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.

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.

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.

Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show

Knoxville, Tennessee hosts it’s annual Dogwood Art’s House & Garden Show with vendors for interior design, home improvement, and a Maker’s Market featuring some of our favorite local artists. From DIY demonstrations to full blown garden exhibits, this show will certainly get you in the mood for Spring!
Below are a few photos of what this awesome show has to offer!

Dreary Summer Day on the Dragon

Tail of the Dragon- Calderwood Dam Overlook

I love when I come across photos that I have forgotten about and never posted! This was taken near the end of the summer in 2022. This is on the Tennessee side of the infamous Dragon at the Calderwood Dam Overlook. Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this roadway is a motorcyclist’s and speed racer’s dream with 318 curves in 11 miles! Personally my favorites part is stopping for dinner at the Tapoco Tavern near the end of the highway on the North Carolina side. They truly have the best burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. The outdoor patio has such a warm and inviting atmosphere with a nice view of the river running by (cell phone photo below. Peep the moon!)

Rain Over the Smokies

      One of my favorite feelings is being on the TIP-TOP of a mountain. Specifically miles deep into the woods and up the ridges of these peaks. There is absolutely nothing like being on the tip-top crest, maybe 3 feet wide, and a view opposite of this.
Thankfully, I have a special spot close to home that gives me that “top of the world” feeling 🙂
Hidden behind the lush green, and deep down in the valley, is a view of Pigeon Forge to the left and Wears Valley Road travels all along the right.

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Downtown Knoxville, TN

Knoxville

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Sunflowers of East Tennessee

Forks of the River Sunflowers

I was thrilled to finally have visited a sunflower field, let alone when a storm was rolling in. As soon as I pulled up, I became ecstatic with the dark, ominous clouds rolling in. What awesome contrast! The sunflowers are now passed their prime, but they are definitely something to CHECK OUT in the future!