Nine Lakes of East Tennessee

Did you spend time at one of the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee over the holiday weekend?

We are just one week away from the start of the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville's Chilhowee Park. Are you planning to go?

https://www.tnvalleyfair.org

So, what are your plans for the long holiday weekend? Will you be going to a festival, checking out some live music, eating wings or maybe going up in a hot air balloon or maybe going to a football game? You can do all that and much more in the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee this Labor Day weekend.

Hooray for Harriman on September 2nd
Big Kahuna Wings Festival on September 1 in Knoxville
Music on the Town in Dandridge on August 31st
Monroe Life Balloon Festival on August 31st in Vonore

Start planning your weekend at: https://tinyurl.com/9LakesLateSummer

We're just a week away from Labor Day and we want to know what you are doing over the holiday weekend (and we hope it involves time in the 9 Lakes of East TN).

Will it be time on the lake?
Visiting a small town?
Checking out a mountain view?
Taking time for some city life?
Or something else (because we know there are so many options).

http://easttnvacations.com

National Women's Equality Day (August 26th) celebrates the certification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. East Tennessee played a crucial role in this achievement, one that is immortalized in many places throughout the 9 Lakes Region.

Just before Tennessee became the last state needed to ratify the Amendment, a letter from Senator Harry T. Burn's mother convinced him to vote in favor of allowing women the right to vote.

- In Knoxville's Market Square statues of three women who played an important role in the Women's Suffrage movement stands in honor of their work.

- In Downtown Maryville, a mural called "Senderos (tracks or paths) by Nicole Salgar adorns the side of a bike shop. It is one of the Walls for Women Mural Project, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification.

- In Downtown Sweetwater another of the Walls for Women murals called "This Girl Can was created by Kim Radford.

- And the Hurrah mural in Downtown Sweetwater by jenny Ustick helps tell the story of Febb Burn and her letter to her son Harry.

Ride some of the prettiest Appalachian backroads with us on Sept 28 at the 2nd Annual Rugby Roundabout. This is a friendly ride and not a race. Courses run from 10 miles up to 70 miles.

While we can't guarantee the leaves will be changing up on the Cumberland Plateau we can offer participants a free lunch and two craft beers.

Come kick off fall in Historic Rugby, Tennessee. Sign up early for a discount at: https://tinyurl.com/RugbyRoundabout

Our lakes come with mountain views at no extra cost. Ready to book your vacation?

http://easttnvacations.com

Summer isn't over yet. What area lake will you be heading out on next?

📷 at German Creek

Today is National Honeybee Day a time when we celebrate this important pollinator and producer of that sweet honey so many of us crave. Check out what TVA is doing to make sure the bee population in the region stays healthy at: https://www.trvstewardshipcouncil.org/a-habitat-at-work-pollinators-welcome/

These volunteers from the University of Tennessee went on an "iceberg" hunting expedition on Norris Lake. Throughout the day they helped remove Styrofoam (a.k.a. icebergs) from the shoreline.

The Ignite program is one of many service programs students can participate in. Welcome back students!

Anderson and Roane Counties are filled with history. Major events during the 20th Century in this part of the 9 Lakes Region helped change the course of the nation and the world's history.

Check out this day trip idea that will help you learn more about this history making part of the region.

https://www.easttnvacations.com/blog/day-tripping-one-national-park-two-lakes-and-three-historic-towns/

Up, up and away in a hot air balloon; bluegrass at Big Ridge State Park, a Hootenanny at the History Center and enjoying music from the comfort of a lawn chair are just a few of the things happening this weekend in the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee. Don't let the sun set on your late summer fun.

Check out all that's happening at:
https://www.easttnvacations.com/blog/dont-sunset-summer-2024-late-summer-and-early-fall-events/

Road Trips are great whether you're in a car or on a motorcycle and the 9 Lakes region of East Tennessee provide plenty of places to go for a scenic drive. Check out these views and places to see.

