Tag: tennessee

Forbidden Caverns

If you’re looking to cool off in Sevierville, head underground…. Seriously.

The Forbidden Caverns, one of the most well-known Sevierville attractions, keeps a temperature of 58 degrees throughout the year and can be a great respite for families, or just yourself, if you’re driving through Sevierville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg.

Once a place only known to select few, in particular the Eastern Woodland Indians, Forbidden Caverns is now known by people worldwide for its “buried” earthen structures and rock formations. The Eastern Woodland Indians actually used the caverns to their own benefit. When they weren’t traversing East Tennessee’s forests and mountains in search of good hunting grounds, they used the cave in the winter as a shelter. One of the big draws to staying in the caverns, besides its shelter, is the underground river that provided a consistent water supply.

Forbidden CavernsSo where did that river come from? Its source is believed to stem from an underground lake found beneath English Mountain. Famous for its spring water, chert or flint can also be found on English Mountain, but in limited quantities. Indians once used both to form arrowheads, knives and scrapers to use for tribal hunting and battle. Calcite formations can still be found growing in the cave as well as other rare rock formations. English Mountain boasts the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones known to exist anywhere.

Moonshine was distilled in the cave from the early 1920s until 1943. The cave’s never-ending water supply and the isolated locale was a moonshiner’s dream in order to brew their homemade Tennessee whiskey.

It wasn’t until 1964 that a group of businessmen began the task of preparing Forbidden Caverns for its grand opening to the public. Forbidden Caverns finally opened in June 1967 following three years of excavation work on the expansive cave.

Forbidden CavernsIf you’re making a trip to the caverns these days, a picturesque valley leads you right to the caverns’ opening. You’ll see the peaks of Mount LeConte and English Mountain as make your way through the valley toward the caverns. Along the way, stop and take a look at the grist mill-museum, some primitive farm houses preserved from generations past, and a trout farm.

Looking to make a day of it, well Forbidden Caverns is just a 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg, from Knoxville a short 45 minutes, and should figure into your plans if you’re coming through East Tennessee, specifically the Great Smoky Mountains area. If it’s a tour you’re looking for, plan on at least a 55 minute stop. Cars and buses park for free and guests can peruse the souvenir shop and use the picnic pavilion at their leisure.

Sevierville, TN

“Your Hometown in the Smokies”

Sevierville is the county seat of Sevier County, Tennessee and the hometown of Dolly Parton.  Since the early 90s, Sevierville has grown both the borders of the city and its influence on the tourist industry.  Adding many shopping opportunities, entertainment venues and lots of good food, Sevierville is becoming its own destination in the Smokies.  Instead of merely being the support arm for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Sevierville is really coming into its own.

Sevierville was one of the most heavily settled areas by Native Americans on the Tennessee side of the Smokies.  After years of the Cherokee controlling this area and building trails and trading posts with the towns on the other side of the mountains, European settlers made their way into the Smokies.  As settlers began to work their way into the area they settled around the streams and rivers that cover the area that is Sevierville.

Over time, as Sevier County became a vacation destination (through the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park), Sevierville has grown into the town to shop in while you are in the Smokies.  Along with those shopping areas they have grown to include the area all the way out Hwy 66 to the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Park and the Bass Pro Shop.

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Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park

Whitewater rafting!  That is the main reason that you come to Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park in Tennessee.  With plenty of diversity in the water you can find those portions that are as tame or as wild as you want them to be.  The Ocoee is the premier whitewater river in the southeast.  With class 3 through 5 rapids at different points in the river, kayakers and rafters come to this area of the country and the state park for one thing:  to get in the water.

Traveling through this state park is a whole different view of the Southern Appalachians than any other place north of this park.  You are traveling along the Tennessee and Georgia borders through almost all of this area and the river that forms that natural boundary is gorgeous.  The river changes from raging rapids to areas of near placidity.  The mountains on one side and the river on the other follow you from one end of the state park to the next.  As you travel you will see roughly 23 miles of river and you will see kayakers and rafters the whole way.

Ocee Whitewater Center

One of the biggest attractions to the Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park is the Ocoee Whitewater Center.  This is located near the Cherokee National Forest and is the site of the whitewater rafting during the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, GA.  Before the Olympics began that year, this portion of the Ocee was modified to enhance the rapids and make them more formidable for the competition.  Mixing the natural passion that this river has with the modern technology they Atlanta Olympic organizers turned this area into some of the best whitewater that the Olympics have ever seen.  Now you can bring your own kayak and give the same course that they ran in 1996 a try.

