I had the opportunity to sit down for a phone interview with Jessi Baker, author of the new cookbook “Shining” which features a collection of family recipes as well as the story of Ole Smoky Moonshine. Jessi and her husband Joe Baker started the now global business back in 2009 with absolutely no idea they were building what would become the most visited distillery in the country. Continue reading “Q + A WITH JESSI BAKER, AUTHOR OF “SHINING” MOONSHINE COOKBOOK”
I consider the art of making pottery to be part of my Appalachian heritage. From a young age my parents encouraged my older sister and I to learn how to “throw” at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I was most certainly the child who got gold stars for effort behind the pottery wheel but my sister, Katie, really found her niche and she is still working with clay all these years later at Alewine Pottery. Continue reading “ALEWINE POTTERY”
First I would like to apologize for being away so long. For those who don’t know, I started my master’s at Vanderbilt 2 months ago. The program is accelerated and I’ve barely had time to catch my breath with all the work so I’ll try and post as often as I can but the timing will be sporadic to say the least. These photos, however, are an exception. I would be devastated if they ended up in purgatory and didn’t make it to the blog before my nephew is born. We slipped away to Greenbrier yesterday to snap these and I’m thrilled at how well they turned out. Please enjoy my stunning sister who (much to my dismay) is still perfectly thin and looks like she swallowed a beach ball. Arlow, my love, I can’t wait to meet you. Continue reading “KATIE’S MATERNITY SESSION”
I’ve said this before but I like to consider myself somewhat of a donut connoisseur. I’m constantly on the hunt for the new greatest donut of my life. In Gatlinburg, there is no better place than The Donut Friar. Located in The Village this shop is a donut hole in the wall. Once you enter The Village from the parkway just go straight back. Look for the sign with a friar holding a piled high plate of perfection and get in there! Continue reading “THE DONUT FRIAR”
Gatlinburg has been a tourist destination for years but just recently it’s been on the map for moonshine, whiskey, and wine tastings. Now, there’s one more adult beverage you have to sample on your way to the national park. The Mead Bar can be found inside The Savannah Bee Company next to Anakeesta on the Parkway. In case you aren’t as familiar with the ancient libation, mead is made primarily of honey. The term “honeymoon” comes from medieval times when it was customary to gift the bride and groom with enough mead to last one full moon. Continue reading “THE MEAD BAR”
Since I grew up in Sevier County, going home and seeing all the decorations feels like Christmas to me. I love to watch my hometown go nuts for the holidays. I look forward to driving to my dad’s store on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and seeing the “12 Days of Christmas” scenes. God help me, I even like to drive the spur on the way to Gatlinburg at night just so the darkness of the tree cover can open up to an electric light parade. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to ring in the Christmas season. Continue reading “THAT’S CHRISTMAS TO ME”
As much as I love going for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I can’t bring my fluffy son with me on every trail. I’m not referring to those short legs! There are only two approved trails for dogs in the national park and they are “The Gatlinburg Trail” and “The Oconaluftee River Trail”. My husband and I wanted to take Joe into the park and get to see the gorgeous leaves before all they all end up scattered on the ground. Joe really enjoyed himself and fell asleep as soon as we got back to the car. Continue reading “DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN THE SMOKIES”
Gatlinburg’s newest tourist attraction, Anakeesta, is a Cherokee word meaning “the place of the balsams” according to their website. I am part Cherokee (my great-grandmother’s name was Morning Dove) but I wouldn’t dream of vouching for the language. Anakeesta is located across the street from the aquarium in case you’re wondering but it’s pretty hard to miss the huge brand new building next to Arrowmont.
Here is a sampling of the festivals we attended this year! We hope to change it up next year and see what other fun happenings Tennessee has to offer. Festivals are the best-ival. Continue reading “BEST OF THE FEST: 3 SUMMER FESTIVALS IN TENNESSEE”
