Mike Newman

Located just north of Knoxville in Halls is a unique residential development. The perfect "green development" as Cobia Partners recycled a defunct quarry into an emerald jewel. Minutes from Knoxville or Interstate 75 and Norris Lake this is a perfect community to raise a family. For more info visit http://www.hgre.net

This jewel sits at the base of the Great Smoky Mts. and English Mt. Great fishing and boating pleasures come from these tranquil waters. The lake separates Jefferson and Sevier Counties. Crappie and Bluegill fishing are spring rites in East Tennessee and Douglas Lake is one of the premier sites. Douglas is formed by the French Broad River which enters via North Carolina. Knoxville is only 20 minutes away by interstate and makes Dandridge a favorite retirement town. Be sure and go by the drug store which still has a soda fountain & order a Blble burger!

The Holston River is where I grew up as a child. I have been fortunate to always have the opportunity to relive these great experiences. The Holston river starts in Virginia and runs through East Tennessee until it meets the French Broad river in Knoxville. These two rivers join to become the Tennessee river. The Holston River divides Grainger County (where I live) and Jefferson County. The water is cold and clear and is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. I have fished the river all of my life forthe sport fish here. Trout and smallmouth bass are in abundance, but my favorite are the "redeye". These small bass are the toughest fighting fish in the river ounce for ounce. They seldom get over 1 lb. so use ultralight gear and 4 lb. test for the most enjoyment. When the fishing is off I enjoy floating the river either in canoe or tube. The river has plenty to offer for someone looking get away from it all.

Cherokee Lake is located at a historical crossroads in East Tennessee. The major route from Washington D.C. to New Orleans was Lee Highway. Lee Hwy. runs through Grainger county and is parallel to Cherokee Lake. The passage west from North Carolina was Cumberland Gap and to access that route one must go through Bean's Station. Bean Station as it is called now is the northern most town in Grainger County and adjacent to Cherokee Lake. This lake features beautiful scenery as well as great fishing, skiing and camping.

Grainger County has the second oldest brick jail in the state of Tennessee. The archives of Grainger County have finally found a climate controlled home. The old Rutledge high school now houses the archives and the museum. Make plans to visit, you will not be disappointed.