Vol. XII
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In The West Tennessee Area:
BALD EAGLES &
WATER FOWL TOURS
 Reelfoot Lake State Park -
Click Here for More Info . . .
In The Middle Tennessee Area:
FAMILY DAY &
CHOCOLATE-4-CHILDREN
 Franklin -
Click Here for More Info ...
In The East Tennessee Area:
ROMANTIC
ST. VALENTINE'S
DAY DINNER
Historic Rugby -
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The Tennessee Aquarium’s groundhog,
Chattanooga Chuck
has issued the following Groundhog Day Forecast:

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) -
I strolled within the Tennessee Aquarium’s halls,
To chat about weather with the animals.
The penguins were the first to step up and speak,
“More winter chill would suit our flippers and beaks.”
The butterflies inside Ocean Journey were all a flutter,
“We don’t want more cold,” they all seemed to mutter.
The lizards chirruped and screech owls did hoot,
“We’re worried about snow and more ice to boot.”
The sharks were all mum, but their big, toothy smiles,
Led me to believe winter will be staying awhile.
The tree frogs were singing a different tune,
“We think warmer temps will be coming soon.”
In the Cove Forest the otters were playin’.
Warm or cold? They simply weren’t sayin.’
Thousands of fish including catfish and trout,
Were waiting to hear if my shadow was out.
Some grumpy words came from a long-legged lad,
“It better be spring!” snapped the giant spider crab.
So up on my stump of old hickory,
I looked all around and what did I see?
Another good-lookin’ groundhog, or so it appeared.
Yikes it’s my shadow and back home I disappeared!!!!

Chattanooga Chuck - photo provided

Chattanooga Chuck says six more weeks of winter.


Meet him and all of the weather forecasting critters throughout February. Visitors will explore the Wild Side of Weather at the Tennessee Aquarium during special animal encounter programs, keeper talks, dive shows and gallery chats.



College Days Discount during February at the Tennessee Aquarium
Student Savings at Chattanooga’s “Animal House”


CHATTANOOGA, TN -The Tennessee Aquarium is offering college students, faculty and staff a 50 percent discount throughout the month of February. While it’s cold on campus, students can use this offer to warm up inside the Aquarium’s two buildings and mingle with more than 10,000 animals or check out the 3D action on the six-story screen at IMAX.

Visitors must present a valid college ID when purchasing tickets to receive this half-off deal. Family members may also receive this discount when accompanied by a student or faculty member with current college ID. This offer is valid for admission to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater or combination tickets to both attractions.

Top Ten February Activities for the college crowd at the Tennessee Aquarium & IMAX:
  1. Pose with friends in a real-life shark cage used to film, Blue Water, White Death, the great white shark documentary which inspired Peter Benchley to write the best-seller, Jaws.
  2. Three words: Feed a stingray.
  3. Get up-close to unusual species during an animal encounters program.
  4. Capture a photo of penguins, macaws, sea turtles & more that’s Facebook worthy.
  5. Staring contest with baby alligators. (Hint: Bring Visine, gators usually win.)
  6. Download Aquarium Jeopardy worksheet to see if you’re smarter than an eighth-grader: www.tnaqua.org/
  7. Start your own “Tweet-up” at the Aquarium or IMAX.
  8. Try to grab 3D elephants while watching African Adventure 3D.
  9. See who squirms the most when sea snakes approach in Under the Sea 3D.
  10. Be among the first to see Wild Ocean 3D opening day on February 26.


February 2010 College Days Aquarium ticket price:
$11.00 Adult
$7.50 Child


February 2010 College Days IMAX ticket price
$4.25 Adult
$3.00 Child

February 2010 College Days Combo (Aquarium and IMAX) ticket price:
$14.00 Adult
$10.00 Child

Get up to date information on College Days and other Aquarium happenings by becoming a Tennessee Aquarium Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/tennesseeaquarium

###


Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $21.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $27.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. Excursions aboard the new River Gorge Explorer depart daily into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” Cruise tickets are $29.00 per adult and $21.50 per child (3-12). Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.



DISCOVER TENNESSEE TRAILS AND BYWAYS

TOURISM INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED BY GOVERNOR PHIL BREDESEN

FRANKLIN, TN -
Governor Phil Bredesen has announced the launch of Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways with the debut of the Old Tennessee Trail. Music sensations Rascal Flatts will be lending their voices and support to the project as part of the marketing campaign.

