green Shopping Center. This event is free to all canines and their owners!

ShopFarragut.com

FUN WITH THE FLEET

August 17th

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Mayor Bob Leonard Park 301 Watt Road Farragut, TN 37934

Kids have the opportunity to see, touch and climb on big trucks and equipment at Farragut’s Mayor Bob Leonard Park. this family-friendly free event in East Tennessee brings out the kid in all of us! More details will be available this summer.

FarragutParksAndRec.org

August 17th

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Founders Park at Campbell Station 405 N Campbell Station Road Farragut, TN 37934

Each summer MamaJam Productions brings the FREE Lawn Chair Concert to Founders Park on Campbell Station Road for all to enjoy. Food trucks, crafts, games and more! Limited parking is available on-site, additional parking is available at the Farragut Community Center. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Lawn Chair Concert. Stay tuned for the live music line-up!

Facebook.com/lawnchairconcertseries

DIXIE LEE FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Saturday until October 26th

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

12740 Kingston Pike Farragut, TN 37934

Our sole purpose is to strengthen our community by providing you with a place to buy local, top quality fresh produce directly from the people who grew it. In doing this, we hope to give an opportunity to our local farmers, gardeners and crafts persons to promote their products. We hope to strengthen our local commerce by buying from our neighbors, as well as offering our families a healthier lifestyle.

DixieLeeFarmersMarket.com

KNOXVILLE

June 1st through June 16th

The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996

The Nief-Norf Summer Festival is a multidisciplinary new music festival that brings together performers, composers, improvisers, scholars, and music technologists for collaboration and exploration of contemporary music within an immersive environment. The festival provides opportunities for masterclasses, workshops, and performances with world-renowned faculty at the state-ofthe-art Natalie L. Haslam Music Center.

NiefNorf.org/summer-festival-2024

2024 NIEF-NORF SUMMER FESTIVAL

LAWN CHAIR CONCERT

First Friday of Each Month

5 p.m.

Downtown Knoxville

Explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local artist exhibits; enjoy performance art and live music in the streets and a variety of venues.

DowntownKnoxville.org/firstfriday-artwalk

July 4th

5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

World’s Fair Park

963 Worlds Fair Park Drive

Knoxville, TN 37916

This free festival delivers a wide variety of family fun including entertainment, activities and treats.

VisitKnoxville.com/events

July 12th through July 14th

Knoxville Convention Center

701 Henley Street

Knoxville, TN 37902

Don’t miss Tennessee’s Largest Pop Culture Event, Fanboy Expo on July 12-14, 2024 from the Knoxville Convention Center. Come see why over 30,000 fans have attended our Summer events featuring Celebrity Guests, Comic Industry Pros, Cosplay, Vendors, Live Entertainment and much more!

FanBoyExpo.com/knoxville

2024 MARKET SQUARE FARMERS MARKET

Every Wednesday, May 1st through November 20th 10 a.m. 1 p.m.

CROSSVILLE

Market Square in Downtown Knoxville

The Market Square Farmers’ Market is an open-air farmers’ market managed by Nourish Knoxville. Everything at the market is grown, raised, and/or made by our vendors within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville.

NourishKnoxville.org

The

GOOD MORNING ETOWAH

First Friday of Every Month 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Various Locations

Good Morning Etowah is a unique approach to a morning networking meeting. We strive to offer quality networking and help our members build solid connections with other business owners in our community. We try to incorporate fun, games, and of course, food into our networking events. If you’d like to build your business while also having a good time with like-minded individuals, come check us out!

Facebook.com/EtowahChamberofCommerce

JR. MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP 2024

Camp Dates: June 17 - 28

Show Dates: June 28 & 29

REGISTER by June 3rd The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

AACA’s 3rd Jr Musical Theatre Camp for grades K-6 is for students who will have completed the grade in the 2023-24 school year.

AthensArtsCouncil.org/upcomingevents

HISTORY FOR LUNCH: USS CHARLES R WARE

June 20

12 p.m. to 1 p.m. McMinn County Living Heritage Museum 522 W Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303

Stop by for Part II of Director Brett King’s presentation on Athens native Charles Ware and the ship named in his honor.

LivingHeritageMuseum.org

ETOWAH OLD FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July 4th

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 727 Tennessee Ave Etowah, TN 37331

EnterpriseEtowah.com

ETOWAH

Multiple dates June through August 7 p.m.

Market Park Pavilion

Athens, TN

The 13th Annual Sounds of Summer concert series will have weekly concerts beginning in June and ending in August. Sounds of Summer is a free-to-the-public concert series sponsored by Friendly City Festivals and private donors. Bring a chair or blanket.

FriendlyCityFestivals.com/sounds-of-summer-4

LIVE HISTORY SHOWS

July 19 through 20th

McMinn County Living Heritage Museum 522 W Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303

The clock is ticking. The sand is slipping through the hourglass. Lives could be at stake; history could be changed. The whole world rests on your shoulders, and time is running out. Will you be in time?

This is one of the biggest events of the season. Enjoy events with interactive escape room and theatre elements. Expect to work with all your fellow audience members and the actors.

LivingHeritageMuseum.org

July 22nd through August 2nd

REGISTER by July 8th

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

AthensArtsCouncil.org/upcomingevents

July 29th through August 2nd

REGISTER by July 15th

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

Students enjoy a one-week intensive of theatre classes in acting, music, movement, and stage craft, geared towards preparing students for auditions and show participation. The camp is directed by ACT veteran directors of children’s and multi-generational shows, Michael Webb & Melonie Carideo.

AthensArtsCouncil.org/upcomingevents

YOUTH THEATRE CAMP 2024

July 8th through 19th

REGISTER by June 24th

The Arts Center

320 North White Street Athens, TN, 37303

AACA’s annual Youth Theatre Camp for grades 6 - 12 is an area favorite. Campers enjoy two weeks of classes in acting, improvisation, stage combat, music, movement, and stage craft.

AthensArtsCouncil.org/upcomingevents

4TH ANNUAL BATTLE OF ATHENS FESTIVAL

August 3rd

Athens Market Pavilion

Come to the 4th annual Battle of Athens Festival. Learn about the history of one of the most important events in Athens history. Enjoy the walking tour, historical footage and interviews, food trucks, historical vendors, entertainment, and more.

facebook.com/BattleofAthens75

VISUAL ARTS MINI CAMP K-5

THEATRE BOOTCAMP

LOOKING BACK

The Monroe County Courthouse

Built in 1897, the Monroe County Courthouse is the fourth courthouse to serve the county, having replaced an older one built in 1868. It was designed by Baumann Brothers and Company and constructed by Galyon Selden Co. It is the seat of the county government and thus the primary focal point of local politics. It has been the site of speeches and debates by many important local leaders and even national leaders like Estes Kefauver. It has served other important functions like being an administrative center for agencies associated with the New Deal in the Great Depression and the meeting place for the local draft board during WWII. Additionally, it is a beautifully designed building that everyone in Monroe County can be proud of—a landmark of our region’s history.