Chattanooga’s Riverrocks Adventure Sports Games Attracts Top Athletes Oct 2-13

The Tennessee River, Chattanooga © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

RiverRocks, one of the most anticipated events of the year for outdoor enthusiasts, is rolling out a new format as an Adventure Sports Games event and will be held Oct. 2-13 in downtown Chattanooga. Individuals, including some of the nation’s most elite athletes, will compete in what has become the fall’s premiere adventure sports competition.

In addition to the 10 sports games, RiverRocks will feature a number of entertainment events including the opening ceremonies on Oct. 2 at Center Park, Over the Edge, an urban rappelling fund-raiser, Oct. 3 at Center Park and the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival Oct. 4-5 at Ross’ Landing. The RiverRocks Adventure Games will conclude on Oct. 12 with closing ceremonies including a preview of The Block, a new urban outdoor climbing wall, 30,000 square foot climbing facility and shops located in the heart of downtown.

Under the new format, the RiverRocks Adventure Games will feature a wide range of competitive outdoor sports games including a rock/creek stump jump 50K and 11 mile trail race; the Sequatchie Valley Century; a canoe/kayak race; the Chattanooga Head Race; the Triple Crown of Bouldering; the Five Points Fifty; a 10-mile swim; the Urban Nature 10K; the Duathalon; the ChattaJack and much more. The winners of these events will receive medals featuring actual river rocks made by Set In Stone.

The public can add their own twist to the fun of RiverRocks by creating a new outdoor adventure game or event. RiverRocks will be making a call for community events in the coming weeks.

“RiverRocks happens at the perfect time of year, when people are more inclined to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather,” said Bob Doak, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Because of the city’s outdoor appeal and amenities, we’ve seen some incredible accolades such as ‘Best Town Ever’ by Outside magazine, one of the ‘Best Adventure Towns in the U.S. to Live + Play’ by National Geographic Adventure magazine and Men’s Journal named us one of the ‘South’s New Adventure Mecca’s’ as well as one of the ‘50 Great American Places. Over the past three years, we’ve seen an increase in visitors and we’re expecting tens of thousands of people to attend this year’s festivities. It’s no surprise that people are traveling great distances to experience our outdoor opportunities.”

For more information on events and activities, visit www.RiverRocksChattanooga.com.

To find your next vacation sweet spot explore tnvacation.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Emancipation Proclamation on View at Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, Feb 12-18

The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, which has had ongoing exhibits marking the Civil War Sesquicentennial, will exhibit the Emancipation Proclamation, Feb. 12-18 – the only museum in the southeast on the Emancipation Proclamation Tour © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Emancipation Proclamation will be on view at the Tennessee State Museum Feb. 12 -18. The document, which is making its only southeastern U.S. stop in Nashville, will only be on view for 72 hours over the seven days. After that, a facsimile of the document will be in the exhibit. The viewing is in conjunction with the Discovering the Civil War exhibition from Washington D.C.’s National Archives.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the document in 1863 proclaiming all those enslaved in Confederate territory to be forever free. 2013 marks the 150^th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“It is an incredible honor for Tennessee to host the Emancipation Proclamation, a document whose significance to the history of this country, and this region in particular, cannot be overstated,” according to The Honorable Bill Haslam, governor of the Volunteer State. “This delicate manuscript represents America’s recognition that all are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we invite people from across the Southeast and the nation to see and celebrate with us the moment our country officially became the land of the free.”

Museum officials estimate that 300 people will be able to see the document each hour. However, time periods will be built in so that when no reservations are sold, lines can catch-up if they are running behind, or to let more people walk in if the line is running on time.

The Discovering the Civil War exhibit will continue at the museum through September 1, 2013. Many of the other items on display have never been publicly exhibited. Highlights include the original copy of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery along with South Carolina’s 1860 declaration of secession. This popular traveling exhibit is free to the public, and the State Museum will be the last stop before these historic documents return to Washington D.C.

The exhibit is divided into 12 thematic areas that combine great original treasures, engaging touch screen interactive, and social media tools, all selected to illustrate the breadth of the conflict and to ask, “How do we know what happened?”