Led by the Department of Tourist Development, Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways is a statewide initiative encompassing all 95 counties along 15 regional trails, and featuring Tennessee's five National Scenic Byways. The Old Tennessee Trail will highlight more than 70 significant tourism sites, promoting Davidson, Williamson and Maury Counties.

Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Department of Tourist Development, announced the participation of reigning country music group of the year Rascal Flatts. The group will be lending their voices and support to the project as part of the marketing campaign, including television spots urging visitors to “Get Your Backstage Pass” to Tennessee by visiting the trails and byways. Fittingly, the group’s hit song “Life is a Highway,” makes Rascal Flatts excellent musical ambassadors as part of the branding campaign.

"The Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways program will enhance established tourism offerings and bring greater awareness to lesser-known attractions located in communities throughout all 95 counties of our state," said Bredesen. "This idea, which originated with a private citizen, has led to a partnership between state agencies, local officials and tourism partners that holds economic opportunities for every county and will allow visitors to experience more of Tennessee's special places and scenic landscapes."

Also in attendance were Commissioner of Transportation Gerald Nicely; Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Matt Kisber; Commissioner of Environment and Conservation Jim Fyke; Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens; Commissioner of Revenue Reagan Farr, State Senator Jack Johnson; State Representative Ty Cobb; Mayor Rogers Anderson, Williamson County; Mayor John Schroer, Franklin; Mayor Jim Bailey, Maury County; Mayor Bill Gentner, Columbia; Mayor Richard Hendrix, Mount Pleasant; Mayor Michael Dinwiddie, Spring Hill; Butch Spyridon, president/CEO, Nashville CVB; Mark Shore, executive director, Williamson County CVB; Brenda Pierce, executive director, Maury County CVB; Aubrey Preston, visionary preservationist from Leiper’s Fork.

In addition to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Department of Transportation, state agencies participating in the trails program include the Departments of Economic and Community Development, Environment and Conservation, and Agriculture.


"The trails initiative is one of the most comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives ever to be launched from the state’s tourism department,” said Whitaker. “Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways is an opportunity to showcase tourism’s major sites as well as our state’s exceptional off-the-beaten-path attractions which are some of Tennessee’s greatest assets.”

"Tennessee is a beautiful state, and like many music celebrities, we are proud to call it home,” said Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. “While music is showcased from Beale Street to Broadway to Bristol, its roots often come from our back roads and small towns, and as songwriters, it’s largely what inspires us. So we’re honored to be a part of this program that showcases that ‘Life Is A Highway,’ promoting life in Tennessee with scenic drives and true inspiration. And we’re certain you’ll be able to experience some incredible music on your journey, heard from general stores, front porches and other unexpected places along the way.”

The concept behind the program is to leverage Tennessee’s visitor brands including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains, Memphis and Nashville. Self-guided driving trails extend visitor’s stays by showcasing nearby regional gems such as Jack Daniel Distillery, Trenton’s Teapot Museum, Gray Fossil Site and Museum, the homes of three American presidents, our award-winning state parks and agritourism sites.

"In Tennessee, we’re proud to have five National Scenic Byways,” said Nicely. “This new program provides a statewide byway initiative that will raise awareness for our visitors and enhance their Tennessee travel experience.”

The Department of Tourist Development will provide tourism partners with a branding starter kit including dynamic trail names and logos such as “Proud Mary,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Walking Tall,” as well as brochures and Web site development. In addition to the branding starter kit Tourist Development will support this effort through the existing media plan which includes television, print and online. Additional trails will be launched throughout the state beginning in January and throughout the spring, with the Old Tennessee Trail serving as a model.

"The trails program enhances our rural development efforts, providing a direct route for both visitors and residents to Tennessee’s main streets,” said Kisber. “Motivating visitors to get out and explore some of Tennessee’s small town treasures will benefit our tourism communities and our state.”

This grassroots concept to develop trails with a focus on history and attractions was brought to state officials by a private citizen, Aubrey Preston. Preston is a history buff and visionary preservationist from Leiper’s Fork.

The second tier of the celebration and announcement took place later in the day in Maury County at the Mt. Pleasant Grille. Speakers included Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker; Brenda Pierce, executive director of the Maury County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michelle Williams, director of the Community Development Commission of Mount Pleasant; Jim Barrier, owner of the Mt. Pleasant Grille; Aubrey Preston of Leiper’s Fork.

