Things to Do July 4th Weekend in Roane

While the temps are rising, like a typical Tennessee summer, this July 4th holiday weekend is going to be different to say the least. Many of our usual Independence Day celebrations have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

However, our parks, restaurants and some attractions are open in Roane County and there’s plenty of places to safely explore throughout the long weekend!

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Take a night off from cooking and find a local restaurant 

Don’t we all spend holiday weekends the same way – eat, play, eat, eat, sleep, eat, repeat? Well we think you deserve to treat yourself to a night off from cooking. Let one of our local restaurants cook for you! Many restaurants in Roane are open for dine-in and/or offering takeout meals. You can find a list of restaurants in Roane on our website.

Dig in at Food Truck Friday

Did someone say Food Truck? Count us in! Start the weekend off at the Jim Henry Event Center with a delicious lunch from the Enjoy Latin Food truck. The Jim Henry Event Center hosts Food Truck Friday each Friday throughout August featuring a different truck every week. So, if you can’t make it there this weekend, be sure to check it out over the next few weeks!

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Book a weekend of luxury at this sanctuary for the soul

If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded retreat to get away, then look no further. Discover the magic of refined country living at Whitestone Inn – a bed and breakfast on 600 beautiful acres in Roane County! Each of the rooms come with a whirlpool tub, free WiFi, and a country breakfast in the Farmhouse restaurant, surrounded on three sides with windows providing incredible views of meadows, the lake and mountains. The intimate fireplaces, comfortable beds, and fresh air are what make this romantic getaway such a great choice for your quiet retreat!

To start planning your trip, you can browse individual room details on their website.

Plan the perfect picnic at one of our Parks

If you aren’t yet ready to dine-in and takeout is your new normal, switch it up for the holiday and plan for a picnic at one of our local parks. Lakeside views and lush green parks make for the perfect opportunity to hang a hammock, throw a frisbee, fly a kite, ride a bike and certainly pack a picnic. You can also find some top-notch fishing, birdwatching and other outdoor activities in Roane. Pack your coolers, chairs, blankets and sunscreen and find your spot (there’s plenty of room for everyone!).  

For more information on everything you need to know about Roane Outdoors grab a copy of our new outdoor guide at any of our kiosks or download it online at www.roaneoutdoors.com!

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Rent a fast boat or take a slow float

Up for an adventure on beautiful Watts Bar Lake? While kayak rentals are on hold for this weekend at the rental facility between the bridges in Kingston, there is still plenty of fun to be had on WBL. If you’re lucky enough to own a kayak yourself, one great spot to launch your ‘yak is Roane County Park. If you don’t own your own watercraft and a pontoon is more your style – Blue Springs Marina and Caney Creek Marina offer boat rentals!

Even though they aren’t offered this weekend, you can find more information on Kingston Parks and Recreation’s rentals by visiting our website.

Pick out fresh fruits and veggies at a local Farmers Market

Harriman Farmer’s Market brings local farmers and their customers together in a convenient location. They strive to help sustain our local farms while bringing the goods to the people! Their season spans from June to September, every Wednesday and Saturday – including July 4th! We hope that you will stop by and shop for the local fresh food our community has to offer.

Kingston Lakeside Farmers Market will be open on Saturday, July 4th. Stop by for lunch and to visit your favorite vendor. They will be giving away a Market Basket with some awesome items from their vendors. You will be able to register during the market for a chance to win an awesome basket of goodies!

Enjoy LIVE music lakeside

Listen to some great music, eat awesome food, and celebrate our freedom among friends at one of these LIVE music spots! Although these events won’t have a fireworks display, they will get your toes tappin’ and your head a bobbin’!

The Grand Opening of the Southwest Point Amphitheater on July 4th is the place to be in Kingston – offering multiple food truck options and three performing artists who are ready to rock your socks off!

Bayside Marina & RV Park has a weekend lineup that won’t disappoint! With a different band each night, great specials on food, plenty of outdoor seating and cold drinks it’s safe to say that this event is a good catch!

Party in the USA

Celebrate Independence Day with a car show, crafts, games and even wrestling at the 4^th of July Block Party in Downtown Harriman! This is an event for all ages and is FREE to the public. So, grab the kids and the sunscreen and we’ll see you there! 

