Lee Greenwood Theater Will See New Life
We’ve never understood the ill fate of the lovely Lee Greenwood Theater along with the restaurant and retail complex formerly known as the Maplewood Farm Shops complex that was opened in 1996 in Sevierville and closed in 2000. We ate at the gorgeous restaurant with awesome views atop the bluff overlooking the French Broad River, and while the restaurant was never a sell out, the food was good enough. But word has come out today that a church and a developer have purchased the 57 acres of land and buildings and we feel like raising three cheers!
The Knoxville News Sentinel announced that Blue Ridge Development and the new Hope Church of Sevierville have purchased the complex for $13.5 million, with Blue Ridge taking the 30,000 square foot retail center and 25 acres of land, and the Church taking the 1,776-seat theater for future sanctuary and office space, and the restaurant for a conference center.
There is a lot of undeveloped land included in the purchase and Pastor Tom Sterbens’ plans include the construction of a home for unwed mothers, a drug rehabilitation center and a retreat for visiting ministers here. On the other hand, Blue Ridge principal, Don Barnett plans to build condos on the awesome bluff, and his plans may also include a Christian Superstore in the retail space that is available. It sounds like a win-win situation for the bank that held the foreclosed properties and the two entities that have interesting plans to refurbish the properties. We’ll watch the progress with great interest and new hope!
Heritage Log Homes Consolidates and Expands in Sevierville
After completing 32 successful years in Sevier County, the Heritage Log Home facility will finally open a new, centralized location on the interstate, right across from the new Bass Pro Shops Superstore, and close to its model home on Route 66, the famous Exit 407 going into Sevierville.
The new 70,000 square foot facility will open in the new Smith-Thomas Technology Park, and CEO Bill Parsons said, “This is going to be so much more efficient,” having the administrative offices, mill and production facilities all under one roof.
President of Heritage Log Homes, Mike Magill said the new location will allow them to grow at a faster pace. Last year they set a new production record and they expect to top it again this year. Magill said the log home market has matured and more people realize that log homes are not just a trend, but more a home with a more comfortable feel than brick or other exteriors.
“We really don’t sell log homes,” said Magill. “We sell an opportunity to live a particular lifestyle.”
Heritage has separated itself from competitors in quality, technique and marketing, he said. The company holds several patents for new homebuilding technology.
And we always love to hear how important a good employee base is to the success of a business. Magill said, “The most important heritage we have is our employees. There’s not enough I can say about the team of 85 that represents Heritage.
1783 Fort in Kodak Being Rebuilt!
An archeological dig began in Sevier County in July and Arthur Bohanan, President of the Hugh Henry Station Foundation, is actively helping. Bohanan, the youngest of 11 children, grew up in the mountains with no electricity and he can trace his local roots back to 1790.
Bohanan, a former Knoxville Police Department crime lab specialist, retired from law enforcement in 2001, and has gotten interested in geneology which meshes nicely with his interest in excavating the old Sevier County fort, called Hugh Henry Station after a Major who had a house on the creek on Dumplin Road.
The work will continue through September and volunteers are welcome to help the University of Tennessee archeology department. They estimate the dig will take up to five years and will cost about $2 million.
This summer Bohanan and his granddaughters were sifting through dirt by the chimney base they found, when they found a 1735 Spanish coin, a prehistoric flint, pottery shards, homemade nails and a porcelain doll’s head estimated to be more than 200 years old. They also found a baby spoon. You’re welcome to join the fun from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
In October, horse teams will appear on site, and the rebuilding of the fort will begin with horses dragging the logs in place. Plans are to open the fort to tourists in the spring of 2006. Eventually the site will include a pioneer and Cherokee village, farmstead, visitor center and museum with picnic tables and a walking trail along the old Great Indian War and Trade Path, which extended 1,100 miles from Alabama to Pennsylvania.
Other Harvest Festival celebrations include:
September 15-17: Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival:
September 16-17: Faith Trio at the Sevier Country Fairgrounds:
September 29-October 1: Circle Your Wagons at the Fairgrounds:
October 6-7: Spurrin’ “S” Rodeo at the Fairgrounds:
October 7-10: Columbus Day Sidewalk Sales at Tanger Oaks:
October 21-29: Fourth Annual Fall Festival at Quincy Farms:
October 27-30: Sons of the Revolution re-enactiment of the 1780
Battle of Boyd’s Creek at Major Hugh Henry’s Estate at Henry’s Station in Kodak
A New $14M Gatlinburg Development Begins!
