• sharp's ridge
    Healthy Living - Hiking - Lifestyle

    Sharp’s Ridge Hike

    February 4, 2016 - By 

    Warm winter days are rare in East Tennessee (well they used to be rare). When we have these warm days we take advantage of the weather by getting outdoors. On this particular 70 degree sunny day, we decided to take a hike on Sharp’s Ridge. I’ve lived in Knoxville my entire life (with the exception of the 6 months I lived in Florida) and I’ve never hiked on Sharp’s Ridge. Unfortunately, Sharp’s Ridge has a bit of a bad reputation. It’s been known for activities such as prostitution and drug deals. Over the past few years, the community has taken…

  • father's day foothills
    Fun in Knoxville - Hiking - Travel

    Father’s Day Fun in the Foothills

    June 16, 2015 - By 

    Father’s Day Fun in the Foothills Celebrate Father’s Day with Festivities in Blount County   Maryville, Tenn. – For every kind of dad, there is a perfect Father’s Day activity for the whole family to enjoy in East Tennessee. From fathers that enjoy the great outdoors to dads who just want to relax, Blount County has plenty of fun and unique Father’s Day activities to offer for all tastes and interests. Here is a list of 13 things to do in Blount County to bond with Dad this Father’s Day:   1.       Fishing Dad – Bait a hook with Dad…

  • hot springs
    Travel - Hiking

    Hot Springs, North Carolina: Two Clicks Into the Mountain

    May 5, 2015 - By 

    My first visit to Hot Springs, North Carolina was two days ago on Saturday May 2, 2015. I had never gone to the city hidden so far up in North Carolina, but its allure had always called to me, far away in my Knoxville home. I was 34 then and had a family I wouldn’t trade for the world. My lovely wife, Cyndi, played navigator and got me a good 2 hours around what should have been a 45 minute trip. The children were in the back seat and were pretty complacent, having gamed all day and still having their…

  • clingman's dome
    Summer Boredom Busters - Hiking - Travel

    Things to Do During a Midweek Staycation in the Smokies

    July 25, 2014 - By 

    This week my family and I took advantage to this enormous playground and decided to have an impromptu midweek staycation in the Smokies. We didn’t really have any set plans when we left the house. We just packed up the car with our tent, sleeping bags, swim suits and a change of clothes. It seems like every time we go to the mountains we always wish we had brought our stuff so we could stay the night. Well this time we did! Clingman’s Dome No Smokies staycation would be complete without a little hike. Even though it was an overcast…

  • Cades Cove
    Parenting - Go Camping - Hiking - Lifestyle

    Cades Cove Family Hike

    February 13, 2014 - By 

    In an effort to unplug and spend time with the family this past weekend we decided to escape to the mountains for the day. Where I live the mountains are our beach. The Great Smoky Mountains are this beautiful view that we see in our horizon, but rarely visit. It’s really a shame how little we visit the mountains considering how close we are. Cades Cove is the park we decided to visit this past weekend. We picked the perfect time to visit. We always tend to avoid Cades Cove when we visit the mountains. While it is a very…