Tank up on Fun - Not Gas!

Lucky us! Thousands drive for days to experience what we have in our very own back yard. With gas prices what they are, put your money where the fun is! Not in your gas tank - in our very own East Tennessee Treasures!

The Ocoee River area, beautiful Cherokee Mountains, rich Appalachian history, rafting, dining, scenic drives, wineries, guided fishing, swimming, lakes..... Cleveland, Cherokee and Appalachian heritage, historic religious roots, lovely architectural downtown area perfect for a shady summer walking tour, terrific restaurants, live entertainment and shopping. And of course, Chattanooga, the River City with tradition, "edu-tainment", terrific dining options and hidden gems we promise to enlighten you about.

But let's start with this week's mini-vacation suggestion: Day-trippin' thru Ocoee. It was my beginning, having spent every childhood summer in a cabin on Lake Ocoee, then life-guarding on Chilhowee's mountain top Lake McKamey as a teen.

I am going to give you several options which could fill every bit of a day, or a week, or two. You choose the combination which sounds best to you,

your family, or play group.

There are several awesome cabin rental options, and a beautiful new hotel, which provide perfect getaways without dropping a pretty penny on the cost - or the gas to get there and back. Fletcher Cove Cabin, an award winning retreat for two on a shady lane tucked into a hardwood ridge in the midst of Cleveland's city limits;

the Whitewater Inn, the Ocoee area's first brand-new lodge;

Adventures Unlimited Cabins & bungalow rentals;

and Ocoee Riverside Lodge which offers bunk-rooms and a gorgeous deck and pavilion overlooking the Little Ocoee where they even give you tubes and a lift up river for a gentle float of the Little O, and they have made an excellent "take-out" on their own river bank.

For fun - start in downtown Cleveland, take Inman Street, which becomes Highway 64. About 10 minutes out, just past where the 4 lane goes to 2 - slow to turn right into Adventures Unlimited outfitters. They will take you on a whitewater rafting trip down the Ocoee River you will always remember. Their 32 acre adventure resort offers a climbing wall, open air bar, cabin rentals, camping, a gift shop and a full array of fun. Give them a call, or log on for rafting excursion options and bungalow and cabin rentals.

Treat yourself to a dining experience at the Riverside Restaurant, in the beautiful Ocoee Valley just before Lake Ocoee. Proprietors Eddie and Clarice Arecco make their guests' tummies very happy, and their staff adds southern hospitality to make for a perfect experience in the mountains. Either before or after dining, meander around the place, enjoy the tree-covered deck, or walk down to the river and enjoy the relaxing view of the lazy Little Ocoee River.

It is well worth the stroll down the hill.

The Ocoee Whitewater Center is just a half hour more in the same direction. If you haven't been there, or not lately, go. Go soon! The drive on the Ocoee Scenic Byway next to the "Olympic Ocoee River" is still awesome. Every time I visit the Whitewater Center it's different than the time before. Sometimes, when it's chilly, I'll sit in the rocking chairs on the deck overlooking the river. Weather permitting (most of the time), we take Hank, our dog, on a leash and he gets to take the river walk around the rapids. The way it's designed makes you feel like you're walking right down the middle of the river. The hike up the mountain overlooking the river gorge is a great jaunt if you are a hiker. The gift shop there, O's on the River, feels like a nature center and offers great books and wonderful keepsakes of the area. The staff is a mixture of forest service personnel and locals, creating an atmosphere of state park, camp site, hiking, and vacation getaway. Lots of hospitality! Be sure to ask about viewing their video of the area. It is an alluring account of the Appalachian communities which sprung from the mountain resources of which we are in the midst.

Turn right out of the Whitewater Center's parking lot and travel another 10 minutes and take Highway 68 - North. About a block on your right is a jewel! The Ducktown Basin Museum. The staff is as charming as the story in this museum which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Burra Burra Mine and Copperhill, Tennessee create some of East Tennessee's most tragic - yet triumphant - history.

Follow its tale from 1850 to the 1980's on your visit to this must-see.

Next week we'll pick up in Ducktown and head to the Hiwassee River and Valley, where we'll guide you to an award winning winery, glider rides, an enchanting visitor center, and directions to Tellico Plains and Coker Creek. If you just can't wait, go ahead and log on to GuestLineTN.com. This week's treasures are there, in lots more detail - with an Ocoee map that you can print and take with you. Or pick up your free GuestLine Tennessee Guide at the Museum Center at Five Points, the Chamber of Commerce, Pathway Bookstore, or the Bradley News office. GuestLine guides have maps and goodies for Cleveland, Chattanooga, AND an Ocoee Day Trippin' guide.