Teresa and Andy MacKinnon have owned the well-known and respected Lineberger’s Seafood restaurant on the Parkway in Gatlinburg for over 17 of its 40 years, and today at a groundbreaking ceremony adjacent to the existing restaurant, they announced extensive plans for a new Linberger’s Plaza that will incorporate over 20,000 square feet of space.
The Plaza will include an enlargement of the current restaurant, which is not expected to close during the extensive renovation. Plans also include development of over 2.5 acres where a motel was razed to incorporate over 15 to 20 shops that are in the works. The complex will front on both the Parkway and the River Road and will also include a replica of the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The MacKinnon’s purchased the motel property about a year ago and tore down the motel to move the project forward. “This has always been a dream of ours,” MacKinnon said.
We certainly wish them well and welcome the addition of a new plaza to the city. With the changes to the convention center and some new construction throughout Gatlinburg, we are seeing some of the older shops and motels disappear and new businesses with a new look come into the town. It is fun for the locals to drive through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and even Townsend and Wears Valley to see all the spruced up and new businesses. Come see for yourselves!
New Attractions in Pigeon Forge
If it has been a couple of years since you visited the Smokies, you will be delighted at the number of changes that have come to town. New restaurants, music theaters, quality condos, shops and attractions abound.
Johnny Carino’s and Bullfish Grill went up alongside each other very close to the new Fiddler’s Feast music theater. Carino’s is an Italian restaurant, Bullfish is all American steaks and chops and the Fiddlers Feast offers supper along with musical entertainment. The Fiddler’s Feast joins Dixie Stampede, Black Bear Jamboree, the Showplace Dinner Theater, the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show and a musical performer at the Private Eye Grille who plays 30 different instruments.
Beer and Wine is now available in the restaurants and other new chain favorites include Red Lobster, the Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, Mandarin House, plus locally owned favorites like Calhoun’s, Connors and the Smoky Mountain Brewery.
This fall Jurassic Jungle Boat Rides expects to open on the Parkway. It is described as a “massive indoor special-effects thrill ride” with boats traversing waters filled with dinosaurs, snakes, volcanoes and waterfalls.
Last fall, Boyd’s Bear Country opened with a huge red barn full of bears, and it has already logged in over 1 million visitors. “We’re off to a good start, and the reaction from guests has been great,” said Will Edwards, store manager. The huge building encompasses 120,000 square feet and houses over 60,000 bears and in October a month-long Halloween event is planned.
There will be daily scavenger hunts in-store as well as other trick or treat specials and the on-going “Breakfast with the Bears”, is featured daily except Sunday. Appearances by costumed Boyd’s Bear characters is held during the Buffet from 9 am to 11 am daily. On Sundays a special “Sunday Country Brunch” featuring prime rib and all the fixings plus entertainment is very popular.
Coming on September 23, the Pigeon Forge Bear store will host its first big collector’s event, in which collectors get a private peak at the 2006 product line. Approximately 500 collectors are expected to attend the reservation-only event.
Among the theaters running full day schedules this fall are: the Smith Family Theater, Country Tonite, Old Smoky Hoedown, Smoky Mountain Jubilee, Memories, American Jukebox Theater and the Comedy Barn.
Morning shows include the Blackwoods performing at the Black Bear Jamboree, Triumphant Quarter at the Louise Mandrell Theater (which is in its last season), and Terry Evanswood’s Grand Illusion (Magic show) at Country Tonite Theater.
Plus remember its almost October and Pigeon Forge businesses are gearing up for another competition during the Harvest Festival….bragging rights for the most audacious, eye-popping displays of scarecrows, pumpkins, gold, orange and purple asters, hay bales, corn shucks and did we say pumpkins? About 40 businesses compete with elaborate decorations and it is truly a wondrous thing to see. Plan a visit this fall!
Here Comes the Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair
Without doubt, autumn is the very best time to visit the Smoky Mountains. Just ask any native when they take the time to go up and enjoy the weather and the events. It is always the same answer…….in the fall. There is so much to do here in the fall and the temperatures are mild, the colors start to change and the fabulous Craftmen’s Fair comes to life.
