Tim Cable's "Cable Country" blog http://tricitiesblogs.com/http://cablecountry.tricitiesblogs.com/index.php Tim Cable's "Cable Country" blog en-us 2010-02-05T17:43:45-05:00 2010-02-05T17:43:45-05:00 ExpressionEngine content@tricities.com production@tricities.com Three Days Dead http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/three_days_dead/40946/ In the early 1960’s, Keith Donnelly attended Science Hill High School with Steve Spurrier. But, while Spurrier’s life focused on football, Donnelly’s life became books. Donnelly’s second mystery novel is out and he’s busy working on the third one. People In the early 1960’s, Keith Donnelly attended Science Hill High School with Steve Spurrier. But, while Spurrier’s life focused on football, Donnelly’s life became books. Donnelly’s second mystery novel is out and he’s busy working on the third one.

For more information, visit the website http://www.donaldyoungbloodmysteries.com

]]> 2010-02-05T14:43:45-05:00 Adventure Mountain In The Air http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/adventure_mountain_in_the_air/40642/ Cranes have replaced crowds and hammers and nails are popping instead of popcorn at Dollywood right now. While the park is closed for the Winter, work crews are busy with another big expansion project. Here’s a preview of a coming attraction at Dollywood. Places Cranes have replaced crowds and hammers and nails are popping instead of popcorn at Dollywood right now. While the park is closed for the Winter, work crews are busy with another big expansion project. Here’s a preview of a coming attraction at Dollywood.

For more information visit the website http://www.dollywood.com

]]> 2010-02-01T13:50:54-05:00 Boonie’s http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/boonies/40283/ It’s a general store where you can still have an RC and a Moon Pie—and shimmering shotgun shell Christmas lights hang from the ceiling year round. We take you out to the Boonie’s on Fordtown Road near Fall Branch. Places It’s a general store where you can still have an RC and a Moon Pie—and shimmering shotgun shell Christmas lights hang from the ceiling year round. We take you out to the Boonie’s on Fordtown Road near Fall Branch.

To get to Boonie’s: travel Tenn. state route 81 north between Jonesborough and Kingsport. When you get to the 81/route 93 crossroads just before Pizza Plus, turn right and go about a mile or so to Boonie’s Grocery and Grill on your right.

]]> 2010-01-27T15:44:23-05:00 Mark In The Sand http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/mark_in_the_sand/39893/ Kingsport’s Mark Larkins hasn’t given up his day job. He still does artwork, drafting and design. But, it’s his night job where Larkins really finds fulfillment! He’s made his mark on the area music scene for over 25 years. People, Pickers & Players Kingsport’s Mark Larkins hasn’t given up his day job. He still does artwork, drafting and design. But, it’s his night job where Larkins really finds fulfillment! He’s made his mark on the area music scene for over 25 years.

For more information, visit Mark’s website at http://www.marklarkins.com

]]> 2010-01-22T14:50:13-05:00 Kingdom Coins http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/kingdom_coins/38893/ It all started for Wise Countian Bill Dotson a couple of years ago when he heard a message by an evangelist talking about how she had stepped over a coin in a parking lot and then was convicted in her mind to pick it up. That got Dotson to thinking about a charitable idea that’s really on the money! People It all started for Wise Countian Bill Dotson a couple of years ago when he heard a message by an evangelist talking about how she had stepped over a coin in a parking lot and then was convicted in her mind to pick it up. That got Dotson to thinking about a charitable idea that’s really on the money!

For more information, visit the Kingdom Coins website at http://www.kingdomcoins.org

]]> 2010-01-13T15:48:30-05:00 Ella’s Good Music, Good Food http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ellas_good_music_good_food/37762/ It’s a Greeneville establishment that excels in eats and entertainment! Places It’s a Greeneville establishment that excels in eats and entertainment!

For more information visit Ella’s website at http://www.ellasgoodmusicgoodfood.com

]]> 2009-12-23T15:34:37-05:00 Dance With The Sharks http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/dance_with_the_sharks/37603/ Ring in the New Year with Ripley’s Aquarium’s unique circle of friends. Places Ring in the New Year with Ripley’s Aquarium’s unique circle of friends.

For more information visit the website http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com

]]> 2009-12-21T14:53:47-05:00 Playdates, Pies and Sad Goodbyes http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/playdates_pies_and_sad_goodbyes/36826/ It’s the latest slice in Lisa Hall’s Cutie Pies Chronicles series of books. People It’s the latest slice in Lisa Hall’s Cutie Pies Chronicles series of books.

