The tales of two historic train depots

By Mike Steely I think my interest in railroad depots goes back to my childhood when my family lived just up the tracks from an active station. I recall a railroad trip to Louisville, Ky., once by train from our home in Williamsburg, Ky., and since then my own family...

Some place names explained

By Mike Steely Ever been to Friendsville, Greenback, Mascot, Walland or Wartburg? Ever wonder how those places got their names? Friendsville was founded by Quakers from North Carolina who visited the area to promote anti-slavery. Some stayed and founded the Friends...

Taking the Indian Mountain State Park loop

  By Mike Steely It’s either the first or the last Tennessee State Park you will pass, depending on which direction you are traveling on Interstate 75 entering or leaving Kentucky. Indian Mountain State Park is only about an hour north of Knoxville and is unusual...

Taking the Food Loop

By Mike Steely There are lots of things to see and do within a short drive from Knoxville with historic sites, museums, parks, lakes and mountain scenery aplenty. There are also lots of places to eat and some very special places that not only have tasty fare but are...

Taking the Jumping Bridge Loop

By Mike Steely East Tennessee is rich with large attractions known nationwide yet there are some almost hidden places that draw local citizens looking to have an unofficial outing and family fun. Most of these places are fairly unknown outside the local rural...

Following Dr. Thomas Walker

By Mike Steely When explorer Dr. Thomas Walker entered the territory outside Colonial America in 1750 and crossed the mountains he eventually passed through what the Cherokee called “Ouasioto” which meant “mountain gap.” Walker, on his way into what was to become...