Any time of the year the 8 mile loop that comprises the Great Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts community is alive with activity. It is located on the northeast side of Gatlinburg and it is the ONLY zoned crafts community in the United States. Daily live demonstrations of candy making, wood working, quilting, broom-making and pottery throwing are just a few of the activities that go on.
In downtown Gatlinburg, on Thursday September 22, thirty of Gatlinburg’s finest restaurants will serve menu favorites for a United Way fund-raiser at the Taste of Autumn Benefit at the Convention Center. Following that, the Gatlinburg’s Craftmen’s Fair becomes the focal point of 180 craftspeople from all over the United States. They arrive at the Convention Center October 6-23. The Fair will also feature live country music and bluegrass entertainment daily.
So mark your calendars and bring the car with the biggest trunk. If you can’t find a Christmas gift for everyone on your list, you need new specs. I have never been to the Fair without finding treasures for everyone. Enjoy!
Annual Robert Tino Homecoming
The Annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival begins in October and will feature Sevierville artist Robert Tino. His Gallery, located on the family’s 350 acre farm just off Route 66 on Douglas Dam Road will host two days of festivities on October 1 and 2.
The festivities will begin at 10 am daily and go to 5 pm. Mountain craft demonstrations, storytelling, bluegrass music, stilt walking, pumpkin carving and art and food will be in abundance. Tino, a favorite son and established artist in the Smokies will also autograph 500 of his limited edition prints for sale at the Homecoming.
“Reasons to Remember” is available for $130 and it depicts a swinging bridge crossing the Pigeon River with a father and two children fishing on the bank. Tino says, “the title comes from things that mean a lot to me – being able to spend time with my kids.”
His children, 6 year old Chloe Beth and 8 year old Riley, were the models for the watercolor along with a fisherman of whom Tino had snapped a photo. Asked if he and the children do fish together, Tino responded with a laugh and said, “I paint a lot of things that I don’t have anything to do with. And fishing’s one of them.”
A companion piece to Reasons, called “Follow the Leader” will be sold as a package with the first print for a special price of $190. It shows five children lined up crossing a log over a creek. Chloe and Riley and two cousins and a friend are featured in this print. “It’s a happy painting,” said Tino.
Last year Robert and his wife, Mary John hosted over 2000 visitors, many of whom went home and brought back chairs so they could relax and watch the day long festivities. Don’t forget yours either! For more info call 865-453-6315 or toll free 1-800-675-6961.
The Volunteer Spirit’s Alive and Well
We posted a blog about 5 days ago concerning the incredible generosity of the Fee/Headrick Entertainment Group headed up by David Fee. This Group owns The Comedy Barn Theater, the Black Bear Dinner Theater and they just purchased the Louise Mandrell Theater with plans for a Christian/Gospel type show here. These are very successful people, and they are hugely philanthropic. Last week they were among the first to also donate $10,000 to the Red Cross.
The first blog we posted was about Fee’s welcoming response to some of the victims of Katrina who showed up at the Comedy Barn last week. After speaking with them, David arranged for cabin accommodations and gave them free tickets to his theaters’ shows for the remainder of the week. But, as Fee heard the stories and the desperation of people trying to rent vehicles to go back and rescue family, he realized he had become a catalyst for the survivors, and his first volley of generosity was upped to extraordinary proportions.
He bought a large, refrigerated truck, and then with employees and community support loaded it with supplies and headed south. They arrived in Metairie. Louisiana and provided the first bottled water and other supplies the survivors had seen. At FEMA’s request, he then brought back 12 people who had lost their homes, and they even rescued one of the group’s dogs who had been stranded for 6 days without food or water.
They returned to the Comedy Barn with a police escort and Sevier County Ambulances immediately took some of the group to area hospitals to receive the first medical care since the storm. One more trip to deposit other survivors with extended family was made to New York and we’re sure the Fee mission isn’t over yet. They have gone the extra mile to extend support, supplies and a soft place to fall for so many people who are trying to forget the tragedy and horror of the storm. Our kudos to you all!
Workers Needed in Sevier County
Retailers and restaurant owners in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville are bemoaning the lack of employees available to fill jobs in the area. It seems that there are many more jobs available than people to work them and some of the new restaurants are making do with less staff than they would normally have.
