IT'S BRISTOL, BABY!

For the past few weeks, all eyes have been on Bristol Motor Speedway and the new Colossus jumbotron which is now hanging high above the track!  No matter where you sit.....you will have a bird's eye view of everything that is happening.

I know there are still seats available for the races this weekend and we still have a couple of rooms if you want to enjoy our "Pampering Perfected" service here at the Iron Mountain Inn B*B.  We are about 45 minutes from the track and give you a "secret" back road so you don't get caught in all the traffic.

Speaking of roads....came down the Bristol Highway aka Volunteer Parkway yesterday and discovered that the left hand turn is now a right hand ramp!  Had to go almost to Piney Flats before I could turn around and head in the right direction.  Think this is going to make travel to and from the track a lot easier.....once you know the new way.

Also saw a notice that Scott's Strawberries will be arriving before too long.  This is an event we wait all winter for - the arrival of the fresh local juicy sweet delicious strawberries at the pop up stands around the area.  Or we can get them at the Food City supermarkets - but by the time I get to town those are usually all gone!

Lots of events coming up in Johnson County this spring and summer.  Check out the events at the johnsoncountytnchamber.org for all the information on events and festivals in Johnson County.

Are you are a motorcycle rider?  Come ride The Snake aka 421.  Check out some great rides at www.421TheSnake.com.  Stay at the Inn or the Creekside Chalet with your friends and enjoy 4 or 5 days of great riding.  

Join the Johnson County Knights bike club invites everyone to come out to Chamber Park for a weekend of Family Fun. Starting at 5pm on Friday, May 6th, this weekend full of live music, games, races and more, will continue through 11pm on Saturday, May 7th. For additional information call (423)291-1082.

Prefer to challenge the trails on an ATV?  Check out the miles of trails on Doe Mountain. New ones are always being created- in fact, if you'd like to help make one down to town, let Larry Potter, Johnson County Mayor know and he'll put together a work party.  I'll supply the picnic food and drinks.

Hope you've enjoyed this compendium

                                         Very secluded and private Creekside Chalet.net

Springing toward Summer

Hooray!  Spring is here and it hasn't come soon enough after the winter just past.  Dancing daffodils are one my favorite flowers because they are the harbinger of warmer weather, sunny days and I can finally get out of those heavy bulky tops, pants and coats!

But oops....when getting out of them....it shows what winter's inactivity has done to the "rack" on which those heavy tops and bottoms hung!  A few extra pounds...what exactly is meant by "a few"?

Is that two or three or could it mean five to ten?  Whatever, thank heavens for elastic waist bands!

Walking around the Inn the other day, I was noticing that the plantings are in need of upgrading.,  Many of them have been here for 10 years or more and like the inside of the Inn. sprucing up is in order.  So I called Mountain View Nursery aka Harvey Burniston, to come have a look.  Now I have lots of new plants waiting to bloom.

So it's time for a trip to Wintergreen Farm to find flowers to fill the flower boxes all around the Inn and the Lake House.  Last year I did great blue pots with red and white geraniums under the deck at the Lake House and boy did they look good against the pale blue, almost white house.   It takes about 10 pots in each box and I have 14 boxes....I'm going to be busy.

Mountain Spring

Looking over some old blogs, it seems I tend to ignore bogging during the cold winter and like spring, I waken and think about sharing the magic of the mountains with friends old and new.

It's been a mostly mild winter and now spring has arrived....disappeared night before last when we had icy snow covering the decks and bird feeders in the am.  Had to put ice melt on the steps, but then the sun came out and melted everything - love the quick changes of season in the mountains.

Spring means that it's time to warm up the Harley or other bike and come ride www.421TheSnake.com.  The start in Mountain City is just up the road from the Inn and Chalet which means a stay with us will get you on the road for the 489 curves, 3 mountains and 1 valley in 33 miles to Bristol following a hearty breakfast.  Return after a day riding for a nice dinner and a chance to compare notes on your ride while you relax with a glass of our local award wining wines from the www.wataugalakewinery.com.

In fact, take a short detour over to the winery to taste the wines and choose a bottle for yourself.

Don't forget Watauga Lake for a relaxing swim or boat ride.  You can even rent paddle boards, canoes and kayaks at www.fishspringsmarina.com by the hour or by the day.

Come for a ride and stay for the fun.  Let us know what libations you like after your ride and we'll have them ready for you.

Share the magic of the mountains with your friends when you visit the Iron Mountain Inn B&B and Creekside Chalet or House on Watauga Lake.