fall 2008, tennessee connections

Graze Anatomy

Alpacas give couplea new interest in life

Squash and Sausage Soup

Favorite dishes take on autumn fl avor

tnconnections.com

Home Improved

White Bluff house gets energy-saving makeover

tnfall 2008

connectionsAn Offi cial Publication of Your Locally Owned Municipal Electric System

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traveler’s almanac

Travel tips and fun fi ndsoff the beaten path

GOOD EATS DOWN YONDER Down Yonder restaurant in Spencer gets a thumbs-up from TN Connections reader Gerry Cantrell of Sparta. This friendly, casual establishment is housed in a hard-to-miss blue metal building. Folks come here from miles around for the steak and grouper, says John Howard, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Kathy. “We don’t use frozen meat,” Howard says. “Everything is prepared fresh.” The restaurant also serves barbecue, sandwiches, soups and more. The desserts, including homemade chocolate pie and chocolate caramel cake, get rave reviews and are mostly made by Kathy Howard and her mother, Betty Simmons. Down Yonder, at 158 Spring St., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DIG THESE DINOSAURSIf you see a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex on the side of Interstate 65 in Cave City, Ky., you’re not hallucinating – you’re nearing Dinosaur World.

This outdoor attraction, not far from the Tennessee border, is fi lled with more than 100 life-sized dinosaurs along a 1/2-mile

walk. One of the most popular park attractions is a fossil dig where children ages 3-12 can sift through sand in search of authentic fossils and choose three to take home. Dinosaur World also has an indoor museum, picnic areas, a large playground and a bone yard where children can uncover a life-sized skeleton buried in the sand. The park is open every day (except Christmas and Thanksgiving) from 8:30 a.m. to sunset Central time.

Visit www.dinoworld.net for details.

SEE VIDEO ONLINE See the raptor spectacular for yourself in a video tour of Dinosaur World at tnconnections.com.

UPSCALE COUNTRY CUISINEThe Post & Beam is a sought-after dinner spot in Spring Hill, featuring upscale country cuisine such as pork loin, mesquite chicken, steak and country green beans. This buffet-style restaurant, housed in an 1850 Victorian farmhouse near Franklin, is only open Friday nights, Saturday nights and Sunday brunch – and you must have a reservation.

Restaurant owner and chef Ray Whitlock schedules theme dinners every other Saturday night. The restaurant has 700 people on its e-mail list, and he sends out advance e-mails asking folks if they’re interested in attending certain theme dinners, which always draw big crowds. Recent examples included a New Orleans dinner, a French bistro dinner and a “last meal of the Titanic” dinner.

Make reservations online or get more information at www.thepostandbeam.com.

SEND US YOUR IDEASDo you know of a wonderfully special restaurant? A quirky museum? A best-kept-secret getaway spot? We’d like to write about it. Send your ideas to Editor, TN Connections, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail [email protected].

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Fall 2008 tnconnections.com | 1

online contents | tnconnections.com

table of contents

Watch a VideoView a cooking demonstration or take a virtual ride on a miniature train in our online video gallery.

Find a RecipePrint or e-mail a recipe from our online recipe fi le.

Enter a ContestFind entry forms and rules for contests, sweepstakes and other special promotions.

Browse the ArchivesView past stories, photos and magazine coversin our online archives.

Virtual MagazineFlip through the pages of the magazine without leaving your laptop. Print and e-mail articles and instantly link to advertisers.online contents | tnconnections.com

table of contents

FEATURES

Throwback to a Simpler Time 6

Lynnville holds tight to its old-fashioned appeal

Renovating and Energy Saving 9

White Bluff resident gives home energy-efficient makeover

Tastes of Autumn 10

Old favorites take on fall flavor

DEPARTMENTS

Municipal Power Perspective 3

Vistas 12

Fall Activities in Tennessee 14

Connect to Tennessee Products 17

Fall 2008 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey

Contributing Writers ?

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, Jesse Knish

Senior Production Project Manager Tadara Smith

Production Project Managers Melissa Hoover, Jill Wyatt

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams

Graphic Designers Janine Maryland, Amy Nelson

Ad Traffic Marcia Banasik, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner

Controller Chris Dudley

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Distribution Director Gary Smith

Accounting Moriah Domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens

Custom Sales Support Patti Cornelius

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly

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FEATURES

Graze Anatomy 4Alpaca farm gives couple a new interest in life.

Throwback to a Simpler Time 6Lynnville holds tight to its old-fashioned appeal.

Home Improved 9White Bluff resident gives her house an energy-effi cient makeover.

Squash and Sausage Soup 10Delicious dishes celebrate fall’s bounty.

