Search Results
19 items found for ""
- All Aboard for Holiday Cheer: The 82nd Annual CSX Santa Train Experience!
Ti's the season—the season for Santa—and the 82nd running of the CSX Santa Train. Grab your kids and hot cocoa or coffee because starting at 6 a.m., the Santa Train will pull out of Shelby, KY, work its way south through Southwest, VA, and end in Kingsport, TN. Oh, did we mention there will be more than 15 tons of toys and goodies given out to those along the stops? Kick off your holiday right, and enjoy the Christmas Spirit that has been going strong now for 8 decades. In Kingsport, from 1 to 3 p.m., Santa's Depot at Centennial Park will host cookies, activities, hot chocolate, booths, and much more. Get there early to enjoy a lively atmosphere and watch Santa complete his journey throughout the region. If you want to discover all the stops, we suggest heading to the official Santa Train Facebook page . As always, listen to Santa Elves as he pulls into the station; he needs a clear path to deliver safely. This 82nd Annual CSX Santa Train won't be one, you want to miss!
- Discovering The Towers: A Breathtaking Appalachian Landmark
The Towers is a prominent Appalachian landmark in the heart of Southwest Virginia with a rough sandstone peak. This unique mountain feature is nestled along the Russell Fork River at Breaks Interstate Park , located along the state line of Virginia and Kentucky in the Breaks Canyon, and is the northernmost peak of Pine Mountain. Breaks Interstate Park is also one of two Interstate Parks in the nation where two state parks in adjacent states meet. You might wonder why we would feature this one mountain and what makes it so unique. Well, it is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most beautiful locations in the central region of the Appalachians. It is also one of the few places you can see a full horseshoe bend in this portion of the Appalachians. The Russell Fork River carved out this remarkable feature and is part of the gorge known as "The Grand Canyon of the South." There are three Overlooks where you can view the Towers: Lovers Leap, Mill Rock Point, and the Towers Trail Overlook. The Towers Trail Overlook, our favorite overlook, requires admission to the park and is a short .25-mile walk down to a large viewing area where you can look down the gorge in two directions. Mill Rock Point, is a pull-off along Helen Henderson Highway, which features a small gazebo with information. This is another concise but steep walk to a smaller viewing area. This viewpoint offers a skewed angle of the Russell Fork River and a broad open view of the mountain range. Lovers Leap is a more direct viewpoint, just off a small gravel road with obstructed views. While enjoying these breathtaking sights, safety should always be your priority. At all of these overlooks, you should use extreme caution. You are very high up, and it can be slick. Always watch your footing, follow the park rules, and stay behind the railings. Embrace the opportunity to experience the grandeur of The Towers—it's a captivating destination that you won't want to miss!
- Flag Rock Recreation Area, A Southwest Virginia Top 5 viewpoint
Flag Rock Recreation Area , home of the Woodbooger and one of Southwest Virginia’s top 5 viewpoints. For those wondering if we had a typo, no, you read that right the first time. A Woodbooger is another name for what most people call a “Big Foot” or “Sasquatch,” It’s also an excellent restaurant at the bottom of the mountain in Norton, VA. We recommend the curly potato wedges and burgers. The Flag Rock Recreation Area sits just below High Knob and is a thousand-acre city park that boasts one of the best nature escapes in Southwest Virginia. Camping, Kayaking, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and relaxation can be found along this Cumberland Mountain getaway. The Flag Rock Recreation Area has ten miles of trails, which are open to mountain biking. For those wanting to go fishing, the Norton Upper Reservoir contains bass, catfish, and state-stocked trout. If you’re looking to unwind for an evening, or if you are looking for a fantastic place to have a small get-together, the park has two large shelters you can rent and many small shelters perfect for an afternoon picnic. The best times to fully enjoy the recreational activities and beauty found in the surrounding hardwood forest are Summer and Autumn, with Autumn being our top pick. Make time to visit the Flag Rock Overlook, which is aptly named after the flag pole mounted into a large bolder overlooking the City of Norton. Keep your eyes peeled here; you might come across the local wood booger as well. A short drive up the remainder of the mountain, just outside the park and located in the Jefferson National Forest , is the highest point along the Cumberland Mountains, High Knob. At an elevation of 4,223 feet, this 360-degree view will not disappoint. High Knob has plenty of parking and a wheelchair-accessible observation tower designed for everyone. Whether you are here to hunt Woodboogers, or to take in the vistas of the Southwest Virginia frontier, Flag Rock Recreation Area has something for everyone. This gem is worth the trip, from hiking to fishing and unforgettable views. So lace up your boots, bring a buddy, and make a memory.
