Lakeside Property Rentals
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lakeside Property Rentals
Hope Grows as Alzheimer’s Research Accelerates
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Hope Grows as Alzheimer’s Research Accelerates
By Laurie Fox for Our PLACE
The two-day 7th Annual Symposium on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, hosted by The Pat Summitt Clinic and the UT Brain & Spine Institute in June, brought together physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care. Our PLACE Memory Day Center was honored to attend and learn from these leading experts.
The keynote speaker, Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, shared an inspiring message of hope. As the leader who helps shape the organization’s global research strategy, Dr. Carrillo highlighted how international collaboration is accelerating discoveries and bringing new possibilities for treatment and care. We are fortunate to have nationally recognized experts and resources right here in our community, serving families throughout East Tennessee and beyond.
One of the most encouraging themes of the conference was the progress being made in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. There are six stages of Alzheimer’s, and the newest therapies have shown the greatest impact in slowing disease progression during stages one through three. These early stages may include increased forgetfulness, difficulty organizing or planning, misplacing valuables more frequently, and subtle changes that are often noticed by family and friends before the individual recognizes them.
This reinforces an important message: early diagnosis matters. Identifying symptoms sooner can open the door to treatments and interventions that may help preserve independence and quality of life for a longer period of time. As discussed in last month’s article, if you have concerns about memory changes, you are not alone, and support is available.
At Our PLACE, we remain committed to serving as a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating dementia-related diagnoses. We invest in ongoing education, collaborate with local and national experts, and continually seek new ways to provide the highest level of care and support. Throughout the coming year, I look forward to sharing additional insights and key takeaways from this conference. In the meantime, Sarah Martin, Executive Director of Our PLACE, is always available at 865-657-7222 to answer questions and help guide families in partnership with their healthcare providers.
Join us at 10 a.m. on July 17 at the Tellico Village Yacht Club for our second “Ask the Expert” Brain Health Education Series with geriatrician Dr. John Kriese, DO. He will lead us through one patient’s Alzheimer’s journey. Other healthcare professionals will also be available to answer questions and discuss ways to support lifelong brain health. We will hold another session on October 23. Check here next month for more details.
My latest “Moment of Joy” came while attending a very different kind of convention.
One afternoon at Our PLACE, as everyone gathered around the table in anticipation of live music, David turned to Roger and said, “I have some women coming in this afternoon to dance with.”
Roger grinned and replied, “Now you’re talking my language!”
Without missing a beat, Faye chimed in, “You stinker.”
Roger proudly announced, “It is a stinker convention!”
The table erupted in laughter, and for a moment, everyone was simply enjoying each other’s company. Now that sounds like a convention worth attending.
Our PLACE, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, encourages anyone with questions to reach out to us at director@ourplacetn.org or (865) 657-7222 to schedule a 30-minute confidential appointment. Together we are better!
OurPLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon, TN 37774
Anakeesta Unveils Crystal Express
Friday, June 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Anakeesta Unveils Crystal Express
with More Exciting Improvements to Come
Visitors returning to Anakeesta are discovering a dramatically transformed mountaintop adventure park, highlighted by the debut of the highly anticipated Crystal Express gondola system and the first phase of an ambitious multi-year expansion project.
After temporarily closing in January for construction, Anakeesta reopened in stages throughout the spring. The centerpiece of the reopening arrived May 22 with the launch of the Crystal Express, described as the world’s only all-glass gondola system.
Replacing the park’s original Chondola, the Crystal Express represents a major improvement in both capacity and guest experience. The new system features 56 panoramic cabins equipped with glass floors and wraparound windows, offering sweeping views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains during the approximately four-minute ride to the summit.
The upgraded gondola also triples the park’s transportation capacity, significantly reducing wait-times; a welcome benefit especially during peak tourist seasons. The fully enclosed cabins and stroller-friendly loading areas were designed with families in mind, helping streamline arrivals at the bustling Parkway entrance.
The Crystal Express is only one part of Anakeesta’s broader “Making More Magic” initiative, a five-year, $100 million expansion plan that park officials say is the largest investment in the attraction’s history.
