USA Travel Magazine

Enjoy Music, Crafts, And Fun At The Tennessee Fall Homecoming

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming is known as one of the largest and most authentic music, folk, and craft festivals in the nation. Expect up to 400 nationally and regionally known musicians and singers to perform throughout this exciting festival.

There’s much more than music to be enjoyed at the Homecoming in Tennessee – the Museum of Appalachia’s mission is to preserve and pass along the Appalachian heritage to younger generations, and with that said, there will be numerous demonstrations of old-time skills like molasses-making and rail-splitting, spinning and sheep herding, and much more during the festivities.

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming includes a large craft show with artisans selling pottery, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, honey, quilts, artwork, and countless other hand-made wares. Authors and musicians offer their books and CDs, and food vendors serve up traditional Appalachian “vittles”—from a full meal of cornbread and beans to special treats like fruit cobblers and homemade ice cream.

The Student Heritage Day at the Museum of Appalachia for students will be held in Early-Oct, with interactive music and activities geared toward youngsters. Homecoming visitors can also tour the extensive village-farm museum encompassing some three dozen authentic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with Appalachian artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and a variety of farm animals in a picturesque setting. Unique, locally hand-crafted items are available in the gift shop, and a small café provides country meals, pinto beans and cornbread, and home-style desserts.

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming is a exciting event for those who love mountain, bluegrass, gospel, folk, and old country music, and, it is one event not to miss this fall!

Plan Your Trip To The Tennessee Fall Homecoming

For more information on Homecoming and other events at the Museum, call 865-494-7680 or visit the website: www.museumofappalachia.org.

Discover local events, attractions and more to experience in Anderson County, TN visit the Anderson County Tourism Council at http://www.yallcome.org/.

To explore getaway options visit the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development at http://www.tnvacation.com or call 1-800-462-8366.

Photo Credits: Museum of Appalachia

Enjoy Tastings And Free Concerts At Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

Bourbon has become a popular spirit being distilled across the country, and like wineries, they offer entertaining and educational tours. We’ve toured the Evan Williams Distillery in Louisville and sampled their variety of Kentucky Bourbon. And on our recent trip to Tennessee we discovered the first licensed distillery in the state, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.

Did You Know? – The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, at the “The Holler”, is the most visited distillery America!

The Holler has a great location along the Parkway in Gatlinburg – just around the corner from the Hilton Garden Inn, where we stayed. It’s close to all the attractions like the Ober Gatlinburg, shops, and dining options, and there’s actually another location just down the street from The Holler that offers more tasty flavors of moonshine to sample – and there are so many of them. Plus, there’s another location at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and each location of the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery has its own unique style and samples to try.

What makes Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg a must see on your trip is the experience. Their staff is treated like family and it shows in the way you’re greeted – with the warmth and hospitality of the Smoky’s.

On the day of our visit the first thing we noticed was the smell of the moonshine fermenting. Everything is right there – you can see the corn mash – and the air is filled with an earthy scent. Take a tour of the distillery, and you’ll learn this spirit was created from corn by the light of the moon – Moonshine – which allowed them to see anyone coming, and avoid being caught by the local law. In fact, you could say that the family recipe used to create Ole Smoky Moonshine is as old as the hills.

After your tour you can sample some of the Ole Smoky Moonshine. This is the fun part. The friendly and knowledgeable folks, like Red, who are in charge of your moonshine tastings are defiantly entertaining. We were all laughing as he shared the history of moonshine, a few tips for recipes, along with some hilarious jokes.

We couldn’t believe how many different flavors of moonshine there were to sample. There’s the Original and Blue Flame that were some of our favorites. They’ve also created some splendid moonshine with fruit like their Apple Pie Moonshine that is delicious as well as Mulberry, and Peach, which is popular in Georgia. We also loved the Mountain Java that is perfect for adding to coffee, and Some Beach Moonshine – a smooth coconut shine, and perfect for mixed drinks or on the rocks. And, there is a Mango Habanero Whiskey that has a kick.

If you check out the Ole Smoky Moonshine website you’ll find recipes for mixing up all kinds of delicious drinks like a Moonshine Margarita, or Mocha Almond that includes:

3 oz. Ole Smoky® Mountain Java Moonshine

.5 oz. Half & Half

1 oz. Amaretto

Mix up in a glass, pour over ice, and enjoy! (There are some great recipes for the holidays too!)

