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The Southern Traveler is designed to give you the most accurate information on local southern activites, events, and travel. Visit the site to plan your next vacation, take a daytrip, or just to get the newest updates on the happenings in Tellico Plains, TN and surrounding areas.
Whether you want to hike to the top of cascading waterfalls, bike around gorgeous lakes, or spend time shopping for antiques and visiting museums in the downtown areas…The Southern Traveler will give you the insider’s perspective!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

November News

NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Beautiful Fall Daytrips
Highlights from The Inaugural Leaf Turning Festival
The BEST event in Tellico!

Video from a pulloff at the Cherohala Skyway at the peak of fall


WHEN IS THE PEAK FOR AUTUMN COLOR?

Deep red hues, shades of purple and golden brown leaves mark the start of fall. It happens to be one of the most beautiful times of year. Immerse yourself in God’s great splendor and enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

The “Peak Period” for leaves in the Tennessee area generally ranges from the last week in October to the first week in November. Leaves start changing at the highest elevations in response to moisture and shorter daylight periods. The changes in temperature and sun exposure alter the chemicals in leaves, giving them different pigments. Some trees, like the Sweetgum will display multiple colors, changing from yellow to red, then purple.




BEAUTIFUL DAY TRIPS

The Skyway is one of the most popular scenic byways, travelling from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC. Starting at approximately 900 ft high, it’s impossible to miss the spectacular mountain views that seem to go on for miles. At the entrance, you might stop in downtown Tellico for a pastry or two at the local grains & bakery. As you start the Skyway, you’ll meet winding creeks and streams along the Tellico River. Take advantage of the many road pull offs to snap a photo or enjoy a hike or walk in the Cherokee National Forest.

If you’re in the mood for an easy walking trail or bike ride, stop at Indian Boundary. This recreation area is situated around a 100-acre lake. With the backdrop of the majestic mountains, you can take a ride around the lake, or relax with a picnic on the grass.

On the other hand, you can test your inside adventurer on a hike to Fall Branch Falls located just before crossing the Carolina border. Marked only by a worn trail, it’s a bit of a local secret and well worth the hike. Here, you’ll find cascading waterfalls parting the untouched beauty of the forest.

It’s places like these that keep us in awe of the wonders in nature. You can find as much or as little to do here, it’s no surprise people say “There’s something special bout’ these mountains”.




FALL QUEEN AT THE INAGURAL LEAF FESTIVAL



Congratulations to Jessica for winning the “Queen of the Fall” Contest!
The first Leaf Turning Festival was held on Bank Street in Tellico Plains. Vendors of all crafts and trades lined the streets on this festive fall day. The chainsaw artist entertained gathering crowds, while the scents of pulled pork sandwiches and fried pickles permeated the air. With big grins and creative minds, children and folks of all ages decorated crowns in hopes of becoming the Fall King or Queen.

Festivals just like this one mirror the image of Tellico Plains. A place that seems like it’s from a familiar time. Where families can enjoy simple pleasures together and communities come together over good country cooking.

TELLICO’S BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!


The Candlelight walk in one of the best events Tellico Plains offers. On the first Saturday every December, you can find downtown Tellico illuminated with thousands of lights to welcome the holidays and celebrate the Christmas season. Experience the shoppes of Tellico with their open houses, enter the gingerbread contest, and visit the Cherokee Women’s Club Sweet Shop.

Traditional period costumes set the tone for this wonderful eve… you can even take a moonlight carriage ride while listening to the harmonies of the church choir. This is the most memorable event of the year!