The Battle of Athens, 1946

Featuring the Outdoor Adventures, Interactive Attractions and Fun-Filled Events in Monroe County and Surrounding Counties. www.advocateanddemocrat.com Summer 2014 edition The SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

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108 Tall Pine Circle, Tellico Plains, TN 37385 / (423) 261-7100 / www.mountaincreekhideaway.com Like us on Facebook – Mountain Creek Hideaway and Grille 2 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Welcome to Tennessee Contents Mountain Summer 2014 Traveler 4...... Upcoming events Country! 5...... Battle of Athens 6-7...... Gridiron Clash 8...... Sweetwater Heritage Museum The Advocate & Democrat is proud to through mile-high mountain peaks, or 10-11...... MACA’s Performing produce the Tennessee Mountain Traveler hike in the . three times a year to showcase the many Come learn about the Cherokee Indian Arts Series attractions and great events in the region. heritage as you travel through the This full-color tourism magazine is distrib- Tennessee Overhill Region (Monroe, 14...... Adventures on uted to nearly 15,000 tourists throughout McMinn and Polk counties). the and . Experience the unique antique shopping Tennessee Mountain Traveler Country is and dining experiences in Tennessee 16-17.... Map a region blessed with rich heritage, friend- Mountain Traveler Country and enjoy our ly people, unmatched scenery and out- many fine festivals. 18-19...... Exit Sixty Band door recreation with our lakes, rivers and On the cover: This photo from the 22...... The Lost Sea mountains. From roaring waterfalls, world- McMinn County Historical Society shows class whitewater rafting and fly fishing to the citizens of Athens returning to nor- 24-25...... Great Island Festival quiet mountain streams and peaceful mal life after the Battle of Athens saw lakes, you can do it all on the water here. returning World War II soldiers take and 18th Century Trade Faire Take a spin on our byways, carved action to ensure a fair election in 1946. 28...... Muscadine Festival 30...... Celebration of Hope 6-7

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609 E. North Street 10-11 Sweetwater, TN. 37874 Advertising Team: Phone: 423-337-7101 Sharon Livingston www.advocateanddemocrat.com Advertising Manager [email protected] Rhonda Whaley Publisher Lorie Samples Sales Representative 14 Tommy Millsaps Sweetwater, Vonore, Madisonville Editor & Tellico Plains [email protected] [email protected]

Layout and Graphic Art Team: Jessica Frank Jessica Cross Sales Representative [email protected] Madisonville & Tellico Plains [email protected] Kristen Calhoun [email protected] Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in the Tennessee Mountain Traveler. No reproduction may be made without written permission of 18-19 the publisher. Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 3 Upcoming events in and near Monroe County

September 6-7 September 21 Great Island Festival and 18th MACA Century Trade Faire presents Travel back to yesteryear and learn about EmiSunshine an 18th Century English fort and the ways of & The Rain the Cherokee in historic Vonore. See pages Pint-sized coun- 24-25 for more information. try music singer EmiSunshine September 13 and the Rain 2014 Miss will perform in a Muscadine benefit concert Pageant for the Monroe August 15 Held at Sweet- Area Council for Gridiron Clash water Elemen- the Arts and the Hiwassee Performing Arts tary School Center at 3:30 p.m. at Hiwassee College in The Advocate & Democrat Gridiron Clash Madisonville. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 starts at 6 p.m. at Sweetwater High School. at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at for season tickets subscribers and $5 for stu- This football jamboree features junior youth dents. See pages 10-11 for more details. league teams and high school teams from 5:30 p.m.), the pageant is open around the area and kicks off the fall football September 27-29 season. See pages 6-7 for more information. to any female who is a freshman to senior in high school at the time of the pageant. Muscadine Festival September 5-6 Contestant registration is $50 with a deadline The Fourth Annual National Muscadine Fiddler’s to register by Aug. 31. Registration forms are Festival at Tsali Notch Vineyard between available at Sweetwater City Hall or online at Sweetwater and Madisonville and historic Convention www.nationalmuscadinefestival.com. Ad- downtown Sweetwater. See page 28 for more The 32nd mission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. information. Annual Smoky Children ages 3 and under get in free. Mountain Fiddler’s October 9 Convention and Craft Fair will be held in September 13-20 MACA presents Dan Hicks and Loudon at Legion Field. Bluegrass begins at National Heritage Quilt Show the Hot Licks 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 with the competition at The National Heritage Quilt Show will be 10 a.m. on Saturday at Legion Field. Contact: Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks will perform held at the McMinn County Living Heritage 865-789-1942. in Hiwassee College’s Performing Arts Center Museum. The juried art show will feature at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Monroe Area Civil War-era quilts. Contact 423-745-0329 or September 6 Council for the Arts’ Performing Arts Series. visit www.livingheritagemuseum.com. Firefighters 5K The show is a rescheduled performance from April 3 and MACA will honor tickets The Firefighters 5K run/walk at September 19-20 purchased for that show. Tickets are $20 for Sweetwater Lions Club Park will begin at Celebration of adults, $18 in advance, $15 for season ticket 8:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit North Monroe Hope holders and $10 for students. See pages Volunteer Fire Department. 10-11 for more details. Contact: Craig Brackett at 865-207-9331. Enjoy balloon rides, music, food and games and more lead- October 26 September 6 Rocky Top 5K Fried Green Tomato Festival ing up to a mesmeriz- ing musical light show The second annual Rocky Top 5K walk/run The annual Fried Green Tomato Festival with hot air balloons. will be held at 2 p.m. in historic downtown will be held at the Niota Depot. Pancake Visit www.hopebal- Sweetwater. The event honors the late Greg breakfast at 7 a.m. Music and festival events loonfestival.com. Collette and funds a memorial scholarship follow at 9 a.m. Contact 423-887-5297 or See page 30 for more in his honor for a worthy Sweetwater High visit www.niota-tn.org. information. graduate to help further their education. 4 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 5 Relive the Battle of Athens The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association (TOHA) has announced the release of the “Battle of Athens” map of Aug. 1-2, 1946. The significance of this historical “battle” was a rebellion of the returning war veterans and the other citi- zens of McMinn County to ensure a fair election, as the result of a culmination of events leading up the August 1946 county election. “The map is TOHA’s first phase in our ‘Battle of Athens’ project interpreting this period of our region’s history. The map places you on the ground in downtown Athens and provides you with an insight- ful perspective that most have never seen before,” said TOHA Executive Director Gerald D. Hodge Jr. The map gives the locations of signifi- cant events during the battle and added locations that were in existence in 1946 for the visitor’s orientation and education on a walking tour. “Our next phase will be adding a page to our website with period photographs, Ultimately, it will become an app that can Greeks Bearing Gifts and the McMinn descriptive interpretation, and modern be used as part of a walking tour,” Hodge County Historical Society. photographs of the same area to compare said. The mission of TOHA is to promote and how it looked then and how it looks now. TOHA has expressed appreciation for preserve the natural and cultural resources the support of McMinn of McMinn, Monroe, and Polk counties The Battle of Athens, Tennessee, August 1-2, 1946 County for its sponsorship. through cultural tourism.