Along with the whitewater activities in the Hiwassee / Ocoee State Park, you can camp while you are on your own rafting adventure.  There are also places to escape the water and do some hiking or even some horseback riding.  Like most of the rest of the state parks in East Tennessee, there are always plenty of things to do and more than enough to fill a beautiful sunny day while you explore the rivers and mountains in the southern-most state park in East Tennessee. 

Carver’s Orchard

If you ever find yourself in Cosby, Tn, make sure you ask the locals about a little place called Carver’s Orchard. There, you’ll not only find the orchard, you’ll also find a farmer’s market and a restaurant at Carver’s that boasts one of the best fried apple pies in East Tennessee.

The View from Carver's OrchardCarver’s Orchard is a well-marked spot and easy to locate. Carver’s, surrounded by apple trees, really is a roadside wonder. The best way to reach Carver’s is to follow Hwy 321 out of Gatlinburg. The intersection of 321 and the Parkway is at traffic light No. 3 and it will take you straight out of town and past the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts community. The route from traffic light No. 3 in Gatlinburg to Carver’s Orchard is a hare above 22 miles and takes you through the Smokies and its natural beauty. You’ll pass the Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on your way before turning off at the Cosby Campground exit. Eventually you will end up in the middle of Cosby, TN.

Cosby’s beauty certainly shines through at Carver’s Orchard. Apples that grow on the trees in the orchard are processed there. In all, there are more than 40,000 trees to pick from during the process. Included in the orchard are 126 varieties of apple, from standard fare to heirlooms. Literally thousands of apples are processed during the annual harvest. These delicious red apples of various sizes and shapes roll down the conveyor belts to be sorted by hand into bushels. Next, the bushels are packed up for the farmer’s market or loaded on to trucks to be shipped out across the country. The apples that find their way to the farmer’s market floor are then judged by cooks and apple coinsurers before the best are picked. Most markets will even let you sample the apple before you buy it just so you know you’re buying the best of the bushel.

The orchard’s restaurant also benefits from the yearly yield. Appalachian home cooking abounds at Carver’s. A basket of apple fritters is brought out as a starter for each meal as well as a glass of cider. This is quite a beginning and some would even say they could make a meal out of it. Still, if you chose to stop you wouldn’t be able to experience the rest of the menu. The catfish is a particular favorite. They have a wide selection of sandwiches and if you’re out that way early enough you can even get breakfast served to you. And don’t forget to order a slice of Carver’s fried apple pie for desert. It’s definitely not to be missed.

To put it simply, their fried apple pies are amazing. This area is a haven for foodies and when you’re searching for something good, yet off the beaten path and away from the city, Carvers can’t be beat. And not only are they sold in the restaurant, you can purchase their pies in the pastry as well. Have one with ice cream or by itself. A Carver’s Orchard fried apple pie will leave you full and dreaming of the next time you’re in Cosby, Tn. Fried apple pies carry a bit of southern charm and take you back to the good ole days as folks around here like to talk about. If you or someone you know haven’t gotten to taste one, run out quick to Carver’s Orchard in Cosby, Tennessee.

Elvis Museum

Everyone loves the King of Rock & Roll!  In Pigeon Forge, TN, there is no shortage of Elvis memorabilia and places to get into your Elvis groove.  One of those places is the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge.  Combining both a museum and a theater this venue is all things Elvis and the fact that it is located right on the Parkway makes it a quick stop on the way through town.

elvis1The museum at the Elvis Museum is one of the most wonderful small venue museum that you will ever find. Mike Moon started collecting Elvis memorabilia in 1971 when he had a chance to meet the King at a party in Las Vegas.  The belt that he got from Elvis, himself, that evening is still in the collection and it started a passion for all things Elvis that has continued to this day.  Though Mon has since passed away, his family still carries on the tradition of this museum that has been in the heart of Pigeon Forge since 1979. Here are just a few of the highlights that you might see at the museum:

  • 1973 Lincoln Continental Limo – the last personal limo that Elvis owned
  • TCB Ring
  • TCB Necklace
  • Gold Nugget Watch
  • Karate Gui
  • Shotgun
  • Jewelled Lamp
  • Artifacts from Elvis last tour
  • much, much more…

elvis2Along with the museum, there is a theater at the heart of the Elvis Museum, This theater is home to some of the best Elvis tribute artists that are found in the area.  In fact there are three Elvis tribute artists working out of this theater:

  • Will Reynolds – At 17 years old, Reynolds is known as Teen Elvis.  Reynolds takes on all of Elvis’ various career phases throughout his show from young Elvis to the Vegas years.  He has only been performing for a few years but he is at a level that does not match his years.
  • Matt Cordell – An Elvis tribute artist for more than 20 years, Cordell entertains at the TCB Theater on Mondays.  Over his two decades of entertaining, Cordell has won several prestigious awards:  Elvis Presley Enterprise’s Ultimate Elvis Contest in 2010 and he placed fourth in the Ultimate Elvis Finals in Memphis.
  • Robert Keefer – A fan and a tribute artist, Keefer has been performing for years and has also worked backstage at the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge.  He believes that being able to get closer to the King by handling and caring for the various memorabilia in the museum.  He focuses on Elvis 70s career in Vegas and his collection of jumpsuits bring that era of Elvis bigger then life lifestyle to the stage.

For that Elvis fan that is traveling with you on your vacation to the Smokies  there is no other stop that will mean as much to them as the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge.  The incredibly well maintained museum and the theater with the three different take son Elvis by the tribute artists are something you are not going to find anywhere else in the Smokies.  Stop by their location on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and spend sometime with Elvis – The King of Rock & Roll.

Elvis Museum
2638 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-428-2001
http://www.elvismuseums.com

Bristol Caverns

bcaverns1It is no wonder that with the beauty of the mountains and the great outdoors around the Smoky Mountains that there is beauty under the earth as well.  In Northeast Tennessee, Bristol Caverns has been giving visitors the chance to see that kind of hidden beauty for decades and has become a huge draw for the twin cities of Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA.

The waters of an underground river and other natural forces conspired to form the beauty of Bristol Caverns.  Over time the water and the forces of nature carved the rock causing beautiful formations and features to be developed deep underground.  At this point, the Underground River is 180 feet below the surface and it is continuing to have effects on the formations as it flows through the cavern.  Ancient people and the early pioneers and settlers to the area found the underground chamber, they found these formations and gazed in wonder as they used the naturally cooled chambers and shelter of the caverns.  In modern times, the cavern is now a protected area and tourist attraction.

Some of the formations and features you will see include:

  • Mayor Preston’s Chamber
  • The Underground River
  • Lover’s Leap
  • Bridal Veil
  • Entrance Hall

bcaverns2Guided tours leave from the gift shop area every 20 minutes.  You get walked through the caverns by a trained tour guide, someone that knows the caverns like the back of their hand.  They will make sure that you don’t miss a thing while you are in the caverns.  Bring your camera, listen to the tales of how people have used the caverns over the years, how the rock formation were formed and of course marvel at the beauty of this underground wonderland.

The Bristol Caverns are easy to find.  Get on 349E past the Bristol Motor Speedway.  Stay on 349E for about 6 miles past the speedway.  You will come to the traffic light, travel through the traffic light where the road becomes 435N which is Bristol Caverns Highway.  You will find the caverns on the left about 2.5 miles past the traffic light.  Enjoy your vist!

Bristol Caverns
1157 Bristol Caverns Highway
Bristol, TN 37620
423-878-2011
http://www.bristolcaverns.com/

Christ in the Smokies

cits1One of the perennial attraction sin Gatlinburg, for years, was Christus Gardens.  Several years ago, Christus Gardens closed and it was thought that the location where it had been for years, was going to become a set of condominiums.  Well, that deal fell through and the management team of Christus Gardens opened a new attraction:  Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens.