- From Stage to Service: The Scythian Fan-ily Donates Needed Items
From stage to service, the Scythian Fan-ily came out to the Charlotte Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC, to not only catch their favorite band, Scythian, but to help support the mountain communities in North Carolina that suffered from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. It was not just a night for dancing and singing but one to help give back. The Scythian Fan-ily packed a haul trailer full of supplies, which included: underwear, socks, more than sixty knitted beanies, gloves, scarves, thermal layers, fleece pullovers, sweatshirts, and jackets for men, women, and children, cozy fleece blankets, diapers of all sizes, hand warmers, trash bags, dish detergent, disinfectant wipes, batteries, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, can openers, canned soup, canned beans, crackers, cereal bars, shelf-stable milk, protein shakes, and bottled water to name a few items. In addition to the donated items, they raised over $2,000, which goes directly to the recovery efforts. The donated items by the Scythian Fan-ily were delivered to a facility in Lansing, NC, in Ashe County, where an estimated 500-600 people come to gather supplies. Similar acts of generosity are happening all around the Appalachian region, with Americans stepping up to help in heartwarming ways. One of our favorite quotes here at Appalachian Roots is by Dr. Seus. It's so simple that a small child can understand it, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” Concert Photos by Rachel Pepper Instagram: Pix_byPep Website: pixbypep.mypixiset.com
- Blue Highway Fest, Days Three and Four
The second part of Blue Highway Fest , days three and four, was held at Bullett Park in Big Stone Gap , VA, or, as everyone called it, the "main stage." Bullett Park is typically used for high school sports and recreation, but for one weekend a year, it is home to Blue Highway Fest. This venue offers plenty of room for everyone to find a comfortable spot and room for growth, which they have seen over the past three years. This year was the largest of the three years it has been held. The first year had a crowd up to the thirty-yard line; this year, they were at the fifty-yard line. On the other side of the field were food trucks, the beer garden, and the craft vendor area, which offered handmade goods and foods. Beth Snapp kicked off Friday's lineup, which included Russell Moore and the Illyrd Tyme Out, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Missy Raines, and the Allegheny, Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, Scythian, The Travelin' McCourys, the Dan Tyminski Band and festival hosts, Blue Highway. The lineup included many traditional bluegrass staples like Larry Sparks, Ralph Stanley II, Russell Moore, and Dan Tyminski, but it also included Scythian, a band you probably would not have seen at a bluegrass festival a decade earlier. Scythian is a roots/Celtic band out of Front Royal, VA, known for their high-energy performances that get a crowd up and dancing. Music festivals are becoming more popular; they are an escape from the everyday grind, and people are expecting more and more out of festivals; having a band like Scythian in the mix of traditional bluegrass brings a liveliness to a more tame atmosphere. It also helps introduce more people to the bluegrass genre. I hope they expand on this in the coming years; the more variety, the better; however, keep bluegrass at the forefront. I would love to see Mumford and Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show, or even Judah and the Lion in the mix. Saturday's lineup had familiar faces from the day before, like Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Scythian, The Dan Tyminski Band, and Blue Highway, which celebrated their 30th year as a band. Kicking off Saturday was the Rising Stars Challenge winner, Backline. Ed Snodderly, Tony Trischka's Earl Jam - A tribute to Earl Scruggs, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Sister Sadie, and The Del McCoury band joined the Saturday lineup. Every set was a joy to watch; however, our favorite was when Blue Highway got on stage and sang the "Crawdad Song" with Scythian. That's one of those moments you only get at festivals. It was a fun collaboration that had everyone singing along. As the night skyline draped over the festival, the Dan Tyminski Band had the crowd in full voice, singing along to 'Man of Constant Sorrow.' Before anyone knew it, the Del McCoury Band was up, bringing the festival to a close with a grand finale. It all felt like it passed in the blink of an eye, yet somehow, after four full days in the 'Gem of Virginia,' we were left wanting more. That's the magic of Blue Highway Fest — no matter how many incredible moments it offers, it always leaves you counting down the days until the next one. Click image to enlarge and scroll
- Blue Highway Fest, Days One and Two