Significant Locations The Battlefield For a free map copy, contact Athens is McMinn County’s largest city The battle was a rebellion of veterans and other citizens of McMinn County as a result of a culmination of events leading up to the August 1946 election. The G.I. Non-Partisan League opposed the county leadership that was in power at the time. Election day irregularities took place and were reported by G.I. Observers only to be ignored and G.I. Observers arrested, beaten, and held against their will. The addresses given below are the present-day street addresses or physical descriptions of locations at the time of the battle. Some locations no longer exist or another building(s) have been built in their place. one of the following loca- and is the county seat. Athens Electrical U.S. Post Office Trinity Mars Hill G.I.’s Position Located on the SW corner Methodist Church Cleage Building Utility Company 208 N. Jackson St. Presbyterian Church 200 N. Jackson St. of the intersection 100 E. College St. 205 N. Jackson St. of E. College St. and N. Jackson St. Daily U.S. Post Office The Jail Post-Athenian 206 N. White St. tions: Prissy Closet, Johnson’s Among others it is home to great fes- 125 N. Jackson St. The jail no longer exists Essankay Garage but its footprint was and generally located in the parking lot of Tire Shop Carter Insurance Agency. Formerly the C&D Printing Building Boarding House Furniture, E.G. Fisher Library, tivals and events, including MooFest in Dixie Café – 203 E. Washington Ave. 12th Voting Precinct Operated by Otto Kennedy, Chairman SE Corner of Hornsby St. and N. White St. of the Republican Party and a member G.I. observers Bob Harrell, Les Dooley, Ed of the Election Commission. Where a Self, and Carl Weeks would be held against number of deputies were disarmed Universal Travel, Goins’ June and the upcoming Pumpkin Town their will here. Harrell would be beaten relatively peacefully and secured. unconscious and evacuated. The rest Athens City Hall / would later escape. The retaining wall City Water Works – along Hornsby St. is all that is left of the 11th Voting Precinct structure. 115 North Jackson St. Creations, Athens Art Center, on Oct. 11. Strand Theatre Where the Battle of Athens began. G.I. Position. The knoll is across NE Corner of White St. & Washington Ave This is where Tom Gillespie was shot. G.I. N. White St., at a diagonal to the Observers Ed Vestal, “Shy” Scott, and jail’s location. It rises approximately Foree Clinic “Gobo” Cartwright were held against their Parking lot at the northwest corner of 13 ft. above street level and 65 feet will here until Vestal and Scott made a wide. From this position they could Church St. and W. Washington Ave. dramatic escape while a crowd of The wounded were taken here for observe the front and only about a onlookers watched. third of the left side of the jail. It treatment. Just to the West and Southwest would explain the necessity of **This is a scaled down sample of the map. For a full-size G.I. Headquarters of the Map. occupying the boarding house. Keith United 116 E. Washington Ave. McMinn County High School. Methodist Church Athens Hardware National Guard Armory. Company 103 W. Washington Ave. Riddle & Wallace 109 E. Washington Ave. D, 278th Infantry. Intersection of No longer at this location. Drug Store McMinn Ave and Virginia Ave, SW 8 E. Washington Ave. Fire Station corner. map, see above story for pickup locations. For sources, suggestions, comments, First Farmer’s Bank WLAR, 1450 AM 105 & 107 N. Jackson or more information contact: Athens Bus Station 102 N. White Street. Radio Station First National Bank Tennessee Overhill & Café McMinn County Began broadcasting in May 100 N. Jackson St. 2 S. White St. Court House – P.O. Box 143, Etowah, TN 37331 1946. The building burned Robert E. Lee Hotel Citizens National Bank 1st Voting Precinct Toll Free 1-877-510-5765 and now is a small city park. No. 3 Jackson St. NW Corner of 6 E. Madison Ave. [email protected] Many of the out of town reports stayed here E. Madison Ave. The courthouse burned in 1964. www.tennesseeoverhill.com Funded by and N. White Street. G.I. Observers Reed Shell, Felix Harrod, McMinn County and Tom Dooley were held against their To Promote and Preserve our Natural and Cultural Resources through cultural tourism Tourism will here until after the Jail was captured. Copyright April 2014, Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, All Rights Reserved. Version 3.1 Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 5 As the warm summer days get a little short- Seahawks, starred er,Gridiron residents in Tennessee begin dreaming of as a quarterback and Clash When: Aug. 15 cool autumn days and football season. running back on the Nothing gets the locals’ blood flowing as 1970s state title teams. much as the return of football season each In June of this year, Where: Sweetwater fall! The kickoff to the football season each fall the roadway in front of are the youth league and high school football Sweetwater High was High School’s jamborees. named Kippy Brown Way. This year, The Monroe County Advocate “We are proud to be King Berrong & Democrat newspaper, the publisher of the a part of this fun event,” Tennessee Mountain Traveler, is the title spon- The Advocate & Democrat Stadium sor to the youth (juniors) and high school Publisher Rhonda Whaley football jamborees. The Advocate & Democrat said. “The start of football Gridiron Clash will be held at Sweetwater High season is always one of the beginning at on Friday, Aug. 15. most exciting times of On the high school side, The Meigs the year in our area. 6 p.m. County Tigers will take on the Polk County We can’t think of a Wildcats, Tellico Plains’ Bears will tussle with better way to kickoff the McMinn Central Chargers and cross- the football season county rivals the Sequoyah Chiefs and the then to partner with the Sweetwater Wildcats will play the third and local high schools, youth Rumble. Don’t fumble. final quarter. league teams and the other The Advocate & Democrat Gridiron Clash is fine sponsors to make the expected to draw thousands of football fans jamboree one of the biggest from several counties in Southeast Tennessee events of the year.” 2014 Gridiron Clash Schedule: to Sweetwater High’s King Berrong Stadium Tickets are on sale now and Carter Field. from players and coaches for Juniors The historic stadium and football field $5 or contact your school’s athletic can lay claim to three state champion- director. Tickets are $7 on game day. ships (1971, 1972 and 1993). It is the field Sponsors will have booths and tents set up First quarter (6 p.m.): Meigs County vs. Athens were Kippy Brown, now the wide receivers on the soccer field next to the stadium on the coach for the Super Bowl Champion Seattle day of the jamboree. Second quarter (6:25 p.m.) Madisonville vs. Englewood Third quarter (6:50 p.m.) Riceville vs. McMinn Central Fourth quarter. (7:15 p.m.) Tellico vs. Vonore Fifth quarter (7:40 p.m.) Polk County vs. Sweetwater Punt, Pass and Kick Competition-7:50 p.m.

