April 22, 2014
Happy St. George’s Day!
St. George is the patron saint of England. Tomorrow is his saint’s day and England’s national day–the equivalent of our Fourth of July but without the fireworks. Felicitations to all of us on this side of the pond with some English ancestry, our English friends on the other side of the pond, and to everyone else as well.
To celebrate, we will serve a “full English breakfast.” That includes basted eggs, grilled tomato, bacon, pork bangers, mushrooms and baked beans. Couldn’t find any kippers this year.
April 12, 2014
Join a Birding Expedition at Buckhorn
Blue-headed Vireo
Where: Right here at Buckhorn Inn. This is bird heaven. Please see our publication about bird life on this property.
When: Thursdays and Saturdays at either 7:30 (before breakfast) am or 8:30 am (after an early breakfast). Must reserve in advance.
Length of Birding Adventure: 1½ Hours
Cost: $15 per person or $25 for two (minimum of three persons required)
How to Register: Inn Office; 24 hour cancelation required.
Rain: Significant rain will result in cancellation
Expert Birder Keith Watson will lead the adventure
March 5, 2014
Spring Wine Specials
Yellowtail Chardonnay
Rich tropical fruits with a creamy finish, this white wine is soft yet fresh with balanced
acidity and lingering melon flavors.
Biltmore Cabernet Sauvignon
This medium-bodied red wine is smooth and fruity with a mild oak finish and moderate tannins.
Berringer Sauvingnon Blanc
This wine dangles exotic tropical fruit flavors long into the finish; very rounded in the aftertaste.
Eroica Riesling
Eroica delivers a unique combination of mandarin orange aromas melded with spiced apple and slate notes and with the lively, crisp acidity associated with German Riesling.
Michele Chiarlo Barolo
Barolo is a red full-bodied wine produced in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. It is made from the Nebbiola grape and is often described as one of Italy’s greatest wines.
December 16, 2013
Guests Recall The Blizzard of ’93 at Buckhorn Inn
In some 27 years of visiting the Buckhorn, our most treasured memory is of enduring the natural disaster that was the Blizzard of 1993, a.k.a. “The Storm of the Century.” The storm was a bona fide natural disaster, starting in Florida with deadly rain, wind and flooding, and morphed into a mid-March snowstorm that buried the southeast and eastern seaboard. It is recognized by NOAA as one of the five worst storms of the twentieth century.
We arrived at the Buckhorn on Thursday evening for a long weekend “spring break” of hiking and relaxing, and within 24 hours knew that we were in for much more of an adventure than we ever dreamed. Also with us as guests of the Inn that weekend were the four delightful couples from Oak Ridge that were here for a weekend of bridge – Gordon and Jean Jones, Norman and Louise Hildreth, Ervin and Sarah Kiser, and Clyde and Ada Hopkins. Martin Rosenberg and Liz Morgan, college professors from Kentucky were staying in one of the cabins, as were Riaz and Behroz Padamsee, business owners from Raleigh, N.C. The Inn was substantially full for its capacity at that time.
On Friday the weather forecasts were generally predicting 12 – 18 inches of snow. On our Friday morning hike to Alum Cave a light snow started by mid to late morning, and when we reached the parking lot it had turned to rain. After some shopping in
The blizzard of ’93 began during Friday night.
Gatlinburg, we headed back to Buckhorn, making a strategic stop at Park Liquor, just in case. On Friday night we watched a steady snowfall start to accumulate on the front porch hedgerow, and even as we went up to the Tower Room at bedtime that 12 – 18 inches seemed pretty accurate. But then during the night we woke up to hear noise in the parking lot, and looked out to see Rick Willard, one of the inn employees, and John Burns, innkeeper at the time trying to grade snow off of the parking lot with a tractor. Then we realized the electricity was off, and it was game on.