Throughout spring 2026, guests have already seen significant upgrades across the property. Firefly Village, the heart of the mountaintop park, has undergone a substantial reimagining with updated landscaping, whimsical pathways, new gathering spaces, covered seating areas, and expanded overlooks designed to maximize Smoky Mountain views.
Among the newest additions is the Bear Paw-shaped observation deck, along with refreshed village aesthetics intended to create what park officials describe as a more immersive “fairy tale” atmosphere.
Adventure attractions are also expanding. Anakeesta’s renowned Treetop Skywalk — already billed as North America’s longest tree-based skywalk — is receiving additional bridges, canopy pathways, elevated viewing towers, and glass handrails that open panoramic forest vistas to guests walking high above the mountainside.
Perhaps the most anticipated addition still to come in 2026 is the new Firefly Experience, scheduled to debut later this year. Inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains’ famous synchronous fireflies, the immersive nighttime attraction will combine music, lighting effects, and storytelling to recreate the magical glow phenomenon year-round.
According to recent construction updates, the creative production phase for the Firefly Experience is now underway, with lighting installation and programming continuing through the summer months.
Anakeesta officials say these upgrades are intended not only to increase capacity but also to deepen visitors’ connection to the Smokies through nature-focused experiences, scenic immersion, and family-friendly adventure.
Construction is expected to continue into 2027 as additional phases of the expansion move forward. Future plans include new thrill rides, expanded dining options, additional themed areas, and further development across the mountaintop property.
Even amid the ongoing work, Anakeesta remains one of East Tennessee’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. With Crystal Express now carrying guests skyward above Gatlinburg, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the attraction and for Smoky Mountain tourism as a whole.
Lakeside Property Rentals
Friday, June 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lakeside Property Rentals
Thank you for 25 Years!
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Thank you for 25 Years!
May 2001 to May 2026
For 25 years, Mountain Views has had the privilege of sharing the stories, landscapes, and spirit that make East Tennessee such a remarkable place to call home. As we celebrate this milestone, we pause to offer our heartfelt thanks to the people who made it all possible: our loyal readers and our dedicated advertisers.
To our readers, you have been the soul of this publication from the very beginning. Whether you’ve picked up each issue to discover local businesses, community highlights, gardening tips, or simply to enjoy the beauty of our region, your continued support has given Mountain Views its purpose. You’ve shared our pages with friends and encouraged us to keep going through changing times. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to grow, evolve, and remain a trusted voice in East Tennessee for a quarter of a century.
To our advertisers, we extend our deepest appreciation for your faith in us and your commitment to connecting with our community. Your support has not only sustained this publication financially but has also helped build a bridge between local businesses and the people they serve. Each ad placed in Mountain Views represents more than a transaction—it reflects a shared investment in the vitality and success of our region. Together, we’ve been able to highlight the hardworking entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, and growing enterprises that define the character of East Tennessee.
Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed change—new faces, new businesses, new challenges, and new opportunities—yet the heart of this community has remained constant. Through it all, Mountain Views has been honored to serve as a storyteller, a connector, and a celebration of the place we all cherish.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and excitement. The future holds new stories to tell, new partnerships to build, and new ways to serve you better. While the world continues to change, our commitment remains the same: to reflect the beauty, resilience, and spirit of East Tennessee in every issue we publish.
We thank God for you and for this community. We thank God for our good friends Tom and Judy Irmen, who started Mountain Views and graciously brought us on several years ago. We feel so honored to have the opportunity to share the blessings of the incredible people, amazing businesses, and the wondrous beauty of East Tennessee each month.
On behalf of the entire Mountain Views team, thank you for 25 incredible years! Whether you’ve been with us since the first issue or just discovered us recently, you are part of the Mountain Views family. We look forward to continuing this journey together for many years to come.
With sincere gratitude,
Tim & Kathy Rose
Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Townsend River Walk & Arboretum
Nestled in “the peaceful side” of the Smokies, the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum is a semi-hidden gem that offers a quiet, fun experience combining natural beauty, education, and community spirit. Unlike larger botanical gardens or heavily trafficked tourist attractions, this small but well-planned arboretum reflects the calm, quiet character of Townsend itself. What is an arboretum, you might ask? An arboretum is a “living museum” dedicated to the cultivation, study, and display of a wide variety of trees and woody plants.