High School Contributing photog- First quarter (8:10 p.m.): Meigs County vs. Polk County raphers: Jerry Second quarter (8:35 p.m.): Tellico vs. McMinn Central Denham, Kevin Fritts, Scott Power and Jim Third quarter (9 p.m.): Sequoyah vs. Sweetwater Caldwell. 6 | Tennessee Mountain TravelerSummer 2014 Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 7 Bringing back the past

By Tommy Millsaps by the Street and Recreation Department ern days. Displays tell the story of The Advocate & Democrat repairing the museum and making its Sweetwater High, the Sweetwater City artifacts more presentable the past sev- School System, the all-back High Point Street Commissioner Billy “Buster” West eral months. School and much more. may have put it best when said if the “This committee took the bull by the Sweetwater’s history as a railroad adults would let their children and grand- horns,” Mayor Doyle Lowe said. town, guns and other artifacts make the children tour the Sweetwater Heritage West thanked the city workers and the museum a must see if you grew up in Museum, the children would leave staff at City Hall for all their work making Sweetwater or even if you are just visit- knowing something about the history of the project come together. They had suc- ing historic downtown Sweetwater, Sweetwater the grownups don’t know. cessfully remodeled the museum, which The museum sits on a hill just above A large crowd celebrated the Grand had opened back in the 1980s. the historic downtown section at the Re-opening of the Museum on May 1. The museum contains numer- corner of East-North Street and High Dozens of dignitaries and citizens filled ous items from Sweetwater’s old Street. the museum as it came back to life. The days and those items continue to tell For hours and more information, call Museum Committee oversaw the work Sweetwater’s story up to more mod- City Hall at 423-337-6979.

8 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Ride on the wild side ‘Ramp’ up the fun Bringing back the past

The Best Care Close to Home Sweetwater Hospital Association’s continued growth has been seen outwardly for the past few years by watching the hill side community hospital transpose itself into a modern regional facility. In the last five years, Sweetwater Hospital Association has constructed a new sixteen bed state-of-the-art emergency room, new operating rooms and materials management area. This year, the hospital completed a new main entrance, laboratory, imaging center and administrative addition. Several million dollars have been invested in providing a modern, comfortable and safe environment for the patients in this region. Nevertheless, the investments don’t stop there; healthcare technology continues to be added to provide advanced services at a local level.

• New state of the Art Lab • New Administrative O ces • Enhanced Radiology Area • New Registration Area

www.sweetwaterhospital.org 865.213.8200 Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 9 Monroe Area Council for the Art’s Star-studded entertainment

by Jessica Cross The Advocate & Democrat

Since 1994, Monroe Area Council for Dan Hicks the Arts (MACA) has brought world-class entertainment at an affordable cost to & The Hot Hiwassee College. Each year, the organi- Licks zation presents its annual Performance Series with a variety of shows in the college’s Performing Arts Center. In addi- tion, for the upcoming series, MACA has added a show at the Sweetwater Elementary School Auditorium. “The Performance Series is the heart of our programming,” said MACA Executive Director Mary Hendershot. “Many of the artists who appear on the Dave Mason’s MACA stage also lead workshops or EmiSunshine & The Rain shows for local students and the com- Traffic Jam munity. The Performance Series also The 2014-2015 Performance Series begins vals throughout Tennessee. For more informa- serves as the cultural arts series for with two discount events for season ticket hold- tion about EmiSunshine & The Rain, visit www. Hiwassee students, who are granted ers, followed by six more star-studded shows. facebook.com/emisunshinemusic. free admission.” Tickets to the fundraiser matinee perfor- Purchasing a season ticket to the EMISUNSHINE & THE RAIN mance are $15 for adults, $10 for season ticket Performance Series saves an average Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3:30 p.m. subscribers and $5 for students. cost of 50 percent. Individual show The kickoff performance for the series is tickets range from $10-$25, while a sea- a special benefit for the Hiwassee College DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS son ticket holder pays only $60 for the Performing Arts Center and MACA. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. entire series. Families (living in the same With a family musical lineage that goes (Rescheduled performance) household) can purchase season tickets back three generations, it’s no surprise that Beginning as a drummer in the 1960s San for $140 and season tickets for couples Madisonville native EmiSunshine is a natural Francisco rock band The Charlatans, and con- are $100. performer. Since Emi (Emily Hamilton) could tinuing with the unique and legendary Dan “People in Monroe County don’t have talk, she was cooing along to harmonies with Hicks and the Hot Licks, Dan Hicks is widely to drive 15 minutes, sometimes just five her grandmothers. By the time she was 5, she’d acknowledged as one of the central defin- minutes, to see world-class performanc- written her first song. ing figures in American roots music. Singer- es at a great price,” said Hendershot. Drawing inspiration from artists such as songwriter Hicks is an American original, blend- The line-up for the upcoming Buddy and Julie Miller, Dolly Parton and Sister ing elements of swing, jazz, folk and country Performance Series has been released Thorpe, as well as regional artists like Jeff music to create the sound he sometimes calls, and tickets are now on sale. Barbra and Sarah Pirkle, Mic Harrison & the “Folk Jazz.” For more information, visit www. “We’re hoping that a record num- High Score, and her cousin Kevin Abernathy, danhicks.net. ber of people will attend the shows, Emi strives to write and perform her own songs Tickets to the show are $20 for adults ($18 especially with last year’s improvement while also covering some of her favorite artists. in advance), $15 for season ticket subscribers to the Hiwassee College Performing EmiSunshine & The Rain have performed and $10 for students. MACA will also honor Arts Center with its new seating,” said on The Today Show, with Emmylou Harris at tickets purchased for the cancelled April 3, Hendershot. Woofstock in Nasvhille and at venues and festi- 2014, show. 10 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 DAVE MASON’S TRAFFIC JAM Powerhouse vocalist Jaimee Paul delivers of course, “Let’s Hang on.” For more informa- a performance of the music that endeared tion, visit www.letshangon.com. Monday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Monroe Area Council for the Art’s the greatest jazz vocalists of the 20th Century Tickets to the show are $20 for adults Take a journey back in time to the days of to audiences all over the world. Paul is front ($18 in advance) and $10 for students. rock with Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam. Mason, a and center, and on trumpet, leading the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder band is her husband, Leif Shires. “At Last” Tickets to all MACA performances can of the band Traffic, retraces the earliest days a tribute to the era and the most beloved be purchased online at Star-studded entertainment of his career and the works that launched female vocalists that will instantly transport www.monroearts.com, by phone at his successful solo career. Mason founded you to the glory days of the Jazz Age. For 423-442-3210, at Century 21 Traffic with Steve Winwood while both were more information, visit www.jaimeepaul.com. Hendershot Realty in Madisonville or at teenagers, creating music that would find its Tickets to the show are $18 for adults ($16 the box office before showtime. way into the hearts of generations. in advance) and $10 for students. For more information, visit www.davema- sonmusic.com. THE BOXCARS Tickets to the show are $25 for adults Friday, April 10, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. ($23 in advance) and $15 for students. The Boxcars garnered a Grammy nomi- ANG LI: FROM CHINA TO nation for Best Bluegrass Album in 2014 CHOPLIN WITH LOVE for their album “It’s Just a Road” and were Dan Hicks named the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Year three years in a row. & The Hot Sweetwater Elementary Auditorium Band members Adam Steffey, Ron Licks Ang Li is an internationally acclaimed Stewart, John R. Bowman and Keith Garrett piano virtuoso whose performance credits have played with the likes of Allison Krause and talents reach beyond her years. Her tal- and Union Station, Dan Tyminski, Mountain Jaimee ent and youth, combined with her charming Heart, Blue Moon Rising and Doyle Lawson personality and audience appeal, make her & Quicksliver. Vocalist and songwriter Garrett Paul one of the world’s rising classical piano stars. was born and raised in the Citico community Ang Li was born in Beijing, moved to of Monroe County, where he still resides Canada at age 12 and holds a bachelor’s with his family. For more information, visit degree from The Curtis Institute of Music and www.theboxcars.com. a master’s degree from The Juilliard School. Tickets to the show are $18 for adults Dave Mason’s She is ranked among the top classical pia- ($16 in advance) and $10 for students. nists in the world by the Cliburn Competition Traffic Jam (2009). For more information, visit www. LET’S HANG ON!: A anglipiano.com. TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE Tickets are $15 for adults ($13 in advance) VALLI AND THE FOUR and $8 for students. Sweetwater Elementary SEASONS is located at 301 Broad Street in Sweetwater. Sunday matinee, May 3, 2015, at 4 p.m. MISSOULA CHILDREN’s THEATRE PRESENTS ALADDIN Let’s Hang On! Pays tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at 6 p.m. Seasons. This polished stage Starring more than 60 local children, this show features four outstanding year’s Missoula Children’s Theatre produc- vocalists, who sing and dance tion is Aladdin. For Aladdin, it’s not easy to their way through some of the find a magic lamp, but it’s even harder to get greatest songs of all time. You’ll a date! It’s a swirling sandstorm of famous hear: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Arabian tales from Ali Baba to Scheherazade, Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Ang Li and even Sinbad the Sailor, as Aladdin jour- Take My Eyes Off Of You,” and, neys to find a magic lamp in a cave of (not- so-great) wonders. For more information, visit www.mctinc.org. Tickets to the show are $10 for adults and $5 for students. JAIMEE PAUL: AT LAST Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Imagine yourself in a concert hall experi- encing the powerful sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Let’s Hang On! Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, The Boxcars Judy Garland and Etta James. Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 11 Come Experience Our Petting ZZoooo with Your Friends & Family!!

