Summer in Tennessee

Summer Is Almost Here

Well, summer is just around the corner.  Tennesseans are checking their fishing tackle, camping gear, and other outdoor equipment preparing for the summer.  Tennessee offers many options for the outdoorsman: Camping, Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, and more.

During the warmer months, Tennesseans and tourists alike visit our state to take advantage of the scenic beauty, plentiful natural areas, and state and national parks.  I am including a couple of links that will help you locate information relating to these pursuits.  I hope that everyone will have a great summer and hope that you will comment on this blog with stories about your favorite camping spot, fishing spot, or getaway location.

Helpful Links:

Travel on a Budget: Hiking Preparation, How To's, & Tips

Travel on a Budget: East Tennessee Sport Fishing

Travel on a Budget: Camping Preparation, How To's, & Tips

Travel on a Budget: Visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

Travel on a Budget: Cabin Rental vs. Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN

Tennessee State Parks - TN.gov

City of Knoxville - Parks

Natural Areas Program - TN.gov

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency


I hope this information will help you plan and prepare for the upcoming summer months in Tennessee.  If you have suggestions for links on this page, please submit them.  I am always searching good sources of information.

In Depth Look; Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is located in east Tennessee and is in the Greater Appalachian Valley. It is located at the intersection of the Holston River and the French Broad River where they converge as one into the Tennessee River.

Knoxville encompasses ninety-nine square miles in Knox County. According to the latest figures (2010 Census Bureau Study), Knoxville has nearly 200,000 residents. Knoxville and its surrounding suburbs and communities consist of approximately 700,000 people.

History

Early area inhabitants included the Creek and Cherokee Indians, although various tribes had inhabited and migrated through the area we now call Tennessee. The land being rich and fertile and abundantly stocked with wildlife made it ideal for providing food for tribes.

It is rumored that Hernando de Soto ventured through the area in his 1540 expedition, making him the first non-native to view the area. The following years saw hunters and trappers venturing into the area to profit from the abundance. No communities were formed and the population consisted of a few homesteaders and travelers on their way to other destinations.     Read More about Knoxville ---->

Most Important Thing about Tennessee & the South, generally.

I have traveled extensively, and resided in many parts of the country. 
From my travels, one thing stands out in the South (especially Tennessee) over everything else.

The People

I have always kept the impression that people are people no matter where they are from.  But now as I am becoming older and more reflective, I find the people in the South are simply: more friendly, compassionate, level-headed, and considerate.  

Friendly

Prime example is simply going to the grocery store.  In today's hectic hustle and bustle pace, Tennesseans specifically take time to say hello.  People will approach you that are complete strangers and strike up a conversation for the sheer enjoyment of meeting someone new.

Driving down the road, you will notice people passing in the opposing lanes throwing up a hand in a wave even though they do not know you.  Men walking on sidewalks, still tip their hats to ladies and are quick to hold doors for others.

Compassionate

The perfect example, I witnessed just the other day.  During a rainstorm, I was following behind a car, and for no reason, they stopped in the middle of the road.  At first I was confused, until they rolled down their window and handed an umbrella out the window.  A rain-soaked pedestrian stepped from the curb and gladly accepted this compassionate gift.  Then the car rolled up their window and proceeded on.  I paused for a moment wondering if what I had witnessed would be possible anywhere but Tennessee.

Level-Headed

People in Tennessee historically have had to 'fend for themselves' whether it be in the struggles to cut farms from the hilly rocky soil here or whether it is fair representation from government for a state that isn't as populace as some of its northern counterparts.  This breeds resilience and level-headed'ness that is unique to the area.  They cooperate with one another whether it is an old-fashioned barn raising or simply helping a neighbor because you may someday need their help in return.

Considerate

People in Tennessee are considerate of others and polite to a fault.  I have already mentioned the tipping of hats, the holding a door for someone, but there are thousands of examples daily and are too numerous to mention in this blog.  Neighbors ask how you are and actually wait to hear the answer, not just providing lip service.  Friends and family are always there to help without excuses or reservations.

Conclusion

I have lived many places, but for the above mentioned reasons, I am now a Tennessean for life.  I live here and will never leave.  If you live in Tennessee now, rejoice in the fact that you get to experience this state on a daily basis.  If you are outside the state, I would suggest you come and pay us a visit, you will not regret it.

First Blog Post: Summary of What This Blog is About

Reviewing the current blogs and information available on the web today relating to East Tennessee and the South in general all seem to be written either by non-natives or as dry advertising/marketing text.  Therefore, I am creating this blog to give the viewpoint of someone actually grew up and now resides in the area.

I will be providing travel tips, reviews of locations, outdoor tips, and general information relating to the East Tennessee area.  I am sure the scope of this site will expand into other areas, but the focus will remain on the South and its treasures.

Feedback will always be encouraged, and hope that readers of this blog will participate to make this blog informative, successful, and a place people can find the information they seek.