The arboretum sits along the Little River, providing a beautiful backdrop to pretty much everything there. Built along a historic route that once served as part of the Little River Railroad corridor, the trail has evolved into a natural retreat where visitors can explore native plant life while enjoying the calming sounds of the river. This combination of history and environment gives the arboretum a sense of continuity, linking the region’s past with its present focus on conservation and recreation.
The Townsend Arboretum is designed to be fun, accessible, and educational. The walking trail itself is relatively short—about a third of a mile—but it is designed to showcase a wide variety of tree species native to the Southern Appalachian area. Each tree is marked with signage that includes its common and scientific name, allowing visitors to learn as they explore. Currently, the Arboretum has 49 signed trees with 2 additions scheduled for planting in 2026. In recent years, the arboretum has expanded its educational approach by adding QR codes to these signs, enabling guests to access more detailed information directly from their smartphones.
This emphasis on learning transforms a simple walk into an interactive experience. Visitors can identify species such as eastern white pine, red maple, tulip poplar, and flowering dogwood, gaining a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity of the region. By presenting this information in an approachable way, the arboretum serves as a kind of outdoor classroom—one that appeals equally to families, students, and casual nature lovers.
The development of the arboretum is also a testament to community collaboration. The project began in 2008, when local groups including the Blount County Master Gardeners and the Tuckaleechee Garden Club partnered with forestry experts to identify and catalog the trees along the river walk. After several years of work, the site was officially certified as an arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council in 2011, with subsequent recertifications confirming its ongoing quality and care. Its grassroots origin remains evident today, as the arboretum continues to be maintained largely through volunteer efforts.
Beyond its educational mission, the arboretum is designed to be a welcoming space for relaxation and recreation. The trail runs parallel to the Little River, offering numerous spots where visitors can pause, sit, and take in the scenery. Seasonal changes bring new experiences throughout the year: spring blooms and wildflowers, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and quiet, reflective landscapes in winter. This four-season appeal ensures that no two visits are exactly the same.
In addition to its trees, the arboretum includes several fun features that enhance its charm. Gardens dedicated to pollinators attract butterflies and other wildlife, while themed areas like the children’s discovery garden and small “faerie villages” provide imaginative spaces for younger visitors.
Accessibility is another feature. The arboretum is open daily and designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, including families with children, pet owners, and individuals with mobility needs. Its location just off a main roadway makes it easy to reach, yet the natural setting helps it feel removed from the noise and pace of modern life.
Perhaps what makes the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum most special is its balance. It is neither overwhelming nor overly structured; instead, it offers just enough guidance to educate while leaving room for personal exploration. Whether someone visits for a quick walk, a quiet moment by the river, or a chance to learn about local trees, the arboretum delivers a meaningful experience without requiring a large time commitment.
In a region known for its dramatic vistas and expansive landscapes, this small arboretum provides a different perspective—one that is intimate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the local community. It stands as a reminder that even modest green spaces can have a lasting impact, offering both knowledge and tranquility to those who take the time to explore them.
Location and Parking Information
PARKING: Park at the Tuckaleechee Camp Ground United Method Church on Highway 321. The Arboretum is on the other side of 321.
GETTING THERE: From the church parking lot walk toward the Townsend Historical Trail (it goes along the Lamar Alexander Parkway) and follow it to the left until you reach the underpass (Walking Trail Tunnel that goes under the Lamar Alexander Parkway) and go through the underpass. Upon reaching the other side the entrance to the Townsend River Walk will be on your right.
The Loudon County Concert Band presents Honor and Remember: A Memorial Day Celebration on Monday, May 25, 2026
Monday, May 4th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Loudon County Concert Band presents Honor and Remember: A Memorial Day Celebration on Monday, May 25, 2026
Loudon County Concert Band is pleased to announce their 2026 presentation of Honor and Remember: A Memorial Day Celebration. The powerful patriotic celebration will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lenoir City, 2085 E. Simpson Rd., Lenoir City, TN 37772. Admission to the concert is free. No tickets are required.
