Getaways, Lodging, motorcycles, National Parks, road trip, travel planning
A Smoky Mountain Summer Vacation- Plan for Fun
The Smokies are a popular summer destination for families and for outdoor adventurers. One of the questions we often answer is “where should I stay?” To answer this question, you need to know what activities you want close by. Are you someone who wants to be close to shopping and restaurants? Or are you someone
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family holidays, travel planning
Your Ultimate Guide to Handling Sickness While Traveling
Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but nothing can put a damper on your adventures quite like falling ill. Unfortunately, sickness doesn’t care about your travel plans, and it’s all too possible to come down with a bug while exploring unfamiliar places. The good news is that with some preparation and helpful tips,
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9 Lakes, free admission, things to do
Dogwood Spring: Four Weeks of Festivals in the 9 Lakes Region
When the dogwoods are blooming, the festival season has begun in the 9 Lakes of East TN. Each year, we look forward to spring festival season for the variety of events that are offered in the region. Some of these events support art and cultural events. Some celebrate the roots of the reason. Many are
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National Parks, paddling, Water Trails
Ride of a Lifetime- Whitewater Season is Open
The powerful natural force of water provided the ride of a lifetime on the whitewater rivers of East Tennessee. Depending on your appetite for thrills and spills, your options can be “controlled release” or “wild and free.” Canoes, kayaks, duckies, rafts, and tubes are your other choice. The season for white water is now open,
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bird watching
Birdwatching for Bald Eagles in the 9 Lakes Region
For many of us old-timers, the catastrophic decline of eagles in the wild meant that a sighting in Tennessee was a rare occurrence. Beginning in the late 1960’s and continuing to 1973, the use of pesticides had nearly wiped out the national population of eagles. Federal laws enacted that banned the use of the DDT
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9 Lakes, Area Events, conservation, things to do
Volunteers- Keeping the 9 Lakes Beautiful
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” ~ Sherry Anderson The 9 Lakes partners have a long history of service to the region. The Region has greatly benefited from the sweat equity of previous and current volunteers. When the Civilian Conservation Corps were brought to East Tennessee during the Great
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9 Lakes, fishing
Experience the Best Fishing in the Southeast
Fishing the 9 Lakes Region is a four seasons activity, and winter fishing absolutely needs to be on every angler’s bucket list. Quite simply, when the temperatures dip, fishing bites rise. Trout, small and large mouth bass, sauger, striped bass, walleye, crappie, and muskie are biting when the water temperatures drop into the 50’s. What
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9 Lakes, Area Events, family holidays
Merry and Bright – 12 Jolly Ideas to Light Up Your Holidays
The holiday season is a time to be shared with friends, family, and loved ones. There are so many sights and sounds to experience in the region. Small towns or the larger cities are made for mingling with neighbors and finding your inner child. While is doesn’t often snow at this time of year, there
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9 Lakes, downtowns, family holidays, shopping
Go Downtown- Shop Small, Shop Local
Our towns and cities are already decked out for the holidays. Shopping downtown supports local businesses, artisans, and supports the heritage of these communities. The 9 Lakes region is chock full of small downtowns offering up Appalachian treasures. Antiques, crafts, and locally produced culinary products are sure to please the most discriminating shopper. Gather your
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Area Events, family holidays, things to do
Festivals in East Tennessee
The holiday season is just starting to kick in and the region is getting in a festive mood. Events Not to Miss- Late Fall. Oct 30- Haunted Halloween Trail and Movie– Ancient Lore Village, S Knoxville Oct 30- 31- Haunted Tours at the Historic Scott County Jail- Huntsville. Reservations required for these special events. Nov
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