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665 New Hwy 68, Suite F • Sweetwater, TN 423-536-7036 Physical, Aquatic & Speech Therapies

Dear Visitor, Are you interested in learning more about Tellico Plains and the Monroe County area in general? What better way is there to obtain information than by subscribing to the local paper? The Advocate & Democrat’s news coverage includes four municipali- ties in Monroe County: Madisonville, Sweetwater ,Tellico Plains, and LargeL Vonore as well as the surrounding areas. We’ll let you know of upcoming events in Coker Creek and at Fort Loudoun. We’ll offer you or small, Real Estate ads from Chestnut Valley to Paint Rock. And we’ll bring we do itt all! ll! you feature stories from Rural Vale to Rarity Bay. Full Auto Body Repair, Shop & We print two times each week: Sunday and Wednesday. Subscriptions Restoration, Paintless Dent Repairs to be mailed outside Monroe County are only $7.50 per month with the coupon below. Semi, Truck, Boats,ts, Cars & RV’s’s To subscribe, just clip the coupon below and return it along with your payment to: Body Shop Hours: The Advocate & Democrat • Subscription Department Monday-Friday P.O. Box 389 • Sweetwater, TN 37874 8am-5pm Yes, I’d like to learn more about Monroe County. Start my subscription Saturday 9am-12pm for the term indicated. My payment is enclosed. 3 Months - $24 6 Months - $48 12 Months - $90 660-B New Hwy 68 DJ Ayers Owner (Save $6.00 with a full year subscription) Sweetwater, TN 37874 Check or Money Order Enclosed. (It’s not a good idea to send cash in the mail) Certifi ed Insurance 423-351-7777 Repair Facility Name: ______Phone: ______Fax: 423-351-7800 Address: ______Please Charge my ______(All major CC’s accepted) Located 1.6 miles off I-75 Acct # ______Exp. Date: ______V# (3 digit on back) ______Yes, I am interested in advertising in the Tennessee Mountain Traveler. Please send advertising information to the following location. Name: ______Phone: ______24 Hour Towing Available Address: ______Mention This Ad & Save 10% Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 13 Mason Boring | Not So Boring Photography

Just around the river bend... By Mason Boring try that travel thousands of miles just to something worth finding, the harder it is to paddle these rapids. see.” For example, many New Yorkers have Growing up on the Tellico River, I always A few weekends ago, we met a lively never even visited the Statue of Liberty. dreamed of being the guy hucking his group from Quebec, who couldn’t come From the outside looking in, this looks kayak off the lower section of Bald River to terms with us living just down the absurd but from the inside looking out, we Falls in front of the big crowd gathered road. Out of all the kayakers that flood- know it’s not going anywhere. on the bridge. I remember swimming ed the river that weekend, they were This is a dangerous perspective, and even jumping off the falls as a kid, shocked to mention we were the only friends, simply because we are! Each day but thinking about strapping myself to a paddlers they had met from the area. We we are given an opportunity to explore piece of plastic and flushing over I always laughed while we exchanged our local new things and the need to rekindle the thought, “that dude’s on a different level.” greetings and as we parted ways, we adventurous spirit in our day has never Today, the Tellico River has been my heard “It’s not fair, eyyyy!” repeat inside been greater. Let us not pass on cre- go-to whitewater playground for well over our heads for the rest of the day. ation, stewardship or community. Let’s a year and being a local certainly has its Despite the national attention Tellico not pass on things near nor far. perks. To get the most class III-IV action, receives, kayaking isn’t popular here in So if you’re ever on the Tellico River we put in at the bridge above Baby Falls her Monroe County home. This is prob- after a big summer storm, you can guar- and take out at the bridge below Jared’s ably one reason I never believed I’d be antee to see some vibrant kayaks mak- Knee. The run is about two miles and the guy in a kayak. I never knew anyone ing their way down. If you’re lucky, you drops up to 160 feet per mile! Rightfully who actually paddled. may even catch the locals getting their so, we meet folks from all over the coun- I once heard, “The closer you are to paddle on. 14 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Mason Boring | Not So Boring Photography Bryan’s68 Wine And Spirits We want to say THANK YOU for a great 50 years! 660 New Highway 68 Sweetwater, TN Come to Our Old Fashioned Cruise-In 2nd Saturday 423-337-3050 in April-October Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday-Saturday 9am-11pm Hwy. 411 1 1/2 Miles East of I-75 • Near Jacky Jones Ford Madisonville 442-2128

Just around the river bend...

