Author: jmuir

Famous for its expansive, colorful, and lush landscaping,  Anakeesta is enhancing its commitment to being stewards of the living earth by recently receiving an arboretum accreditation for Vista Gardens. The area is an incredible mountaintop garden retreat in the smoky mountains. The mission of the Anakeesta Arboretum is to provide an experiential sensory garden that offers environmental education, recreation, interactive play for children, and beauty. The accreditation includes the following:

• A future garden robust with local wildflowers that attract native butterflies and honeybees.
• The replanting of thousands of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers burned by the Chimney Top II Wildfires of 2016 in Gatlinburg.
• Creating  “garden walk” tours to encourage guests to learn about gardening techniques.

On November 28, 2016, more than 15,000 acres of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Gatlinburg were damaged by the most devastating fire in the state’s history. Anakeesta features a Forest Memorial Interpretive Trail where guests can stroll through the tribute to the Gatlinburg fires of 2016. It serves as a reminder of the courage of the brave men and women who fought the fires, the fortitude of those affected and the resilience and restoration of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg that truly are ‘mountain tough.’

Following the Chimney Top II Wildfires of 2016, almost every single tree was charred and destroyed from the damage of the fires.  This gave Anakeesta the challenge and opportunity to create a very special garden design. Today, guests can spot native birds, enjoy the sounds of cascading waterfalls, discover musical garden chimes, and feel cool mountain breezes as they pass through the wisteria-covered misting tunnel. The mountain top garden also provides breathtaking 360⁰ views of the national park and downtown Gatlinburg.

The sixth annual Autos Through the Ages car show is set for July 20 at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (123 Cromwell Dr.) in Townsend, Tenn. Organized by the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, this distinctive gathering features over 150 vehicles on display from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regardless of weather conditions.

The event is free to attend and offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of automobiles over the past century, showcasing everything from T Models to Teslas. Visitors have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of vehicles, including rare and special automobiles such as a 1934 Oldsmobile Convertible discovered in Morocco, a 1927 Ford Mail Truck, a 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur, a 1954 Ford Skyliner, a 1949 MG TC, a 1958 Edsel Convertible, a 1929 Ford Fire Truck, and a 1937 Hudson Terraplane.

In addition to the car show, guests can explore the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s museum and its grounds which feature interpretive exhibits and an authentic pioneer village, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Event sponsors include Blount Partnership, Twin City Dealerships, West Chevrolet, and the East Tennessee Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Michelin and Travel South USA today announced the MICHELIN Guide American South is coming to Blount County in 2025. The visit will be part of a new regional approach, including visits to six American South states. The geographic scope includes six states -Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide. Blount County is a supporting partner of the state of Tennessee.

Kim Mitchell, Director of Tourism for the Greater Smokies Region shared, “Restaurants across Tennessee, including Blount County, are under consideration for this prized recognition. While there is no guarantee any restaurants will receive the coveted recognition in the MICHELIN Guide, we believe Blount County’s culinary scene is worthy of consideration and are proud to partner with our state and Travel South USA on this initiative.  We look forward to aligning with one of the most well-respected travel brands in the world.”

Blount County is quickly emerging as a hidden gem for food lovers, blending Southern traditions with modern culinary creativity. From charming farm-to-table eateries and cozy cafés to upscale dining experiences, the county offers a diverse array of flavors that celebrate local ingredients and Appalachian heritage. Maryville and Townsend are home to talented chefs who craft everything from classic barbecue and homemade biscuits to globally inspired dishes. With a growing emphasis on craft breweries, artisanal bakeries, and sustainable dining, Blount County’s food scene is thriving, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.

By launching this regional approach, the MICHELIN Guide is going beyond the urban areas to better uncover the region’s authentic food culture. Travel South USA, participating state tourism offices, and DMOs will collaborate on marketing efforts to promote authentic Southern cuisine to domestic and international travelers, including food enthusiasts. The American South is a culturally diverse region with a vibrant culinary scene. It boasts everything from fine dining experiences to creative takes on Southern staples to international favorites.

 The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already in the field, making dining reservations and scouting for regional culinary gems.

The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for the American South.

As a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Blount County ranked eighth among Tennessee’s 95 counties in visitor expenditures at $476.68 million, a 41-percent increase from $337.01 million in 2020, according to the Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee Counties report issued by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Gov. Bill Lee.

Blount County is one of nine across the state that experienced more than 40% growth in year-over-year travel spending. Others on the list include Davidson (64%), Cheatham (45%), Sevier (45%), Union (43%), Polk (43%), Grundy (42%), Knox (42%) and Hamilton (40%).

On an average day in 2021, visitor spending in Blount County generated $1.3 million in daily expenditures. It also spawned $14.22 million in local tax revenue for the year.

Revenue generated by tourism saved each Blount County household $700 in state and local taxes last year.