For more information visit Lisa’s website at http://www.lisahall-7.tripod.com or visit her publisher’s site at http://www.mountaingirlpress.com
Go visit with Lisa during her Cutie Pies Bakery Book Tour and purchase signed copies of her books. Here are the tour dates and times: Saturday Dec. 5th from 2-4 p.m. at Cranberries in Johnson City. Friday Dec. 11th from 10 a.m. to Noon at Madagascar Coffee Company in Kingsport. Sat. Dec. 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wild Flower Bakery in Abingdon. Thur. Dec. 17th from 11-2 at Mary’s Kitchen Shop in Kingsport. Sat. Dec. 19th from Noon to 3 p.m. at The Gift Box in Gray.

]]> 2009-12-04T14:42:04-05:00 Hospice Angels http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/hospice_angels/36705/ Christmas angels are all around. Especially in Erwin, where a special group of young people are spreading their ministry wings. People Christmas angels are all around. Especially in Erwin, where a special group of young people are spreading their ministry wings.

Interested in volunteering through Caris? Visit their website at http://www.carishealthcare.com or call (423) 929-2044.

]]> 2009-12-02T14:47:11-05:00 The Squirrel Gravy Lady http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_squirrel_gravy_lady/36116/ Lanie Sutherland is always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to concoct this creamy creation! People, Characters Lanie Sutherland is always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to concoct this creamy creation!

For more about The Squirrel Gravy Lady, read Joe Tennis’ column “Tennis Anyone” in the Thursday November 26th edition of the Bristol Herald Courier newspaper.

]]> 2009-11-20T14:38:34-05:00 The Fruitcake Man http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_fruitcake_man1/35707/ A tasty holiday season tradition continues in Carter County. The Fruitcake Man continues to bear and share fruit. People A tasty holiday season tradition continues in Carter County. The Fruitcake Man continues to bear and share fruit.

If you’re interested in purchasing one of Tom McCloud’s fruitcakes, give him a call at (423) 474-2112.

]]> 2009-11-13T13:29:11-05:00 Real Men Wear Pink http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/real_men_wear_pink/35591/ October was breast cancer awareness month. But, Singer/Songwriter Kim Lyons says breast cancer awareness should be a year round state of mind. So, through her music, she’s doing something about it. People October was breast cancer awareness month. But, Singer/Songwriter Kim Lyons says breast cancer awareness should be a year round state of mind. So, through her music, she’s doing something about it.

For more information, visit Kim’s website at http://www.kimlyonsmusic.com
For more information about the Carter County breast cancer awareness group, call (423) 542-1326. The group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.
Kim Lyons will be in concert Friday night November 20th at 9:00 at the Down Home in downtown Johnson City. Kim will appear with Joy Lynn White and Annie Robinette.
Kim’s C-D, “Real Men Wear Pink” is available at the Sycamore Shoals Hospital gift shop for $5.00. Proceeds go to the Relay for Life.
Her C-D is also available at the Tri-Cities Flea Market on highway 11E between Piney Flats and Bristol. Proceeds there go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

]]> 2009-11-11T15:02:06-05:00 TC and The High Road Band http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/tc_and_the_high_road_band/35232/ Despite their young ages, this country band is on the high road to success. People, Pickers & Players Despite their young ages, this country band is on the high road to success.

For more information about TC and The High Road Band, visit their website at http://www.tcandthehighroadband.com
The band’s C-D release party and concert will be this Saturday night Nov. 7 at 7:00 at the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood, Virginia.

]]> 2009-11-04T14:58:19-05:00 Thacker’s Mountain Mysteries http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/thackers_mountain_mysteries/34657/ Larry Thacker graduated from LMU in 1991 with a degree in history. Now, he’s making history by putting his fascination for freaky folklore to good use. Here’s my review of Larry’s book, “Mountain Mysteries”. People Larry Thacker graduated from LMU in 1991 with a degree in history. Now, he’s making history by putting his fascination for freaky folklore to good use. Here’s my review of Larry’s book, “Mountain Mysteries”.

For more information about Larry and his book, visit the websites http://www.overmtn.com or http://www.roadkillzen.net

]]> 2009-10-23T12:34:30-05:00 The Pumpkin Man http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_pumpkin_man/34537/ Say a big Halloween how do you do to The Pumpkin Man. People Say a big Halloween how do you do to The Pumpkin Man.