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For some, it’s all about the FIREWORKS

Looking for fireworks shows? Blue Springs Marina and Crows Nest has you covered! Their annual Independence Day fireworks celebration will be on July 4th with the fireworks show starting at 9:30pm, preceded by our national anthem. A short reloading intermission will feature a solo trumpet performance and the evening will end with Taps. Full menu, fireworks, and great drink specials – what more could you ask for?!

Note: fireworks donations are currently being accepted in the Ship’s Store & Restaurant! Blue Springs Marina will match what is collected! If you plan to attend, please be safe and practice social distancing by remaining in your boat/car during the show.

Tune in for a virtual Independence Day celebration

While some businesses have canceled their annual in-person Independence Day events, one group has put together a way to virtually celebrate the holiday.

Instead of the traditional in-person celebration the Young Professionals of Roane County have planned an event called Celebrate Together, Roane County! Encouraging everyone to set-off their own fireworks at 9:30pm on July 4th to create a community-wide fireworks display!

Cruise your way past the weekend 

Throughout the summer, on the first Tuesday of each month, Rockwood Merchants Association offers fun for the whole family with classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles at the Cruise-In Downtown Rockwood! Even though this isn’t an event for the holiday weekend, it’s one that you won’t want to miss if you are in town until the beginning of the following week. There’s no entry fee required so join us in Rockwood on Tuesday July 7^th for door prizes, live music, vendors and more!

Whether you live or vacation here, Roane County offers plenty of opportunities for family fun, outdoor adventure, toe-tapping music, lakeside views, and the relaxation that you have been looking for. For a full calendar of upcoming events, local favorites, and more visit www.roanetourism.com!

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Rollin’ on the Riverfront

If you’ve driven through Harriman, you’ve crossed over the bridge that runs over the river. Did you know that underneath that bridge and to it’s left and right, there’s a BEAUTIFUL park? David Webb Riverfront Park is a labor of love created by a team of volunteers led by David Webb, longtime owner of the beloved Rocky Top General Store. The park features a moving tribute to war veterans as well as monuments dedicated to the heroism of our police and fire departments.

The park features a brand-new playground and dock, walking trail, picnic pavilion and events gazebo. What more do you need? Perhaps our favorite part about David Webb Riverfront Park is that it’s home to some of Harriman’s most beloved events including the Farmers Market, Cruisin’ and the increasingly popular Cobbler Festival!

Farmers Market – Every year from June to September, local farmers, beekeepers, jam makers, crafters and baker gather together under the new pavilion to offer their wares to the public. Offering a great local alternative to grocery stores, the farmers market is a gathering place where shoppers form relationships with local growers. Be sure to get there early or you’ll miss out! Some of the best honey, strawberry freezer jam, bread and tomatoes I’ve ever bought came from my friends at the farmers market.

Harriman Cruisin’ – Coming up on June 9th, Riverfront Park will be the gathering place for many an antique auto owner! Cruisin’ will kick off at 3pm as classic and specialty cars cruise in to show off! Bring the family down to see some amazing cars, chat with the owners, stroll through the park and enjoy what Harriman has to offer! If you’re free, meet us afterward at the Princess Theatre for a screening of “Smoky and the Bandit!”

Cobbler Festival – Entering its 3rd year, the Cobbler Festival is growing into the role of Harriman’s signature event! Competitors will fill the gazebo on Saturday, July 28 as they go head-to-head for the title of Best Cobbler Baker! Last year, we saw creative entries like bourbon apple bacon cobbler, traditional peach cobblers and everything in between. From sweet to savory, you never know who will have the edge at this year’s competition. Tickets will be on sale to sample the cobblers and vote for your favorite. Don’t forget to check out the vendors set up in the park too! If you’re lucky, you may just find a little ice cream to go with your cobbler!

If you’ve never been or if it’s been a while, make your way down to David Webb Riverfront Park this summer. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what an amazing hidden gem it truly is!

Storm the Fort & Take Home the Cannon

Most days are calm and quiet at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston. This reconstructed pioneer fort and museum overlooks the lake and preserves a serene part of Roane County history. However, there’s one day every year where people come to storm the fort. Sounds intense, right?