On Saturday morning we came downstairs to join everyone huddled in front of the fireplace listening to a battery operated radio, and watching it continue to snow. The inn had a generator large enough to run electricity for parts of the inn, but not all at the same time, so there was strategic switching between running heat, lights, coffee makers, and the water pump in the main inn. Jo Ann Preske was the only staff member that could get to the inn, walking from her house up on Buckhorn Road. Jo Ann and Connie Burns had to handle the cooking and strategically planning the use of food on hand to feed guests three meals a day instead of just two. Then there was the concern of keeping gas for the generator. We all actually volunteered to let the staff try to siphon gas out of the cars, but discovered that cars had baffles installed on the gas tanks to prevent gas theft! Luckily, John and Rick managed to get to a gas station at some point to replenish the supply. So looking back on it from today’s vantage point the whole situation had lots of potentially scary pitfalls, not the least of which was the fact that the temperatures were frigid – near zero. Yet everyone kept their composure and just adapted to the situation as best possible. We washed dishes, helped take firewood to the cabins, read books, talked, the bridge players played bridge, and we chilled wine in the snow. The fireplace area looked like a refugee camp with coats and gloves and boots strewn about to dry at least a bit.
The snow continued on Sunday. Everyone boiled water in the kitchen to take up to the rooms to sponge off, wash hair, etc. At some point later in the day Sunday the snow stopped, and the men went outside
Snow filled the entire veranda space and the hill beyond which became an ideal sledding venue.
to tackle the job of cleaning snow off of the cars. That is when we got the official snowfall measurement of 34 inches. At the time Eddie and I had a Pontiac Transport minivan that was almost entirely covered. One of the most interesting differences between then and now is that none of us had cell phones in 1993. Fortunately, one of the folks from Oak Ridge had a car phone, which was the predecessor of the cell phone, and he was very kind to let those of us who needed to call family, work, dog sitters, and others to let them know we were safe and coming home as soon as possible. The main issue we had with getting home was the road condition for access roads from the Buckhorn to the main highways. There was not only ice but also downed trees and limbs. By Monday, many were able to begin leaving, but we waited until Tuesday morning because of the 7 or 8 hour drive back to Memphis and still allowing for some icy spots on I-40. On Monday afternoon many from the neighborhood came and sledded down the hill in front of the Inn, then on Monday evening a whole group from the neighborhood, including the G. Webb family and the Preske’s all pitched in to cook a great meal of what probably was some of the last food left. On Tuesday morning we threw dirty clothes in the minivan and took off for home!
Of all these memories, there is one that remains with me vividly, and that is the feeling I had when I went out late on Sunday afternoon and took a walk up Tudor Mountain Road. There was absolutely no sound – total stillness, total quiet. The awesome power of nature had brought our busy human activity and our all-important control, to a halt. In that moment it was very clear that something bigger than us was in charge. I’m not sure if that is how you know you’ve been through a natural disaster, but at that time it sure seemed that way to me.
Eddie and Virginia Wilson, 1993
December 9, 2013
Buckhorn Inn Hosts Famous Guest
These last few days It has been our pleasure to host a visit from the official symbol of the Professional Association of International Innkeepers–The Red Chair. The Red Chair is on a nine-month journey that started in Maine and will finish in California in 2014. Red, as we familiarly refer to him, confided confidentially to me that the Smokies has been his favorite destination so far. We have a story for you about his visit to Buckhorn.
The Red Chair Gets a Paint Job The Red Chair arrived tired at Buckhorn Inn after his weeks of traveling and longing for the Orange Chair that had kept him company at his previous stop at Creekwalk Inn.
The Red Chair Gets a Paint Job
We offered him a Blue Chair who was visiting but he said “My heart belongs to Orange.” He was slightly unkempt and grouchy, so we decided a day in our workshop would do him good. (I know I always feel better after a day getting “fixed-up” at the beauty salon.) Hugo tightened up his loose bits and gave him a coat of matching red paint and he professed himself ready to face the world again after a quick look in the mirror.