###


Tennessee is home to numerous international attractions, including Dollywood, the Grand Ole Opry, Jack Daniel Distillery, the National Civil Rights Museum, The James K. Polk Ancestral Home, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Bristol Motor Speedway. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, with more than 9 million visitors annually.
Nashville Boat Show

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) - While the winter winds blew in at a record lows, the 2010 Nashville Boat Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, was in full swing. I love going to the boat shows, what a fun way to be reminded of warmer days. Wake Boards, Pontoons from Luxury to touring, Cursers, Kayaks, canoes, fishing boats from the highest end to the simplest.

One of the most interesting boats : Miss GEICO; “NEW for 2010! See one of the world's fastest offshore racing boats. Powered by the same turbine engines that flew missions in the first Gulf War, Miss GEICO is capable of reaching speeds of more than 185 miles per hour.

Measuring 40 feet in length and weighing in at 10,000 lbs., this MTI turbine racing boat is run by a crew of six, including driver Marc Granet.” (Information quoted directly from Geico.) To see this boat in person was worth the trip I only wish we could have seen it in the water, besides just on video.


Thom Shepard and Steve Williams artist and performers and creators of the ‘The Redneck yacht club’. Some of us may have lived it and had a few of the word but they combined formed the perfect Redneck Yacht Club.

Thom and Steve did a performance of the song 'The Redneck Yacht Club.' They both came from St. Louis but met thru a mutual friend in Nashville Tn in 2001. Knowing the same areas in St. Louis gave them some common ground and they soon became friends. When Steve thought up the Idea of the Redneck Yacht Club he knew Thom was the one to write it with. If you have ever tied some floats together or just enjoyed a day on any of our lakes you can relate to the 'Redneck Yacht Club'. Join them on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/officialredneckyachtclub http://www.redneckyachtclub.com and you can upload your own 'Redneck Yachtclub' pictures.

The new feature for children this year Trout Fishing—FREE for kids 12 and younger! This was one of those events that was as much fun for the parents as it was the children. To catch a fish and have your picture made wow.

There were many wonderful booths for the State Of Tennessee Wildlife to KY Wildlife. We saw ski dos and canoes and all the booths had one common theme this year - water safety. What to do if the boat turns over even if you are not the driver and what to do is there is an accident and how to prepare to get you licenses.

Boats are not just boats any more they are investments and vacation homes. A place to sneak of to and enjoy any season. There is something about the quite of the lake and the gentle rocking of the boat that brings a relaxation to a stressed out body that no hotel came bring. If you are looking for a home away from home or something to hunt and fish in, this is the time of year to find what you are looking for. I personally found my dream boat. A Mustang. A small boat that to me looks like a up grade for the old paddle boats. Complete with trolling motor I can fish the bank or do what I love to do the most and photograph the bank and know my camera equipment is safe under the canopy.

There are a Varity of vendors at these shows that feature not only boats but cookware, dance lessons, R.V. rentals such as Calico Jacks http://calicojacksrentals.com. This is important to know if you are planning to reserve a R.V. For the Bonaroo than you need to get you reservation in early.

There were so many boats and marina’s there I can’t name then all but I can give you a link if you are looking to buy a boat motor, insurance, wakeboard. To look at all the vendors go to. http://www.nashvilleboatshow.com/attendees/exhibitors/exhibitors.aspx

If you missed the Nashville Boat show then you have a chance this week end to go to the
Friday, January 29, 2010 - Sunday, January 31, 2010
Nashville Fishing & Boat Expo
Tennessee State Fair Grounds
625 Smith Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.
Nashville, Tennessee
http://exposouth.com/event_details.php?id=9


There will be exhibits on fishing by Jim Duckworth http://www.fishingtennessee.com/ "How to Float & Fly for Bass",
Steve McGoldrick http://www.basshogfishing.com/about-steve-mcgoldrick.html "A Better Way to Catch Crappie using Crappie Candles,
Joe James "Hybrid & Striper Fishing Tactics"

I know if you are a fishing enthusiast that you will enjoy all of these lectures and tips. Unless you think all fisherman had some 6th sense some water mojo that help them read the signs to the fish.