Shop. Dine. Play. Whether you spend an hour or the whole day in Historic Downtown Sweetwater, we are sure you will enjoy discovering all that we have to offer and will find yourself returning to our wonderful town again and again!

www.visitsweetwater.com Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 15 Vonore

www. monroecounty  . cherohala .org 411

 Restrooms (no water) Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest  d Photo Site Monroe Co. In 1936, an extraordinary 3,800 acres of “one of the few Tellico River   b +0-:70)4) Wheel Chair Accessible Visitor Center Indian Boundary Campground   remaining tracts of virgin hardwood in the Appalachians” was 920 ft. Fishing at Sweetwater Just off the scenic Skyway on Forest Service Road 345.  set aside as a memorial forest in Chattanooga The Tellico River has  Picnic Tables honor of Joyce Kilmer. Kilmer, a poet, To Offering 100 campsites as well as day use picnicking, been the scene of swimming and biking. Open April-September. Reservations are  Hiking journalist, and World War I soldier human occupation for killed in action, is best remembered recommended. Call the Tellico Ranger Station or the Cherohala Canoeing Dragon’s Tail I-75 12,000 years. For much ;Sa_Ia for his poem, “Trees.” This impres- Skyway visitor Center for information.  Camping of this time it was the sive forest contains some of the Cell Phone Coverage domain of Native b finest timber grown in these moun- 11 Americans. From at The wilderness areas tains with many huge trees over 20 Turkey Creek feet around the base and more than least 1650 AD, the  surrounding the Cherohala 2,630 ft. a hundred feet high. A 2-mile loop Cherokee Indians Overlook with 3 picnic tables and Skyway are beautiful and Sweetwater trail winds beneath the towering trees resided here. Oosterneck Creek Restroom. Beautiful view from the alluring, but not necessarily suited for everyone to explore. and through a forest carpeted by a  After the Cherokee 1,045 ft. Appalachians over the Tennessee Madisonville As a visitor to wilderness, you rich variety of wildflowers, ferns, and Horse Cove Removal in 1838, the Overlook and boating takeout River Valley. Tellico Plains can be moss-covered logs from the fallen giants. The Memorial Eagle Gap Trailhead should be aware that you are  Campground area was opened for on the Tellico River. When the seen in the distance. Forest, also part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock 3,600 ft. entering a primitive environment. 411 Euro-American water is up, the Tellico River, Wilderness, can only be seen on foot. You will face the challenge of Rattler Ford Group settlement. Tellico, with it’s Class III, IV, V, rapids, Grassy Gap Trailhead being entirely self-sufficient–no Campground “tel-li--quo” means is quite a challenge for 3,400 ft.  trail signs, no restrooms, no (By reservation through “plains” in Cherokee. canoeists and kayakers. water spigots. Some people may just rather drive by, enjoy the Spirit Ridge Cherohala Skyway 4,950 ft. d Obadiah the Cheoah Ranger Visitor Center view, and visit more developed trails and recreation areas. d 1127 Take a leisurely stroll 3,740 ft.  Station) Charles Hall Listen carefully to East Rattlesnake Rock 4,110 ft.  (about 3/10th of a mile) To Robbinsville Museum the sound of Hooper Cove along an easy grade d and the Cheoah Unicoi Crest 4,470 ft. d Santeetlah Creek 3,100 ft. Caney Branch 1,370 ft.  Brushy Ridge through a northern Ranger Station far below while This open area with a 165 Lake View 3,750 ft.d Stratton Ridge hardwood forest to a d enjoying the view into the Santeetlah 3,360 ft.  Overlooking Sassafras West 4,420 ft. fabulous vista overlooking 129 68 mountain vista Creek drainage offers a A perfect place to Ridge and other major Rattlesnake Rock This is a perfect place to the Byway and a seemingly Tellico Ranger offered at this perfect spot for a picnic  enjoy distant views of ridges running south Trailhead stretch, enjoy a picnic endless range of mountains. Station State Line scenic overlook. lunch (four tables). Tellico Lake. This lake down to the Tellico 4,000 ft.  lunch (5 tables), or use The trail is accessible for (Beech Gap 4,490 ft.) was created from TVA River. the restroom facilities. A the physically challenged