Much like Christus Gardens, Christ in the Smokies depicts various scenes from the bible and life of Jesus in life-sized dioramas, with painstaking detail.  From the architecture to the clothing that is one by the models in the dioramas, the artists at Christ in the Smokies have made sure to be as historical as possible in an attempt to let people get a better feel for the heroes of their faith.  You get to walk scene to scene and experience the various parts of the bible like never before.

cits3One of the most moving and emotional exhibits is the depiction of the Last Supper.  The Christ in the Smokies staff has duplicated the Leonard da Vinci fresco in every detail.  From the items on the table to the colors on the clothes of the Disciples and Jesus, they have copied the entire scene.  You get t a better sense for the meeting of these friends for the meal they were sharing and for the emotion of the scene.  As you take in the scene you feel like you are there, like you are actually taking part in the least meal that Christ took with the disciples before he was arrested.

Another highlight of the tour is the gardens.  In the center of the garden is the face of Jesus carved into a marble block.  This marble sculpture has been carved to give the impression that the face of Jesus follows you wherever you stand in the garden.  It is a trick of the eye and a true testament to the artists that designed it.  This amazing piece of art has been in the same spot in this garden for decades. It has become a tradition for people of all ages to bring their families back for this unique experience.

cits2Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens is one of the most wonderful museums of its type in the southeast.  There are always new exhibits going into the museum and you will find something new every time you walk through the doors.  Add Christ in the Smokies to your itinerary next time you are in the Smokies, you might just find that you are blessed by the experience.

Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens
510 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN
http://christinthesmokies.com/

Secret City Festival

scf1Each year, Oak Ridge, TN puts on a festival to celebrate the people, culture and history of the city that was a secret until after the second World War. This festival, which used to be known as Mayfest, brings community organizations, crafters, entertainment and all of the people of Oak Ridge together in a mass celebration that takes place downtown.  This is one of the highlights of the Oak Ridge events calendar each year and it brings thousands of people to AK Bissell Park each year.

In 1982, Oak Ridge started a festival in the late spring called the Azalea Festival.  This festival wa sa one day craft show that evolved over time into a two day event called Mayfest.  In 2003, Mayfest got a name change and a face lift.  Mayfest became The Secret City Festival.  The celebration moved to the first Friday and Saturday in June and become a much bigger celebration of Oak Ridge’s people and history.

scf3In 2012, the Secret City Festival presented the following events:

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: When the Cold War Got Hot – Exhibit
  • General Leslie R Groves and the Manhattan Project – Exhibit
  • Tour f the ORNL Graphite Reactor
  • Tour of K-25 Site
  • Art & Craft Show
  • Juried Art Show
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • WWII Living History
  • Oak Ridge 70 Years of History
  • Children’s Games
  • Toddler’s Games
  • Youth Games
  • Historic Rugby Play
  • DOE Facilities Public Bus Tour
  • Secret City Scenic Excursion Train
  • Tennis Tournament
  • Concerts

scf2Each year, one of the highlights of the festival is the WWII Reenactment.  With your family gathered around, you get to watch reencators, in fall military gear display the tactics and part of what an actual battle might have looked like during World War II.  From infantry troops to armored personnel carries and light tanks, the display the put on brings this time in history to life.  For the history or military buff in your life, this is a once in a life time event.

If you happen to be on the Tennessee side of the Smokies the first weekend of June, plan to visit Oak Ridge.  Stop by and enjoy the craft show, the concerts, the people and of course an amazing WWII reenactment.  Let the kids enjoy the sunshine, browse the booths, find a nice shady tree and watch the crowds roll by and of course, find a place to sit and watch the battle begin.  Learn more about the people and the places around Oak Ridge at the Secret City Festival.

Secret City Festival
P O Box 1
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
865-425-3610
http://www.secretcityfestival.com

Tennessee Theatre

tntheater2On October 1, 1928, a landmark was opened on Gay Street in Knoxville, TN – The Tennessee Theatre.  The first movie they ever played at this grand old theater was The Fleet’s In with Clara Bow.  From that time until today, this theater has been a cornerstone ofthe culture and history of Knoxville and East Tennessee.  Over the years, this venue has brought both the Silver Screen and live shows to the area and to this day is one of the favorite place sin the Smokies to take in a play or a movie.  Tradition and history are the catch words of the day at the Tennessee Theatre.

Knoxville’s Grand Entertainment Palace

From its inception, the Tennessee Theatre dominated the Gay Street area of Knoxville.  On Saturdays kids from around the city flocked to the corner to buy tickets and stand in line to take in the Saturday afternoon serials at the theater.  Throughout the years, movies were opened at the theatre, star studded casts were in attendance at show like Thunder Road – Robert Mitchum was in attendance at this premier.  The theater has been renovated several times over the years.  Each time it has gone through renovations, it has kept that old flare, that fill that it had the day it opened.  Unlike movie theaters of today, the inside of the Tennessee Theatre is a feast for the eyes, a testament to the builders that made this the Grand Palace of Entertainment that it still is.

