Trail Town Ceremony is Saturday Night!

Join Tennessee Wild and friends at 5:30pm, Saturday August 9th under the tent on the corner of Main Street and the Cherohala Skyway (beside the Exxon) where we'll celebrate the designation of Tellico Plains as an official "Trail Town"! We'll have a couple of speeches by the folks that made all this possible, then the ceremonial 'ribbon cutting' - except in our case, we're cutting a more forest-appropriate vine instead of a ribbon.

Bob Richards from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will share the exciting news about the Tellico Ranger District’s recent $200,000 grant award for trail improvements in the area, and the financial impacts of outdoor recreation on the economy in gateway forest towns like Tellico Plains. Following Bob, will be a fantastic and funny program by avid outdoorsman and storyteller Jim Pfitzer. Jim is best known for his nature based tales ranging from too-close-for-comfort black bear encounters to the significance of sweet tea in southern society. Throughout the evening we'll be drawing for some great prizes donated by our friends at Rock/Creek Chattanooga, Eno, Tellico Grains Bakery and others.

Representatives from the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, the Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition, Tennessee Wild, Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, The Wilderness Society, US Forest Service, Monroe County, and the Town of Tellico Plains will be on hand to say hello and answer questions.

Come early for dinner at The Crab Trap and stay to enjoy the music of local musicians Faith Willin, performing inside 6pm - 9pm.

Be sure to see all the "TELLICO WILD" weekend activities, at http://www.meetup.com/Tennessee-Wild or at http://Facebook.com/TennesseeWild


Learn more about Tellico Plains as a "TRAIL TOWN".

Have a fun-filled Tellico Wild weekend!

Saturday, August 9th will start a fun-filled weekend of outdoor activities which include the ceremonial dedication of Tellico Plains as an official “Trail Town” by the Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition (SEFTC) and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA). Guest speakers, and the ribbon cutting followed by food, music and fun!  More hikes, snorkeling, and other events are scheduled for Sunday, as well.

Join guided hikes into designated wilderness areas on Saturday and/or Sunday, or give a little back to our public lands by joining a trail crew for a stewardship project. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the forest on an interpretive hike or while snorkeling with expert USFS guides in Citico Creek. Learn to take better pictures in nature with simple tools - or - just take a deep breath and enjoy some time in the great outdoors!

A schedule of events, registration info, and more can be found at http://www.meetup.com/Tennessee-Wild or at http://Facebook.com/TennesseeWild

The event is sponsored by Tennessee Wild, and its partners: 
Wild South - www.wildsouth.org
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards - www.trailcrews.org
Rock/Creek Chattanooga - www.rockcreek.com
Tellico Outpost Pavillion


Learn more about Tellico Plains' designation as a Trail Town.

Help Maintain Our Local Trails!

June 7th, 2014, is National Trails Day®, and events are planned across the nation to help maintain hiking and horse trails. With over 200 miles of trails in the Tellico Plains area, Tellico Plains Trails Day needs your help. Come join us!

WHO: Everyone is welcome

WHEN: Saturday June 7, 8am to 5:30pm

WHERE: Meet at picnic area next to the beach at Indian Boundary Campground, off the Cherohala Skyway at Forest Service Road 345

All are welcome for a day of “Paying it Forward” to the Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest. Meet at the picnic area next to the beach at Indian Boundary Campground at 8 AM.  Breakfast will be provided by Tellico Grains. Wear long pants, bring a lunch and plenty of water in a day pack. We will break up into crews of 8-10 people to work on a segment of trail somewhere in the local area. Then we will all return to the picnic area for a dinner provided by the Tellico Outpost (pizza) and the Friends of the Cherokee National Forest (burgers, etc). Also upon returning at the end of the day, all participants will receive a free T-shirt commemorating the day. Kids are welcome as well but must be attended by a responsible parent or guardian.

Click for more information

Tellico Plains, A "TRAIL TOWN"
The Tellico Plains and Coker Creek area is blessed with over 200 miles of hiking, backpacking, equestrian, mountain biking and motorized trail bike trails. Tellico Plains is receiving designation as a Trail Town in 2014 by the Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association as an exceptional location to visit for these activities! Online information and resources for local and out-of-town visitors who are using our area trails is now readily available on the Guide to Tellico Plains. Watch for more events, celebrating this important designation!

Coker Creek Welcome Ctr Shop Reopens!

Scarecrows in Tellico Plains!

The Monroe County Farmers Market, which is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings in Tellico Plains, wants to dress up the town with Scarecrows. They are sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest, encouraging handmade entries in a children's division (up to age 12) and adults division (age 13 and over). Entries can be delivered to the Farmers Market, which is located between the Library and the Visitors Center, on Oct. 4th or 5th, and will be on display for locals to vote for their favorites for one week.

For more info, tips on creating your own scarecrow, and entry forms, visit the Farmers Market and/or check their facebook page.

The Farmers Market is hoping the entire town will participate by displaying scarecrows in front of homes and businesses!