The concert will honor and celebrate the great and often ultimate sacrifice made by thousands of men and women who have served in our Armed Services to defend the freedoms we enjoy every day. We will also be honoring all veterans and active-duty service members as part of the concert program. In addition, there will be a special time of remembrance to honor those who are part of “the Greatest Generation,” who courageously served during World War II. In addition to our veterans, we will also be recognizing the first responders who serve and protect us every day.
The concert program will include An American Fanfare arranged by Rick Kirby, The Star-Spangled Banner arranged by Sean O’Loughlin, Salute to the Armed Forces arranged by Camp Kirkland, American Salute (“When Johnny Comes Marching Home”) by Morton Gould and arranged by Douglas E. Wagner, The Greatest Generation by Robert Smith, Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones arranged by Keith Christopher, Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams and arranged by Paul Lavender, The Battle Hymn of the Republic arranged by Peter Wilhousky, Portrait of Freedom by Steven Reineke, God of Our Fathers by Thomas Knox, America the Beautiful arranged by Carmen Dragon, and National Emblem March by Edwin Eugene Bagley.
This year’s concert will also include a time celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. As part of our concert this year we are also including a special recognition of Knoxville, Tennessee native, Master Sergeant Roderick W. “Roddie” Edmonds, who was recently posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump.
We are pleased to have Sauni Rinehart joining us again this year as our narrator for this special time of remembrance. Sauni is a Southern California transplant who has been a happy East Tennessean for over 10 years. She has been blessed to be a part of drama and worship ministry though the last few decades. She is an actor, speaker and women’s Bible study leader, and she is the author of several devotional books. Her passion is to share God’s Word through the creative arts. Sauni is honored to provide the narration for this moving program.
The Loudon County Concert Band is a volunteer community group of over 50 musicians from Loudon County and the surrounding area. Under the musical direction of David Whipple, Jr., the band plays a variety of concert band literature including seasonal music, thematic pieces, songs from film and Broadway, patriotic marches, as well as original works composed for concert bands.
The band is always looking for new members and welcomes anyone high school age and up. We rehearse on Thursday evenings at 6:30 at the Community Church at Tellico Village. If you would like to join the band, please visit our website at www.loudonconcertband.org and click on the “Join” tab. You may also contact our music director, David Whipple, Jr. at (865) 335-1543, and let him know you are interested in joining.
The Loudon County Concert Band relies solely on the financial donations of individuals and businesses to operate. The band is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible. If you are interested in supporting the work of the band as either an individual or corporate sponsor, please visit our website or contact our manager, Kevin Meyer at (586) 929-2333. You may also email us at loudonconcertband@gmail.com.
The Loudon Concert Band is a proud member of The Association of Concert Bands and the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce.
Tennessee Spirit is Alive and Well at Dollywood
Monday, March 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Tennessee Spirit is Alive and Well at Dollywood
Tennessee is known as “The Volunteer State.” That volunteer spirit is, I believe, a result of a more broad attitude of caring for others and ultimately from the greatest commandment – Love thy neighbor.
Dollywood is more than just a theme park. If you ask the employees, Dollywood is a family. If you ask the fans, Dollywood is home!
And we all know Dolly is the patron saint of East Tennessee! With her Imagination Library (donating books to children all over the world) and her many donations to the people of East Tennessee, she is well deserving of that moniker.
We attended our 4th opening day media event at Dollywood on March 13th, and as always, we were impressed by what we learned both “on” and “off stage”.
On Stage: Yes, we got to see Dolly and Eugene Naughton (Dollywood Parks & Resorts President) discuss upcoming improvements. We saw a couple of great shows and ate some wonderful food. That was all a lot of fun and informative.
Off Stage: As a part of the media events, we are assigned a guide, usually a member of the Human Resources or Talent Acquisition department. It is from these guides that we usually learn some extremely impressive information that isn’t often shared, so we thought we’d share some of this information with our readers this month along with our own personal observations. Toward the end of this article are some of the facts we’ve learned over the years that have impressed us the most.
DOLLY PARTON KICKS OFF ADVENTUROUS 2026 SEASON AT DOLLYWOOD, DETAILS UPCOMING ATTRACTION AND EVENTS
On March 13, 2026, Dolly Parton welcomed season passholders and members of the media to the first day of Dollywood’s 41st season during a special media event, setting high expectations for what will be the Smoky Mountain theme park’s most exciting year yet. With a brand-new, one-of-a-kind attraction set to open later this spring, the inaugural Run Dollywood race in April and new exclusive after-hours events, guests have a number of reasons to visit TripAdvisor’s #1 theme park during every festival and season in 2026.
