Tennessee Aquarium's Animal Storm Tracking Team

Folklore tells us that animals and insects can predict the weather?  Plants too!  My friend Thom Benson at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga reminds us of these signs and just a few our friends of nature found at his attraction.  Chattanooga Chuck’s 2015 Groundhog Day Forecast:

Good morning, my friends, from the great Scenic City!  On Groundhog Day I greet you with another weather ditty.

You’re wondering if springtime will soon show its splendor,  Or if snow, sleet and ice will pelt us like we’re inside a blender.

In finding the answer, I did more than just ponder.

Toward my Animal Storm Tracking Team I did wander.

First to the tree frogs I went without delay

People say they call louder when rain’s on the way.

Next I shared a moment with a butterfly swarm.

They flutter about when the temperature warms.

On to the shark tank, I decided to look,  Since sharks swim deeper when rough weather’s afoot.

I even checked Twitter to see what’s on Miguel Wattson’s brain,  Shocking to know - If electric eels are very lively, it’s a sure sign of rain.

Finally, I checked with my pal, the sea urchin,

Who covers up in the sand when a storm could be lurching.

But this morning I laid eyes on a more familiar fellow.  I stretched, rubbed my eyes and saw my own shadow!

So zip up your coat before hitting the streets.

Winter’s sticking around for at least six more weeks.

Smoky Mountain "Winterfest in Motion!" Lights! Camera! Action!

If you have neighbors who go EXTREME with the Christmas lights hanging outside their house, you will appreciate my neighbors in the Smoky Mountains region of East Tennessee.  This year, Smoky Mountain Winterfest is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with more than 12 million lights illuminating the region between Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

  

Making the drive to see the lights is an annual traditional for my family and it is definitely time well spent.  If you do not believe that you have the time to make the drive, let me take you on a fast trip that I call Winterfest in Motion! Watch video. 

The excitement begins with a driving tour at Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland located near I-40, exit 407 at Smokies Stadium.  Except for paying for admission into Shadrack's and Dollywood, the remainder of the tour is free.

In addition to the communities making things bright, entertainment theaters offer themed shows that also echo the wintery sentiment. Dollywood adds to the magical fun with its own award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas. Chilly weather adventure is at Ober Gatlinburg and the spellbinding mystique of the Great Smoky Mountains offer a priceless opportunity for guests who visit.  There is no shortage of lodging options either that range from resorts and cabins to the more traditional hotels and bed & breakfast inns.

I recently wrote about this in a Tennessee Triptales blog for the state tourism office.

Thinking Outside of the Holiday Gift Box

If you are having trouble selecting a gift of for a few family members or business associates, perhaps it is time to think outside the holiday gift box.  As I travel across the state, I enjoy a number of products and experiences that are exclusively made in Tennessee.  So let me offer a few ideas that might help.  Keep calm and shop on!

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Museum and Attraction Gift Shops   Last year while at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, if found some fun things for my grandchildren.  The Titanic MuseumAttraction in Pigeon Forge has really nice and affordable items for people enthralled in this historic event.

Other museums and attractions offer free admission to their gift shops including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the BristolMotor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and Ripley’sAquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton and the Museum Center at 5ivePoints in Cleveland. 

Tennessee Food Products   I love Tennessee and Tennessee food!  One of my favorite places to eat is at the Old Mill Restaurant or the Pottery House Café in Pigeon Forge.  Some of my friends are never surprised when I gift corn chowder, cornmeal, grits and all manner of other foodstuffs found nearby at the Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen.  

Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City

One year I made a breakfast gift basket for someone comprised of bacon from Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Vonore  and those delicious Aretha Frankenstein pancakes from Chattanooga.  Benton’s is the choice of chefs nationwide and it ships easily.  I even added a tin form to shape the pancake batter on the griddle.  Add some local jams and honey or fresh roasted coffee from your area and it is truly breakfast for champions.   The ideas seem limitless.   If you need more ideas, Pick Tennessee Products has an online store.  

Gift Certificates   I hated giving them until I learned that my family and friends envy some of the many activities that I enjoy while working in the tourism industry.  Here are some ideas to consider:

Creative Discovery Museum Chattanooga

Tours.  Walking food tours are often a mix of downtown history and participating restaurants who want you to sample their cuisine.  KnoxFood Tours originates their tours from the Knoxville Visitor Center and offer a variety of options.  See if your city offers similar tours.  Don’t forget historic home tours in your area or guided hikes in the mountains. 

Finally, do not overlook season tickets to watch a minor league baseball team, tickets to a zoo, museum, aquarium or theme park.  Tennessee has the finest in America! 

Historic Lodging  The General Morgan Inn in downtown Greeneville is a romantic choice for someone planning to celebrate an anniversary or a quick weekend getaway.  My wife and I enjoy it for its history, beauty and charm as well as the time we save in not having to travel long hours to reach our destination.  Enjoy a meal at Brumley’s inside the hotel and sit next to the large window for a view of the church across the street.  (There is a Civil War cannonball lodged above the light on the front of the building.)  We found plenty to enjoy downtown, especially if you are interested in the life of Andrew Johnson, 17^th President of the United States.   