Blue Highway Fest , days one and two, kicked off in downtown Big Stone Gap, VA, better known as the Gem of Virginia . Days three and four were held at Bullitt Park, a much larger location and stage. This was the third consecutive year, and what a year! It was also the largest crowd size of the three years; they had to move the barricades twice to make room for more people. The Rising Stars Challenge, a popular bluegrass talent show, kicked off the first day of Blue Highway Fest. You can check out our article here if you have not seen it. Following the Rising Stars Challenge was the ETSU Bluegrass band, Thomas Cassell Band, Green River Revue, Dave Eggar & The Bristol Lightning with special guest Max ZT, Flatt Out Blue, and Balsam Range. Though all of the acts were great, Dave Eggar & The Bristol Lightning with special guest Max ZT and Balsam Range stood out as bands for us. Dave is a world-class cellist, and when you take that and mix it with Bristol Lightening, it's a pretty awesome show. The tap dancing, you heard that right, the tap dancing was a nice touch. Balsam Range, a 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Entertainer of the Year, ended the night with a wonderful show that captivated the audience and set the tone for this year's festival. One portion of the day stands out, though: the Writer's Round. They bring a dozen or so writers/musicians, such as Ed Snodderly, Tim Stafford of Blue Highway, Darrell Scott, and Beth Snapp. Each artist plays two songs they wrote and talks about their process. The Writer's Round is a must-see and one of the best features of what makes this festival so unique. Day two continued the Rising Stars Challenge, where Backline won. The lineup for day two was stacked, which is why they had to move the fencing. In the bluegrass world, this was a hefty lineup. The Grascals, Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Joe Craven, Carson Peters, and Iron Mountain, Legendary Bluegrass, Larry Sparks, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and The Darell Scott String Band packed the Thursday setlist. Authentic Unlimited was scheduled to perform. However, they had to cancel due to sickness. The runner-up of the Rising Stars Challenge, Carolina Detour, played their set. This was probably our favorite day of the entire four-night festival. Everyone packed in as tight as they could to grab a spot and listen to some of the best bluegrass music today. You could not find a place by the time Rhonda Vincent came on. Joe Craven performed with many of the artists throughout their sets. The night ended with the Darell Scott String Band, one of our personal favorites. The first two days were spent nestled in one of Virginia's most remarkable towns—not just in Southwest Virginia but across the entire state and the Appalachian region. This hidden gem, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by the warmth of the community and the town's deep connection to its Appalachian roots. It's a place where tradition meets progress, perfectly reflecting the region's evolving identity. CLICK TO SCROLL
- Backline Takes the Spotlight: The Rising Star Challenge at Blue Highway Fest
The Rising Star Challenge was a first for Blue Highway Fest , an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2023 Event of the Year winner, and certainly won't be the last. The challenge brought some fresh new bluegrass artists to Big Stone Gap, VA, for a miniature singing competition for the Blue Highway Festival. Contestants submitted videos online and were eventually narrowed to eight contestants to kick off the Blue Highway Festival: Backline, Carolina Detour, Chancellor Lawson, Klerissa Fairchild, Ryder Casey, Thunder & Rain, Toby Williams, and Upstream Rebellion. CLICK TO SCROLL IMAGES The contestants were given 15 minutes each with hidden judges in the audience who then narrowed them down to four: Backline, Chancellor Lawson, Upstream Rebellion, and Carolina Detour. All eight contestants played great sets, and honestly, it would have been hard to be a judge. These four played later in the evening, competing at the Big Cherry Brewing Company downtown Big Stone Gap. After a long night at Black Cherry, the contestants were narrowed down to Backline and Carolina Detour. These two bands kicked off the second day of Blue Highway Fest with a hefty crowd in attendance. Both bands rightfully deserved to win; however, Backline edged out Carolina Detour. Many perks, like an additional show at the Down Home and Station Inn , record a song with the option of Wayne Taylor of Blue Highway to produce and playing the main stage, went to the winning band, Backline. Backline , a band out of Spartanburg, SC, won the judges over with consistently good picking and vocals, as should the winner. They were also our top pick; after watching the other competitors, you could tell they had been doing this for a while. They were polished and clean and were enjoying the moment. Katelyn Ingardia's uniquely unique, mature, and powerful tone helps them stand out. The Rising Stars Challenge was a fantastic addition to this music festival. We truly enjoyed it, and so did the other festival attendees we spoke with. It's an excellent opportunity for young artists to get their foot in the door and meet some of the bluegrassers who have helped make a name for the genre. The Rising Star Challenge showcased incredible talent and embodied the spirit of bluegrass. Backline's well-deserved victory is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for this rising band. With events like this, Blue Highway Fest solidifies its place as a breeding ground for the next generation of bluegrass stars, proving that the music is alive, well, and evolving in the hands of passionate new artists. We can't wait to see what the festival and its future stars have in store next CLICK TO SCROLL IMAGES
- Honest One: Goldpine "One"