If you a can’t make it weekend then
Jackson Boat, Sport & RV Show
February 19-21, 2010
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Carl Perkins Civic Center
400 South Highland
Jackson, TN 38301

There will be plenty of boats to see along with Catch and release Trout fishing for the kidS. Miss Tennessee, Extreme Thrills,Tenny C. Bear, Jim Duckworth (fisherman, writer guide), Jack Devor (professional guide If you want to know the tricks of fishing), Mike McLemore (winner of the Tennessee State Duck Calling Contest twice, in 1972 and 1973. From there, he captured the World Duck Calling Champion title in Stuttgart, Arkansas, in 1973, 1974, and 1977.



January Restaurant Month

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) - January, officially or unofficially, has become Restaurant Month around the county. So look for the deal in your area, especially at the Local Mom and Pop Restaurant. Brave the weather and get out there. Some restaurants are offering buy one entrée get one free. It doesn‘t matter if your preference is Chinese, Italian, Greek, German, or Good old American Steakhouse steak.

I know times are tough but we want our Mom and Pop restaurants to stay in business. They know our names, they name sandwiches after our local heroes, or drinks after our town. I know where I am going I hope to see you at one of my favorites.

I may be close to home sometimes going to Crockett's which is know as Davy Crockett's Roadhouse Restaurant & Tavern. They are featuring warm soup and sandwich. I think that is perfect on some of these cold days.

I may convince doc we need a plate lunch and for that I would go to Samples Family Restaurant in Estill Springs where breakfast is served daily and the restaurant is opened from 7-2.

Almost every downtown square has its own version of a diner. If you've got one in your neck of the woods that deserves a shout out then let us know.

Whether you live in one of our bigger cities or one of our smaller towns I hope you can get out and enjoy at least one meal with friends and family. If you are in the Nashville area look here for some ideas of where to eat. The Chattanooga area has so many wonderful www.yellowpages.com places to eat but during the summer. I do enjoy the Big River Grille & Brewing Works/Downtown. While you're visiting Knoxville, who has had some upsetting football news, head out to the Tomato head, Sunspot or Melting Pot restaurants. Just to name a few. Of course if you're in Memphis www.memphistravel.com than you need to have just a little Bar-B-Que. I don’t want to get into the whole dry rub vs wet sauce bar-b-que debate. I am not much of a bar-b-que eater which I think comes from covering competitions. Thank goodness there are plenty of Home style restaurants where I can get fresh vegetables and/or a fresh made salad.



TENNESSEE TOURISM ANNOUNCES WHAT'S NEW IN 2010

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) - The year 2010 brings several significant additions to the tourism industry and some important historical milestones. This is an exciting time for new exhibits, attractions, hotels, restaurants and experiences in Tennessee.

One of the most important milestones is the 75th birthday celebration of Elvis Presley that will take place on January 7-10 at Graceland in Memphis.

Another important 2010 milestone is the opening of Titanic Pigeon Forge, a 30,000-square-foot, ship-shaped structure that rests on 5.69 acres. It will hold 20 galleries with hundreds of artifacts from the Titanic. The galleries are set to open April 2010.

Also notable is the 100th birthday of the Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville. The hotel began celebrating in September 2009. The Hermitage is the only five-diamond hotel in Tennessee and boasts the famous Capitol Grille, one of Tennessee's finest dining experiences.

Below, please find a brief summary of what's new in 2010.


    East Tennessee -
  • America's legendary Delta Queen, the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country, is now docked in Chattanooga and functioning as a boutique hotel.
  • A new first-class exhibition opened at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville entitled "Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee." The exhibition tells the story of three centuries of life in the region, from the Cherokee to the 1982 World's Fair. East Tennessee's Historical Society had been preserving the region's history for 175 years.

    Middle Tennessee -
  • Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010. To kick off the celebration, Cheekwood will offer a special 50 cent admission charge for the entire month of January. "Nashville Memoir: Photographs by Greg Miller" and "New Direction: Video Artists Explore Southern Identity" will be among various exhibits on display at Cheekwood throughout the year.
  • Cumberland Caverns will celebrate as 2010 marks 200 years since its discovery. The caverns are open year-round for guided walking tours. The site is also known for Bluegrass Underground, a radio show taped 333 feet below ground level in the Volcano Room.

    West Tennessee -
  • International Rockabilly Hall of Fame Festival in Jackson reaches a 10th anniversary milestone in 2010.
  • The Memphis Zoo, named the No.1 zoo in America by TripAdvisor, recently added Teton Trek, a four-acre exhibit featuring grizzlies, timber wolves, elk and trumpeter swans.





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