Bobby’s pumpkin stand is located at the Magic Mart parking lot off of West Elk Avenue in Elizabethton.

]]> 2009-10-21T14:04:24-05:00 Father and Sun Power http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/father_and_sun_power/34132/ Mother Nature is at the power wheel for this ingenius Father and Son team. People Mother Nature is at the power wheel for this ingenius Father and Son team.

For more information about the installation of this emergency power system or for more information about the Green Power Switch Initiative, call the Johnson City Power Board at (423) 282-5272 or visit their website at http://www.jcpb.com

]]> 2009-10-14T13:58:12-05:00 Astronaut Tom Jones http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/astronaut_tom_jones/33916/ At last Saturday’s annual October Sky Festival in Coalwood, West Virginia, there was a lot of talk about this year’s 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon. Veteran NASA Astronaut Tom Jones was also talking: to me. People At last Saturday’s annual October Sky Festival in Coalwood, West Virginia, there was a lot of talk about this year’s 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon. Veteran NASA
Astronaut Tom Jones was also talking: to me.

For more information about Tom Jones or his books, visit the website http://www.astronauttomjones.com

]]> 2009-10-09T14:31:57-05:00 Distant Thunder http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/distant_thunder/33768/ All around the region audiences are hearing Distant Thunder People, Pickers & Players All around the region audiences are hearing Distant Thunder

The Distant Thunder Band is a regular at locales like Gentleman Jim’s Restaurant near Jonesborough and Thompson’s Produce Saturday Night Music Show about a mile down highway 107 in Washington County.

]]> 2009-10-07T13:08:56-05:00 Grandfather Fudge http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/grandfather_fudge/33029/ As the leaves prepare to turn gold and orange atop Grandfather Mountain, the fudge is “green”. Places As the leaves prepare to turn gold and orange atop Grandfather Mountain, the fudge is “green”.

For more information, go to the Grandfather Mountain website at http://www.grandfather.com
To rent a great cabin in the High Country of Western North Carolina, try Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals. Their website is: http://www.blueridgerentals.com

]]> 2009-09-25T13:51:15-05:00 Old Dogs New Tricks http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/old_dogs_new_tricks/32922/ Who says you can’t teach a few old dogs some new tricks? In this story, we have that music lesson for you. People, Pickers & Players Who says you can’t teach a few old dogs some new tricks? In this story, we have that music lesson for you.

For more information about Old Dogs New Tricks, visit their website at http://www.freewebs.com/odnt

]]> 2009-09-23T13:46:05-05:00 The Red Room http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_red_room/32547/ Phyllis Livesay has turned the color red into a red hot business! Places Phyllis Livesay has turned the color red into a red hot business!

For more information about Red Room Events, visit their website at http://www.redroomevents.com

]]> 2009-09-16T13:16:56-05:00 Ben Long Fresco Trail http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ben_long_fresco_trail/31670/ In part three of our recent North Carolina High Country Media Tour, we’re on the trail of historic art in Ashe and Avery Counties. Places In part three of our recent North Carolina High Country Media Tour, we’re on the trail of historic art in Ashe and Avery Counties.

For more information about the trail and about the Artist, Ben Long, visit the website http://www.benlongfrescotrail.com

]]> 2009-09-02T13:25:12-05:00 Thompson’s Saturday Night Music http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/thompsons_saturday_night_music/31413/ Now, there’s more country music among the corn and cucumbers in the west end of Washington County, Tennessee. People, Pickers & Players Now, there’s more country music among the corn and cucumbers in the west end of Washington County, Tennessee.

For more information about Thompson’s Saturday Night Music, call (423) 913-8123.
The Saturday night music shows will shut down for the entire months of September and October due to the peak of the produce season but will crank back up again on November 7.

]]> 2009-08-28T13:22:21-05:00 Ripley’s Aquarium http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ripleys_aquarium/30855/ Over a million visitors per year and still growing. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an incredible ocean voyage without leaving the Great Smokey Mountains. Places Over a million visitors per year and still growing. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an incredible ocean voyage without leaving the Great Smokey Mountains.

For more information about Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, visit their website at http://www.ripleysgatlinburg.com

]]> 2009-08-19T14:41:47-05:00 River of Art in Ashe County http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/river_of_art_in_ashe_county/30596/ It’s part 2 of our Summer media tour of the High Country of Western North Carolina. Places It’s part 2 of our Summer media tour of the High Country of Western North Carolina.