Along with all the flavors moonshine and whiskey you can also bring home a taste of the Great Smoky Mountains by selecting from a assortment of tasty jams, sauces, peppers, or try some Smoky Mountain Taffy Logs.

From sampling moonshine to free concerts with artists like Monroeville, you’re certain to have a memorable time when you visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg!

Plan Your Tasting Adventure At The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery In Gatlinburg

The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at The Holler is located at 903 Parkway in Gatlinburg. It won’t be hard to find because you can smell the moonshine fermenting as you come around the corner. To explore their extensive collection of moonshine and whiskey available visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery website. For a tasty selection of recipes to try for your next party use this link. Ole Smoky Moonshine is sold across the nation and beyond, so look for it in your local liquor store as well if you cannot make the trip down to their Smoky Mountains Tennessee locations.

Washington DC – Fun and Free Sites To Enjoy

Washington DC is a unique destination filled with history, and as a national capital and international city it represents a country of diversity. While citizens of the United States do not always agree, we are passionate about preserving our history and cultural treasures. Many of these treasures, like the Lincoln Memorial can be discovered in Washington DC, and most offer FREE admission. Pack a picnic and get ready to explore our nations capital, where you’ll discover unique monuments, museums, galleries, and parks to explore without breaking your budget.

To start your visit to Washington DC visit the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation online at www.washington.org for a full schedule of current and attractions to enjoy. This is also a great place to check for packages and plan your trip as well. Be sure to check for any admission charges and schedule times, which may have changed.

Here is a list of the Top 20 Destinations to explore while in Washington DC:

Lincoln Memorial – Includes the famous steps where Martin Luther King delivered his “I have a dream” speech.

Lincoln Park – Located just east of the capitol, this park exemplifies 19th century design and also celebrates emancipation from slavery.

Among one of the sites to add to your list is a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which recently celebrated Black Women during Women’s History Month.

African American Civil War Memorial – located on the historic U Street corridor, which was once referred to as “Black Broadway.”

Smithsonian Institution Museums – There are 14 Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC. They are: Anacostia Museum for African American History, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum, National Zoological Park, and the Renwick Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Arts & Industries Building are currently closed for renovation. Near Dulles Airport, the Stephen Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air & Space Museum houses some of the system’s largest artifacts.

National Cherry Blossom Festival – The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri in Early April, but the festivities stretch from Late March through Mid April.

National Arboretum – Now an expansive nature wonderland it was originally a munitions depot.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – Abundant water flora with peak blooms from May through early fall.

Folger Shakespeare Library – Features one of the world’s premier collections of Shakespearean materials.

Franciscan Monastery – Founded to educate Franciscan missionaries to the Holy Land.

Library of Congress – The magnificent Jefferson Building houses the great Reading Room where scholars come to conduct research.

Navy Museum – Housed in the old Naval Gun Factory, featuring an assortment of naval memorabilia.

National Gallery of Art – The nation’s permanent collection of American and European painting and sculpture.

National Geographic Society – Features the Explorers’ Hall and exhibits about Earth’s ecosystems.

Rock Creek Park – 1,754 acres of rustic woodlands featuring trails, picnic areas, an amphitheater and a golf course.

Screen on the Green – A free weekly, screening of classic movies on the National Mall near the Washington Monument during the summer.

U.S. Botanic Garden – On the grounds of the Mall it contains an array of flowers with exceptional views of the monuments and the Capitol.

Washington Design Center – 70 showrooms of America’s finest home furnishings.

Washington Monument – At 555 feet it is the tallest structure in the area with breathtaking views.

Washington National Cathedral – The 6th largest cathedral in the world and the last purely Gothic building constructed this non-denominational temple has spectacular architecture and even more spectacular views of the city.

White House Visitors Center – Offers a 30-minute orientation film about the White House, which is recommended before a tour of the facilities.

Plan Your Trip To Washington DC:

To explore attractions, events, and plan your trip visit the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation at www.washington.org.

Tinnabulation Music Festival Rocks Riverfront Park

As summer slowly comes to a close there are still plenty of great events to enjoy like Tinnabulation Music Festival at Riverfront Park, in Spokane, Washington. This is Spokane’s newest music festival, and will keep you rockin all weekend long, Sept. 8-10th, with a amazing lineup of musicians.