Welcome to our first "Honest One" an album review, where we give our honest opinion. And that's how you should take it: as an honest opinion. Our tastes may not be yours, and that's perfectly okay. While we have a deep passion for shining a light on Appalachian artists, we also enjoy exploring the rich variety of music that resonates across the region. Whether it's local talent or songs that travel through the heart of Appalachia, we love to share it all with you. Kicking off our first "Honest One" is an Americana band out of Nashville, TN, Goldpine, formerly known as "My One & Only." We actually met them in the media room at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion (BRRR) this year. They are a married couple, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson. Jody covered their set while I went and covered another band, and based on what Jody said, I should have gone with her. They performed on the Country Murial Stage during the BRRR festival. After the festival, we started following them on social media, and they ran a campaign where they gave away their album titled "One" for free; just pay for the shipping. I'm so glad we did because I truly loved the album, which contained ten songs. What better way to rate an album than how many songs you truly enjoyed? For myself, it was eight out of ten, with my favorite being "I Think of You," the fourth song on the album. The instrumental arrangement was simply beautiful. Another couple of notable songs that stood out were "When I get to Heaven" which makes you feel like you are in a southern church, it's very uplifting. "About My Baby" and "Running Me" had some lovely harmonica pieces, and I am a sucker for good harmonica placement. Kassie has a very powerful voice, and she controls it with such ease. She can hit the high notes and then turn around and soothe you with softer tones, while Benjamin has the perfect accompanying vocal tones. They remind me of the band Birds of Chicago, which I am a huge fan of. Allison Russell is excellent all around. They have a similar dynamic, not because they are both married couples but because of how they harmonize. Goldpines album "One" is one I am glad to own. It's the kind of album you can put on, pour yourself a glass of good brandy, and let the rich harmonies and soulful melodies wash over you. Whether you're settling into a cozy evening at home or escaping from the bustle of everyday life, "One" offers music that soothes the soul and elevates the moment.
- The Ripple Effect of Generosity: Surpassing Our Goal for the Toy Drive - Hurricane Helene Relief
We might be a small pebble amongst many large rocks, but we skipped with great force across a large pond, thanks to our region's support from individuals and businesses. The ripples we created were quite large, and who knows how much more they will grow over the next several weeks, thanks to the amount we were able to donate. We started the toy drive campaign in hopes of raising $2,500, and we ended up raising, to date (Oct 6, 2024) $3,500 in cash, check donations, and PayPal donations for Hurricane Helene relief. We had $200 in cash donated, so with that, we started our campaign and went to Walmart , and we got a very humble start. We quickly realized how expensive toys were and ramped our efforts up into overdrive. We had Boxes of toys delivered the next day from Frontier Health team members. You might be wondering why they are team members; I (Joshua Moore) am also the Sr Director of Communications and Public Relations at Frontier Health . Frontier Health is full of caring, compassionate people. When word started going around about what we were doing here at Appalachian Roots, they were among the first to start helping. The boxes of toys Frontier Health team members donated were gathered and added to the toys we had bought with cash donations. The toys were added to a truck that our good friend, Robby Kilgore, was putting together to be delivered to Chimney Rock, NC. Chimney Rock was utterly devastated; it appeared as if nothing was left. We knew this was the right place, and trust us, it was the right person to deliver these. After Robby delivered supplies to his community from the Rock Springs area of Kingsport, TN, he told us about some kids who saw the delivery. He said they were so excited to see them. They felt noticed, and that's really what this was all about. Making sure the kids knew that there was hope. While a toy may seem like a small thing, it can mean the world to a child who has lost everything. Imagine being in their shoes, turning your life upside down, and receiving a simple toy that brings a sense of normalcy and comfort. Yes, essentials like clean water, food, and shelter are crucial, but so is helping these children feel a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos. There needs to be someone to fill this gap, and after seeing that this was a need not being met, we felt that we would do our best to help this way. After a week of telling everyone about the campaign and pushing it to anyone who would listen, we maxed out our $2,500 PayPal campaign. With that, we went straight to Walmart's toy aisle. We wanted to give the kids new toys that would be a bit special. We piled two buggies full of toys, unsure of the cost, but a great starting point. We tried to cover all ages and get toys that did not require batteries. The few toys we purchased that had batteries could still be played with, like toy cars and animals, even after the batteries had expired. The cashier at the Allandale Walmart in Kingsport, TN eyes got large when we pulled up, and she knew this would take a little bit to get through. The second round of toys cost roughly $1,200. We loaded