For more information about the arts in Ashe County, visit the website http://www.ashecountyarts.org
For more information about The River House Inn, visit their website at http://www.riverhousenc.com
Big thanks to the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in Boone for providing lodging during this High Country tour.

]]> 2009-08-14T14:47:37-05:00 Smacker Band http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/smacker_band/30523/ The Tri-Cities area music youth movement continues! People, Pickers & Players The Tri-Cities area music youth movement continues!

For more information about Smacker, the band, contact Mark Compton at mcompton@chartertn.net

]]> 2009-08-13T11:41:52-05:00 Mountain Glenn http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/mountain_glenn/29801/ We shine the spotlight on a true Carolina treasure. People, Characters We shine the spotlight on a true Carolina treasure.

For more information about Glenn Bolick or Bolick Pottery, call (828) 295-3862 or visit the website http://www.traditionspottery.com

]]> 2009-07-31T14:55:55-05:00 Carolina Push Rodz http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/carolina_push_rodz/29657/ What started as a simple thought in a living room five years ago has now roared into one of the region’s biggest classic car shows. People, Collectors What started as a simple thought in a living room five years ago has now roared into one of the region’s biggest classic car shows.

For more information about the Carolina Push Rodz Club and Show, e-mail hughesboysthree@ccvn.com

]]> 2009-07-29T15:10:10-05:00 Ohio Amish Country-Part 4 http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ohio_amish_country-part_4/28790/ We wrap up our special four part series of stories riding along with Fellowship Tours to the Ohio Amish Country. Places We wrap up our special four part series of stories riding along with Fellowship Tours to the Ohio Amish Country.

For more information:
Lehman’s Hardware: http://www.lehmans.com
Longaberger Baskets: http://www.longaberger.com
Country Coach Adventures Tours: http://www.amishadventures.com
Fellowship Tours: http://www.fellowshiptourstn.com
Thanks again to the Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek for providing lodging all during this tour!

]]> 2009-07-13T15:01:56-05:00 Ohio Amish Country-Part 3 http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ohio_amish_country-part_3/28578/ In part three of our Fellowship Tours trip, we shine the spotlight on Warther’s Carving Museum. Places In part three of our Fellowship Tours trip, we shine the spotlight on Warther’s Carving Museum.

For more information about Warther’s Museum, visit their website at http://www.warthers.com
For more information about Fellowship Tours, visit their website at http://www.fellowshiptourstn.com
Thanks to the Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek for providing lodging during this tour.

]]> 2009-07-10T15:50:14-05:00 Ohio Amish Country-Part 2 http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ohio_amish_country-part_2/28410/ We continue our special series of stories on the road with Fellowship Tours in the Ohio Amish Country. In part 2, we cover some mighty big topics. Places We continue our special series of stories on the road with Fellowship Tours in the Ohio Amish Country. In part 2, we cover some mighty big topics.

For more information about Fellowship Tours, visit their website at http://www.fellowshiptourstn.com or call (423) 349-2300.
For more information about Heini’s Cheese, visit their website at http://www.heinis.com
For more information about Country Coach Adventures tours of the Ohio Amish Country, visit their website at http://www.amishadventures.com
Thanks to the Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek for providing lodging during this tour.

]]> 2009-07-08T15:05:06-05:00 Ohio Amish Country-Part 1 http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/ohio_amish_country-part_1/28261/ We kick off a special four part series on the road with Fellowship Tours to the Ohio Amish Country. Places We kick off a special four part series on the road with Fellowship Tours to the Ohio Amish Country.

For more information about Fenton Art Glass, visit their website at http://www.fentonartglass.com
For more information about Fellowship Tours, call 1-800-999-3156 or (423) 349-2300 or visit their website at http://www.fellowshiptourstn.com
Thanks to the Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek, Ohio for providing lodging during this tour of the Ohio Amish Country.

]]> 2009-07-06T16:05:34-05:00 Sky Zipping Into Kidsfest http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/sky_zipping_into_kidsfest/25449/ I got to hang around for opening day of Kidsfest at Dollywood. And when I say, hang around, I mean that literally! Places I got to hang around for opening day of Kidsfest at Dollywood. And when I say, hang around, I mean that literally!