Faith Willin' Live at the Outpost

Live Music Tonight Friday April 5th

"Faith Willin'" is a husband and wife duo (Perry and Diana Brake), playing 6- and 12-string guitar, mandolin, porchboard bass, upright bass, ukulele bass and cello. They sing vocals and harmony. None of their music is canned. It's always live. Folk, Americana, country, bluegrass, traditional, gospel, Hank Williams Sr. to the Grateful Dead. They are primarily family-oriented so the music is suitable for all audiences. However, they have been known to kick it up a notch or two.


On April 20th, Faith Willin' moves to every Saturday from 6pm - 9pm

Please call 423-253-2322 for more info.
The Outpost Pavilion, 123 Main Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Christmas Candlelight Walk

Surround yourself with holiday spirit! Tellico Plains' Christmas Candlelight Walk is a special family event, presented annually on the first Saturday in December, from 5 to 8pm (December 1, 2012).

Step back in time, with flickering luminarias lining the sidewalks, strolling carolers, horse-drawn wagons, and gingerbread houses. Sponsored by the Town of Tellico Plains and organized by the Cherokee Women's Club, this festive event finds many businesses extending their hours and serving complimentary drinks and snacks. Visit Santa Claus with his elves, making his list of Christmas wishes and posing for photos with the children. You'll enjoy a Silent Auction, live Christmas music in many shops, the Grinch with 'Whoville' characters, a beautiful Live Nativity presented by one of our local churches, and bonfires to gather 'round. Select from a huge variety of delicious homemade Christmas cookies and candies at the popular Cookie Caper, with confections created by the town's finest bakers, all wrapped in big red-ribboned white boxes - you won't be able to wait until you get home to try some! Many townspeople don Victorian finery, adding to the nostalgic feel of the evening.

Bring your friends and tell your neighbors about this special old-time evening of holiday cheer.
More info, photos, & video
http://tellico-plains.com/candlelight-walk.html

Frances Brown Dorward at The Bookshelf

Etowah resident and local author, Frances Brown Dorward, will be at The Bookshelf on Saturday, November 10th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sign copies of her new book, Uprooted, a novel about a family who was displaced by the building of the Tellico Dam. Frances is well known in the area for her first book, Dam Greed.

The Bookshelf is at 108 Scott St. in Downtown Tellico Plains.

Call 423-253-3183 for more info.

Puppy Love

Come love the dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from Monroe County Animal Shelter and adopt your favorites at PUPPY LOVE, on Saturday, May 12th.

• Raffles from local businesses (drawing at 4:30pm) and door prizes every hour
• Get a photo with your favorite pet, $5 for a 4x6 glossy
• Microchipping for your dog, $10
• Spay/neuter vouchers after 1pm

Generously sponsored and hosted by The Outpost Pavilion. 

When: 
Saturday, May 12, from 11am - 5pm
Where:
Tellico Outpost Pavilion, 123 Main Street, Tellico Plains TN 37385

Come join the fun and support our Animal Shelter!

Bluegrass & Old Time Mountain Folk Music

Bluegrass Pickin' at Nut-n-Fancy

Come enjoy live bluegrass pickin' on Friday, April 27th, from 5:00pm 'til closing at Nut-n-Fancy Restaurant.

"Two Dog Ranch Bluegrass Band" is a group of friends who get together to pick bluegrass and old time music. The band is made up of local musicians, including Charles Morris (lead guitar, dobro, & vocals), Julie Crunk (mandolin & vocals), Bill Crunk (rhythm guitar), Judy Lavoie (banjo & vocals), and Rick Lavoie (guitar & bouzouki).

Nut-n-Fancy Restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and will be featuring their "Friday Night Fish Fry".

Nut n Fancy is located at 390 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN 37385. Telephone: 423-253-6775. nut-n-fancy-restaurant.com

Tellico Tornado Victims Fundraiser Concert

Come to Tellico Plains Town Square on Saturday, March 24th, beginning at noon, for a free, family-friendly afternoon of music, food, and raffles - all to benefit the Tornado Victims of Tellico Plains. Enjoy music from Greylan James Band, Jason Stinnett Band, Wicked Garden, C.A.B., and Monroe County's own Southbound Band. All donations accepted and appreciated.

Smoke in the Mountains

Looking east from Tellico Plains you get a great view of the Smoky Mountains. But lately the "smoke" has been from burning. Don't be alarmed, this is part of the Cherokee National Forest's Prescribed Burning. Here is their news release:

"The Tellico Ranger District will be conducting three prescribed burns through April 15, 2012. The burns will be in the vicinities of Brushy Ridge, Turkey Creek, and Whigg Mountain. Neighboring communities should be advised that minimal smoke may be observed during the burning operations. 

USDA Forest Service officials say prescribed (controlled) fire is a useful tool for managing National Forest lands. Approximately 20,000 acres are scheduled for burning throughout the 650,000 acre Cherokee National Forest during 2012. A significant portion of the prescribed burning is planned for early spring."

Thank you to Debra and Mike Rogers for their photography, capturing the beauty of our mountains in every condition.

