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Monthly Archives: July 2018

Whitestone Inn, an Inn One Step Above

Giants swim just off the docks at Watts Bar Lake’s Whitestone Inn.

American Press Travel News–July 2018, When Paul and Jean Cowell founded the Whitestone Inn in Paint Rock, TN, as a Bed and Breakfast in 1997, they introduced a delightful and desirous destination place to the rural natural area, not far from Kingston, Knoxville and more than 1000-restaurants and other services. (Just watched Lee and Denise Boggs on Knoxville, TV. They really explained just what their great plans are)

Over the past 10-years, Barb and I visited the Inn and always came away wishing we could stay longer than our reservations called for. This true refresher of the soul, offered us, and their discerning visitors, a peace rarely found at any other accommodation we’ve experienced in our many visits to other resorts and B&B’s across the USA. 

We’ve found that unlike any other resort, and large quality accommodation destination vacation spot, the B & B is a true reflection of the owners- a more intimate, personal experience made excellent, or just so-so, based on the personalities and attitudes of the owners, and their staff as well. 

Put your pin on your TN. map at Kingston for the Whitestone Inn.

Recently Lee & Denise Boggs of Living Waters Ministry in Hiddenite, NC, along with Dean & Debbie Winegardner of Knoxville, have purchased Whitestone Inn and property. The Boggs are operating the Inn and plan to carry on the legacy established by the Cowells. We really enjoyed the laid-back, yet very professional new manager/owner Lee Boggs. He was extremely motivated to make every guest feel right at home at the Whitestone. The new owner’s goals are for Whitestone to continue being a “sanctuary for the soul”— a safe haven where folks can come for a time of rest and refreshment-a “recreation” that puts the real meaning in recreating oneself. They certainly are continuing to provide a great B&B (and much more) experience based on our several visits over the years.

Located on the Watts Bar Lake, surrounded by a protected bird and wildlife sanctuary, Whitestone provides breathtaking views and sunrises and an abundance of wildlife. Deer are seen regularly, as well as wild turkey, and they have a large blueberry patch that guests can pick from to their heart’s content.

With well trained, friendly, motivated staff and 23 beautifully decorated, comfortable suites, great food prepared with love by their professional chefs, comfort is assured. 

There are a multitude of recreational opportunities: hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, frisbee golf, shuffle board, horseshoes, tennis courts, pool, ping pong and a fitness room are always available. Even spa services are offered by a licensed, experienced massage therapist. Romantic carriage rides are a favorite with the guests (we loved it). 

This is a great place for individuals, couples, families, church groups, or corporate retreats, meetings, and events. They can accommodate events of up to 200 people in the spacious and elegant Lion & Lamb Banquet Hall. This place in time and space is a Premier Wedding Venue; Whitestone offers a variety of wedding options and packages ranging from large weddings to even elopements for two. Whitestone also has a variety of venues – the beautiful wedding chapel, a choice of two gazebos, lakeside, by the barn, in the field on a hilltop overlooking a pristine pond, or even in the woods. 

While Whitestone desires to provide a premier getaway B&B, there is a far greater purpose for which Whitestone exists. Since its inception, Whitestone has provided a getaway for missionaries and their families who were on furlough from their assignments abroad. Through the generous donations of Whitestone supporters, they have been able to do this at a greatly reduced price or for no charge at all if necessary.  As they move forward, Lee & Denise plan to continue the missionary care as well as increase the care for Pastors and their families.

Lucious Omelets made right in front of you!
Crab cakes for dinner, fish such as Cod, salmon! We had terrific dinners here!

Get in touch for an very unique experience in Eastern Tennessee: call 865-376-0113 or Google Whitestone Inn, Kingston, TN.

Visit to Morristown, Tennessee

American Press travel News–July 9th, Bob & Barb “On The Road Again”-Once in the city of Morristown, we had visited with Anne G. Ross, Director of Tourism at the Area Chamber of Commerce Office. Anne sent us on a very informative itinerary that covered just a bit of the great things Morristown is all about.

We checked out part of the Lake way Area that included a visit to Cherokee Lake. The fishy lake has over 700-miles of shoreline. The ubiquitous largemouth and smallmouth bass are king here. We visited with shoreline angler’s cat fishing, and looking for brim and crappie. Everyone was having a great time, as the water was clean and clear and the temperatures were warm, but mitigated by a nice shore side breeze. We visited with Sam & Delores Phillips owners of Morristown Marine. Sam discussed the seven bass tournaments he runs each year on Lake Norris, Cherokee, South Holston, Watts Bar and Douglas Lake. He has 910 members of his invitational only events. They draw 220-230 boats for each event. Winners take home big bucks per event, ongoing for over 11-years. https://www.morristownmarine.com