Davidson County, which includes the city of Nashville, topped all county indices with $7.4 billion in tourism economic impact. Shelby County was second at $3.5 billion, Sevier third at $3.4 billion, Knox was fourth at $1.65 billion and Hamilton fifth at $1.51 billion. Williamson County entered at sixth with $1.04 billion and Rutherford County was seventh at $634.8 million. Montgomery and Sullivan counties at $343 and $303, respectively, round out the top 10.

“It was great to see the tourism rebound across the state and in particular here in Blount County where we saw the second-highest visitor expenditures in history,” said Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority Director Kim Mitchell. “With the leisure and hospitality industry being the third largest employer in the state, it’s vital that we continue to market our area which is robust with outdoor activities, numerous dining and lodging options.”

Tourism employment in the county was at an all-time high of 4,150 which also led to an all-time high payroll of $175.06 million.

State tax receipts for the county totaled $21.63 million, marking the sixth consecutive year of reaching $20 million.

Overall, Tennessee tourism generated $24.2 billion in domestic and international travel spending in 2021 according to recently released economic impact data from U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. It also marks the largest visitor spending nationally in Tennessee’s history. Travelers in Tennessee spend an estimated $66 million per day. Travel in Tennessee generated $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue. Travel and tourism is also the third largest employer in the state.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell highlighted efforts to continue the industry’s strong recovery.

“Tourism drives economic development and job creation so that every Tennessean can thrive,” said Gov. Lee. “Our decision to prioritize strong recovery has yielded record levels of tourism growth, and we continue to welcome visitors to see all Tennessee has to offer, from the Mississippi River to the Great Smoky Mountains.”

“Tennessee is crushing it with the largest visitor spending national market share for Tennesseans in our history,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tennessee is one of the top travel destinations in the world because of our tremendous assets including our unmatched scenic beauty, diverse cities, and small towns, as well as our world class attractions, music, cultural and historical sites. We’re so grateful to this industry and our partners and blessed that visitors come experience these destinations and support local businesses, local restaurants and local lodging and support communities.”

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area on September 10 and 11, including two at McGhee Tyson Airport in conjunction with the Smoky Mountain Air Show, presented by DENSO.

The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon to kick off the festivities both mornings of the Smoky Mountain Air Show. Parking areas will open at 7 a.m. and the event gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive when the parking areas open in order to avoid traffic and ensure they do not miss any of the festivities, including the opportunity to see the Budweiser Clydesdales. 

“The Smoky Mountain Air Show would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors like Eagle Distributing,” said Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. “We are expecting a full day of air show entertainment that will kick off with the world-renowned Clydesdales as part of our opening ceremonies. From jets streaking across the sky to the impressive Clydesdales performing on the ground below, the Smoky Mountain Air Show will have something for everyone.”

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Knoxville is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

For more information about the Smoky Mountain Air Show, including parking, tickets and more, visit smokymountainairshow.com. 

Company Distilling announced today the official Grand Opening weekend of their first newly constructed distillery in Townsend, TN on July 8-10. Throughout the weekend, guests can expect to experience live music, enjoy a cocktail, and tour the facility. The full product portfolio for Company Distilling will also be available to sample, including their Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished with maple wood, which hit the shelves last November as their inaugural offering.

Since their founding in 2020, Company Distilling’s goal has been to create spaces where people can gather around and enjoy exceptional spirits. Formed by a group of industry leaders with a goal of creating a strong culture, the focus of Company Distilling is people, places, and communities.

“Our initial vision for Company Distilling was to be more than just a whiskey brand. We envisioned being a full portfolio spirits company, and we had a collective group experience that I thought brought different areas of expertise to the table. We were stronger together especially when we were thinking about doing more than just one thing,” says Jeff Arnett, Master Distiller,

“I think one of the greatest things about where we are is the freedom that comes from being a small, nimble group of people controlling our own destiny.”

Kris Tatum, President, further elaborates on the togetherness aspects of Company. “We’re committed to living up to our promises. We have high expectations and a team that collectively has years of industry experience. Our uncommon bond and friendships drive us to continue to make quality spirits that bring people together.”

Company Distilling is proudly partnering with local businesses to provide guests with an exceptional distillery experience that is unique to Blount County. Maryville-based restaurant, Amici, will have a permanent menu at the distillery, allowing visitors to gather with friends and enjoy delicious food and fine spirits. The new restaurant space will be called “Amico,” which means “a friend” in Italian.

“We are thrilled to share the Amici experience with Company Distilling and their visitors,” says, Chris Thompson, Chef/Owner. “Food has consistently been a contributor to creating friendships and impactful impressions for our guests. It’s clear Company Distilling has similar goals of creating long-lasting relationships by bringing people together to share something they can all enjoy.”

The grand opening weekend festivities will include a concert on Friday night at 7 PM featuring

Southerland and a concert on Saturday night at 7 PM featuring The Coveralls.