Interior Gifts and Furnishings  Kari Openshaw, of HGTV & DIY fame, has her own fun and inspiring store at Cloth & Chair in Kingston.  In addition to fabrics, furniture, and home decor items, she also showcases gift items crafted by local artisans including jewelry.  

Knives   I continue to hear people being surprised to discover Smoky Mountain Knife Works, yet millions pass it every year as they drive into Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains area. The store has an unbelievable variety of cutlery, kitchen wares and natural displays. Do not pass up the famous "Relic Room" with authentic pieces of history and even real fossils for sale at reasonable prices. They have more than a million visitors to their store each year.    

Fishing   If you know someone who enjoys passing the time while fishing, your might get some ideas from Little River Outfitters in Townsend.  Better yet, purchase lessons from the outfitter so they can learn to fly fish or fly tying.  It will be fun!

Holloway’s Country Home

Authentic Handmade Crafts  Holloway's Country Home in Cosby showcases and sells original and vintage handmade quilts and is an ideal source for quilters wanting to make their own creations.     Closer into Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the home of 120 working artists and craftsmen with gifts ranging from handmade brooms, jewelry and pottery to works of glass and wood as well as original art.

Vintage Items   NothingToo Fancy is a retail store that began by working with local artists inspired by Knoxville's vibrant and varied culture.  Today, there is a good variety of screen printed items including vintage inspired tee-shirts, salvaged treasures, jewelry, artwork for your wall and one of a kind items not commonly found elsewhere.  The store is on Union Ave between Market Square and Walnut Street with plenty of other shopping and dining options nearby.  

Work Clothes made Tennessee   Pointer Brand Workwear is still drawing the attention of the consumer with its numerous kinds of jeans, overalls of various types, work coats and more made in Bristol, TN.  L. C. King, the manufacturer, is the oldest cut-and-sew factory in the United States still owned by its founding family.    

Rocky Top General Store

X, Y & Z   If you have time to do some exploring for one-of-a-kind items, there are amazing antique districts in down Kingsport, Elizabethton and Clinton. Keep your eyes open for “mantiques” or antiques for men, plus opportunities to enjoy a meal or a snack.  One of my favorite stops along our Top SecretTrail is the Rocky Top General Store (part retail store, part museum).  Owner David Webb has free popcorn for you while you shop for the unusual and the necessities, including hardware, furniture, appliances, knives, ceramic dolls and gifts.

Hand-Picked Daytrips for Weekend of Dec 5, 6 & 7

This week, my Hand-Picked Weekend Daytrips include setting a world record with a very, very shiny nose, a 1791 candlelight tour, Olympic ice skaters, storytelling and free admission inside an American art museum.  Cheers everyone!

Storytelling Christmas Concerts:  Dec 4 – 6, Jonesborough.  The Uncalled for Trio, featuring Bil Lepp, Kim Weitkamp, and Andy Offutt Irwin, returns to celebrate their 5th anniversary Christmas tour, offering fresh stories and good cheer to take you through the holiday season.  Matinees and evening shows each day. http://bit.ly/1FMDaxZ

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade:  Dec 5, 7:30pm, Gatlinburg.  Join 2014 American Idol winner Caleb Johnson as the city attempts to break a Guinness World Record for most red Rudolph noses ever worn at a single event.  Plus 2014 American Idol winner Caleb Johnson.  http://bit.ly/1ziZZHz

42nd Annual WIVK Christmas Parade:  Dec 5, 7:00pm, Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.  http://bit.ly/1HFY5X2

Christmas on the Mountain:  Dec 5-7, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville.  A weekend of Yuletide fun, holiday music, handmade crafts and gifts for the little ones. Activities include making Christmas crafts, storytelling, breakfast with Santa, and a 3-day mountain craft show for everyone.  http://bit.ly/1ykrnqf

1791 Candlelight Tour:  Dec 5 – 6, 4:30pm - 9:30pm, Rocky Mount Living Museum, Johnson City.  Join with the Cobb Family in celebration of Christmas in the year 1791 with candlelight and decorations as the custom of the late 18th century.  Music, dancing, decorations and sacred tales as well.  Tours begin every fifteen minutes starting at 4:30 and lasts around 60-90 minutes. Reservations highly recommended.   http://bit.ly/1vNpYq9

Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice:  Dec 6, 5:00pm, Knoxville Civic Coliseum. This event features 13 Olympic and World Champion figure skaters, to a live concert by MercyMe.  Proceeds benefit the Provision CARES Foundation and Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation.  http://bit.ly/1vLbQie

Free First Sunday at Hunter Museum of American Art: Dec 7, 12:00pm – 4:30pm, Chattanooga.  A free day of gallery exploration, collection tours, crafts for the kids and a chance to explore the Christmas trees throughout the museum. $5 fee is required to view the special temporary exhibition, New York Times Magazine Photography. Save time to visit the Bluff View Art District and enjoy pastries inside the Bluff View Bakery.   http://bit.ly/1vjKzyr

Admission charges may apply.  Always verify dates and times.

