nature photography

Blooming Good Times at the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival

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Every spring, the mountains of East Tennessee come alive with one of the most beautiful sights of the season, the blooming mountain laurel. Tucked away on the Cumberland Plateau, Morgan County celebrates that beauty in the best way possible through the annual Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival in Wartburg.

What started in 2014 as a simple mountain laurel walk has grown into a beloved festival that brings together locals, visitors, artists, musicians, hikers, and families from all over the region.

Held each year around the historic courthouse square in Wartburg, the festival is full of small-town charm and Appalachian culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, handmade crafts, local vendors, delicious food, classic cars, hiking events, and activities for all ages. The festival has become a celebration not only of the mountain laurel blooms, but also of the history, beauty, and community spirit that make Morgan County special.

One of the most unique parts of the festival is its connection to the outdoors. Morgan County is home to some of Tennessee’s most breathtaking natural areas, including the Obed Wild and Scenic River, Frozen Head State Park, and portions of the Cumberland Trail State Park. During mountain laurel season, trails across the county are lined with soft pink and white blooms that create an unforgettable backdrop for hiking and exploring.

The festival has also gained recognition for its growth and impact on tourism in East Tennessee. In just a few years, attendance grew from around 100 visitors to thousands, helping shine a spotlight on Morgan County’s culture and natural beauty.

What makes the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival stand out most is the feeling you get while you’re there. It’s the kind of event where you can stroll through downtown with live music playing, talk with friendly vendors, grab homemade food, and feel completely welcomed. It perfectly captures the heart of East Tennessee, the beautiful scenery, rich history, and genuine community.

Whether you come for the flowers, the hiking, the music, or simply the experience of a classic mountain-town festival, the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival is a reminder of just how special springtime in Morgan County can be. 🌸

For more information about the festival, visit Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival

Aurora Lights Over Great Smoky Mountains: A Mesmerizing Spectacle at 1:00am

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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      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

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Knoxville

Downtown · Sunsphere · Old City