Kidsfest at Dollywood runs through August 2nd.
Besides the new shows at the Imagination Playhouse, Dollywood also will feature during Kidsfest: “Journey to the Center of the Earth, 4D”, the ride experience, the Kratt Brothers Creature Adventures Show, Kamp Kidsfest with creature encounters from the Knoxville Zoo, and a new Sandscapes sand sculpture exhibit.
For more information, visit the Dollywood website at http://www.dollywood.com
For more on the Sky Zip and Dolly’s new book, read Joe Tennis’ story in the Sunday June 21 edition of the Bristol Herald Courier newspaper

]]> 2009-06-17T13:36:34-05:00 It’s Time For Amy Dalley http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/its_time_for_amy_dalley/25357/ Cable Country is on the road in Nashville where we chat with a hometown Kingsport girl who’s made good in the Music City. People Cable Country is on the road in Nashville where we chat with a hometown Kingsport girl who’s made good in the Music City.

For more information about Amy Dalley or her new C-D, go to her website at http://www.amydalley.com

]]> 2009-06-15T15:39:35-05:00 Meadow Creek Mountain Resort http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/meadow_creek_mountain_resort/25197/ It’s Cable Country round-up time at a Cocke County resort that’s a real home away from home on the range! Places It’s Cable Country round-up time at a Cocke County resort that’s a real home away from home on the range!

For more information about Meadow Creek Mountain Rustic Resort, visit their website at http://www.meadowcreekmountain.com or call 1-866-758-1600 or (423) 623-7543.
The resort is located at 961 Browns Chapel Road in Parrotsville, Tennessee.
Charlie Phillips says he’d be interested in selling the resort to the right buyer. If you’re interested, you can reach Charlie at the numbers above.

]]> 2009-06-10T14:09:21-05:00 Camp Sky Wa Mo http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/camp_sky_wa_mo/24519/ We find out what the Appalachian Council Girl Scouts have cookin’ at Camp Sky Wa Mo this Summer. Places We find out what the Appalachian Council Girl Scouts have cookin’ at Camp Sky Wa Mo this Summer.

Camp Sky Wa Mo runs from June 7 through July 17 and is open to girls in grades 2-12. For more information, call (423) 929-8185 or visit the website http://www.girlscoutsappalachian.org and click on “camps”.

]]> 2009-05-22T14:00:27-05:00 The Inspirations http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_inspirations/24413/ It’s part two of our preview of this Friday night’s Friends and Family Tour concert in Kingsport featuring The McKameys and The Inspirations. People It’s part two of our preview of this Friday night’s Friends and Family Tour concert in Kingsport featuring The McKameys and The Inspirations.

The Friends and Family Tour concert is set for 7:00 Friday night May 22nd at Robinson Middle School in Kingsport. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $14.00 and $16.00 day of concert. For more information, call Judy Ealey at (423) 245-1645.

]]> 2009-05-20T14:44:43-05:00 The McKameys http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/the_mckameys/24309/ We preview the big Family & Friends Tour concert this Friday night, May 22, at Robinson Middle School in Kingsport by shining the spotlight on The McKameys gospel singing group. People We preview the big Family & Friends Tour concert this Friday night, May 22, at Robinson Middle School in Kingsport by shining the spotlight on The McKameys gospel singing group.

The Family & Friends Tour concert begins at 7:00 p.m. at Robinson Middle School, across from Fort Henry Mall, in Kingsport. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $14.00 advance, $16.00 day of concert. For more information contact: Judy Ealey at (423) 245-1645.

]]> 2009-05-18T14:02:14-05:00 94 Year Old Author http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/94_year_old_author/24110/ Western North Carolina Author, Nora Lourie Percival is still the working type even though she’ll turn 95 this October! People Western North Carolina Author, Nora Lourie Percival is still the working type even though she’ll turn 95 this October!

Nora’s books are available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon and at Black Bear Books in Boone, North Carolina. Or, you can contact Nora at her e-mail address percival@skybest.com

]]> 2009-05-13T15:15:15-05:00 40 Years For Brother Bobby http://tricitiesblogs.com/cablecountry/article/40_years_for_brother_bobby/24012/ It’s four decades in the pulpit for Pleasant Beach Baptist Church Pastor Bobby Stout. People It’s four decades in the pulpit for Pleasant Beach Baptist Church Pastor Bobby Stout.

Pleasant Beach Baptist will celebrate Brother Bobby’s 40th anniversary all week long May 11-17. Events will culminate with a special service on Sunday the 17th. For more information, visit the church’s website at http://www.pleasantbeachbaptist.com

]]> 2009-05-11T14:54:44-05:00