Reservations are on sale through TPAC Ticketing which has ticket windows on site in the same building as the museum. Visitors may obtain a reservation at the windows; going online to www.tpac.org; or by calling a local Nashville number 615-782-4040. There will be a handling charge of $1.00 paid to TPAC Ticketing for each reservation. There is no admission charge to see the document.

For additional updates on the Emancipation Proclamation and Discovering the Civil War, visit the museum’s website at www.tnmuseum.org. Discovering the Civil War was created by the National Archives and Records Administration and the Foundation for the National Archives.

For more information on Tennessee happenings, visit tnvacation.com, facebook.com/tnvacation, tnvacation.com/triptales/, instagram.com/tnvacation, twitter.com/tnvacation/ or pinterest.com/tnvacation/

See also:

Tennessee launches Civil War Heritage Trail in time for Sesquicentennial and slideshow

Women Play Dramatic, if Unheralded Roles in Civil War and slideshow

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour Features Historic Homes in Historic Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Interpreters in period attire guide you through the history of this gracious mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 1, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The tour, sponsored by Oaklands Association will feature beautiful and historic private homes along Cherry Lane and East Main Street and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum.

The cornerstone of the tour is the grand Oaklands Historic House Museum. Interpreters in period attire will guide you through the history of this gracious mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee. Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes. Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950’s, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction and saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959. Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.

Set in the historic district of Murfreesboro, stops along the holiday tour include the following historic buildings:

• · Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue,
• · Mary Catherine & David Sevier, 138 Cherry Lane,
• · Tammie & Greg Waldron, 148 Cherry Lane,
• · Susan & Phil Loyd, 152 Cherry Lane,
• · Charlene & Ron Taylor, 816 East Main Street,
• · Pat & Matt Ward, 1019 East Main Street,
• · Marietta & Jim Bishop, 1103 East Main Street

Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the care and preservation of this historic treasure. Admission is $10.00 per person 21 years and older, students $8 .00, ages 6-12, $5.00, ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at any home on the tour and at Oaklands Historic House Museum. Oaklands Association is a non-profit educational organization. For more information on becoming a member or a volunteer, call (615) 893-0022 or email: info@oaklandsmuseum.org.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Chattanooga Named Outside Magazine’s ‘Best Town Ever’

Chattanooga, TN as the winner in its search to determine the best Outside town in America. No doubt, the reclamation of the Tennessee River had something to do with it. Chattanooga not that long ago was America's most polluted city, now a model of sustainability © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Outside magazine, America’s leading active-lifestyle publication, has selected Chattanooga, TN as the winner in its search to determine the best Outside town in America, following a three week competition held on Facebook.

Outside scoured the nation to find dream cities that offered a balance of great culture, perfect scenery, stress-free and reasonable cost of living, and, of course, easy access to the outdoors. Chattanooga came out on top, receiving the official honor of Outside’s “Best Towns Ever” and is featured on the October 2011 magazine cover which hits newsstands TODAY and Outside Online. Chattanooga will be also be featured in an exclusive segment on Outside Television.

Chattanooga was selected from a list of ten finalists, and competed for the top honor against Charleston, SC; Madison, WI; Portland, OR; Portland, ME; Santa Fe, NM; Ashland, OR; Boulder, CO; Burlington, VT; Tucson, AZ.

“Putting this issue together is always a tough process when choosing between a number of truly great places. This year we tried something new and allowed the Outside community to help us in the decision making process,” said Outside Editor Chris Keyes. “In addition to possessing all of the great qualities that we look for in determining the quality of life, Chattanooga was a town that everyone rallied to support.”

In addition to featuring the “Best Town Ever” and the towns selected as finalists, Outside’s October 2011 issue highlights a number of cities classified as the “next-big-things,” including: Issaquah, WA; Missoula, MT; Wilmington, NC; Durango, CO; Traverse City, MI; Flagstaff, AZ; Chico, CA; Hardwick, VT and Ithaca, NY.