DEPARTMENTS

Municipal Power Perspective 3

Vistas 12

Fall Activities in Tennessee 14

Connect to Tennessee Products 17

Fall 2008 Edition

Editor Rebecca Denton

Editorial Assistant Jessy Yancey

Contributing Writers Kim Green, Linda Bryant

Creative Director Keith Harris

Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto

Senior Photographer Brian McCord

Staff Photographers Jeff Adkins, Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier, Ian Curcio, Kyle Keener, Jesse Knish

Production Project Managers Melissa Hoover, Jill Wyatt

Sr. Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams

Graphic DesignersJanine Maryland, Amy Nelson

Ad Traffi c Marcia Banasik, Sarah Miller, Patricia Moisan, Raven Petty

Additional photography courtesy of Tennessee State Photo Services

Sr. V.P./Sales Carla H. Thurman

Sr. V.P./Operations Casey E. Hester

V.P./Editorial Director Teree Caruthers

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester

Production Director Natasha Lorens

Assistant Production Director Christina Carden

Pre-press Coordinator Hazel Risner

Controller Chris Dudley

Advertising Sales Manager, Custom Division Beth Murphy

Integrated Media Manager Robin Robertson

Distribution Director Gary Smith

Accounting Moriah Domby, Richie Fitzpatrick, Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens

Tennessee Connections is published quarterly by Journal Communications Inc. for participating members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. TMEPA represents 61 municipal power distributors in Tennessee, which serve more than 2 million customers. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067. Phone: 615-771-0080.E-mail: [email protected].

For information about TMEPA, contact:

Tennessee Municipal Electric Power AssociationPaddock 1, Suite C-13229 Ward CircleBrentwood, TN 37027Phone 615-373-5738 Fax 615-373-1901tmepa.org

Executive Director Mike Vinson

C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc. and Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ON THE COVER:

Squash and Sausage Soupby Jeffrey S. Otto

tntable

FEATU

G A

08 Edition

Rebecca Denton

al Assistant Jessy Yancey

connections

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Take small steps at home and save

Coping With the Energy Crisis

MembershipAlcoa Electric Department

Athens Utilities Board

Benton County Electric System

Bolivar Energy Authority

Bristol Tennessee Essential Services

Brownsville Utility Department

Carroll County Electrical Department

Electric Power Board of Chattanooga

CDE Lightband – Clarksville

Cleveland Utilities

Clinton Utilities Board

Columbia Power & Water System

Cookeville Department of Electricity

Covington Electric System

Dayton Electric Department

Dickson Electric System

Dyersburg Electric System

Elizabethton Electric Department

Erwin Utilities

Etowah Utilities Department

Gallatin Department of Electricity

Greeneville Light & Power System

Harriman Utility Board

Humboldt Utilities

Jackson Energy Authority

Jellico Electric & Water Systems

Johnson City Power Board

Knoxville Utilities Board

LaFollette Utilities

Lawrenceburg Utility Systems

Lenoir City Utilities Board

Lewisburg Electric System

Lexington Electric System

Loudon Utilities

City of Maryville Electric Department

McMinnville Electric System

Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division

Milan Department of Public Utilities

Morristown Utility Systems

Mount Pleasant Power System

Murfreesboro Electric Department

Nashville Electric Service

Newbern Electric Department

Newport Utilities

City of Oak Ridge Electric Department

Paris Board of Public Utilities

Pulaski Electric System

Ripley Power and Light Company

Rockwood Electric Utility

Sevier County Electric System

Shelbyville Power System

Town of Somerville Utilities

Sparta Electric System

Springfi eld Electric Department

Sweetwater Utilities Board

Trenton Light & Water Department

Tullahoma Utilities Board

Union City Electric System

Weakley County Municipal Electric System

I’m sure you’ve all been listening to radio and television and reading the newspapers about the new energy crisis. Gas has cleared $4 a gallon here in Tennessee, propane and natural gas have doubled and in some cases tripled in cost to the homeowner, and even your electric bill has gone up – though, thankfully, not to the same extremes as other energy sources.

Everything seems to go back to the price of oil. Let’s face it, virtually everything you purchase – all manufactured items, agriculture, education, airlines, trains, buses and even the candy bars we love – has a relationship to oil costs, and by oil costs we include gasoline, propane, natural gas, electricity. You see, each industry includes the cost of energy in its product or service price. Everyone “pays the piper” when energy costs go up. As much as we dislike saying that, the truth is still the truth.

“What can we do?” you might ask. “After all the increases in food, gas, utilities and clothing we’ve been experiencing, the only thing not going up is my salary!”

Th at’s certainly a fair question,

and perhaps we need to go back to the 1970s for the answer. Some of you will remember the energy crisis of the time and some of the many ideas that were formulated. Th ey even worked. Little things like moving the thermostat in your home down from 75 degrees in the winter to 68 degrees. You’ll actually reduce your heating operating costs by up to 5 percent for each degree under 75 that you maintain. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed, not open. Th is may require retraining of children and husbands. Wives already know where everything is in the refrigerator.

Turn out lights when not in use, and use the new compact fl uorescents when possible. Change the fi lters on your furnace monthly and be sure to have a licensed heating contractor do a checkup on your heating system. Check your water heater for the temperature you’re maintaining, and remember that 110 degrees is more than adequate for most people. Th ere’s more each of us can do to hold down our utility costs, and each person varies a little in what they are able or willing to do.