Dolly and Eugene Naughton, Dollywood President, gave guests a closer look at Dollywood’s immersive indoor roller coaster, NightFlight Expediton.
“I’m so excited for everything we have for our guests this season,” Dolly said. “We’re investing a lot of time and money into our big new roller coaster this year, and I can’t wait for everyone to go on the Smoky Mountain adventure NightFlight Expedition is going to offer. The ride takes me back to so many wonderful memories I had as a kid, with all the fireflies and the moonlight making the Smokies have a special kind of magic, so I had to recreate that for everyone visiting Dollywood!”
NightFlight Expedition adds to Dollywood’s already impressive portfolio by becoming the park’s 11th roller coaster. With four thrilling experiences on one coaster, Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition takes guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, on a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, up and over a mountain ridge, and plunging into a mysterious shimmering lake.
“NightFlight Expedition is the ride that industry experts, media and influencers have all called the most anticipated attraction of 2026,” said Naughton. “This ride is going to be a gamechanger for the theme park world; but it isn’t the only gamechanger for Dollywood this season. I am so excited to participate in Dollywood’s Run Dollywood race alongside the other participants. I also can’t wait to watch families make even more memories together during our brand-new, after-hours events and other festival offerings. This truly will be the most exciting season at Dollywood yet.”
“Being here to kick off our 41st season is so special,” said Dolly. “Can you believe we’re entering our fifth decade?”
Festival Highlights for 2026:
- I Will Always Love You Festival (now through April 12)
- Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 7)
- Inaugural “Run Dollywood” race weekend is set for April 25-26. Includes the marquee half-marathon slated for Sunday morning. Companion races—a 1-mile kids fun run (ages 4-12), a 5k and a 10k —are scheduled for Saturday morning. Registation takes place on the Run Dollywood page: Dollywood.com/RunDollywood.
- Dollywood’s Splash Country kicks off its 26th season on May 16. New this season: Neon Nights on select Fridays and Saturdays. This is a separately ticketed, after-hours event.
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 15-August 2
- Harvest Festival (Sept. 14-Oct. 31)
- Harvey’s Boo Bash. At this separately ticketed after-hours event, you’ll be able to enjoy all the Harvest Festival sites with smaller crowds and special treats.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 6–Jan. 3, 2024): Wraps up the park’s 2026 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm, joyful atmosphere guests look forward to each year.
For more information about Dollywood’s adventurous 2026 season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Personal Observations:
Our Dollywood staff guide, Hope, told us that she is working on completing her college degree through the Dollywood Grow U education program. This online program is free to Dollywood employees and is an awesome benefit. Hope has been working for Dollywood since she was 14; she’s close to finishing her degree in Human Resources and was gratefully proud to share that she hasn’t had to pay a cent. She’s already working at her dream job in HR at Dollywood.
We got to see Dolly tell us about how she is doing and future additions to the park. She looked great! It is always really encouraging to see how much she loves her fans and how much they love her. She wanted us all to know she’s not done yet!
At one event we attended, Dolly was asked about the various hats she wears – Entertainer, Businesswoman, and Proud Tennessean. She replied, “Well first off – it’s not a hat, it’s a wig!”
“If the values don’t permeate every element of the company, then it’s phony and you can feel it in the park.” – Susan, from Talent Acquisitions. “It’s not just for show. Dollywood feels like home – for everyone.”
One employee shared with us how fulfilling her job was working with their international hiring program. She was currently helping a young man from Turkey – he had recently lost his entire family, and she was able to help him start a new life in the US.
Custom Glide-Out Shelves for More Space, More Access, and More Joy
Monday, March 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Custom Glide-Out Shelves for More Space, More Access, and More Joy
Custom Solutions
ShelfGenie custom Glide-Out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustrations in the kitchen, pantry, and bath. Our design will help fully utilize your space and our shelves pull out the full depth of your cabinets so you can see, reach and retrieve items with ease.
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