The Storm the Fort Half & Sprint Triathlon is held every August as athletes converge to see who can conquer this challenging course. This year, the competition will take place on August 20^th and will feature the area’s fiercest triathletes.

As in the previous two years, Storm the Fort will offer both a half iron distance and a sprint option.  The sprint race consists of a wave point to point 600 meter swim, fairly flat (by East TN standards) 17 mile bike course, and an out and back “around the Fort” 4 mile run on the Kingston greenway.

One of the coolest features of this race is the coveted miniature cannons that are given as awards. Where else does your race begin with cannon fire and end with the opportunity to take home a mini version of such a cool memento?

If you’d like more information on the race, visit https://racedayevents.net/events/storm-the-fort-triathlon/ to register.

Hooray for Harriman

Everyone looks forward to Labor Day, but here in Roane County, we have an extra special reason to celebrate – Hooray for Harriman! This free family event takes place on Roane Street in Downtown Harriman each year. This year, we are celebrating Harriman’s 125^th anniversary, and the festivities will be in full swing from 9am-4pm.

Fans of arts and crafts rejoice! At Hooray for Harriman, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with local crafters and purchase their wares. Interested in becoming a vendor? Click here for more information.

If you’re like us, you come to festivals for the food and music. Hooray for Harriman has the best of both! Barbecue, hot dogs, delicious desserts and ice cold drinks will be available all day long. Great local bands and gospel groups will perform throughout the day. Full bellies and tapping toes are a signature of this annual beloved event.

Lots of Children’s activities will be available for kids of all ages. This is definitely an event for the whole family. Grab your grandparents, parents, neighbors, friends, kids, grandkids, and anyone else you can think of! There’s something for everyone at Hooray for Harriman!

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/cityofharrimantn/.

Baby Boomers Night Out

Everybody needs a night out on occasion. Make plans to put on your dancing shoes and head to the Princess Theatre for Baby Boomers Night Out on Thursday, August 25 from 7pm-10pm. This star-studded evening will feature two legendary acts right here in our hometown!

Fans of 60s and 70s rock are sure to recognize the evening’s headliners. Dennis Tufano, original lead singer of The Buckinghams (“Kind of a Drag”, “Don’t You Care”, “Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song” and more) and drummer and original lead singer for Rare Earth ’69’-’75, Peter Rivera “(“Get Ready”, “I Know I’m Losing You”, “I Just Want To Celebrate” and more) will rock the house as you reminisce on your favorite memories.

Atlanta-based Stevie G and the Rockerz will open the show with their “highly energized, fun and extremely entertaining music.”

Go ahead and mark this down for date night on your calendars. Get there early so you can grab a treat at one of our bakeries or do some shopping downtown.

Visiting from out of town? Visit http://www.roanetourism.com for hotel information.

Tickets are available online here.

Music and Melons by the Babahatchie Band

Looking for a fun and free way to enjoy live music this weekend? Head to Harriman this Sunday for “Music and Melons” – a free concert by the Babahatchie Community Band.

Babahatchie is a unique Native American name for the Emory River running through Harriman, meaning “babbling waters.” For 20 years or so, the band of that same name has performed for residents and visitors with popular classics, marches, brass band music, and show tunes.

Sunday’s concert will begin at 3:00pm at David Webb Riverfront Park in Harriman. Musical selections will include some well-known movie soundtracks so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The Harriman Lions Club will be there slicing up sweet watermelon for all concert goers to enjoy. Don’t miss out on one of the most fun events of the summer! This is your last chance to hear the Babahatchie Community Band at the gazebo this year.

Interested in joining the band? They’re always happy to accept new members! The full group, usually about 30 members strong, was formed by Dr. Joseph (Joe) Williams and holds weekly rehearsals, which are open to the public and held in the Harriman High School band room most any Monday evening around 8 PM.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/babahatchie.