The Red Chair Arrives
The Red Chair Officially Arrives Red had been admitted to the Inn via the back entrance when he arrived because he said “I don’t want anyone looking at me until I get a paint job.” So, we asked him nicely to make his entrance official by coming in the front door, which is the most popular place among our guests for picture taking because of the sign that says “Buckhorn Inn.” A bit vain, Red preened for the photo and we had to show him several versions before he was satisfied with this photo shown here. Doesn’t he look great? Well, at least that was Red’s opinion.
The Red Chair Dines with Friends “What I want is a good dinner with great service and ambience. An excellent wine list would also be welcome,” Red demanded (or asked politely depending on who is telling the story.) Innkeeper John Mellor told Red he had come to the right place as Buckhorn is the only inn in the area that serves dinner nightly. He gave Red the best seat in the house and comped him for this fine dinner, Red having pointed out that he is, after all, the Official Ambassador of our national Bed and Breakfast association. As all of us who have been lucky enough to know, Red makes friends wherever he goes and here at Buckhorn he soon became the center of attention. Crowds got a little too friendly at times with some of our guests actually wanting to sit on him! Red did invite the Buckhorn Bears One and Two to have dinner with him because they just adored him. Buckhorn Bear One said of him “Red is so tall and handsome—I just can’t take my eyes off him.” Buckhorn Bear Two had tears in her eyes when Red had to leave the next morning.
The Red Chair Meditates After a hearty breakfast with a menu just chocked full of delicious choices, Red said he wanted a little time to himself to unwind before going on to his next stop. Innkeeper Lee Mellor suggested that a visit to Rachael’s Labyrinth for a little meditation and a walk through the Inn’s gardens would be just the ticket. “The gardens aren’t the best during the winter season but our three perennial gardens really show their stuff in the spring, summer and fall. Of course, we have so many evergreen bushes—like native rhododendrons and azaleas—that the walk around the property and through our own nature trail is a visual pleasure year round.” (Lee likes to brag.)
Red Feeds the Swans Red’s favorite stop on his walk (I use this term “walk” figuratively as he was actually transported about on one of our golf carts) was Buckhorn Pond. Why? “Well,” he said, this is a beautiful, peaceful pond where I could spend several hours just sitting on the bench but the sight of two beautiful swans swanning about came as a big surprise. Fortunately, my driver had brought a good supply of lettuce for Swans Pentu and Teller (get the joke?—they are mute swans). “ As pointed out previously, Red makes friends wherever he goes and he and Pentu and Teller were soon trading stories and cracking jokes.
Red Says Goodbye It was hard to say “tata” to Red, but we understood he had his work to think of, pleasurable as it is, and we couldn’t be selfish with his company. After all, he had given up his love for The Orange Chair because of his responsibilities. Like Buckhorn Bear 2, we had a tear or two our eyes as Red made his departure but we comforted ourselves with the knowledge that he was being delivered into the warmth, comfort and charm of our neighbors at Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast.
May 23, 2013
A Room Full of Birds
Come see our great photo exhibition of the work of David Kelch entitled “A Room Full of Birds.” David is a nationally recognized photographer with oodles of talent. This photo of a red-headed woodpecker is his latest. This exhibit is one of the many activities we are sponsoring as a part of our 75th Anniversary Celebration.
April 30, 2013
Good Conversations in May
Celebrating 75 Years of Hospitality
1938-2013
May Activities
The Past Becomes Present
Local historians, naturalists and storytellers engage guests in lively conversations about the cultural, historical and environmental history of the Great Smoky Mountains and the present and future challenges that face this area. Presentations will be between 5:45 and 6:45 pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. Many of the programs will include photos and power point presentations. Opportunities for guest comments and questions abound. You do not have to be a guest of the Inn to attend.
Wednesday, May 1
Frances Hensley, Park Volunteer and Storyteller (aka Granny Franny) will talk with guests about the history, people and customs of the Greenbrier community before the Park became a reality and about some of the flora and fauna that now inhabit this unique area of the Smokies.