this round of toys into two large bins in the back of our car and made our way toward Erwin, TN, one of Tennessee's most significant hit areas. We had word that most shelters were empty, so we dropped these toys off at Faith Baptist Church, where they were excited to receive them. After dropping this round of toys off, we set off to do another round, our largest round. We pulled into the Johnson City Walmart, grabbed another two buggies, and went straight for the toy aisle again. We packed the lower portions of the buggies this time and had to hold on to the tall pile as we made our way to check out. This time, due to their system, we were forced to check out when we went over $1,200. We paid for this and had just over another $200, pushing us near $1,500. After a half hour of checking out and another half hour of squishing everything into the car, we set out to help another rural area, Roan Mountain. We pulled into Lower Shell Creek Christian Church and unloaded this round of toys into their sanctuary. They will also be going into North Carolina, so this larger set of toy donations will ripple through many communities surrounding the Roan Mountain community. We are still waiting on a $425 check to come in, so we will do a smaller toy run with that and combine it with donations we are receiving from CVS Pharmacy in Colonial Heights, TN. After hearing about what we were doing, CVS put out a barrel they typically use during Christmas to help garner donations for the cause. We purchased some toys separately, that will be given out to families we heard about independently. We would like to reiterate that we would not have been able to do this without the support we received from everyone who donated or shared our posts. To quote the Lorlax by Dr Seus, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." THANK YOU! Empire Label CS Custom Structures CVS Pharmacy Knox Occasions Frontier Health Team Members FAMILY & FRIENDS
- Help Brighten a Child's Day: Toy Drive for NE Tennessee Shelters
WE DID IT!!! We met our goal, and then some. THANK YOU to everyone who gave, you have no idea how much of an impact this will make, how many kids will smile. Stay tuned to the website for further updates. Follow our Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date in the moment. Thank you to everyone who shared our posts, that made a huge impact. We hope you continue sharing, as we are just getting started. In times of crisis, many families in our region have lost everything. For children entering shelters, the loss can be especially hard, as they often arrive with nothing familiar or comforting. At Appalachian Roots Magazine, we believe every child deserves a moment of joy, even in the toughest times. That’s why we’re launching a fundraiser to raise $2,500 to purchase toys for these kids. Your donation will help us deliver smiles to shelters throughout Northeast Tennessee, ensuring that each child has something to hold onto during their stay. Whatever money we raise, 100 % will go to buying toys for children at the shelters. We would like to help every shelter we can, but we know resources are limited. This Toy Drive for NE Tennessee Shelters will make a huge impact on the children there. Please help us make the biggest impact we can—together, we can brighten their day!
- Elk in Action: Experiencing the Smoky's' Rutting Season
Elk rutting, or the elk mating season, has become a rather popular event to behold in the Smoky’s. It’s a time of year when you can see the large bull elk fight one another for the right to mate. Over the past few years, we have watched crowd sizes grow throughout sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The Smoky’s is already a bustling park; however, it can be a bit overwhelming during the fall. Mid-September through October is the best time to visit the park. You can see elk at Cades Cove, along Newfound Gap Road (at times), and at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on the Cherokee, NC, side of the park. In addition to those places, our favorite section to catch the elk is the Cataloochee section. Cataloochee is a miniature Cades Cove, just without the crazy crowds. Cataloochee also has homesteads, a church, and even a schoolhouse. You can never predict when and where elk will be as they roam and do their own thing. However, we have had excellent luck at Cataloochee. The best times are early morning to late evening, especially on hot days, because if it’s hot, they will be in the shade. They like to graze during the more excellent times. You must be careful if you plan a trip to the Smoky’s for the elk rut! Though elk resemble deer, they are much larger. Some of the bull elk we have seen in the Smoky’s are as big as our cars. They are huge animals, so please keep your distance. ALWAYS, obey park rules; trust us, you don’t want to be the person they throw up on social media as an example of what not to do. Plus, you would not want to get gored by an elk; that would be very painful. As you venture into the Smoky's to witness the elk rut, remember to savor the experience while respecting the wildlife and your fellow visitors. The sights and sounds of this season offer a unique glimpse into the untamed beauty of nature, making it an unforgettable part of any visit to the park. Whether you're watching from the quiet corners of Cataloochee or amidst the more bustling areas like Cades Cove, take in the magic of fall in the Smoky's—just be sure to keep a safe distance and let the elk rule their domain undisturbed.