Open Mic Night every Thursday Evening

OPEN MIC NIGHT every Friday beginning at 6 PM
Bring your instrument of choice and/or your voice and join in the fun, or just kick back and listen
food and beverages available. Sign up begins at 5:30pm.

Also, LIVE MUSIC every weekend
Please call 423-253-2322 for this weekend's details
The Outpost Pavilion, 123 Main Street, Tellico Plains, TN 37385

Garage Sale to Aid Community Projects

Come discover treasures and grab some goodies at the Garage Sale and Bake Sale of The Cherokee Women's Club, this Saturday, Oct. 15th. It takes place in the Tellico Plains Community Center parking lot on Bank Street, from 8am 'til 1 or 1:30pm.

The Sale will help fund projects which financially assist the Tellico Plains Library. The Club pays the annual software license fee for checking books in/out, helps with the Summer Reading Program children's gifts, and generously provides other assistance as needed.

In addition to supporting the Library, The Cherokee Women's Club also does beautification in the town seasonally, like the cornstalks and mums now decorating the town so beautifully for fall. The members help maintain the Botanical Garden behind the Charles Hall Museum, give a scholarship to a Senior at Tellico High, and conduct a poetry contest for all the local schools, grades 1 through 12. This year the Club also supported a Science Fair at the Junior High and help the horticulture students monetarily at the high school. Its major fundraiser is the popular "Cookie Caper" during the Tellico Plains Candlelite Walk, held annually on the evening of the first Saturday in December.

The Cherokee Women's Club meets on the first Monday of each month at noon, usually at the Visitor Center. They welcome any ladies who are interested in their community and helping improve it to join. Call Sharon Bodie at 423-253-2269.

Hope to see you there Saturday!

Please Neuter Your Pets

There are too many homeless pets, and neutering is a humane way to reduce these numbers. With the free vouchers available to Monroe County citizens in need, there is no excuse not to neuter dogs and cats. The distribution of these vouchers moves from one town to another over the course of the year, and this month is available in Sweetwater. Please print and post this flyer for your own employees and customers. Thanks.

4th of July Fun in Tellico Plains

Here's the schedule of Independence Day activities in Tellico Plains:

• July 2nd: Annual Square Dance in Town Square from 4pm - midnight.
  Includes Kids' Fun Zone ($5 All-Night admission); Music by "Angels in Waiting" from 4-6pm; Music by "Tim Childress and Unwound" from 7-midnight. Vendor booths will be set up too.
•  July 4th: Wagon Train Parade begins at noon. 

 Join us for some old-time family fun!

May Extravaganza in Coker Creek

Come and sit a while at the Coker Creek Welcome Center & Heritage Gift Shop for the May 2011 Extravaganza. They are located on Highway 68 South in Coker Creek, TN. There will be variety of demonstrations from local artists who display and sell their crafts at the Heritage Gift Shop. There will also be entertainment from local musicians each weekend during the month.

Here's the schedule of events:

Saturday, May 7, 2011 – 10:00 to 5:00
Ken Dalton, Wood Carver
Morris Hawk, Wood Carver
& the Coker Creek Whittlers
Music provided by Charlie Harper

Saturday, May 14, 2011 – 10:00 to 5:00
Kathleen Dalton, Linda Charest - China Painting

Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 10:00 to 5:00
Richard Anderson, Leather Art Designer

Saturday, May 28, 2011 – 10:00 to 5:00
Children’s Book Signing by Margie Carroll
Judi Wrighter, Painter
Music provided by Wanda Murphy

Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 1:00 to 5:00
Terry Ayers, Penny Rug Maker & Quilter
Book Signing by Jack Darnell
Mary Mac Eachron, Wind Chimes
Music Provided by Don Mac Eachron

Monday, May 30, 2011 – 10:00 to 5:00
Bill Lee, Potter
Peggy Gay, Painter
Music provided by Ken Gay

The Tennessee Arts Commission and the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association has provided financial support for these events.

For more information call Lynda Dicandio, 423-261-2027

Antique Cars in Tellico Plains

The Grand National award-winning 1934 Plymouth, owned and restored by the late Charlie Young and his wife Deborah of Coker Creek, has a new home. The Charles Hall Museum in Tellico Plains will welcome this spectacular antique car in an informal dedication ceremony on April 23, 2011, at 3:00 pm. Over thirty antique cars, owned by members of the East Tennessee and Cherokee Valley regions of the Antique Automobile Club of America (both of which Charlie was a member) will parade through Tellico Plains after the dedication.

Meditation Workshop, Garage Sale

Don't miss these upcoming events at the WIndhorse Center, 106 Scott Street, Tellico Plains:
GARAGE SALE - March 26th at Windhorse. Big, multi-family sale with items donated by all the members of the Windhorse community to help keep Windhorse going and fund some new classes both for the young and the elders.

MEDITATION WORKSHOP - March 27th, 1-4 pm, $25. Seated Meditation, Zen Walking, Breathing Techniques to enhance peaceful meditation with Cathy Woods. Register by March 25th with Windhorse:  423-261-2088 or email: windhorsecenter@hotmail.com