Categories:Recent Entries
Monthly Archives
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
RSS Feeds
08
Briarwood Ranch Safari Park
It’s a site you might not expect to see around these parts. Doctor Doolittle has nothing on you when you visit this place.
It’s not exactly Africa. Call it a Southern Safari.
“It is a Southern safari”, Owner Ron Nease agrees.
Nease is just wild about his Briarwood Ranch Safari Park. He’ll describe it in a beastly number of ways.
“There’s nothing like it around here”, he states. “A place of serenity. It’s more or less an escape and we’re all about just having a good time. It’s something that really takes people’s breath away. We want people when they leave here to say, wow!”
He had designs on making it a hunting reserve when he bought the over 100 acres of property in the late 80’s.
“And for 13 years I kept high fencing and it just evolved over a period of time”, says Ron.
He turned it from a hunting reserve to a wildlife preserve..a more exotic version of Old McDonald’s farm.
“I saw a place that schools could come, churches, families could come and get away and see animals from all over the world that they normally wouldn’t be able to see”, Ron says.
Pull through the gate and you’re welcomed by their official greeters..a perky pair of Tom Turkey gobblers. The drive through safari begins.
“Almost four miles of roads it’s all high fenced and animals run free”, adds Ron. “And they’ll come right up to the vehicle and people can actually feed the animals and have an interaction with the animals”.
Over 300 animals at home to roam.
“We have over 40 species”, according to Ron.
A home where the buffalo roam.
“It is where the buffalo roam”, laughs Ron.
And the deer and the antelope play.
“We have six kinds of deer”, Ron adds.
And an ostrich that sticks her head in the feed bucket, not the sand and zebras sure don’t have to earn their stripes to live here.
“The males have black with white stripes and the female has white with black stripes”, Ron chuckles. “That’s how you tell them apart”.
Rams horn in..llamas, emus, even three little pigs. You can take a guided group tour on the wagon or drive through yourself.
“Probably 90 percent drive through but we do a lot of groups that do the wagons”, says Ron.
There’s a petting zoo area, gift shop and pavilions with a playground.
“We’ve never had anybody that wasn’t just totally thrilled once they go through here”, Ron adds.
It’s a never ending thrill for Ron. He’s a modern day Noah that really loves his job.
“I retired to do this”, he says. “Kind of like being in heaven seven days a week..interacting with the animals and each day is a new experience. I love all these animals. I’m gonna do this as long as I’m alive. It’s just a love. I love people, I love showing people a good time and it’s kind of a haven here to get away from everybody’s everyday stress and I think that’s our mission”.
Briarwood Ranch Safari is open year round, seven days a week, except during January and February when the park may only be open on weekends depending on inclimate weather.
To get there: take Interstate 81 south towards Knoxville and take exit 12 (Lowland/Morristown exit). Turn left on state route 160 and go approximately 6 miles to Briar Thicket Road on the left and follow the signs.
For more information, go to their website at http://www.briarwoodsafari.com or call (865) 919-5072.
Posted by Tim Cable Music Man Mitchell
Unicoi Countian, Ray Mitchell says both his Father and Mother were musically inclined..so he got it honest. But there’s much more at work here than just musical talent that runs in the blood. Here’s some music with a message..and The Master’s touch.
Meet Music Man Mitchell.
“Well, I first got started at a young age”, Ray Mitchell says. “When I was about six years old”.
And he never had a lesson in his life.
“Never had a lesson, it’s a God given talent”, he says.
And now, Mitchell is a maestro of many musical instruments.
“I’m working on my 8th one right now”, says Ray. “I’m working on my violin right now”.
A virtuoso of versatility. Ray and his wife, Debbie, are certified gospel music composers and write their own original songs..and they’ve put out several Cd’s.
“The Lord, He gives us our songs, they’re from the heart”, beams Ray. “All of it’s been copyrighted and some of it we have sent to our record producer in Nashville which is Russell Sims, we’re with Sims label. We have had Steve Warrens, he as some of you know out there, he’s the Male Vocalist of the Year in gospel music, had written two songs for him which God gave me the knowledge to write. And he’s called me recently and wants some more material”.
Ray’s even opened for Ralph Stanley in the past.