- 3 Historic Northeast Tennessee Towns You Should Visit
The Appalachian Region is full of historic towns, and we decided to start here near our little section of the Appalachians. Over time, we plan to do more articles like this in different sections, including individual town highlights that are more detailed, so stay tuned! 1.) Rogersville, TN Historic Rogersville, TN, the second oldest town in Tennessee, is packed with history and charm. Rogersville is home to the first Post Office in Tennessee and the printing of the first newspaper in the state, “The Knoxville Gazette.” Rogersville was the home of David Crockett, as he and his wife built their log cabin on a 281-acre grant. Today, it is now known as Crockett Spring Park and Arboretum. Civil War history is also abundant here, as Rogersville has three Civil War Trails, The Clay Kenner House, Courthouse, and the Battle of Big Creek, which occurred on November 6, 1863. Rogersville also hosts Heritage Days, a large three-day festival with over 100 artisan booths, live craft-making demonstrations from over the centuries, a heritage children’s train, good southern cooking, and a chili cook-off where competition gets heated for their annual trophy. Rogersville is as beautiful as it is rich in history. The Hale Spring Inn is celebrating its 200th anniversary as it was built in 1824 by John A. McKinney. This hotel has nine guest rooms and three presidential suites named after the US presidents who stayed there, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, and Andrew Johnson. Downtown Rogersville is alive and well, offering a vibrant array of shops, restaurants, and local businesses to keep you busy, whether you're looking to explore unique boutiques, enjoy delicious dining options, or take in the charm of this historic area. Rogersville Main Street Website 2.) Jonesborough, TN Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough has a diverse history, heritage and culture, which you can see on full display when you arrive. Jonesborough was founded in 1779, seventeen years before the state of Tennessee existed. It was established by the General Assembly of North Carolina, and it was established as a county seat of Washington County. Jonesborough is more commonly known now as the Storytelling Capital of the world. The International Storytelling Center can be found downtown, Jonesborough along with the National Storytelling Festival which occurs every October as Jonesborough was apart of the revival of the storytelling tradition. Downtown Joneborough features a newly renovated theatre, the Jackson Theater, an old timey candy store, many shops and restaurants and the Captain Christopher Taylor Home where our nations 7th President, Andrew Jackson boarded while practicing law. If you're planning a trip, Jonesborough is a destination that promises to captivate you with its charm, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. From its role in the early days of the American frontier to its modern-day celebration of storytelling, this timeless town offers a unique blend of the past and present. Whether you're exploring its quaint downtown, attending the National Storytelling Festival, or simply strolling through its historic streets, Jonesborough invites you to experience its magic and create your own stories. Town of Jonesborough Website 3.) Greeneville, TN Greeneville, TN, a small gem along the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains, was established in 1783. Greeneville is one of the most picturesque towns in Tennessee. Brick-lined streets will lead you to many unique historic locations such as The Dickson-Williams Mansion, The Capitol Theatre, The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, and National Cemetery, many historic churches, and much more. The General Morgan Inn sits downtown Greeneville, and is easily one of the states most beautiful and charming hotels. The hotel gets its name from Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. Greeneville is also the birthplace of David (Davy) Crockett and home of the 17th US President, Andrew Johnson. At the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, you can visit the 17th president's early homestead and see his tailor shop. Downtown Greeneville has also gone through road and sidewalk renovations wit the West Depot Street sidewalks and street surface nearing completion. The enhancement has added an extra bit of a charm to the already enchanting town. Greeneville beautifully blends its rich history with modern charm, making it a must-visit destination in East Tennessee. Whether you’re walking the newly renovated streets or exploring the town's iconic landmarks, Greeneville offers a unique glimpse into America's past while providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. With its vibrant heritage and scenic beauty, this historic town is a proud testament to the culture and stories that shaped the region. Town of Greeneville Website