Th e good folks at your local municipal electric system are more than willing to advise you how to save energy, so give them a call. Th ey live in the same town you do and pay the same bills. Best of all, they want to help.

MIKE VINSONExecutive Director Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association

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4 | tnconnections.com Tennessee Connections

FleeceAlpaca farm gives couple a new lease on life

and Stress Release

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F ollow a narrow, winding road a mile or so south out of the tiny town of Leiper’s Fork in Williamson County and you

might get the feeling you’re in the Andes Mountains.

Forget snow-capped peaks and Incan ruins. It’s the fauna, not the landscape, that recalls the South American high sierra. You round a corner, and suddenly, there they are – hundreds of alpacas in shades of black, brown and creamy white, grazing the 150 rolling acres at Michael and Charlotte Goldston’s farm.

Six years ago, the Goldstons were far from this place, working high-stress jobs in the investment business. Th eir blood pressures were skyrocketing.

“It was during the bear market of 2000-2002,” Michael says. “I told Charlotte, ‘I’m stressed. I want to be a farmer.’”

A television ad extolling the benefi ts of alpaca farming sparked the idea.

“It was an epiphany,” he says. “‘World’s greatest livestock investment,’ it said. After that the world kind of went in slow motion for a while.”

Within a month, the couple had bought 15 alpacas from Colorado and moved them to their 50 acres in Brentwood. Since then, High Mountain Alpacas has relocated to the larger spread in Leiper’s Fork, and the herd has grown to more than 200 head, including around 40 babies.

“Th ey are like fl uff y Valiums,” Charlotte says of the wobbly newborns with impossibly huge eyes. “Th ey are a stress release. And at dawn and dusk, they ‘pronk.’ It’s

Michael and Charlotte Goldston left corporate jobs to raise alpacas. Left: High Mountain Alpacas in Leiper’s Fork has a herd of more than 200 alpacas, each with its own name.

kind of a mystical experience.” “Pronking” is basically the

alpaca Lindy Hop, Charlotte explains. Th e young animals, known as “crias,” leap up and forward, landing stiff -legged on all four legs at once, with no apparent purpose other than “joie de vivre” – enjoyment of life.

Charlotte talks about her 230 furry wards with the adoring aff ection of a new mother. She’s taking pre-veterinary classes and is gradually taking over some of the animals’ medical care. She and Michael have given each of the animals a name to suit their personalities – and the couple remembers all 230 of them, including Gigglet, who makes a giggling sound when you scratch her, and Grace Kelly, a statuesque, elegant lady.

Th e only down side, Charlotte says, is selling them.

“I hate it,” she says. “I get so attached.”

But because alpacas are raised

for their fl eece and not for their meat, she says it’s relatively safe to fall in love with them. For Michael, too, it was love at fi rst sight. And he’s just as enamored with the animals’ investment potential.

“Any girl born here starts at a $10,000 value,” he says. “By the time she can breed, she’s up to $18,000. Studs can be in six fi gures.”

Because importing alpacas is tightly controlled, and because the herd grows very slowly – one female can have about 10 babies in her lifetime – demand for breeding stock remains high.

Th e couple’s days are bucolic now, fi lled with ultrasounds and electrolyte supplements, daily feedings and, of course, constant poop scooping.

Th ey don’t miss spending hours cooped up in an offi ce.

For them, alpaca farming is not just a business. It’s a lifestyle. And their blood pressure is the better for it.

Story by KIM GREEN

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Story by LINDA BRYANT

Photography by TODD BENNETT

N estled in the rolling hills of Giles County, about an hour’s drive south of Nashville, the picturesque

hamlet of Lynnville is experiencing a rebirth of sorts.

Th is tiny country town – a low-key, often-overlooked day-trip destination – delivers spectacular scenery, fi ne examples of pre- and post-Victorian-era architecture and family-centered fun (think blackberry festivals and a railroad museum). You won’t be overwhelmed with tourist attractions, restaurants or lodging options here. Th ere are just a few places to visit and a few places to stay – and therein lies the charm of this small town of 327, where a slow-paced, Mayberry-esque lifestyle is alive and well.

“We want people to come to Lynnville, but we hope it never changes too much,” says City Recorder Dina Laroue, a lifelong resident and the only full-time employee in Lynnville’s mayor’s offi ce. “What we really hope is that

Simpler TimeLynnville holds tight to its old-fashioned appeal

A model train is one of many items on display at the Lynnville Railroad Museum.

Throwback to a

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people appreciate the historical part of this area.”

More than 40 of the homes and commercial buildings in Lynnville are on the National Register of Historic Places. Occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, the town was a strategic hotspot because the railroad went straight through what is now the downtown area.

Lynnville’s user-friendly railroad museum is a growing attraction, with displays including a 97-ton steam locomotive, a circa-1923 Pullman passenger coach, a 54-foot fl at car, an old red “long body” caboose and an educational building with artifacts.

Tim Turner, who doubles as Lynnville’s director of tourism and president of the museum, is hooked on the area’s rich railroad history.