Tellico Plains Tellico Information dams of the Little and two picnic tables are  bulletin board provides Santeetlah Gap Station Tellico Tennessee River. additional information easily accessed from the 2,660 ft.  NC Robbinsville, Bulletin board River Mud Gap Trailhead about the Skyway. parking lot. welcomes visitors 950 ft. 4,480 ft. 143 A bulletin board with general The Tellico Shute Cove provides Bald River Falls Whigg Cove 4,570 ft. d information about River is 3,550 ft. information about Located on Forest Service Road 210, you can view A quiet picnic can be the Cherohala the Skyway and famous for Bald River Falls without leaving your car as water enjoyed at the one Skyway. Tellico Ranger its trout cascades over 100 feet onto the rocks below.  Slopes 4,890 ft. table available at this District. fishing. Further along the road you may be interested in Wright Cove 4,150 ft. visiting the State operated trout hatchery. pullover. A few steps to the small wooden Big Junction Huckleberry 5,300 ft.  Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center 5,240 ft. d platform presents a 225 Cherohala Skyway beautiful view into the Weather Conditions Coker Creek Tellico Plains, TN 37385 valley below. Welcome Center Important to consider before traveling the Skyway. Snow 423-253-8010 Santeetlah Trailhead is common from mid November through mid April- 5,390 ft. Tennessee Emergency Information 5,290 ft.d North Carolina Emergency Information especially in the higher elevations. Coker Creek Welcome Center Over a mile-high in 12197 New Hwy 68 elevation, enjoy a A quarter-mile hike leads to Cherokee National Forest Coker Creek, TN 37314 picnic (3 tables) at the Hooper Bald, near the site of the Nantahala National Forest Note: The Cherohala Skyway is a State maintained road, 423-261-2286 Tellico Ranger Station highest overlook along old hunting preserve where Cheoah Ranger Station with the amenities maintained by the US Forest Service. Rt. 1, Box 16-A 64 250 Ranger Station Road the Skyway. many exotic species, including Tellico Plains, TN 37385 For each state, please contact the appropriate Sheriffs the Russian boar, were imported Robbinsville, NC 28771 (423) 253-8400 Department for road conditions and the appropriate by George Moore in 1908. An (828) 479-6431 Forest Service Ranger Station for recreation information. Sheriffs Department information board, restrooms, Sheriffs Department Ducktown, TN Monroe County, TN (423) 442-3911 and two picnic tables are easily Graham County, NC (828) 479-3352 accessed from the parking lot. b Cell phone coverage along the Cherohala Skyway is very sporadic. There is a public phone at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. Above Indian Boundary there is some cell phone coverage. **Photos courtesy of Monroe County Tourism and Fritts Photography By Elizabeth Bowers The fast lane to theThe Advocatefuture & Democrat Exit 60 is more than just the exit to “I’m just sitting there, I’m playing, singing we’ve been playing,” Rowland said. “We’ve Sweetwater – it’s a local band that is quickly with different artists and people,” he said. got some big things coming up in the future, rising in popularity and making its mark on Rowland said that he actually started out such as Daytona Bike Week in 2015, and a not only just Monroe County, but all over East playing at bonfires. couple other things I’m not allowed to say Tennessee – and they will soon be taking “As for the band,” he added, “Robbie, I met anything about.” their show on the road! him there at Skyway. He just sat in with me Exit 60 is sponsored by Southern Biker Exit 60 is a country-rock band comprised one night and we worked good together, and Magazine, and their tour schedule, which of lead guitarist Robbie Griffin; drummer we started to do an acoustic thing. We called comes out month by month, can be found Steve Core; bassist Teddy Dockery and lead it Rowland Griffin Acoustics. We did that for in the magazine, as well as on the Exit 60 singer and rhythm guitarist Wes Rowland. a couple months and then got a couple guys Facebook page. When they are not rocking out on stage, the together and started the whole band thing, When it comes to the band’s goals and band members have other occupations: Wes and Steve and Teddy just came in over time.” plans for the future, Rowland said that the is an electrician, Griffin works for Cooper Exit 60 has been going for a little over a sky’s the limit. Originally, he thought that they Homes in Tellico Plains, Steve works part-time year. Rowland and Griffin started playing would just play at a few local bars and festi- at Tractor Supply and Teddy stays at home together in January 2013. vals, but when he figured out that there was with the grandbabies. Locally, the band has played such venues a potential to take it even further, he realized Before Exit 60 came to be, lead singer Wes as the Tellico Bike Rally and the Redneck that their aspirations could lead to so much Rowland said that he was doing a solo acous- Resort in Sweetwater. more than originally planned. tic thing at Skyway Bar and Grill every once in “We’ve played anywhere between Pigeon “We’ve got some big things coming up,” a while. Forge, Tenn. and Dalton, Ga. in just the year said Rowland. “Like I said, the sky’s the limit, 18 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 anything, as far as we can go. I’d love to go Christian rock group that Rowland used to lot of sitting in your room, singing to your four on and everybody’s for it.” be a part of when he was in high school at walls and then once you get that opportunity, Exit 60 will be going on tour next year to Sweetwater First Assembly Church. When the don’t be scared. Get out there and just do Florida and back. youth group got new members, they opted it, no matter what you sound like.” Rowland “We’ve got some stuff in Nashville brewing, to change the name of the band. Eighteen- shared that he was terrified when he did and North Carolina,” Rowland hinted at his year-old Rowland thought of Exit 60 and sug- his first show and said that “in my opinion, I band’s future. gested it, but the others didn’t like it. sounded awful.” In addition to next year’s tour and the “When Robbie and I were try- But, Rowland added that he Daytona Bike Week, Exit 60’s debut album ing to figure out a name for had to grow like every art- is scheduled to come out in a couple of the group, I was think- ist has to in one way or months. Though the band often performs ing, I might try this. another. For him, his covers of songs in their shows, all of the Why not Exit 60? growth involved songs on the album will be original, and all of It’s Sweetwater, learning to sing. them were written by Rowland, who is also Monroe County. “I would the songwriter. It’s where I’m get up and Rowland talked briefly about a song that from, it’s where just growl and will be on the album that shares the band’s we met, where scream, but name. “Exit 60” is a song about Sweetwater this all started, so now I know how that, according to Rowland, talks about why not? And we to sing and per- everything from the Kmart to the antiques to did it and it clicked form,” he said. the bars and the liquor stores, and the guys and everybody loves Exit 60 is going parked out in the parking lots in the trucks it,” he said. places, but if their and cars, hanging out, and the high schools. Exit 60 is different from songs are anything to go “It’s got a little bit of everything in it around other local bands because of its by, no matter how far they trav- the town,” he said. musical diversity. el and no matter where their career takes Rowland said that every song, save for Rowland said, “One minute we’ll be play- them, their hearts will always be rooted in the two, that he has written (“And I’ve written ing a Jason Aldean cover and the next minute place where it all started – Sweetwater and 60-plus songs in about a year!”) has come to we’re doing a cover of Chris Brown or Johnny Monroe County. For more information about him as he was driving down the road. Cash or Three Doors Down. We do almost the band or to view their schedule, you can “A couple times I’ve sat down and tried to every genre, we don’t stick to just one. We check out their Exit 60 Facebook page or pick write a song and it didn’t turn out good,” he do jump around multiple genres during our up a copy of Southern Biker Magazine. said. “Every single song came to me as I was show. Everything driving up the road and I’d pull my phone out from country to rock, and record it when I got home. That’s how pop, hip-hop.” most of them came about.” The growing Rowland said that his songs are about life popularity and suc- We trust in Sweetwater. He has also written a song cess of Exit 60 in the about himself and his everyday life. short span of a year you have Although the band likes to play a lot of is a great feat for a upbeat, “party” music, Rowland said that they local band. Rowland enjoyed this have the “sensual stuff” too. encourages aspiring issue of the: The fast lane to the future “I’ve written songs about my daughters, artists, singers, song- my wife and my grandpa,” Rowland said, writers and bands to summing up the original songs played by the not give up. band as “a little bit of everything.” “Practice,” he If you would like to be put on our mailing list to The band name developed from the advised. “It’s just a receive future issues sent directly to you, Please fill out your name and address below and Meigs County Tourism send this coupon along with $5.95 for mailing cost P.O. Box 156 • Decatur, TN 37322 • (423) 334-5850 for the next three issues to: The Advocate & Democrat, P.O. Box 389, Sweetwater, TN 37874 (The magazine itself is free, but it costs about $2.00 to mail it out.)

Name: ______Address: ______Cherokee Removal “Get Hooked On Memorial Park Meigs County” ______Visitor’s Center For Watts Bar Lake 339-2769 Activities Call The Open Wed.-Fri. Chamber At Phone: ______10 a.m.-4 p.m. 423-334-5496 Email: ______Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 19 Celebrating THE TOWN OF Our 1 Year TELLICO PLAINS, TN AAnniversary!

From theWelcome! Citizens of Tellico Plains boutiqueue facebook.com/DogwoodLaneBoutique The Small Town with the Big Back Yard “Getaway to the Cherokee National Forest & The Cherohala Skyway”

Located across from Picket Fence 504 N. Main St Sweetwater,S Tennessee Recreation, hunting, fishing, swimming, camping, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking or just a leisure drive across the Skyway. 423-536-70464 Enjoy street dancing at our 4th of July Celebration. Hours If you can’t find it in Tellico Plains, it can’t be found!!! Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Come & See!

CERTIFIED INSURANCE REPAIR FACILITY 24 HOUR TOWING YOUR AUTO REPAIR SPECIALISTS Lifetime Warranty

106 Sands Road • Sweetwater We Accept (423) 337-6020 www.autobodycollisionsweetwater.com 20 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Spectrum Electric, Inc. SE In Business Since 1996 COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC • VOICE • DATA www.spectrumelectric-inc.com

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Home & Land Waterfront Property Mountain Property Land Adjoining National Forest Commercial Investment Property

Philadelphia, Tennessee For more information 877-862-4332 www.sweetwatervalley.com 418 Cherohala Skyway • Tellico Plains, TN email: [email protected] (423) 253-6145 • (888) 246-2094

The Super Saturday Adventure is (423) 337-6616 offered every Saturday at 1:00pm Commercial Tours, $30 per person Highway 68 • Sweetwater Including Boat Rides For more info call www.thelostsea.com Available Daily for 423-337-6616 the Less Adventurous or visit our website

Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 21 CaveCaves are cool, literally. The temperature at ravewall or the ceiling. The Lost Sea opened the Lost Sea, America’s largest underground as a commercial attraction to the lake, is a constant 58 degrees. In the fall/win- public in June of 1965. ter when it is chilly outside, it feels nice and Attendance has grown steadily. warm inside. Today, the Lost Sea The Lost Sea is popular among big celebri- welcomes more ties, from Kirk Cameron, who has visited the than 180,000 vis- underground lake on several occasions, to itors a year. Larry the Cable Guy. The overnight In late 2012, an episode of Larry the Cable Wild Cave Guy’s TV show “Only in America” was filmed Tour has inside the historic cave. The program aired in grown in pop- August 2013. Larry the Cable guy was a good ularity. sport crawling through Wild Cave Tour and The Wild Cave Tour started in the came to fall in love with the Lost Sea. late 1970s and has become a major The cave was actually owned by a part of the Lost Sea. The Wild tour Cherokee chief by the name of Chief involves a three to four-hour caving Craighead. There is so much history within the tour and then an opportunity to caverns at Lost Sea. Because of some of this spend the night in the cave after. history the Lost Sea has been named a Civil Cavern tours at Lost Sea are War Trail Marker. In the early 1860s, the Lost open every day but Christmas Sea caverns were known as the Great Day. The hours vary with sea- Craighead Cave. sons. The Lost Sea is located A date of 1863 can be found today on the on New Highway 68 just out- walls within the cave at Lost Sea. The date side of Sweetwater. Several has been carbon tested and does prove to be other gift shops are open authentic. It was probably put there from the seasonally, including the carbon of a confederate soldier’s torch. This is Glass Blower, Sweet Shop, the oldest known date in the cave. Cavern Kitchen Restaurant In 1905, a 13-year-old boy named Ben and the General Store Sands wiggled through a tiny, muddy opening where you can purchase 300 feet underground and found himself in a dirt and pan for gem- huge room half filled with water. The room stones. was so large that his light was swallowed up Visit www.thelostsea.com by the darkness long before reaching the far or call 423-337-6616 for info. 22 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Mary’s Madhatter GALLERY ON MAIN We have classes in acrylics, oils, pastels, colored pencil & graphite, drawing, photography, mosaics and jewelry making. Boutique Call to schedule your 109 Morris Street • Sweetwater, TN next art class! HOURS Tuesday 11:30am- 5pm Wednesday - Saturday 10am-5pm 423-337-7400 Closed Sunday & Monday “NEW TO YOU”

WagonMaster Adventure Ranch Bridal Room ]WZLIJTM*ZQLIT/W_Vٺ( FUN PARK & GEM MINE & Accessories Rain or Shine; Pets OK GOLD MINING GEM MINING •Vintage Hats •New Hats MINI GOLF •Jewelry •Pocketbooks SKEET SHOOTING •Shoes •Numerous Other Items WAGON RIDES 507 Veterans Memorial Drive • Tellico Plains, TN NO ADMISSION FEE! 423-253-7954 • Cell 423-807-0181 Off Hwy. 294 - 20 miles west of Murphy, NC 828-494-9521 359 Adventure Ranch Rd. WagonMasterRanch.com Open Thursday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 23 History awakens Fort Loudoun State Historic Area The Fort Loudoun State Historic Area, located on Highway 360 in Vonore, is a reconstruction of the original fort, in service from 1756- 1760. Fort Loudoun was originally constructed during the French and Indian War (1754-1763) to counter the threat of French activity in the Mississippi Valley. The fort was also ideally located to ensure contin- ued trade between the Cherokee and South Carolina and to strength- en relations between the British and the Overhill Cherokee Nation. Unfortunately, it was the deterioration of that relationship that led to the surrender of the fort. In August 1760, the Cherokee captured Fort Loudoun and its garrison. Fort Loudoun routinely returns to life with dedicated staff and re-en- actors on garrison, or re-enactment, weekends. Garrison Weekend is a time when the daily lives of the men, women and children of Fort Loudoun are recreated for the public. On these days, park visitors will find living history re-enactors in costume at the Fort. Visitors can view an 18th century infirmary, the soldiers’ barracks, the commanders quarters, blacksmith shop and a Cherokee encampment. Sequoyah Birthplace Museum The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, located on Highway 360 near Fort Loudoun State Historic Area, is owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with a mission is to promote appreciation of the history and culture of the Cherokee Indian, particularly the life and contributions of Sequoyah. Born more than 200 years ago, Sequoyah created a writing system that, within months of its introduction, enabled thousands of Cherokee to read and write in their own language. The museum features video, electronic displays and exhibits from periods of Cherokee occupation of the Tennessee Overhill area. A gift shop is also located inside the muse- um.The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is also home to a Cherokee burial site, an open-air amphitheater, a reconstruction of Sequoyah’s blacksmith shop, a shoreline trail, a boat dock and picnic tables. For more information, contact Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 423-884-6246 or www.sequoyahmuseum.org, or Fort Loudoun State Historic Area at 423-884-6217 or fortloudoun.com.

24 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 History awakens The Great Island Festival and 18th Century Trade Faire • Saturday, Sept. 6, and Sunday, Sept. 7 •

On Sept. 6-7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, Fort Loudoun be on hand to peddle food and wares reminiscent of the time. and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will come alive for the 23rd Period food will be sold by “Two French Tarts.” Stop in and get a annual Fall Festival—the Great Island Festival and 18th Century cold Root Beer or Ginger Ale from the Tears of the Tankard Tavern. Trade Faire. This year’s theme is “The Americanization Program of Music and other entertainment will include: The Traveling the Cherokee.” The fall festival is named for the “Great Island,” a Caudells, a traditional vocal duo; Out of the Ordinary, featuring a Cherokee village site 250 years ago. Today, Fort Loudoun State hammered dulcimer, English guitar, harp and vocals; the Beggar Historic Area and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum occupy an Boys, singers and fiddlers; Common Stocks Curious Booth of island created by the Tellico Lake Project. Wonders; and the Amazing Juggling Budabi Brothers. Returning Held on the grounds of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, the this year will be Faire Wynds Circus, featuring musicians, a conjur- Great Island Festival showcases Native American history through er, equalibrialist, contortionist and an escape artist. Two new musi- arts and crafts, food, Cherokee dancing, music and storytelling. cal acts will make their festival debuts this year—Thunder and Special demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in Spice and Four Sheets to the Wind. the 1700s and a Civil War encampment. A Civil War battle re-en- Admission costs are $5 for adults (13 and up). Children 12 and actment will be held at 3 p.m. each day. The highlight of this under are free. Visitors must pay at both places. There will be a year’s festival is flutist Tommy Wildcat, a citizen shuttle bus available between the museum and Fort Loudoun. of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Special entertainment will once again be provided by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa, who are the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation’s official ambassadors. The Cherokee Historical Society will also perform a special pro- gram on the Trail of Tears. Visitors will be able to meet and talk with Cherokees from both the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina. Cherokee cooking demonstrations will be held in the newly-re- constructed 1800s dog-trot cabin with Johnnie Sue Meyers. Guests can also have their names written in Cherokee. Other activities include posters from Cherokee Elementary School. Darts, beads, talking sticks, face painting and free Cherokee name cards will be available for children. A children’s blowgun competition will be held on Saturday and an adult blow- gun competition will be held on both days. Step back in time at Fort Loudoun State Historic Area with the 18th Century Trade Faire, featuring encampments of soldiers, set- tlers and Native Americans. There will be demonstrations in artil- lery and musketry, along with several battles and skirmish re-enact- ments. The big battle demonstration will be at 1:30 p.m. daily. Visitors can learn about slate tombstone carving, 18th Century fishing, blacksmithing and carpentry. Merchants and artisans will Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 25 WELCOME TO MONROE COUNTY