“Ralph, he’s real nice, a real good friend”, Ray says.
Making music just gives Ray a special feeling..always has.
“I just love the music it was..it was just birthed in me”, he says. “I eat music, sleep music, think music, dream music. “You have to express it when it’s in you, it’ll come out. It makes me feel blessed, blessed of the Lord. I give Him all the praise you know because without Him, none of it would be possible”.
And Mitchell wants to keep making music with a message..a “Ray” of sunshine.
“We want to try to be a blessing to people”, Ray says. “My main priority is for this music to lead someone to Christ, that’s our first priority”.
Posted by Tim Cable GrahamFest is Coming
They’re calling this Labor Day music festival, GrahamFest..and it promises to be one for the history books!
When he performs, Josiah Cephas Weaver just lights up all over.
“I’ve always touched into the music world. It was just part of life”, says the 65-year-old Singer/Songwriter. “Mom loved to sing and Daddy, he could cite poems. I was gifted with taking that and putting it together to just make up songs”.
Some, he makes up on the spot. He says he’s probably written around a thousand songs that are copyrighted. The inspiration for many likely came here at the Major David Graham Mansion and grounds near Max Meadows in Wythe County..historic property he purchased in 1990.
“The Graham property goes back to 1800 when Squire David Graham was born”, says GrahamFest Director, Mary Lin Brewer. “The house is named after Major David Graham and he was a Civil War hero as well and he carried and expanded the family’s business..and he was called the first Ironmaster of Southwest Virginia”.
The serene setting here gave Josiah an idea.
“We’ve just set our goals to have a festival and here we go”, Josiah says.
So, GrahamFest will hit the mansion grounds running all day Labor Day from 11 until 8.
“We’ve filled the day with an incredible menu of artists”, according to Mary Lin.
Josiah’s Mountain Rock Music Band will even have the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra backing them.
“It will be a very unique mix of music that will appeal to almost everyone”, Mary Lin adds.
Besides the incredible music lineup, there’ll be mansion tours, vintage cars and vendors of all kinds.
“So you don’t want to miss the festivities”, says Mary Lin.
Organizers say this location is the perfect place to host the festival.
“We have four intersections off of interstates coming right here to us”, says Josiah. “This is the crossroads”.
“It’s the beauty, it’s the location and also the deep roots of history here”, continues Mary Lin. “And of course, Southwest Virginia is synonymous with music”.
“My dream is not just a festival”, Josiah says. “My real dream here is after looking at Branson, looking at Nashville, I’d love to see coming off the interstate I’d like to see 25 theatres right here, this is the hub. The new Nashville of the U.S.A.”.
To get to the GrahamFest Labor Day Festival, take interstate 81 north past Wytheville to exit 84. Turn right off the exit onto Major Graham Road. Continue straight around four to five miles. The road will become gravel and the Mansion and grounds will be on the right.
For tickets for more information: go to the websites http://www.grahamfestusa.com or http://www.tricities.com or call 276-284-0006
To read more about GrahamFest, pick up a copy of Thursday morning’s edition of the Bristol Herald Courier and read Joe Tennis’ story in the Empire Section.
Posted by Tim Cable Fun For Free in Gatlinburg
Our promotion inviting folks to come play in their own backyard continues. It all culminates with our Morning Edition giving away a grand prize trip to Gatlinburg next Friday August 31. In the spirit of David Letterman, here’s a kind of top ten list of some of the top free things you can do when you visit Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg has always answered the bell as the Gateway to the Smokies.
“We are surrounded on three sides by Great Smoky Mountains National Park which no one else can say that”, according to Public Relations Coordinator, Jim Davis.
“The National Park has always played a strong role in Gatlinburg’s growth”, says Walter Yeldell, the town’s Tourism Manager. “It still is a very basis of our existence”.
“There is so much to do in Gatlinburg”, adds Special Events Coordinator, Hilary Smith.
Turns out, many of those things to do are free.
“One of my favorites, in fact I consider it to be a hidden nugget, is that of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail”, Walter says. “Just two miles outside of our very city, one can experience what life would have been like..late 1700 and early 1800 time periods”.
As the old saying goes: walking’s free..and it’s become a Gatlinburg tradition to stroll the downtown parkway.