Cap Off the Summer at Harriman Cruisin’

School is back in session, and it won’t be long before Labor Day is here. Help us give summer the send-off it deserves this Saturday, August 13  at one last Cruisin’ in downtown Harriman.  Cruisin’ is one of the few events where part of Roane Street is closed for an evening of family-friendly fun. Classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles line the street creating quite the nostalgic scene. Bands will be playing as friends gather together to celebrate what makes our county special. Admission to Cruisin’ Harriman is free, but food vendors will be on site with a variety of mouthwatering menus.

While the car show is quite impressive, the true crowd favorite has to be the abundance of games! There are lots of opportunities for the kids to play, but we encourage the young at heart to participate as well. Be careful – we’ve heard the corn hole tournament can be highly competitive!

Got a good looking car, truck or motorcycle you’d like to show off? Registration begins at the Princess Theatre.

The Roane Alliance Office Gets a Makeover

Yesterday the Roane Alliance hosted an open house to unveil the new and improved office space. And, I have to say, it is so fresh and inviting! They are in the same spot as they have been for years, right off I-40 exit 352, but the inside got a facelift. The pictures pretty much say it all.

Thank you to the following Chamber members for making this renovation a reality: Cloth & Chair Interiors, CDI Services Inc., GLA Services, Garrett and Sons Flooring,Browder’s ACE Hardware & ACE Cabinet Center for hardware and paint, local photographers Eric Barger & Paul Mashburn for the artwork & the UPS Business Center for the canvas & printing.

For more before and after pics check out the Roane County Alliance Facebook page.

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Whether you’re a resident or just a visitor passing through, the Roane Alliance office is a place where you can find more information about Roane county sights and activities. It’s a one stop shop for everything Roane. I mean, just look at all the brochures…

Did you know that the Alliance has Roane SWAG for sale? Next time you’re driving by, stop in and take a look at the cute water bottles, stickers, and lake bags!

 

The Roane Alliance is Roane County’s economic development organization. It is an umbrella organization over both public and private organizations, including the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, the Roane County Industrial Development Board and the Roane County Visitors Bureau. For more information about the Alliance, click here.

Roane Alliance contact information:
865.376.2093 or 800.386.4686
info@roanealliance.org
1209 N. Kentucky Street, Kingston, TN 37763

In other Alliance news, the Roane County Chamber recently announced two new additions to its growing team.

August 15, 2014:  The Roane Alliance Expands Chamber of Commerce Program

The world’s longest yard sale — close to home!

This past Sunday I was able to catch the tail end of the 127 Yard Sale. About a 30 minute drive west on the I-40 Interstate (now this will depend on where you are in Roane County) will put you in Crossville, TN and the famous Highway 127. Every year about this time, people from all over the place come and set-up shop. And, yes, it’s a yard sale that is 690 miles long and the route travels through 6 states; Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Wowza!

If you haven’t been to the 127 yard sale, you need to experience it – especially since it’s so close to home. You can find all sorts of treasures! I picked up a few mason jars and a wrought iron basket. There are good eats along the route too: corn on the cob, BBQ, homemade fudge, ice cold lemonade, the list goes on. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring a book bag to carry all your purchases because you could hike up and down this road for miles…literally.

On our route Sunday, we also stopped in the Cumberland Mountain General Store. Full of antiques, delicious candies, and an ice cream parlor in the back! I could have looked around in there for hours. Such neat items.

World’s Longest Yard Sale

Website:  http://www.127yardsale.com/

Dates:  August 6-9, 2015

Pretty mason jars

Yum

Old timey stove

Cabinet

Cumberland Mtn. Store

Inside the General Store

Blue jar set

Blue plate special

Jugs

Benches

 

 

An Afternoon of Golf: Rockwood Golf and Country Club

A few weeks ago my husband and I soaked up some sunshine and played at the 9-hole Rockwood Golf and Country Club.

I had never played that particular course and, boy, was it hilly! Walk the course if you’re looking for a bit of a workout.  We went the golf cart route…

Rates are reasonable and affordable. For $13, Daniel got a round and a golf cart. If you’re walking the course it’s $7. It’s a fun and challenging course and I love the fact that it’s less than 10 minutes from our house.

Over the summer, we plan to play golf at other Roane county courses. So watch for future posts on Lakeside Golf Course and Southwest Point to name a couple. For more information on Roane county courses, click here.

For you golfers out there, Daniel added a bit more review….