Jason Miller, Pharm. D. • Brent Hickey, Pharm. D. A Great Your Hometown Pharmacist Place to 707707 VeteransVeterans Work & Live Memorial Drive (Next to Citizens National Bank) 423-253-6003 MONROE COUNTY Phone: 423-442-8638 Fax: 423-442-8641 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4930-D New Highway 68 Madisonville, TN 37354 email: [email protected]

We offer Title Documents, Real Estate Closings, Abstract and Title Insurance. Serving Your Real Estate Needs Shan Harris, Director Serving Monroe County and East Tennessee with 103 College Street South, Suite 6 excellent service in all of your real estate needs. Madisonville, TN 37354 It will be a pleasure to serve you! 423-442-3652 Mobile: 423-519-3369 Locally owned & operated with over 35 years experience. Email: [email protected] Judy Thacker - Owner www.monroeeconomicdevelopment.com

We’re simply here to serve you.

Locally Owned 3942 Hwy 411 and Operated Madisonville, TN (past KFC on left) 423-442-5900

26 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Bargain Hunters CHEROHALA SKYWAY Welcome! VISITOR CENTER Gently Used Books New Books Buy • Sell • Trade Audio Books • Local Interest • Maps Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm Closed Sunday & Monday

108 Scott Street Old Downtown Tellico Plains www.tellicobookshelf.com 423-253-3183 Open Monday-Sunday 9:00-5:00 Winter Hours: (Jan.-Feb.): Cones Cupboard Fri.-Sat. 9:00-5:00 & Sunday 1:00-5:00 Antiques 225 Cherohala Skyway • Tellico Plains Antiques | Collectibles | Gifts 423-253-8010 Furniture & more... • Friendly Folks • Current Skyway & National Forest Information • Ample Free and Paved Parking Peggy Cones, Owner • Outdoor Picnic Facilities [email protected] • Super Clean Bathrooms • A Modern “Not-For-Profi t” Gift Shop 105 Morris St. • Sweetwater, TN 423-351-7408 Center owned and operated by Monroe County, Tennessee Monday - Saturday 11am-5pm www.cherohala.org www.facebook.com/ccantiques The Offi cial Website of Cherohala Skyway

Enjoy the Power of the River SAFELY Brook eld Renewable encourages you to have fun and be safe by wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

When recreating on or near water, keep in mind that dangers exist at any time of the year, and that conditions such as  ows and water levels can change quickly and without notice. Avoid areas such as dams, intake and water conveyance structures, gates, powerhouses and substations. Use only designated recreation areas, and respect all warning signs, buoys, sirens, booms, barriers and fences.

Always check water conditions before you recreate. One source is waterline www.h2oline.com

brook eldrenewable.com/publicsafety Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 27 Stomping good time

For the fourth year in a row, the Sweetwater Merchants and Property Owners Association will work with the city and community to host the National Muscadine Festival in September. The three-day event attracts numer- ous travelers and local residents to Tsali Notch Vineyard, located between Sweetwater and Madisonville, and to historic downtown Sweetwater for great muscadines, music, a parade and much more. The events leading up to the popu- lar festival actually begin earlier in the month with the Miss Muscadine Festival. 2014 National Muscadine Festival Friday, Sept. 26 Walmart Gazebo Demonstrations: FREE ADMISSION • Parade begins at 10 a.m. • WMTY 98.3 FM Live • 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Tsali Notch • Food, art and craft vendors • 3:30 - 4 p.m. Sweetwater Tumbling Variety of activities, including • Activities at Tsali Notch Vineyard • 4:30 p.m.- BBQ awards and muscadine picking, hayrides, • Children’s Art Show at Morris wreath auction product samples and crafters. Galleries on Main • Noon-6 p.m.- Vendor set up • Wagon rides for $5 each or $15 Sunday, Sept. 28 per family • 7-10 p.m. in Downtown Sweet- Noon to 5 p.m. at Main Stage water • BBQ competition at Hunt Bandstand at the Duck Park Live music with SouthBound. Commons--Buy a Taste Em All • 1 - 2 p.m. Eli Currier Vendors and BBQ cookers begin. ticket and vote for the People’s • 2 - 3 p.m. EmiSunshine & The Rain Choice Award, beginning at 2 p.m. • 3 - 5 p.m. Blue Moon Rising Limited to 75 tickets at $10 each. Saturday, Sept. 27 • Vendors and artists throughout • KIDS ZONE- $5 all-day FREE ADMISSION the day armband/$8 for weekend 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown ALL WEEKEND: Sweewater Music at Main Stage Bandstand at Shuttle--$5 per person/$20 • Muscadine Wind 5K at Tsali Notch the Duck Park: Vineyard at 8:30 a.m. Pre-register familly runs to Tsali Notch Vine- • 11 a.m.- Noon Mike Anderson at active.com or the morning of the yard, The Lost Sea and downtown • Noon - 1 p.m. Eli Currier race. Race will benefit the Sweet- Sweetwater. • 1 - 2 p.m. EmiSunshine & The Rain water Kiwanis Club. For more information, visit www. • 2 - 4 p.m. Doyle, Devin and Chloe • Parade line up begins at 9 a.m. at nationalmuscadinefestival.com. Tallent ** All events subject to change.

28 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Gibson Shoe Store Stomping good time Andrews, NC Open 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday

Factory Return Outlet Madisonville, Tennessee The Hub of Monroe County Monroe County 59B Excellence Way • Vonore, TN 37885 Mayor - Glenn Moser 423-884-2400 City Recorder - Alfred McClendon Board of Aldermen • Augustus Davis • Sherri McCrary Where people and jobs connect • Bill Spradlin The Tennessee Career Center System is an equal opportunity employer/program; • Linda Hensley auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 2014 National Muscadine Festival • Susan Saunders This project is funded under an agreement with the state of Tennessee.

** All events subject to change.

Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 29 Monroe Life Magazine’s 2nd Annual

SEPTEMBER 19 & 20 AT HIWASSEE COLLEGE 3PM–8PM • TICKETS $5 PER ADULT 25 Balloons Enjoy balloon rides, live music, food, games, an inflatable Kid’s Zone and much more... all leadng up to a mesmerizing musical light show with our colorful hot air balloons. Fun for the whole family!

www.binghamgroup.com www.advocateanddemocrat.com

For more information and schedule of events visit www.hopeballoonfest.com

30 | Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 Furniture Painting Classes Available Come learn how to texture & distress furniture!

Before After Amy Rector Distinctive Gifts Garden Supplies and Unique Antiques Catherine Rector Hand Painted Furniture

Featuring the CeCe Caldwell’s Natural Chalk Plus Clay Paint & Finishes www.facebook.com/catherinesrobinsnest [email protected]

103 East Morris Street • Sweetwater, TN 423-337-0300 Tennessee Mountain Traveler-Summer 2014 | 31