“We’ve got bigger dreams of expanding what we already have, but we’re happy to go one step at a time,” Turner says.

A must-see Lynnville draw is Soda Pop Junction, an old-fashioned soda fountain and burger café. Decorated with old vinyl records, antique bicycles, farm

Soda Pop Junction, with its old-fashioned charm, is a must-see stop in Lynnville.

IF YOU GOLynnville Historic Bed and Breakfast on Main Street is a peaceful place to stay. This 1860 Victorian manor is furnished with antiques, romantic guest suites are spacious and inviting, and the front porch overlooks a gorgeous view of the area’s rolling hills. Don’t forget to ask about the inn’s signature waffl e.

Rates begin at $85. Call 931-527-0270 for more information.

tools and vintage bottles, Soda Pop Junction has been featured on Th e Food Network and Th e Discovery Channel. Specializing in steaks, burgers, old-fashioned ice cream and lots of Southern favorites (grilled bologna sandwiches, anyone?), the café is housed in a block-long strip of old buildings built in the mid-1880s.

Next to Soda Pop Junction in the same downtown strip on Mill Street are three historic storefronts recently restored by the Col. Littleton company, which makes internationally famous heirloom leather goods, knives, hats, jewelry and other items. Local resident and entrepreneur Garry Littleton moved part of his operations to the downtown site in 2007, and the pristine restoration brought more media focus, including a segment on “Tennessee Crossroads.”

All the publicity has attracted lots more traffi c to this sleepy town,

and a $400 million residential development is in the works on 1,100 acres of farmland nearby.

“People like it here because you don’t have to dress up. You can be yourself,” says Judy Hewitt Roberts, who works at Soda Pop Junction.

Like many residents who have chosen Lynnville’s small-town life, Roberts works two jobs. Even Mayor Troy Hood fl ips burgers at Soda Pop Junction on weekends and commutes to work during the week at the Nissan plant in Smyrna.

“We value the history and character of our town,” Hood says. “We’re growing – but not too much because we want to preserve this healthy, hometown atmosphere. We want to share what we have with all generations.” SEE MORE ONLINE Take a virtual tour of this historic town. Check out our Lynnville movie online at tnconnections.com.

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When Pruda Bentley relocated from New Mexico to Tennessee, she had years of

experience making new homes more energy effi cient – and saving some money in the long run.

Her modular home in the White Bluff community in Dickson County, served by the Dickson Electric System, is just one of many she has improved in her lifetime. She learned as a child by helping her father and uncle build a house in New Jersey.

Th at was just the beginning.“My husband was in the

service,” Bentley explains, “and so we would fi nd a house, fi x it up, and then move again after making it a good house to put on the market. When I moved out here, I had all the knowledge from over the years.”

Th at know-how came in handy as she took on her new property in White Bluff .

Built in the mid-1990s, the home wasn’t in the best condition

when Bentley purchased it last summer. But she took the renovation opportunity to convert the house into a more energy-effi cient living space.

First, Bentley had all the wiring checked and replaced where necessary.

“I had all the receptacles and switches changed. Now it’s much safer,” she says.

She had her heating and cooling system serviced, including cleaning out the ducts, which will help to lower the cost of her electric bill.

Bentley installed water-saving showerheads to save both water and money on her water bill. She also purchased a GE SmartWater heater, which boasts a longer life than the average water heater while also exceeding National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standards.

She chose the water heater based on Internet research and talking with employees at home-improvement stores.

“Brand names don’t always

SavingWhite Bluff resident gives modular home an energy-effi cient makeover

Editor’s note: Are you taking steps to make your home more energy effi cient? Send your tips and tales of conservation to TN Connections Editor, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail [email protected], and you could be featured in an upcoming issue.

Pruda Bentley has taken several steps to make her White Bluff house more energy effi cient.

Renovating and Energy

matter,” she advises. “Sometimes the price is the only diff erence.”

Bentley also had new doors and Pella windows installed along with tile and hardwood fl oors. And she plans to buy new energy-effi cient appliances for her kitchen.

Her improvements extend outside the home, which lies on about an acre of land. Storms have knocked several tree limbs onto her garage roof and near power lines, and Bentley is having the trees topped off and the dead branches removed.

Her home may be more than a decade old, but almost everything inside it is brand-new with benefi ts that are twofold: saving money and conserving energy.

Story by JESSY YANCEY

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Ahhh, fall. Trees take on a mantle of red and gold, there’s a snap in the air and a whiff of woodsmoke in the wind. Swimsuits are packed away and sweaters come out as the mind turns to

bonfi res and blankets, hayrides and holidays.

Food cravings also change with the weather, and we have some decidedly fall-feeling recipes to share – made with the best of Tennessee’s in-season offerings – that are sure to impress guests or the usual dinnertime crew.

Freshwater shrimp glazed with cider offers a healthy and fl avorful entrée with an autumn twist, and it’s easily paired with wild baked acorn squash that looks as good as it tastes. For dessert, try gingerbread with caramelized apples – a tasty and unexpected way to use this sweet fall fruit.

These recipes come to you courtesy of Pick Tennessee Products, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s program that promotes local products and farms. Find more great ways to use fresh local bounty at www.picktnproducts.org.

GINGERBREAD WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

You will need:

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

3 apples, peeled and diced

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup fi rmly packed brown sugar

1 cup honey

3 eggs

3 cups all-purpose fl our

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Old favorites take on fall fl avorAutumn

Taste of

Story by REBECCA DENTON

Food preparation and styling by NASHVILLE STATE

COMMUNITY COLLEGE CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM

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1 Tablespoon diced candied ginger

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sour cream

1 cup ground toasted pecans

Combine sugar and water in a large sauté pan and cook over high heat until sugar turns golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not stir until sugar starts to brown. Add apples and cook until they are tender and the caramel is soft, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, in mixer bowl, combine butter, brown sugar and honey, mixing well on high speed. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each one before adding the next. Add cooked apples and mix well. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine fl our, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, candied ginger and baking soda. Add half of fl our mixture to egg mixture. Add half of sour cream and mix well. Add remaining fl our mixture and mix well. Stir in remaining sour cream and add pecans. Mix well and pour into prepared pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Yield: 8-10 servings.

CIDER-GLAZED SHRIMP You will need:

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon peeled, chopped fresh ginger

1/2 cup Tennessee apple wine

1/2 cup apple cider

2 Tablespoons honey

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

24 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Add wine and reduce by half. Then add cider and reduce again by half. Add honey and jalapeno and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in oil, thyme and pepper. Set aside to cool.

Thread shrimp on skewers and place on prepared grill. Generously brush top and sides with glaze. After about 2 minutes, turn skewers and brush them again with glaze. Cook another 2 minutes or until shrimp is just cooked through. Brush lightly with remaining glaze on all sides and serve immediately.

Yield: 4-6 servings.

SEE MORE ONLINE: Find the recipe for another tasty autumn dish, fall squash and sausage soup, at tnconnections.com.

WILD BAKED ACORN SQUASH

You will need:

3 large acorn squash, halved and seeded

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup apple brandy

1/4 cup apple cider

3 cups cooked long-grain wild rice

3 cups cooked wild rice

2 egg yolks

1 cup toasted pecans

1 cup grated Gouda cheese

1 Tablespoon fresh sage

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash in a large baking dish. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add onions and garlic. Sauté 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and add brandy and cider. Set pan over high heat and reduce until mixture is nearly evaporated, about 4 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool. Transfer cooled mixture to a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Divide stuffi ng among prepared squash. Bake until squash is tender, about an hour. Serve warm.

Yield: 6 servings.

PHOTOS BY JEFFREY S. OTTO

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Fort Loudoun Lake at sunsetStaff Photot sunsetStaff Photo

vistas

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fall activities in tennesseeThis listing includes events of statewide interest scheduled in September, October and November as provided by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Dates were accurate at press time but are subject to change; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend. Additional information about Tennessee events is also available online at tnvacation.com.

SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 5-626TH ANNUAL SMOKY MOUNTAIN FIDDLERS CONVENTIONLegion Field, Loudon – Performances by some of the Southeast’s best bluegrass musicians, competitions, crafts, antiques and food. CONTACT: Loudon County Visitors Bureau, (888) 568-3662, www.loudoncity.com/fi ddler

SEPTEMBER 5-730TH ANNUAL MOUNTAINEER FOLK FESTIVALFall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville – Traditional mountain music and demonstrations of pioneer skills including handmade crafts, knitting and weaving demonstrations, soap making, ironwork and stained glass. Includes Civil War demonstrations, square dancing, circle dancing, clogging and lots of down-home cooking. CONTACT: Fall Creek Falls Nature Center, (423) 881-5708, www.fallcreekfalls.org/currentevents.html

SEPTEMBER 6-7GREAT ISLAND FESTIVAL

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum & Ft. Loudoun State Historic Area, Vonore – Held in conjunction with the Ft. Loudoun 18th Century Trade Faire. Cherokee demonstrators, dancers, encampment, food, crafts, storytelling and more. CONTACT: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, (423) 884-6246, sequoyahmuseum.org or Ft. Loudoun State Historic Area, (423) 884-6217, www.fortloudoun.com

SEPTEMBER 6-14DARRYL WORLEY’S TENNESSEE RIVER RUNPickwick Landing State Resort Park, Pickwick Dam – This annual event features a golf tournament, fi shing tournaments, 5K run, Motorcycle Poker Run, and a country music concert featuring recording artist and Hardin County native son Darryl Worley. CONTACT: Courtney Goolsby, (615) 319-5944, www.darrylworley.com

SEPTEMBER 12-13DOODLE SOUP DAYSBradford – Celebrating the town of Bradford, famous for its doodle soup. Includes chicken and doodle soup, food, music, tractor show, quilt show, dog show and more. CONTACT: Betty Jo Taylor, (731) 742-3494

SEPTEMBER 12-13FAYETTE COUNTY COTTON FESTIVALCourthouse Square, Somerville – This celebration features a beauty pageant, talent show, quilt exhibit, 5K run, auction and much more. CONTACT: Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, (901) 465-8690, www.fayettecountychamber.net

SEPTEMBER 13CHARLOTTE FESTIVALHistoric Courthouse Square – A family-oriented festival with music, rides and more. CONTACT: City of Charlotte, (615) 789-4184

SEPTEMBER 13-14HANK DAYSHistoric Old City District, Knoxville – A celebration of the music and life of Hank Williams Sr., and the musical heritage of east Tennessee. CONTACT: Jacqui Wadsworth, (865) 405-7125, www.hankdays.org/index.html

SEPTEMBER 20HOCKADAY BROOMCORN FESTIVALSelmer City Park, Selmer – Folk art festival with more than 30 demonstrating folk artists, including quilters, potters, broom makers, basket makers, weavers, glass artists, furniture makers, carvers, food, live music and more. CONTACT: (731) 645-6360, www.tast.tn.org

SEPTEMBER 25-27CHESTER COUNTY BAR-B-QUE FESTIVALChester County Courthouse Lawn, Henderson – Family-themed entertainment with lots of Chester County barbecue. CONTACT: Kristen Hester, (731) 989-5222, www.chestercountychamber.com

SEPTEMBER 26-27SOUTHERN FRIED FALL FESTIVALCourthouse Square, Columbia – Enjoy great bands, delicious food, antique shopping, children’s activities and more. CONTACT: Rick Alexander, (931) 381-0954, www.southernfriedfest.com

SEPTEMBER 27OLDE TIME FIDDLERS & BLUEGRASS FESTIVALNetherland Inn, Kingsport – Fiddling demonstrations; prizes awarded. CONTACT: P.T. Nottingham, (423) 246-8528, www.netherlandinn.com

SEPTEMBER 27HOMESTEAD APPLE FESTIVALHomestead Tower and Museum, Crossville – Crafts, food, fresh apples, live music, The Fayette County Cotton Festival in Somerville features a quilt show, auction and more.

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quilt show and antique tractor show. CONTACT: Homestead Tower Association, (931) 484-7320, www.crossville-chamber.com

SEPTEMBER 27HERITAGE DAYDowntown Historic Square, Covington – Reminisce about the past with folk art demonstrations, arts and crafts, food, music, children’s activities and more. CONTACT: Covington-Tipton Chamber of Commerce, (901) 476-9727, www.covington-tiptoncochamber.com

SEPTEMBER 27LIONS CLUB OF COLLEGE GROVE PRESENTS THE 3RD ANNUAL CRUZIN THE GROVE FESTIVALCollege Grove, Williamson County Community Center – A car show, festival of crafts and food, games for the kids and music. An event for the whole family. Free admission. Hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds go toward funding the community and assisting residents with eyesight services. CONTACT: Lions Club of College Grove, (615) 368-3456.

SEPTEMBER 27-28RYAN HOLLADAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVALEva – Bluegrass festival honoring recording artist Ryan Holladay. Daily concerts, food, contests, prizes, arts and crafts, and more. CONTACT: Benton County-Camden Chamber of Commerce, (731) 584-8395, www.ryanholladay.com

OCTOBEROCTOBER 2-536TH ANNUAL PINK PALACE CRAFTS FAIRAudubon Park, Memphis – Hundreds of artisans and craftsmen, kids’ activities, demonstrations, entertainment, food and more. CONTACT: (901) 320-6362, www.memphismuseums.org

OCTOBER 3-4UNICOI COUNTY APPLE FESTIVALDowntown Erwin – A celebration of the unique heritage, foods, crafts and culture of the southern Appalachian region. Includes arts and crafts, musical entertainment, apple contests, beauty pageant and more. CONTACT: Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, (423) 743-3000, www.unicoicounty.org

OCTOBER 3-536TH ANNUAL NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVALJonesborough – Includes a variety of accomplished artists whose stories take

listeners back to their childhoods, across cultures and into the world of imagination. CONTACT: International Storytelling Center, (800) 952-8392, www.storytellingcenter.net

OCTOBER 4CELEBRATION OF CULTURESCentennial Park, Nashville – A two-day event that showcases and celebrates the diversity of Nashville through music, dance, visual arts and exotic-food samplings. CONTACT: Scarritt-Bennett Center, (615) 340-8804, www.celebrationofcultures.org

OCTOBER 4CEMETERY CANDLELIGHT TOURGallatin City Cemetery, Gallatin – Actors in period clothing tell the story of Sumner County’s most colorful characters who are buried in the cemetery. CONTACT: (615) 451-3738, www.sumnercvb.com

OCTOBER 4-517TH ANNUAL GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL & WEIGH OFFAllardt – Includes tractor show, quilt show, live entertainment, crafts, fi reworks, food, talent show, weigh-off of giant pumpkins for world-record consideration and more. CONTACT: Fentress County Chamber of Commerce, (931) 879-9948, www.nicesingles.com/festival/fest.html

OCTOBER 4-541ST ANNUAL NILLIE BIPPER CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVALTri-State Exhibition Center, Cleveland – More than 100 exhibitors will display original handmade fi ne arts, arts and crafts, demonstrations and delicious food. CONTACT: John Simmons, (423) 780-9002

OCTOBER 11THE STAR CENTER’S KIDSFESTFairgrounds Park, Jackson – A fun-fi lled day of activities for the entire family, including appearances by Dora the Explorer, puppet show, magic show, make-and-take crafts, infl atable carnival, chili cook-off, live entertainment and more. CONTACT: Beth James, (731) 668-3888, www.starcenter.tn.org

OCTOBER 11PUMPKINTOWNDowntown Athens – A tiny McMinn County settlement called Pumpkintown disappeared many years ago, and few records remain to tell her story. But for one golden afternoon, the little town is remembered. Join us in celebration of east Tennessee’s rich cultural traditions as we bring history to life on the streets of Athens. CONTACT: Elaine Newman, (423) 746-9041, www.athensdba.org/pumpkintown

OCTOBER 11GERMANTOWN’S OKTOBERFESTNashville – Features arts, crafts, antique and specialty booths, live music, Funland for children, music, authentic German food, tours of historic homes and churches, and four musical stages. CONTACT: Jerry Strobel, (615) 818-3959, www.nashvilleoktoberfest.com

OCTOBER 11BISCUITS AND BLUEGRASS FALL FESTIVALLoveless Cafe, Nashville – Celebrates community and tradition with live music, food and activities for the entire family. CONTACT: Loveless Cafe, (615) 646-9700, www.lovelesscafe.com

OCTOBER 16-18LIONS CLUB OF COLLEGE GROVE PRESENTS THE HAUNTED WOODSCollege Grove, Williamson County Lions Park – A Halloween event the whole family can enjoy. A wagon hayride for the little ones and a guided haunted trail through the woods for the thrill-seeking ones. From Dusk til Death at the Lions Park across from College Grove Elementary School. Receive $1 off admission when you bring a donated canned good or a recyclable pair of eye glasses. All proceeds go toward funding the community and assisting residents with eyesight services. CONTACT: Lions Club of College Grove, (615) 368-3456

OCTOBER 18STORIES FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCHTipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Johnson City – Listen to stories around a bonfi re. Enjoy a hot dog roast with all the trimmings and be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. CONTACT: Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, (423) 926-3631, www.tipton-haynes.org

OCTOBER 18-19MUSIC & MOLASSES ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVALTennessee Agricultural Museum, Nashville – A huge 3-acre hillside of fall activities. Arts, crafts, old-time activities and country/bluegrass music are part of the fun that includes molasses making and tasting, cornmeal from the gristmill, lots of activities for children, an 1860 living-history camp and authentic chuck-wagon cooking. CONTACT: Tennessee Agricultural Museum, (615) 837-5197, www.tnagmuseum.org

OCTOBER 24-2520TH ANNUAL JACK DANIEL’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL BARBECUEWiseman Park, Lynchburg – The good

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people of Lynchburg have joined the folks at Jack Daniel Distillery to host the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue - what many have called the most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. CONTACT: Debbie Christian, (931) 759-6332, www.jackdaniels.com

OCTOBER 24-26LORETTA LYNN’S HAUNTED HALLOWEEN TRAIL RIDELoretta Lynn’s Ranch, Hurricane Mills – Includes costume dance, haunted hayride, ghost watch and camping. CONTACT: Loretta Lynn Ranch, (931) 296-7700, www.lorettalynn.com

OCTOBER 25PUMPKINFESTFranklin – Fall festival with arts and crafts, children’s costume contest and activities, chili cook-off and music. CONTACT: Downtown Franklin Association, (615) 591-8500, www.historicfranklin.com

OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1PUMPKINFESTDayton – Includes downtown merchant ‘treating,’ face painting, hayrides, games, bounce rides, contests, prizes, music, movie in the park, crafts and more. CONTACT: Main Street Dayton, (423) 775-9847, www.mainstreetdayton.org

NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 1FALL PIG ROASTTennessee Valley Winery, Loudon – Great wine, great food, great music. Come enjoya harvest celebration with a new wine presentation, live entertainment, smoked pork and barbecue. CONTACT: Tennessee Valley Winery, (865) 986-5147, www.tnvalleywine.com

NOVEMBER 3SEVIERVILLE’S WINTERFEST KICK OFF: MUSIC, LIGHTS & MAGICSevierville – Food, entertainment, children’s games and fi reworks make this event fun for everyone. The evening wraps up with “fl ipping the switch” on the Winterfest lights. CONTACT: (888) 738-4378, www.visitsevierville.com

NOVEMBER 15MANCHESTER-COFFEE COUNTY WINE FESTIVALManchester-Coffee County Conference Center, Manchester – Sample award-winning wines from wineries across the state. Be treated to an assortment of musical guests and a fi ne arts show. CONTACT: Cheetah Fletcher, (931) 728-7635, www.macoc.org

Fall is high time for hearty fare, and we’re sponsoring a contest to fi nd soup recipes worth sharing. Traditional beef stews, homey chicken and dumplings, that special family recipe with the secret ingredient – TN Connections is looking for a winner. All kinds of soup recipes are eligible, with the exception of chili. E-mail your recipe, along with your name and contact information, to Editor, TN Connections, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or e-mail [email protected]. Entries must be received by October 3.

The winner – to be announced in the winter 2008 online issue – will receive a copy of our Down-Home Dumplings cookbook.

CALLING ALL CHEFS!

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SEND US YOUR FINDSIf you know of a great Tennessee-made product, we’d love to hear from you. Send the name of the item, a brief description and contact information to [email protected] – or send a sample to TN Connections Editor, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN, 37067.

connect to tennessee

productsA roundup of favorite fi nds

PASTA WITH PERSONALITYHere’s a stocking stuffer idea. Anyone in charge of feeding a hungry, but discriminating, family would enjoy The Pasta Shoppe’s designer pastas – uniquely shaped and fl avored, and a higher quality than most mass-produced pastas. Among the fun choices: Dog Lovers pasta (with paw prints and dog bones), Cat Lovers pasta (with cat faces and paw prints), and Slapshot Hockey pasta (with ice skates, helmets and players). There’s also a large selection of collegiate pasta salads, from Alabama Roll Tide Pasta Salad to Wisconsin Badgers Pasta Salad. And kosher Hanukkah Star of David pasta, too. A 14-ounce bag is $4.99. Call (800) 247-0188 for more information.

For a look at all the choices, visit www.pastashoppe.com.

KIMONOS FOR KIDSWhen Hisae Shiratori and Mari Beth Sartain of Nashville were expectant mothers, they looked high and low for baby kimonos for their newborns to wear. Kimonos wrap around the baby, so you don’t have to put them over the head, says Sartain, who used to live in Japan. The garments have easy access for diaper changes, and they fi t loosely so the umbilical-cord area is protected. The friends decided to make and sell their own. The result is Tomo & Edie, a home-based business – named for their children – that sells organic cotton baby kimonos in specialty stores and online. Styles include short, long and a combination onesie kimono with snaps. They come in plain and an all-natural, traditional Japanese dye technique called kusakizome, which Shiratori and Sartain do by hand. Plain baby kimonos start at $20, and the dyed kimonos range from $40-$44.

For more information, visit www.tomoandedie.com or call (615) 566-7896.

BIRDHOUSES THAT ROCKYou’ve heard of folks seeing the image of Virgin Mary in a potato or cookie? Well, Jake Lamb of Triune saw Elvis in a gourd. Now he paints homegrown gourds to look like “The King” – the rotund Elvis of the later Vegas years, that is. He grows each gourd and lets it dry slowly in his barn. After sanding and drilling the correct size hole for bluebirds, he paints the gourd and fi nishes it off with a hard exterior coat of shellac. “They’re very popular at the trade shows we go to,” Lamb says. “I can’t keep Elvis in the building.”

Lamb’s Elvis birdhouse gourds cost $34.95, and Lamb paints each one when it’s ordered.

He also makes dog-food scoops, cat-food scoops and natural-color birdhouses from gourds. Call (615) 395-7428 for more information.

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLebanon Junction,KY 40150

Permit No. 222

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD., SUITE 400FRANKLIN, TN 37067

Now that fall is officially here, it’s time to start thinking about staying warm – and paying heating bills. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: Inspecting insulation, sealing gaps and maximizing the heating and hot-water systems are all great tips that really will save money in the long run. According to the Department of Energy, the cost to heat an average home is approximately $1,400. Experts say you can save close to half of that if your home is winterized properly. To do it right, look at various areas where heat may escape or may not be used efficiently. Here are five steps to get you started.

Inspect Your Insulation: Since warm air rises, the most effective way to save on heating is to have adequate attic insulation. Look for your ceiling joists. If you can see them, you need more insulation.

Plug the Gaps Outside: To keep cold air out, seal up all cracks on the exterior perimeter of the home, including areas around windows and outdoor faucets. Use standard caulking or Sidewinder Caulk that’s appropriate for use in temperatures below 40 degrees. Inspect the exterior of your home and apply the caulk wherever you see cracks, gaps or holes.

Stop the Leaks Inside: Seal up cracks inside the home, including cracks around windows and around electrical outlets on exterior walls that can create a tremendous leak of warm air. Use a standard caulking gun to apply caulk to areas where you

Try these fi ve tips to reduce your heating billA Checklist for Fall

can see a crack or feel a draft. If new windows aren’t in your budget, use a window insulation kit such as the one available from Duck brand. The kit is easy to install and costs about $3 per window.

Maximize Your Heating System: Have a professional inspect your heating system every year to ensure that it’s operating properly.

Keep Your Hot Water Hot: On average, it takes about 14 percent of your overall utility bill to provide hot water. Savings add up when you wrap a water-heater blanket around the water heater, insulate your water pipes and install a timer on all electric water heaters.

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fall 2008, tennessee connections

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