The Official State Theatre of Tennessee

tntheater1In 1999, the Tennessee Theatre was made the Official Theatre of the State of Tennessee.  This designation, the establishment o the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation and the fact that people were donating money to the theatre meant that another, bigger renovation could occur.  The stage was modified to accommodate larger productions, enhancements to the acoustic nature of the theatre, modernized lighting and rigging and updates to the carpet and other decorations in the theatre.  The whole process of this renovation kept the original nature of the theatre in mind, kept the look and feel while making sure that the Tennessee Theatre was able to stay functional and bring in the best that Broadway and artists might have to offer.

Another aspect of the Tennessee Theatre is the Mighty Wurlitzer.  This pipe organ was installed when the theater opened in 1928.  For silent movies this Wurlitzer Organ provided the music and fell of the movie.  For the ‘talkies’ the Mighty Wurlitzer was the pre-show entertainment.  Nowadays, getting to hear the Mighty Wurlitzer played by a professional organist takes place most Mondays at the Tennessee Theatre.  The pipe organ was completely renovated in 2000 and is now a draw all by itself .  Throughout the year, the concerts that are given with th organ fill this grand olde theatre from top to bottom and side to side.

Check out the Tennessee Theatre the next time you are in the Knoxville area.  Visit their website and see what is playing or what Broadway show is in town.  You might get a chance to see a play or a performance that is not coming to your area but you will get to see a show performed in a one of the best theatrical venues that East Tennessee has to offer.

Tennessee Theatre
604 Gay Street
Knoxville, TN
865-684-1201
www.tennesseetheatre.com

American Museum of Science and Energy

amse2It is no wonder, with the history of Oak Ridge, that the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) calls this remarkable town home.   The purpose of the museum is to teach the young and the young at heart about energy with an emphasis on t nuclear power.  It also tells the story of Oak Ridge and its role in the Manhattan Project.  Located near the heart of Oak Ridge the museum is easy to find and always a great way to spend part of your day while you are in the Smoky Mountains.  If you have a young person in your life that is interested in science then there is no other place to go then to the AMSE.

It is in the permanent exhibits at the AMSE that you find the true heart of this museum.  From their very own website, here is the information that they give on their permanent exhibits:

  • amse3The Story of Oak Ridge: This panorama of historical photographs, documents and artifacts explains the Manhattan Project and the construction of Oak Ridge, TN. A 20-minute video presentation extends the explanations.
  • Exploration Station: This popular area offers self-directed activities which explore light and color, sound, problem-solving, static electricity, robotics, vision and more.
  • Y-12 and National Defense: Models of weapons, protective clothing and tools along with video and hands-on activities demonstrate processes, safety features and careers at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge.
  • Earth’s Energy Resources: Maps, tools, models and audiovisual materials are used in the exhibits to explore the variety of energy sources, such as coal, oil, geothermal, hydropower and natural gas, found on Earth.
  • World of the Atom: A cross section model of a nuclear reactor and a simulated underground nuclear waste storage area highlight this area that also covers pioneering atomic scientists, natural radiation, fusion, and nuclear energy in space.

As you can see they are education heavy.  They are geared to teaching the concepts of nuclear energy, the value of science and the scientist that created the technologies that we take fore granted and about inspiring the next generation of scientists that might one day come to Oak Ridge to develop the next big concept in energy.

Along with the permanent exhibits, this museum brings in traveling exhibits throughout the year, they host special events and of course they get involved with the schools and locals activities in and around Oak Ridge.  The AMSE in Oak Ridge is not only the perfect testament to the history of the area but it is a great place to take your family.  It is one of the best hand-on-museums in the south east and is a gem in the crown of East Tennessee due to the creativity of its exhibits and joy they take in their subject matter.  Mark a day off your calendar and make sure that visit the American Museum of Science and Energy the next time you are in East Tennessee.

American Museum of Science and Energy
300 S Tulane
Oak Ridge, TN
865-576-3200
www.amse.org