Thursday, May 2
Ray Palmer, Park Volunteer Almost everything you see in the Park that is man-made was originally built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. The CCC is a perfect example of the long lasting effect that a quality, socially responsible government program can have. Find out about the challenges the members of the CCC faced during the 1930sand their way of life and the contributions these hard-working men made to the pleasures we all enjoy today in the Park.
Sunday, May 5 Sarah Weeks, Friends of the Smokies With the help of thousands of people, businesses, and foundations, Friends of the Smokies now funds more than $1 million annually to protect bears, heal trees, improve trails and visitor facilities, and foster a love for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its tremendous cultural and natural resources. Find out about the history and mission of Friends of the Smokies and the many park programs and projects for which it has provided support in the last 20 years.
Tuesday, May 7 Kim Delozier, Former Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist Elk, bears, peregrine falcons, river otters, deer, wild pigs—if it inhabits our Park this former manager of wildlife resources for 32 years has a story to tell you about it. Kim, who described his career with the Park as like being a kid in a candy store, maintains his enthusiasm for all creatures great and small—and will be sharing it with you.
Thursday, May 9 Liz Dominque , Naturalist and Hiking Guide Salamanders, anyone? Liz is expert on these gorgeous little creatures. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World!” Salamanders are an especially abundant and diverse group in the Great Smokies. In fact, the great majority of vertebrate (backboned) animals, including human visitors, in the park on any given day are salamanders. Liz is going to tell you how to spot them on your next walk in the park.
Sunday, May 12 Carey Jones, Naturalist and Hiking Guide and Former Park Ranger Just how come did so many different types of animals and plants end up in the Smokies? Carey can tell you. This self-described “old Smokies naturalist” will let you in on why our Park is so special in its abundance and diversity of plants and animals. He promises to answer questions as long as you like.
Tuesday, May 14 Holly Scott, Friends of the Smokies and Billy Jones, Ridgerunner Since 2003, Holly has had the pleasure of helping to promote Friends of the Smokies’ activities and raise awareness of the ongoing need to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the programs supported annually by Friends is the Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner program. From March to October, Ridgerunners patrol the A.T. in the Smokies, helping to ensure that the park’s resources and facilities are being used responsibly, responding to hikers in distress, and performing maintenance along the A.T. and at the park’s backcountry shelters. Billy Jones is in his second year of Ridgerunning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an opportunity he sought after hanging up his suit & tie to thru-hike the A.T. in 2006. Holly will be with us to talk about the ways that Friends’ members improve our national park, and Billy will describe a day in the life of a Ridgerunner.
Thursday, May 16 Wanda DeWaard, Naturalist, Tracker, Hiking Guide and Monarch Butterfly Aficionado The Smokies are central to the annual Monarch Butterfly Migration and each year as they pass through Wanda expands her knowledge and expertise about these magnificent creatures—and she is going to share her information and insights with you. Monarchs descend upon the mountains as the law of nature demands. In mass numbers they arrive dedicated and loyal to their own ancestral customs and traditions. Bonded as family, they adhere to their kinsmen calling, displaying their traditional colors and design like the tartans of Scot-Irish clans or the tribal pottery motif of the ancient Native Americans. Their family crest is of a style that sets fear into their natural enemies, an age old shield that provides safe passage for them and their loved ones.
Sunday, May 19 Frances Fox, Artist, Weaver and Local Historian One of the most important early 20th century developments in Gatlinburg’s was the Phi Beta Phi Settlement School, created in 1910 to improve the educational standards for children and women in particular. It also stressed native handicrafts production as a means of raising local economic standards. Find out from Frances, one of its former students, how the school shaped the life of its students and contributed to the good of the community.