See also:

Chattanooga’s top 10 summer attractions make great family getaway and slideshow

Chattanooga is key stop on Tennessee’s Civil War Heritage Trail and slideshow

 

Gaylord Opryland Resort is offering Family-Friendly County Music Summer Vacation Packages

As part of Gaylord Opryland Resort's Ultimate Country Music Summer package, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes Backstage Tour of the Grand Ole Opry House © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Located in the heart of the country’s capital of country music, Nashville, Tenn., the Gaylord Opryland Resort is offering a family-friendly County Music Summer vacation. Chock full of offerings that will appeal to every age, the amenities, accommodations, events and entertainment at each property will only be topped by the personable, memorable service that Gaylord is known for. Available weekends now through August 14, 2011, the Country Music Summer offers travelers exclusive backstage experiences, live entertainment and fun-filled family activities.

Two package offerings include the following:

The Ultimate Country Music Summer package including:

• 1 or 2-night room accommodations
• Waterin’ Hole Pool Party with live DJ, line-dance instruction, Country Guitar Hero Tournaments, games, dive-in movies, country karaoke
• Preferred seat ticket to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry
• Special welcome gift
• “Comfort Foods and Country Music”. A rare experience, enjoy a dinner of mouthwatering Southern comfort foods backstage in the famous Studio A of the Opry House, plus “Music City in the Round” hosted by songwriter/artist, Bobby Tomberlin, featuring live performances by Nashville’s finest songwriters
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes Backstage Tour of the Grand Ole Opry House
• VIP Coupon Book valued at more than $250

The Country Music Summer Waterin’ Hole Party package includes:

• 1 night room accommodations
• Waterin’ Hole Pool Party with live DJ, line-dance instruction, Country Guitar Hero Tournaments, games, dive-in movies, country karaoke and more!
• “Music and a Meal” at Jack Daniel’s Saloon
• VIP Coupon Book valued at more than $250

 

Additional event and family activities that are available include:

Backstage Opry House Tour, “Comfort Foods and Country Music” followed by the Grand Ole Opry
Friday and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Grand Ole Opry House

Country Look-A-Like Breakfast, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.  at Solario

Music and a Meal, Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m.  at Jack Daniels Saloon

Waterin’ Hole Pool Party at Magnolia Pool

DJ (Sunday through Thursday from 1 – 5 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 1 – 6 p.m.)

Country Guitar Hero Tournament (daily, 2 – 3 p.m.)

Pool Games (daily 3 – 4 p.m.)

Country Karaoke (daily, 4 – 5 p.m.)

Line Dancing (Friday and Saturday, 5 – 7 p.m.)

Dive-In Movies (daily, 8 – 10 p.m.)

For more information, visit; to book, call 866-972-6779 or click.

See also:

Grand Ole Opry Shows You Can be ‘Ole’ and Still Be New

 

 

 

 

On the Town in Nashville, Music City U.S.A.

http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/Nashville_On_the_Town.html

 

Nashville: Where the Heart & Soul of Country Music Beats Strong

http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/Nashville_Heart_and_Soul_of_Country_Music.html

 

Nashville for Families

http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/Nashville-FamilyTravel.html

 

 

Nashville’s Metro Historical Commission Launches Civil War Series April 9

Tennessee launches five-year commemoration of 150th anniversary of Civil War with a color guard of Union and Confederate soldiers at Nashville's Tennessee State Museum © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Nashville, TN, March 4, 2011—

The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is already underway, as key events are marked. The state of Tennessee, the only state which has been declared a Civil War Heritage Area, has launched the most ambitious and comprehensive program with a Civil War Heritage Trail that encompasses the entire state, with scores of events taking place over the next five years. In its entirety, the depth and breadth provides an unparalleled opportunity to re-connect with the complex and tormenting history and understand it in a way that is eerily, horrifyingly relevant to today.

Nashville’s Metropolitan Historical Commission will commence its Civil War Sesquicentennial program Saturday, April 9, at The Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville with a series of presentations called “The War Begins:  Causes of the Secession Crisis in Tennessee.” The church is located at the corner of Church Street and Fifth Avenue, North.

