To really get into the summer vibe, you’ve gotta check out the Jackson Square Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge, Tennessee! It’s your chance to enjoy yummy lavender-infused treats, stroll through the market filled with fragrant lavender goodies, and discover all kinds of lavender-themed creations from the vendors. So much to explore and enjoy!
Nature
Aurora Lights Over Great Smoky Mountains: A Mesmerizing Spectacle at 1:00am
The colors from the Aurora lit up the sky in a breathtaking display on the night of May 10th and the early morning of May 11th in East Tennessee. It was a mesmerizing sight as the vibrant hues of the Northern Lights danced across the heavens, creating a spectacle that left onlookers in awe. Here is a glimpse of what 1:00am looked like from the Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains, as the celestial show painted the darkness with its wondrous light. The shimmering waves of color intertwined with the stars, turning the night sky into a canvas of otherworldly beauty. The serenity of the surroundings coupled with the ethereal display above made it an unforgettable experience for all those who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Flowers of the Rain
I’ve always been amazed by nature, especially on rainy and cloudy days. The raindrops on flower petals look beautiful, reflecting the soft light from the cloudy sky. It’s like nature is showing off its ability to amaze and inspire those who take the time to notice. Also, the changing light and shadows from the clouds make everything look dramatic. It’s like nature is putting on a show for anyone who stops to admire its wonders.
Twin Arches- Defying Magnificence
The beauty of life and exploring is that sometimes you can’t digitally capture what the eye sees. There are so many magnificent things to see in real life that just can’t be recreated. It’s easier to carry my camera in hand on hikes because I never know what will catch my eye, but there are times where I just don’t even attempt the photo for this reason. Twin Arches offered many of these opportunities to just enjoy what nature had to offer. This hike is located in Big South Fork and is part of the National Park service. Encompassing over 125, 000 acres in Tennessee and Kentucky, this area offers every type of recreation for those adventure seekers.
Fall Family Session
In the midst of nature’s breathtaking autumn display, family photo sessions become an opportunity to capture cherished moments against a backdrop of vibrant colors. The warmth of family bonds, combined with the season’s rich palette, creates timeless images that not only reflect the beauty of Fall, but also encapsulate the love laughter, and connection shared among family.
Knoxville’s 2023 Bonsai Society Show
Knoxville Botanical Gardens hosted a bonsai show displaying over 50 specimens. Achieving a mature-looking bonsai can take 5-25 years that results in a visually captivating living piece of art. Years and often decades of dedication, patience, and skills are involved to cultivate these miniature trees.
2023 Fall Apple Festival
Those apple pies at the Fall Apple Festival were worth standing in line for!! This annual festival is hosted by the Washington Presbyterian Church in Corryton, Tennessee and all proceeds are given to a mission chosen by the Church Session. Baked goods, apple cider, cornmeal ground on-site, and of course the famous fried apple pies make this festival a Fall favorite!
Autumn Morning Hike
Early morning, when the leaves are beginning to change and there is a cool breeze and an overcast sky, make the ideal conditions for my favorite time to hike. When I saw these Junipers, I knew that these photos would be my favorite. Hall Bend Loop is a 5-mile trek located near TVA’s Tellico Dam that meanders along the lake for a good portion. At some points along the trail, the buzzing sound of traffic fades and you feel as f you are miles deep in the woods.
2023 Jackson Square Lavender Festival
The Jackson Square Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge, TN is something that I have wanted to attend for years! Combined with the Farmers Market, it was absolutely wonderful!
Knoxville’s Lakeshore Park
With 183 scenic acres, Lakeshore Park is Knoxville’s most visited park. The East Tennessee Hospital for the Insane, later renamed Lakeshore Mental Health Institute, operated for over 125 years and closed in 2013. The city worked with the conservancy to preserve the park and the building and now there are walking trails, sports fields, a playground, and beautiful monuments and pavilions. The rolling hillsides make for a perfect picnic area with a beautiful view of the Tennessee River.
Pictured below are the institute and the gorgeous Marble Hall that hosts parties, weddings, and other special events.
Mary Davis Photography 