Headliners at this exciting Music Festival include OK Go, American Authors and the John
Butler Trio. We can’t forget the local favorites that include Marshall McLean, Mama Doll, Lavoy, Hey! Is for Horses, Elephant Gun Riot, T.S. the Solution, Folkinception and the Sweeplings. Regional acts include Seattle’s Porter Ray, Ravenna Woods and Naked Giants.

With over 50 bands playing throughout the weekend, you’ll have plenty of music to enjoy, new friends to make, along with all the food and social buzz going on. Check in and share your greatest moments at Tinnabulation with your friends and family on social media, or just bring them all along so everyone can get in on the fun.

Look for updates on events and musicians on the Tinnabulation website, where you can get tickets, follow festival news, and find a map to all the events.

Photo Credits: Tinnabulation Music Festival

Alcatraz East Crime Museum Presents True Crimes Utilizing Rare Artifacts

There’s something about crime that keeps us intrigued. For anyone who has ever had a interest in the mob, unsolved mysteries, and criminal proceedings, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum is a must see when visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is defiantly one of those attractions draws you in, and keeps you stunned and curious as to what awaits around the corner.

We enjoyed the exhibit space on Pirates that explores the flags used, and history of the escapades. There was also an exhibit on the Old West that revealed details on the life of Billy, The Kid and others like Jesse James, who lived outside the law. Throughout the exhibits you’ll find artifacts that include the Pocket Army Revolver owned by Allan Parmer, who was married to Jesse’s sister, Susan.

We live in Morgan County, Indiana, which is where John Dillinger once lived, and actually robbed a local grocery store. So, it was interesting to see the exhibit on mobsters, and the death mask of Dillinger himself. The details described by both sides of the law are fascinating. There are newspaper clipping and Public Enemy poster featuring many mobsters you will recognize.

Did You Know? The origins of NASCAR can be traced back to bootlegging – you can learn more about this history and more at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. And, if you’d like to try some free samples of moonshine visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery that has a location right behind the AE Museum at The Island.

We are in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, so there are many moon-shining tales to be told. Learn about the law and lawless who brewed shine by moon light, and the extraordinary skills of the drivers running the loads during prohibition. These drivers, like NASCAR legend, Junior Johnson, became famous for their skills on and off the track. – Oh, Johnson is a partner in “Midnight Moon” moonshine today, and they use his family recipe to craft the shine.

Remember, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a huge collection of artifacts on so many aspects of crime. It’s so diverse, and wide ranging you’ll spend hours moving from one exhibit to another. It was a strange feeling to see the headlines on the serial killing from my youth. Some of the exhibits stir memories of where we were when these events happened.

There are moving exhibits to Missing Persons like Nancy Halloway, and to the victims and heroes of 9/11. This is one off those moments when you just pause, and take a moment of silence in their honor.

This museum is more than just a achieve of historic relics. Whether it is Bronco that O.J. Simpson drove or postcards written by Charles Manson – each piece within the Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a story to tell. There are so many tales to be told that you’ll find yourself discovering new stories each time you visit.

Plan Your Visit To Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is located at the entrance to The Island, at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. For ticket information and current exhibits visit their website at www.alcatrazeast.com.

Head To West Virginia For ATV And Dirt Bike Trails In The Appalachian Mountains

West Virginia is a nature lover’s paradise with a lush landscape for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Recreation is one of the great past times in the region, and for those who want pack up their ATV and get off the beaten track there are perhaps some of the most extravagant ATV and dirt bike trails established in the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails stretch for over 500 miles and growing. They have come to be known as “Trails Heaven.” These ATV trails attract all types of rider and accommodations for the different crowds are abundant.

In the areas surrounding “Trails Heaven” there are hotels, bed and breakfast inns, ATV rentals shops, ATV and dirt bike mechanical shops, guided tours and other activities to fill a weekend vacation. This area is the place to be for any of the ATV racing, riding and special events you are interested in. Bringing your own off road vehicle is allowed at “Trails Heaven,” but a permit is required for all riders, rental or other.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails are also the host of several high scale ATV and dirt bike riding events throughout the year. These are the events where you can meet hundreds of fellow ATV enthusiasts. There’s also an ATV/dirt bike jamboree for riders to participate in. The Appalachian trails also coordinate a Dirt Days riding event. They will also be the host for the National ATV and dirt bike rally week. Places like “Trails Heaven” are a great riding spot for ATVers of any skill level because they have the proper accommodations for all.