A Rainy 4th Forecast Is One We Deplore

Indoor Adventures for you to Explore...in Chattanooga

I just received this poetic press release from Thom Benson from the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.  The rhyme is impressive and so are the attractions in this amazing city that continues to draw visitors rain or shine, hot or cold.  Here is why:

Hands on inside the Aquarium

Chattanooga, Tenn. (July 3, 2013) – A rainy holiday forecast is one we deplore, but Chattanooga has great indoor attractions for you to explore. Laugh at Mother Nature and the wet weather she dishes, while at the Aquarium with colorful sunfishes. The Cove Forest is a great place to wander about, while enjoying the otters and big rainbow trout. You’ll chuckle at penguins with great big old bellies, then stare at toothy sharks and umbrella jellies.

Playful baby elephants, billions of butterflies and sharks can be seen, projected in 3D on Chattanooga’s largest screen. The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX is where cool movies are showin’ - (Rainy weather is one thing, we’re glad it ain’t snowin’.)

The Creative Discovery Museum is just a short distance away, it’s a great place for children to learn while they play. No washout for their celebration with a soda geyser salute, a party for the nation with bubble wrap “fireworks” to boot.

When the skies open up with thunderous calls, a cool place to be is deep within Ruby Falls. It’s rumored the falls really get roarin’, when the ground gets soggy from days of downpourin’.

And let’s not forget all the things you could be seein’, while strolling the galleries at the Hunter Museum. Some works inspire those with a patriotic heart, there’s no better holiday to celebrate American Art.

Here’s five ways you can get more bang for your buck at the Tennessee Aquarium during the 4th of July weekend.
1) Family units, of 10 or more adults, qualify for the Aquarium’s group discount. Adults can save $2.50 off admission by simply walking into the ticketing center to purchase tickets for the group. Or better yet, call 800-262-0695 ext. 3600 to make a group purchase in advance. The tickets will be waiting upon arrival at Will Call in the Aquarium ticketing center. Insider 411: Reservationists will be working Thursday, July 4th through Satruday, July 6th to help speed the process.
2) Smaller families and individuals can purchase Aquarium, IMAX and River Gorge Explorer tickets online and print at home. tnaqua.org/PlanYourVisit/TicketInformation Printed tickets can be scanned at the door allowing visitors to walk up and walk right in. Insider 411: Tickets are good for both buildings for the entire date of purchase so guests have an opportunity to enjoy dining downtown, or take in an IMAX film before continuing to explore exhibits.

3) Make the most of your visit by checking out the showtimes for bird shows, dive programs and keeper talks: http://www.tnaqua.org/RangerRicksBackyardSafari.aspx Insider 411: Different animals appear in Ranger Rick stage programs throughout the day. If you stay for back-to-back presentations, you’ll be entertained by two different routines.

4) Add IMAX for just $6! No upcharge for 3D glasses to see any of the movies on Chattanooga’s largest screen. Insider 411:Two of the highest-rated films ever shown at IMAX are “Born to be Wild 3D” and “Flight of the Butterflies 3D.” Also showing, “Great White Shark 3D.”
5) Penguin Pandemonium – The Aquarium’s adorable penguin chick can be seen on the right-hand side of the exhibit. Visitors will also notice other parents nesting now with five more gentoo eggs in various locations in “Penguins’ Rock.” Insider 411: Stop by the exhibit July 4th & 5th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. to quiz our penguin experts about these fascinating birds. Or, add the afternoon Backstage Pass http://tennesseeaquarium.com/PlanYourVisit/BackstagePass to get a bird’s eye view of the penguins during a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Ocean Journey.

New Guide Showcases Tennessee's Beautiful Equine Trails

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has just released and new statewide equine directory. The 50-page guide features easy to use regional sections with symbols to indicate private trails; private stables; overnight stabling;city parks; state parks;national parks and forests; state forests; bed and breakfasts with stabling; cabins; primitative camping; camping with electrical hookups, restroom and shower facilities; even wagon trails. "Whether you are looking for a place to camp or a romantic bed and breakfast where you can also stable your horses, you can find it in the new trail guide,'said Wendy Lofton, livestock and equine marketing specialist for TDA. According to the latest statistics from USDA, Tennessee ranks sixth in the nation in the number of horses with 143,000 equine of all types. Guides can be requested by visiting www.picktnproducts.org. Click on "Equine Resources."

TN Hospitality's Associate Award of Excellence

One of Tennessee's greatest resources is the genuine and friendly hospitality of the women and men who call Tennessee "home." This brand of customer service is notably obvious to our guests who eat in our restaurants and sleep in our hotels, motels and cabins.

Recently I was honored with the Associate Award of Excellence during the Tennessee Hospitality Association's annual "Stars of the Industry" banquet. I am proud to work along the side of those who lead in Tennessee's thriving tourism industry. You are very kind. Thank you!