Tuesday, May 21 Glenn Cardwell, Pittman Center Mayor, Historian and Former Park Ranger In 1919, a Methodist missionary preacher came through the area then known as Emerts Cove, an area just to the northeast of Gatlinburg. Dr. Burnett realized there was a great need for a center to provide education and health needs to these impoverished people and he took his vision to the Methodist Episcopal Church who adopted it and opened the school and campus in 1920. Glenn Cardwell was one of those who benefitted from this establishment and he will be here to share his memories and those of other students and teachers of those days.
Thursday, May 23 Ellen Bebb, Retired Teacher and Daughter of Buckhorn Inn Founder Douglas Bebb Ever wonder what growing up in an inn would be like? Find out from Ellen Bebb, who with her sister Tina and four step-siblings did just that, working alongside their parents in the daily tasks of keeping the inn thriving and earning a living.
Sunday, May 26 Robin Goddard, Storyteller, Park Volunteer, and recent recipient of the National George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Enduring Volunteer Service for her outstanding service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Robin will charm you with her presentation about our famous Walker Sisters, entitled Common Women in an Uncommon World. Consider all the people who lived in the Great Smoky Mountains and none will exhibit the character of these mountain people better than the Walker family of Little Greenbrier or Five Sisters’ Cove. Isolated by their environment, each generation was raised with the idea that dependence on any strength save God’s or their own was less than wholesome. Close family ties and an insuppressible belief in a strong pioneer faith were practically inherent in the Walkers. Resourceful, strong-willed, self-reliant, and an illimitable love of this land and their home were all fitting descriptions. The old ways passed down from father to son or daughter were almost sacrosanct. Advancements were not spurned, neither were they sought. An advanced society would have thought them primitive. Perhaps they were, but here in these mountains they lived the only life they knew–the only life they wanted to know. This kind of life elsewhere had passed into history years before. Find out more about that life from Robin.
Tuesday, May 28 Janet Rock, GSMNP Botanist Janet is interested in everything—but especially in rare plants in the Smokies. She has also studied the harvesting impacts of American ginseng and wild leeks and impacts of white-tailed deer on herbaceous vegetation. Find out from Janet about the great plant diversity of the Smokies and its unusual habitats. She has some wonderful photos to share with you.
Thursday, May 30 Carroll McMann, Historian While much is known and obvious to national park visitors, there are some things that are not well-known and often remain secret unless you either stumble upon them or learn of them from a local. Such just might be the case with the Mayna Avent cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Find out about this very special place and the woman whose cabin it was.
March 20, 2012
Guest Publishes Book about Buckhorn
Knoxvillian Publishes Buckhorn Inn Memories: Buckhorn Inn Memories is a book conceived, written and photographed by a Devoted Guest, Dr. Jerome Vreeland of Knoxville. As Dr. Vreeland says in its introduction, “It celebrates Buckhorn Inn–its ambiance and seasons, its neighbors, and most especially the Smoky Mountains to which Buckhorn has lent its charm these past 75 years.”
Dr. Vreeland has practiced clinical psychology in Knoxville for the past 30 years, but even as a teenager photography was his creative outlet. “When we started visiting Buckhorn Inn several years ago, my wife and I discovered that we really liked hiking through all the seasons. I consider this book a gift to myself as it combines so many pleasurable experiences, in addition to being a wonderful break from my professional writing, and a note of endearment to Buckhorn’s lasting charms. I hope it will enrich the memories of other guests as well.
Buckhorn Memories contains over 150 superb photographs and lively commentary by Dr. Vreeland. Innkeepers John and Lee Mellor are very grateful to Dr. Vreeland for this contribution to the Inn’s history and are pleased to offer it for sale in our Gift Shop at $12.00. You can also order from Amazon!
March 29, 2011
Bill Mize Performs at Inn
This is no April Fool’s Joke! Famed fingerstyle guitarist and composer Bill Mize will perform between 6:00 and 7:00 pm on Friday, April 1. Make your dinner reservations now and come an hour early to hear this Grammy Award winner.
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