1 & 2 East Tennessee Crossing Byway
3&4 Cherohala Skyway
5&6 TN 116 (Rocky Top to Petros)
7&8 Tail of the Dragon
9&10 Foothills Parkway

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In the days of legal segregation, African-Americans were not allowed to visit Knoxville's Chilhowee Park. However, in 1939, in honor of Emancipation Day, the city opened the park to African-Americans on this one day each year. The tradition continued until 1948.

The Eighth of August is still remembered in many ways and today there will be events to mark this chapter of history. Learn more about the story and see what's happening at: https://www.beckcenter.net/eighth-of-august .

Eighth of August “Today will be observed as a holiday by the negro residents and practically all places of business conducted by negroes will be closed for part of the day. 

Nearby iron ore and coal deposits along with an iron furnace sparked the growth of Rockwood more than 150 years ago. This small town at the base of the Cumberland Plateau is home to a mural celebrating the town's 150th birthday, an historic Tennessee Highway Patrol building, and a recently opened Marina and RV Resort. Come experience the lake life and history all rolled into an East TN Vacation in Rockwood.

Did your weekend include scaling rocks in a National Park? The Obed Wild and Scenic River isn't just known for its rugged river gorge. Steep rock walls throughout this National Park Site draw climbers from all over the world.

On the first Saturday of each month, park rangers lead "Coffee and Climb" events which are open to people of all ages and experience levels. (Be sure and check with the park for details before you go.)

Are you ready for a road rally? The Overmountain Tennessee Rally is bringing an ARA event to the roads of the Cherokee National Forest in Newport TN.

Bonus event is a 2nd Parc Expose on the newly remodeled Newport Speedway.

Fast cars, national drivers, dust and mud....what could be better on a Saturday in September?

Spectators — Overmountain Rally Tennessee Spectator guide   We’re glad you’re interested in spectating at the Overmountain Rally! The spectator guide is posted below.It’s worth mentioning that volunteers actually get a better vantage point than spectators, free lunch, and event swag. We hope you’ll consider contributing to the even...

Whether you are heading to Newfound Gap, Greenbrier, Cades Cove, Cosby or anywhere else in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is a parking fee if you are parked more than 15 minutes.

On Sunday, August 4th, the National Park Service is waiving that fee to celebrate the anniversary of The Great American Outdoors Act. This is a great time to enjoy this jewel of a park.

The fee waiver also includes the Foothills Parkway with sections running from I-40 to Cosby, Wears Valley to Walland, and Walland to Chilhowee.

Explanations of Parking Fees and other free parking days at:
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm

The Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides an easy way to enjoy the great outdoors in a car, on a motorcycle, or on a bicycle. Along the way you can enjoy a number of overlooks or take a trail up to places like Look Rock Tower.

On August 4th the National Park Service is waiving the parking fee in observance of the anniversary of The Great American Outdoors Act, a law which significantly boosted funding for public lands to tackle a long list of maintenance needs.

When the weather gets steamy and the TVA releases water downstream, the phenomenon is very cool...literally.

Chill out to natural air-conditioning and "smoke on the water."

Summer is far from over here in the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee. Tips for planning your East TN Vacation and for making the most of August in our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/8f6cea97178c/summer-is-far-from-over-in-the-9-lakes-of-east-tn

Brushy Mtn. State Pen 2024 concert series wraps up on August 24 with two rocking bands- Atlanta's Blackberry Smoke and VA's 49 Wi******er.

Summer and outdoor music are the PPJ of the 9 Lakes Region. ******er

Nine Lakes of East Tennessee Nine lakes, mountains, scenic trails, and outdoor adventures all make for a great East Tennessee vaca

Soon, thousands of students will be returning to colleges and universities across the 9 Lakes region and for those seeking adventure or just ways to unwind in the great outdoors there is plenty to do here in East Tennessee.

Jon Terry talks about the adventures his business offers people wanting to get out on the river or the greenways in Knoxville.

Knoxville Adventure Collective - Explore More- Getting Real Local in the Tennessee River Valley. Owner of Knoxville Adventure Collective, Jon Terry joins Julie to talk about the adventures that his business offers visitors who want to get on the river or greenways.From biking to rock climbing to paddle trips, learn more with Jon.  From y...