There are many other similar ATV trails established, however, if you are a regular rider, you probably want to find your own, local trails and make the big trail parks a weekend event. Whether you are new to the sport or just looking for some new trails to experience, there are several web sites that help you locate the right place.

Throughout North America and many other parts of the world ATVs and dirt bike off road trail parks and facilities continue to grow. As the sport of ATV racing and recreational off road riding becomes more popular, the success of established trails encourages additional riding areas to be developed. The growing number of enthusiastic ATV riders is not the only cause for a demand of more trails. All ATV riders, new and old, want more trails for the challenge. ATVers demand new trails because they strive to conquer anything they can.

Riding off road with ATVs has become a sport many dedicate themselves to, but there are just as many people who enjoy the sport on a sporadic basis. Renting ATVs and riding the trails is not an uncommon tourist attraction in many areas of the United States. Because of this many people have experienced and enjoyed ATV riding at some of the trail parks around the nation. Some now dedicated ATV riders started out by taking a recreational off road drive at one of these tourist trail parks.

By Mitch Johnson

Plan Your Trip To Pike County:

To explore details on the Hatfield and McCoy Feud, area attractions, ATV trails, recreation and more to experience visit the Pike County Tourism at www.tourpikecounty.com/ or call 1-800-844-7453.

Discover A Winter Wonderland With Yellowstone Packages In Wyoming

When planning your trip to Yellowstone National Park there are a numbers of great packages available. Among the selection are those which you can savor the sights, sounds and smells of Yellowstone as you travel around in a roll-top Historic Yellow Bus. Traveling clockwise around the Grand Loop, and staying at different locations in the park affords the opportunity to spend more time actually exploring the park.

Stay overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs in the Northern Range, Grant Village on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful Snow Lodge in the heart of the Upper Geyser Basin. In addition to lodging this package has included meals, baggage handling, a Scenicruise on Yellowstone Lake, an Old West Dinner Cookout at Roosevelt Lodge by a wagon ride out to the cookout site and a welcome gift.

One of the previous packages was the Total Yellowstone Package that let you sample a variety of things in Yellowstone. The package featured a 5 night, 4 1/2 day getaway, and includes lodging, baggage handling meals, in-park transportation, guides, a welcome gift per person and a memento photo CD. Of course, this is just one of the great packages available that offers affordable options for experiencing Yellowstone, a American treasure everyone should visit at least once.

Plan Your Trip To Yellowstone National Park:

The explore current packages available and activities by visiting www.travelyellowstone.com.

Explore Kaycee Where The Traditions Of The Rodeo and Pony Express Are Still Honored

Kaycee, Wyoming, located near the famed Hole-in-The-Wall hideout and safe passage area used by Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and their gang will honor a different legend; Chris LeDoux. No one more appropriately represented Wyoming’s western heritage rooted in ranching and rodeo than Chris LeDoux. He died over five years ago and a larger-than-life sized bronze dubbed “Good Ride Cowboy” has been unveiled in the Wyoming town LeDoux called home.

Following a pro rodeo career that included a 1976 world championship in bareback riding, Chris LeDoux became one of the most anticipated music acts at rodeos across the American West for many years. His show skyrocketed in popularity after Garth Brooks mentioned LeDoux in one of Garth’s hits – “Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old” in the early 1990s. LeDoux fans will no doubt appear in droves to see the bronze created by Buffalo, Wyoming artist D. Michael Thomas.

Want to see Team Wyoming without going to a rodeo? There is also a “Rodeo Road” DVD produced by Wyoming Travel and Tourism that can be obtained by contacting the state tourism office. Wyoming is the only state to endorse, sponsor, and support year-round the efforts of those who undertake the hard road to a world championship in professional rodeo.

Plan Your Trip To Kaycee:

Join Kaycee area events, visit attractions, and find recreation to experience by visiting www.kayceewyoming.org.

Ranger Programs Make Exploring Yellowstone National Park An Adventure

Take a moment to look around and you’ll be amazed at the simple beauty you discover in Yellowstone National Park. One way to go behind the scenes is to join the Ranger-Led Programs. The experienced Rangers share details on where to fish and go horse back riding, and other tips to make to most out of your visit. The Rangers also hold great programs that are unique and showcase the wildlife and natural beauty of Yellowstone.

Early Spring Activities in Yellowstone are a great way to both see and enjoy the park. This time period allows the unique opportunity for non-motorized use of certain park roads. Bicycling, hiking, jogging, roller blades, roller skis, and similar means of non-motorized travel are ONLY permitted between the West Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs from about mid-March through the third Thursday in April. The opening day in March is weather dependent.

The Free Ranger-Led Programs are posted in the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center and at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center at 201 South Canyon Street, and among these are:

Geysers Programs: As you wait to watch Old Faithful erupt, discover why Yellowstone has so many geysers. Look into Yellowstone’s restless geologic past and present for a story that includes volcanoes and earthquakes. Meet at the benches in front of Old Faithful for a discussion prior to a predicted mid-day eruption of Old Faithful. This Free program is about 20 minutes long, and makes a nice break in-between exploring the park.

Winter Wildlife Viewing: The Winter season for viewing wildlife runs from approximately mid-December to mid-March. It’s a great time to see the parks animals roaming and capture some spectacular photos. One thought to keep in mind when photographing animals is to always be safe. According to The National Parks Service there are more people hurt by bison than by bears each year in Yellowstone. Park regulations state that visitors must stay at least 25 yards away from bison or elk and 100 yards away from bears. These are wild animals, so, be smart, and don’t take any chances, and you’ll enjoy a memorable trip.

Snowshoe Walks: Dress up in your winter wear discover Yellowstone’s fascinating winter ecology while wearing snowshoes through Mid-March. Join a ranger for a 2-mile walk into Yellowstone National Park along the Riverside Trail. You’ll meet at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center before taking off on the 3 hour trek for which you need to bring your snowshoe. It’s a good idea to pack some snacks and water to enjoy as well.

If you’re visiting in the Fall or Winter keep in mind that the weather is unpredictable; roads may be closed temporarily by snow or other weather conditions. Snow tires or chains may also be required at times, so it’s best to check on the Yellowstone website for current weather conditions when planning your visit.

Plan Your Trip To Yellowstone:

The explore current programs and activities to enjoy by visiting www.travelyellowstone.com.

Enjoy Wildlife Expeditions In Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park

The fall and winter are a great time to view Wyoming’s wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. In the Fall you’ll find elk freely roaming in Yellowstone and nearby Grand Teton National Parks. Males of the species are very active whether fighting for dominance or chasing females. Wyoming is one of the few places you can watch the “rutting” rituals. It’s always best to schedule a tour with expert guides. One choice of excellence is Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools. Many of the fall and winter programs are packaged with lodging in Jackson.

In order to protect the wildlife that lives in Wyoming’s great outdoors a trust fund has been established to insure the state’s wildlife population can thrive into the foreseeable future. One of the best ways to learn about habitat protection and interaction of animals is a visit to the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center in Dubois. After time in the center, be sure to schedule a tour of the herd on nearby Whiskey Mountain. The guided expeditions take up most of a morning and run November through March for a reasonable fee. It’s a rare opportunity to see such a large assemblage of Rocky Mountain Bighorns up close. Spotting scopes and binoculars are provided for a up close and personal view of these amazing creatures.

For more outdoor adventures in Wyoming turn to Taylor Outfitters of Dubois, who offer a four-day Early Winter Wildlife Watch and Cross-Country Ski Trip on the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park any time from November through January. A full array of wildlife from elk, bighorn sheep and bison to otters, coyotes and wolves are usually viewed along the Northern Range in their native habitat. The couple has led many natural history tours in Yellowstone and the surrounding area for more than 25 years.

Wintertime is keen viewing season for moose, bison, elk, coyote, trumpeter swans, and playful otters in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in addition to national forests near Sheridan/Buffalo, west of Laramie and around Pinedale. Wear layers and check around for a cozy Bed and Breakfast with a warm, inviting fireplace. A good source is the Wyoming Homestay and Outdoor Adventure (WHOA) organization. Wolf watching is one of the most popular of all courses offered at the non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) and there are several options available.

Plan Your Trip To Grand Teton:

For attractions and events happening throughout the state of Wyoming visit the State of Wyoming Tourism site at http://www.wyomingtourism.org.