Ziplines and Knives, Don't try this at Home!

In all my years, I have not once been ziplining until the other day when I went with my friend Beth from Rafting in the Smokies. We went to Wahoo Ziplines on Saturday and the weather was perfect. You couldn't ask for a better view from their first line. The instructions seem overwhelming for the first few minutes, but the guides walk you through it every step of the way. They do an EXCELLENT job and even provide bottled water for the thirsty customers at the near end of the trip. It was both an exhilarating and memorable experience. I would love to do it again sometime soon. Wahoo has a BBQ at their location for their hungry customers as well. Some other great ziplines include: Smoky Mountain Ziplines and Zipline Family Adventure!
Sunday was just as remarkable. I had the great pleasure of meeting Ken Largin of Kelgin Knife Makers Co-Op. This man is utterly astounding. His knowledge of the history of knives and the skill and grace with which he can make a flawless knife in under a half hour, will leave you speechless. The Co-Op is located in a 250 year old building beside the extremely popular Smoky Mountain Knife Works. The SMKW leases it to him for free. He and his wife, Paula, love to travel, but are here for the most part. Largin teaches the public how to make a knife out of everything from a railroad spike to a meteorite. He has worked with Boy Scouts,made knives for the P.O.W's from Desert Storm, and so much more. "Blade" magazine wrote an article on him in their July 2009 issue. He earnestly has a heart for a craft that seems to be fading away. When you go to his shop, he greets you with a smiling face and happily tells you of his many travels. This is a man who LOVES his "job." If you want to learn more about Ken Largin or Kelgin Knife Makers Co-Op go to his shop or www.kelgin.com
Yes folks, from ziplines to knives, the Smokies has it all, but you need to come here. Don't try this at home:)

The Hazard Way

What a beautiful weekend in The Great Smoky Mountains! With all this fine weather, I decided to spend a couple days in the always hoppin' city of Gatlinburg. It seems to have a whole calendar filled with things to do this month. The Hazard Run at Cooter's Place was just one of the events the city had to offer. Fans of the beloved "Dukes of Hazard" could see many cars from the series parading through town over the weekend as well as get an autographed picture from either "Cooter" or "Deputy Cletus." It sure brought back a flood a childhood memories. If you ever go to Gatlinburg, stop in at Cooter's Place and give 'em a good "Howdy!"

Another must see while visiting the city is the Gatlinburg Craftmen's Fair. There are arts, crafts, live music, and artists demonstrating on site. This is all taking place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visitors will see over some of nation's finest work and over 200 booths.
Dates are October 7th through October 23rd.

There is also Ripley's Haunted Adventure for those of you who like a good scare. Although they are open 365 days a year, they are celebrating their 12th annual Fright Nights show this year with “Trick or Treat: 15 Nights of Halloween." It lasts from October 1st to October 31st. So get a good spine tingling thrill while you are in are town.

October is Here!

Well ladies and gentlemen, October is finally here. It is the month the represents the true signature of Fall and one of my personal favorites. The mountains are ablaze with the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the trees and folks and setting out their pumpkin, autumn decorations. There is already a slight chill in the air. That does not seem to slow down the flow of people making their way to The Great Smoky Mountains to celebrate the season with all the festivals and crafts shows. Last weekend's Robert A. Tino's Smoky Mountain Homecoming was a fine example of such. There were bushels of people there looking at crafts, watching the different tradesmen,buying delicious food, listening to live music, riding the hay ride, and so much more. There was the best piping hot kettle corn made right in front of you. They also offered pony rides and had a petting zoo. I loved watching the little children running around picking out pumpkins to paint. Of course people could see the beautiful work of the very talented Robert A. Tino on display in several areas. Check out the pictures and videos of the event on our Facebook!