We arrived at the Knoxville Campground (a former KOA?) on Wednesday early afternoon. As we approached our destination, we listened to Dolly Parton sing Rocky Top! Following our goal of traveling a bit and enjoying a lot more of the journey is delightful! As we were getting near to our exit, I saw a sign for The Museum of Appalachia. Our planned stay here is through Saturday morning, so we have time to explore.
I did a little research about the museum and was excited to discover they were celebrating Harvest Days Thursday and Friday of this week, as well as next week. Y’all – if you’re not busy next week on Thursday or Friday – make a trip to see this! For this event, they have a bunch of artisans demonstrating their skill and craft. The weather was perfect! Lots of kids around – seems like many schools sent their students for this event. They were well-behaved and seemed to be truly enjoying themselves.
This museum celebrates the life of the Appalachian people. It is truly humbling to see the skill and ingenuity, the hard work and dedication. Both of us were most impressed by the volunteers – every single one that we crossed paths with. They were, without exception, warm and welcoming and obviously proud of the museum and the culture. They shared their knowledge and stories generously. The setting is beautiful. We checked out the museum restaurant for lunch – what a delight to have pinto beans, cornbread, and a pimento cheese sandwich! Bill opted to vegetable soup, cornbread, and a chicken salad sandwich. The cornbread was made without sugar – IYKYK 😊
As with our experience at the Ark, this was thought-provoking and inspiring. My Dad grew up in Kentucky, and later in life became very involved with Mom the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) through their church. Bill joined them – and Beth and I went on a couple missions as well. Visiting this museum with living history demonstrations brought back powerful memories of being with my paternal grandparents, my great grandmother, and of being on mission trips with ASP.
Today, Friday, is a rest up day and get ready for the last half of our journey to Mayport. Bill is attending to some projects on the house. I am taking care of some inside chores and cooking because I can. BBQ brisket is in the crockpot (I don’t have a smoker and don’t have room for one), and cookies are coming out of the oven (oatmeal with brandy infused raisins and dried berries). My plants will get some TLC – I find so much joy in being able to grow and tend to them. It is indeed therapeutic and a blessing for my soul to be able to “play” in the dirt and see things grow.
Enjoy these pictures – didn’t take very many, was too busy enjoying the day!