Always interested in history, we headed over to the General Longstreet Museum. The historic home was used by General James Longstreet as his Civil War Confederate headquarters in the winter of 1863-64. The site includes a replica of an 1860’s tailor shop where Director Kelly Ford makes period military uniforms. We met up with “Dewey” a very serious Civil War buff, and he regaled us with a blow-by-blow of various Civil War skirmishes, dressed in a Confederate military outfit, he laid out everything he knew about General Longstreet’s life and times. Dewey is a very serious historian and really knows the full history of “everything” Civil war https://facebook.com/generallongstreetmuseum

We spent some time at the Rose Center of the Arts with Executive Director Beccy Hamm. The arts center is housed in an 1890’s Victorian school house. The center is the cultural arts hub of the Lake way Area. Gallery exhibits, performance spaces, meeting places and a sales gallery. We also met up with representatives from the Morristown Theatre Guild and Theatrical Company where we learned of the many shows slated for the coming months. Go:  https//:www.rosecenter.org

Panther Creek State Park was quite spectacular, Jason Chadwell, Park Manager showed us the incredible sites including an overlook of Lake Cherokee. We also met Craig Price who discussed the newest and most challenging 18-hole Disc golf course. No clubs, just special Frisbee discs thrown into basket-catch hoops.

Hillbilly’s Cabin Restaurant was a fine breakfast spot. We enjoyed Spanish Omelets’ and real coffee! Then we were off to the Meeting Place Country Store & Antiques, and did some shopping for fun oldies but goodies!

Yes, Davey Crockett grew up here and since that time so long ago, so did generations of other families and pioneers in business, industry, medicine, the arts and sports!  For more info go: facebook:Visit Morristown or facebook: retire Hamblen County, TN.

Next week take a peek at The Whitestone Inn on Watts Bar Lake!

 

 

Morristown; Davy Crockett Grew Up Here

Main St. showing 2nd floor walkway!

American Press Travel News–July 4th, Crossville, TN. “Bob & Barb on the Road Again”–As my wife Barb and I continue searching and exploring interesting places to visit we felt that Morristown City, in Hamblen County, Tennessee would be a good one to visit within easy striking distance from our home on the Cumberland Plateau.

After calling Anne G. Ross, Director of Tourism & Program Director, Retire Hamblen County, she made it very easy for us to visit Morristown and see why it would be a fine day-trip for Crossville and surrounding residents. Upon arrival, and after working through Knoxville traffic we arrived in less than 2-hours to Morristown. First we checked in at the Hampton Inn-Morristown (West End) into a delightfully comfortable suite (terrific staff, by the way and quite excellent hot breakfasts too).

A bit about this city that’s quite close to Knoxville: With a population of about 30,000, Morristown’s Main Street area, with an approximate area of a square mile, grew up around a waterway known as Turkey Creek, and the intersection of two railroad lines. In 1962, the creek flooded, nearly wiping out the downtown commercial district. The city developed a plan to modernize Main Street by creating an “overhead sidewalk” that would turn the second floor of the existing buildings into a new “street”, while serving as a canopy for the sidewalks below.

After checking in, we then walked and gawked at various antique and other shops, both at ground level and up the ramps to their elevated second story walkways. Yes, we made some great collectible, but usable finds for our home in Crossville, and during our stay, tasted delightful meals at places such as Jersey Girls with corned beef special sandwiches, The Little Dutch with their delicious salmon entrees’, Hillbilly’s breakfast spot for Spanish Omelets’, and we lunched at Timeless Elegance Tea Room with their famous Chicken & Dumplings, run by a dynamic duo Mr. Kelly and Howard Long (more details on dining experiences in, and all the other great attractions and places we visited in the 2nd edition of our visit, next week).

Restaurants in Morristown were varied and quite excellent!

For its size, Morristown has so many restaurants that for about one year you can dine at a different one every day if you so desire.   After a downtown walking tour with Barbara Garrow, Director of Crossroads Downtown Partnerships’, we really got a good look of what a fine; progressive planned downtown can be in almost any small town America.

Taking a look back in history, we visited a most famous early outdoor pioneer’s home; Davy Crockett. Crockett grew up in and around Morristown; he was born in nearby Greene County.  When visiting pioneer homes you notice how small everything from the height of the doorways to the size of the beds and chairs being so much smaller than today’s cottages and homes. Old time folks were smaller in stature in the “good old days.”

For you sports lovers: In 1985 and 1987, Morristown had teams qualify for the Little League World Series; the 1985 team finished third. The Morristown teams are two of nine Tennessee teams that have advanced to the series in Pennsylvania.

In 2006, Morristown placed fourth in the Little League Softball World Series. In 2007, Morristown won the Little League Softball World Series.

Next issue we’ll present everything we just cannot fit in today including the 700-miles of shoreline of Lake Cherokee and the arts and drama programs! Go: www.tourism@morristownchamber.com for additional information.

A facsimile of Davy Crockett’s flint-lock rifle. I told Barb to take it as a souvenir.
Davy Crockett’s family living room! Also served as a cooking room and workshop too!