New in just Pigeon Forge are the Fiddler’s Feast dinner theatre, Bullfish Grill, Connors, The Chop House, Johnny Carino’s, the Olive Garden, Red Lobster and the Smoky Mountain Brewery. Bob McManus, owner of the Bullfish Grill would normally hire 120 employees to staff his restaurant, but he has just 88 employees. Interestingly, I ran a Knoxville News Sentinel review earlier about Bullfish, and it gave the restaurant rave reviews for the wonderful service, so even though McManus would like to hire more employees, he is obviously doing a good job with the staff he has.
Now with the gas prices escalating beyond belief, the struggle to attract new workers is going to be harder than ever. The same owner of Bullfish, Bob McManus, is looking to the future and partnering with others to build affordable apartments along a stretch of Dollywood Lane. The new buildings would have a common area with a kitchen that renters would share, with individual bedrooms to keep costs down. They hope to have them open by next year and we will follow this development as it goes forward.
On another front, I am glad that there are some quality new restaurants coming into the area and I hope that the beleaguered former employees of Lin Tibbett’s Open Hearth will find new employers who will treat them with the respect they deserve. It seems after years of owning a number of Waffle Houses and the well-known Open Hearth restaurant, Mr. Tibbett’s just shut the doors and turned his back on employees, many of whom were unpaid. Thank goodness that the area is seeking more people. We hope these employees will find jobs easily and will be appreciated for the hard work they perform.
A Nice Review of the Bullfish Grill
We haven’t had a chance to visit the group of new restaurants in Pigeon Forge that have appeared this summer on the Parkway, so it was with interest that I read a review in the Knoxville News Sentinel this morning.
Written by a newspaper staffer who calls himself the Grub Scout, the article first focused on the feeling of déjà vu that came over the Grub Scout as he entered the facility. The place felt familiar to him and he remarked that the signage, the menu and the décor all reminded him of restaurants owned by the Connor Concept Group and the Park Grill in Gatlinburg. That’s not a bad comparison at all as all of the restaurants that compare to the Bullfish Grill are comfortable, classy places themselves, and I know that I would enjoy dining in this new restaurant too.
The atmosphere received four and a half stars out of five, as did the service, which was called “outstanding” from the moment the hostess greeted them. The “service team” of waiters, bus staff and management kept the table neat and made the Grub Scout and his wife most comfortable and they were welcomed with a courtesy visit from the management, which the reviewer always seems to like. The rating for the food was just a half star lower and while it too seems to mimic the Connor restaurant chains, that is NOT a bad thing.
The fried green tomatoes are a favorite appetizer of mine at Connor’s where they are served atop the most tasty grits imaginable. The appetizer fills me up and I learned that at Bullfish’s, the serving is even more plentiful……..they came on a platter and were adorned with dollops of goat cheese! Somehow the reviewer and his wife were able to tear themselves away from the platter without ruining their appetites.
A 20 oz. Kansas City Strip was grilled and seasoned to perfection and it was served with a side of cheese grits and a Caesar salad. The wife ordered swordfish napped with a tangy tomato and citrus sauce with a side of sugar snap peas and a house salad. Once again, the entrees were abandoned to save room for the dessert, which was a luscious sounding, sweet-tart, two-layer key lime pie. Yum!
Bullfish Grill scored a 95 on its Department of Health inspection, and there is a smoking section and a non-smoking section, with beer and wine service available. We welcome the restaurant to the Smokies and will visit just as soon as we can.
Knox County Sends Helicopter Crews to New Orleans
Sheriff Tim Hutchison and 8 deputy officers plus three helicopters headed down to New Orleans to assist FEMA with search and rescue work in the devastated area struck by hurricane Katrina. The KCSO aviation contingent was specifically requested by New Orleans officials.
Neither Hutchison nor Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale knew how long they would remain in Louisiana, but they expect most of the costs will be borne by FEMA. Hutchison said that New Orleans is “essentially isolated, like an island, and that’s why they need helicopters.” The road in and out of New Orleans across Lake Ponchartrain was destroyed by the storm making it more difficult for rescuers and relief vans to get into the area.
The heroes are many: helicopters and crews have worked non-stop as long as daylight exists, and we are in awe of their abilities, perseverance and dedication to the victims. They have plucked over 1400 survivors from the devastated towns without incident. Kudos too, to the shrimp boaters who have rescued over 3,000 people.
May God extend His mercy to all the victims and all the heroes and bring the misery and suffering to an end.
