David Epstein and his mom, Barbara at Whale Harbor in Islamorada.So we all enjoyed barbeque Florida Lobster Tails. Dave & Captain Key Largo, his brother Brian know where they live!!Enjoying the Red Bone Gallery in Islamorada.Giving back. The giant aviary that is also a part of the Keys natural region!Since today, a million more divers and fishing boats with anchors descend on the only living reefs in the USA, its become a priority to protect these reefs more than ever for their future. The Keys waters have been invaded by many new species and one of them is the destructive Lion Fish. They are here, they taste good and are being harvested for control issues.The new Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. Today it’s owned by the Postcard Inn. Millions are spent on colored sugar-water, ice and a bit of rum: The Rum Runner!!!
American Press Travel News–September 17th,-Islamorada, Florida Keys–Bob and Barb Epstein at home with David and lovin’ every minute! The Florida Keys is the true American Caribbean with out needing access by boat and plane. The drive alone through a section of the Everglades is worth the adventure drive from anywhere, USA. What is particularly special about the Keys is so many islands drivable over 43-different bridges with the direct Atlantic Ocean being on your left side and Florida Bay, the beginning of the Gulf of Mexico on your right. Hundreds of varieties of fish, shellfish and crustaceans’ are the main inhabitants and from shore to the deep fishing and diving is the primary reason for attending natures academy of Mother’s apron of life. Our family moved to the Keys in the 1970’s. My sons went to Upper Keys schools, fished the waters with friends and their dad and mom and snorkeled for Florida Lobster. The Keys got in the blood of our boys David Epstein, now the Director of Emergency Management for the Homestead Air Force Base and Brian is today a licensed Captain. He is known as “Captain Key Largo” and can be chartered for all manner of boating experiences in the Fabulous Florida Keys!
American Press Travel News-New Products—-July 21st,–Goose Holler’ Farm and Ranch-just received my new knife set from Outdoor Edge Knives/Tools. Always wanted a knife for all reasons and seasons, and got it now! Serious near instant blade changing for hunting and fishing game of all sizes. Hit the button, slide one of the 4 to 5.5-inch blades into knife handle as it automatically snaps into place (6-blades included) and voila, your ready to slice and dice, filet and gut a rabbit too! Comes with piggyback (see below) holder, great sheath, a box for all blades and as I mentioned a total of six blades. This Razormax Orange model knife, was designed in Denver Colorado www.OutdoorEdge.com IT CAN CUT!!!!!! Check their hihg quality, lifetime products on their website!!!
Lunch and music at the Commodore Music Café was a treat. Few restaurants offer live music with lunch.
American Press Travel News-June 19, Linden, TN.–Bob and Barb “On The Road Again.” When we arrived in the small town of Linden, Tennessee we almost immediately felt at home. We had been invited to stay at the newly remodeled, and upgraded Commodore Hotel. We met Kathy and later Michael Dumont, and realized they were on a mission. However, they were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Michael took us on a delightful trip through the county, and also showed us his remodeled B&B outside of town, and close to the Tennessee River (we’ll be back) that has more species of fish in its depth than any other American river (according to Mr. Benson of the Chattanooga Aquarium) and I plan to get close and personal with some of them as soon as possible. The Commodore held 22-rooms at the hotel and next door annex, and all done-up first rate, but with very reasonable cost. www.commodorehotellinden.com (931) 589-3224–114 East Main St. Linden TN. 37096
We were invited to fish with the Mayor, Wess Ward, and Perry Counties Sherriff, Nick Weems, who also brought his boat, and fished with us on the Buffalo River for smallmouth and largemouth bass (more on fishing in part-2 of our Linden experience later). Travel writers do travel on their stomachs, and we knew we would be in for a treat with the live music, as we chowed on terrific fare at the corner Music Café in the hotel.
While I fished, Barb went next door on main St., and just after I arrived back at the hotel, we availed ourselves of the opportunity to do “Wave- Painting” at the Buffalo River Co-Op Craft Immersion project. Lots of fun, met great folks doing their crafts “thing” in wood and textiles. We were sent our little paintings to our home after they finally dried. We walked main street and met proprietors of Sparky and Ringos, Dimples Shop & Restaurant, Custom Creations Jewelry and also ate at Tims Video Corner Café our second evening in town. We also met Allyson Hinson Dickey, the new Chamber Director who offered us the Keys to the town (so-to-speak) for us to visit and experience. The Dumont’s invited us to have dinner with them, even though their restaurant was closed that evening. Before I forget; we also visited Mouse tail Landing State Park with Michael Dumont ,and everyone that enjoys camping would love the facilities and hiking ops.
When Michael and Kathy Dumont decided to change their life from Rhode Island to a little town between Nashville and Memphis, TN., they moved to Linden, a town that had seen better days before the Interstate way-laid most of its business and tourist traffic, as new interstates have done so, all over America (remember route 66) they chose the gorgeous rural area between Memphis and Nashville, and purchased land for their home, and acquired several building in the town of Linden. Linden has a backyard of the Buffalo River and the Tennessee River, rife with fabulous landscapes and wildlife.* Stay tuned for part-2 our visit to Perry County, fishing, The Buffalo River Resort, and an unusual museum on the Tennessee River.
We were strolling the neat little town of Linden!!Larger than life, Minnie Pearl statue. A well known figure from Linden. She is in the lobby of the Commodore Hotel.Barb heading for the hotel. The red car is a 1949 perfect condition, Dodge that belongs to the Dumont’s.
One of the small mouth bass while fishing with the Mayor and Sheriff of Linden and Perry County,Newspaper article reminiscent of how folks in a small town (Similar to Mayberry RFD) takes time out for just having fun! Article was on the wall of the hotel lobby.Sheriff of Perry County took a time-out to take me fishing!!Mayor of Linden also took me fishing!!!Sheriff and mayor were a “hoot” to fish with and get to know!!While I went fishing, Barb took a class in art at the Buffalo River Artisans Cooperative, next door to the Commodore Hotel.
Summer is a great time to visit Whitestone! Our property has something for everyone, whether you prefer spending time in the pool, kayaking or canoeing, hiking our 8 miles of trails or just relaxing in a hammock we have it all. Do as much as you like or as little as you please, it’s your choice. Starting June 24th book any room Sunday through Thursday for $165 per night and any room Friday and Saturday for $195 per night. Both prices includes a fabulous breakfast for 2. Call (865) 376-0113 to take advantage of this special offer.
*Summer Special can not be combined with any other package or special pricing and must be a new reservation only.
The Voices of Lee will kick off our Summer Concert Series We are just 3 weeks away from the first of 8 concerts for our inaguaral Summer Concert Series. The Voices of Lee have been entertaining guests here at Whitestone for over 12 years and we couldn’t think of anyone else that we would rather have to open this special series. Tickets are still available for the concert as well as dinner for July 5th. Call (865) 376-0113 to get yours now. We hope you will join us for this special night!
Don’t Miss The Martin’s
Join us on September 6th for an intimate evening with one of gospel musics finest families. The Martin’s are super talented and sure to warm your heart with an evening of wonderful music. Call (865) 376-0113 to order your tickets.
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Whitestone Country Inn, 1200 Paint Rock Rd, Kingston, Tennessee 37763, United States