“In less than a half a mile of walking, you can encounter over 500 shops, attractions, restaurants and accommodations”, says Walter.
“It doesn’t cost you anything to walk up and down the streets and enjoy”, Jim adds. “Feel the freedom, enjoy the mountain views. I was out on the parkway the other evening and you could smell fudge that had been burned a little bit and it smelled just like a county fair”.
“Just so many sites and sounds and attractions to catch your eye, ears and your taste buds as well”, Walter says.
Another of the free activities that makes their top ten list, a visit to the Arts and Crafts Community, The Glades.
“In early 1946, The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community was formed”, says Walter. “It’s an independent gathering of over a hundred artists. It’s an eight mile loop today and in that area basically from 10 until 5, 10 until 6 each day, you can see numerous crafts people plying their trades”.
Craftsmanship..it’s a sweeping tradition in the Smokies. You can visit the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Museum, tucked away right in the heart of town. Inside the park, drop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
“This is one of the very few national parks in the country that is free”, according to Walter.
Or, head up to Greenbrier.
“It’s some of the best swimming holes that one will ever find there’s also great areas for hiking and picnicking”, says Walter.
Then, top things off by taking in the view from the Gatlinburg Overlook. You just can’t overlook the fact that there’s lots to do in Gatlinburg..and a lot of it won’t cost you a dime.
“Gatlinburg is pay as you go”, Walter adds. “You can spend as much or as little as necessary”.
“I love the area it’s just so homey when you come to Gatlinburg”, says Hilary. “You feel like you’re in paradise it’s so beautiful and open”.
“It’s just so many things to see and do”, says Walter.
Posted by Tim Cable Smoky Mtn. Tunes & Tales
Gatlinburg is inviting folks to “come play in your own backyard”. At Newschannel 11, we’re featuring a big promotion that’ll culminate with our morning edition show giving away a grand prize trip to Gatlinburg on Friday morning August 31. You know, there’s a lot to do in Gatlinburg and the good thing is, a good many activities are free. Number one on that list just might be their Tunes & Tales program.
Who’s back on the wagon? Miss Nan, the School Marm.
“Welcome to Tunes & Tales”, she shouts from the front of what amounts to a horse drawn taxi.
Big Hog, the Mountain Man, music makers, the Constable, Trout Catch Cal and Zeno the Bear. A colorful cast of characters converging on the streets of Gatlinburg for Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales.
“Tunes & Tales actually started in June of 2006”, says Special Events Coordinator, Hilary Smith. “It was a program designed to bring back Gatlinburg to the old days when we used to have entertainment on the streets to entertain our guests here in Gatlinburg, give them something free and something fun to do”.
Pedestrian your way along the parkway and you’ll get a peek at pickers. Like Goose and the Moonshine Boys. They play tunes that’ll go in your ears and come out your feet..or your paws for those who find it a “bear” necessity to dance. Across the street, they’ll clog something up for you. You can even find out for yourself what to do for a clog. And all up and down the street, they’re telling tales. Why, the Constable might even deputize you. The Tunes & Tellers think of it like this: when visitors come to the Smoky Mountains, they want to see Mountaineers.
“Well absolutely”, Hilary says. “When you come to Gatlinburg you want to see the heritage and culture of Gatlinburg and that’s what we’re bringing back here”.
“The southern Appalachian culture is brought back to life”, adds Gatlinburg Tourism Manager, Walter Yeldell.
It’s a Tennessee treasure chest of Tunes & Tales..every night from 6 til 11 through Labor Day.
“People love it they’ve been returning to Gatlinburg this year just cause of Tunes & Tales”, according to Hilary.
“We saw people asking about it before the Summer began wanting to know if we were going to do that once again”, Walter says.
“Tunes & Tales has been a lot of fun”, Public Relations Coordinator, Jim Davis says. “It’s made for a good, relaxing experience you don’t have to spend a lot of money to soak it up”.
From backwoods logic to a big old bear hug, you’ll be glad you fiddled around at Tunes & Tales.
“I can’t tell you how much the characters have had a great time and the performers, the bands, the cloggers”, Hilary says. “We’re not just here to entertain the group but to build relationships, friendships forever”.
Posted by Tim Cable 