At 8:30 a. m., Mayor Karl Dean will make opening remarks.  He will be followed by Jim Hoobler, chairman of Metro Historical Commission’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, who will give a brief history of The Downtown Presbyterian Church and its use during the Civil War.

Starting at 9 a. m., Dr. Jonathan Atkins, of Berry College in Mt. Berry, Georgia, will speak on “Parties, Politics and Sectional Conflict in Tennessee 1832-1861,” in which he will describe the causes in Tennessee leading to its involvement in the Civil War.

Dr. Kristopher Ray, of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, and editor of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly, will explain at 10 a. m. how the leaders in both the North and South reinterpreted the precepts of America’s founding fathers to suit their own political, social and economic purposes.

At 11 a. m., The Fisk Jubilee Singers will perform spirituals and other songs appropriate to the Civil War period.  Their performance is partially funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

The program will end at noon.

“The Civil War was a defining event in American history,” Hoobler says.  “The causes of the war defined who we had been as a country, and the outcome of the war determined that we are a country.  Mayor Dean has asked that we as a community commemorate the brave men and women, North and South, who fought and died in this struggle. This event will mark the beginning of a five year activity of commemoration and remembrance.  The citizens of Nashville are encouraged to participate in these events and to remember our shared past.”

The event is free and open to the public.  Free parking is available in the Premier Parking Lot at Fifth and Church to those people who tell the attendant that they are attending the Symposium. For more information, contact Jim Hoobler at Jim.Hoobler@tn.gov.

See our series about Tennessee’s Civil War Trail launching soon at www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Chattanooga offers Spring Break Safari for Families

Make your Chattanooga family safari even more special by staying in historic railroad cars of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 17, 2011) –

Who would have thought that Chattanooga, Tennessee, with its famous train, is also the place to go on a Spring Break Safari? Become an animal keeper kid and feed and mingle with sharks, penguins and sea turtles; spelunker deep in a cavern; RockQuest adventurer on an enchanted trail; riverboat captain and navigate the Tennessee River; an art explorer and uncover hidden treasures; a conductor aboard a traincar or on a trolley; a detective exploring waterways & dinosaur digs or a culinary creator whipping up sweets.

Your Spring Break Safari in Chattanooga is anything but ordinary. We’ve transformed the city into a place where kids rule and adventure is everywhere. Kids can’t resist hands-on activities designed just for them.

Traveling with teens? Family vacations can sometimes be tricky to find activities for everyone to enjoy. Chattanooga offers plenty of thrilling adventures just for teens. Mix it up a little with a variety of activities like the new zipstream aerial adventure or zipline, rock climbing (indoor & outdoor), paintball, laser tag, balladium, go karts, skating (skatepark), biking, rappelling, and maybe even hang gliding at 2,000 feet in the air. Now that’s something to brag about to friends!

Make the experience even more memorable by bringing your camera and taking lots of pictures. You can include the pictures in your official Spring Break Safari Field Guide that can be downloaded or picked up at the Chattanooga Visitors Center or at one of the participating attractions. www.springbreaksafari.com

Savvy vacation planners know that Chattanooga is an easy, hassle-free and affordable place to spend Spring break. Downtown is just the springboard for everything else you will do in Chattanooga, with plenty more adventures just 5-15 minutes away. Once you get here, park your car, navigate downtown on the Free Electric Shuttle and get started on your safari!

Get the full scoop on Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari www.springbreaksafari.com

Take advantage of special overnight packages by staying multiple nights. Packages vary and include spa treatments, attractions, dining certificates and more. www.chattanoogafun.com/vacation-packages

For more information:

COUPONS (dining, attractions, accommodations, etc.): www.chattanoogafun.com/coupons

EVENTS calendar: www.chattanoogafun.com/events

WHERE to stay: www.chattanoogafun.com/accommodations/

WHERE to eat: www.chattanoogafun.com/dining

See more about traveling in Chattanooga and Tennessee at www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate and

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin