Kay Bennett, Realtor® MILLION $$ PRODUCER

As some of the natural hiking in Tennessee is not for the faint at heart...Burgess Falls isn't too bad of a hike. It is approx. 1.5 miles total and provides beautiful scenic overlooks and only a mildly steep trail to conquer before encountering the Big Falls which is very breathtaking. My family and I just went today and it took a little over two hours including small rest stops and a picnic lunch. Walking along side the Falling water river is beautiful and this time of year is amazing. As we just had a good storm front pass through, the river was ROARING and absolutely energizing to view. I suggest everyone put this hiking trip on their list of things to do in Tennessee.

DIRECTIONS: Burgess Falls is located southwest of Cookeville, Tennessee about 12 to 13 miles. From I-40 take exit 286 South and veer left onto Hwy 135. Follow until you come to the bridge which is over the lake, then turn right and follow the road to the park.

This State Park is for day use and closes at sundown. It provides large parking lot, picnic tables, pavilion, restrooms and play area for kids. You can fish, hike and picnic this area and enjoy the beauty of Natural Tennessee.

As you start at the trail head, you will need some good shoes as this is a natural trail that runs along the Falling Water River. The trail goes up, but is only steep in a few places. These semi-steep inclines have steps that make the ascend for the novice hiker easier to achieve. Resting benches along the way are perfect for those of us who only get our exercise by showing property. Pets are allowed on the trail and in the park, but must be on a leash. Kids are also welcome, but must be supervised by adult. My kids are 6 and 9, and both had a blast!

The one mile Ridge Top trail is very scenic with views down the canyon (I didn't make this trail)

For more information try the Tennessee State Parks Website. This is most fun for the entire family. Seasonal hiking hear will provide lots of different views and fun.

FOLLOW MY FAMILY'S HIKE THROUGH BURGESS FALLS:

This is just down below the parking lot at the trail head...

Going up the path along beside the Falling Water River...

After a hard rain, the river is roaring with white water...

Our ascend to the Big Falls is about 3/4 mile hike...

The First Falls is small but mighty and beautiful!...

With River on right, cascades on the left are awesome..

More scenic views on the trail to the Big Falls...

Watching the raging river along the trail...

At the top, you'll find Middle Falls Overlook...

Reaching the Big Falls is well worth the journey..

Now, don't you wish you lived in Tennessee? What a great state to call home. To find out how you can re-locate to Tennessee, call Kay today!

POSTED BY: KAY BENNETT, REALTOR(R)

FIRST REALTY COMPANY

116 SOUTH LOWE AVE

COOKEVILLE, TENNESSEE

931-528-1573 OFFICE

AGENT CELL: 931-510-8601

(all photos are the property of and taken by Kay Bennett)

With the excitement of the Hannah Montana movie release April 10, we are sure to be number one on the list of places to call home! Hannah Montana is just one of the great movies that have been based on and partially filmed here. It's exciting to watch the Jungle book and see our beautiful Fall Creek Falls in the back drop. No one would know it wasn't really a jungle, but our beautiful and natural state of Tennessee. Everyone is talking about how this was a perfect place to shoot part of the movie and how beautiful Tennessee is...Well, you don't have to tell any Real Estate Agent here in Middle Tennessee That! We are proud of our beautiful state and it's great views, and reasonable living. No state income tax, and low property taxes help make Tennessee affordable while enjoying nature's awesome landscapes. Come see why you should re-locate to Tennessee Call Kay for more information today!

TENNESSEE SEARCH FOR HOMES...

As an emotional week is coming to a close, I would like to thank all the wonderful people here who support each other. Near or far, having the opportunity to come together as a community in times of need is such a blessing!

First of all, let me express my thanks to everyone who commented and felt the love for my friend Christina Williams, who recently passed away. She will always remain in our hearts, and one of the best "Active Rainers" here. Her blogs were awesome.

Second, I would like to express my thanks to two wonderfully special people in Waxahachie Texas. Their names are Pete and Mary Stanley. Just a few short weeks ago, my very good friend who worked at our local Title company had to move from here in Tennessee to Texas. Her husband got transferred. Due to our economic stress, his job was eliminated, but managed to lateral to a position in Texas. This was extremely hard for her and her family. As a native of Texas and knowing the area well, I ask her if I could do a referral for her. I immediately came here...Active Rain...Where else could I possibly find a referral?? Where else could I learn so much about an Agent? I looked up the area, and began to read profiles and blogs..Gee, when you do this, you realize what people are looking for in an Agent. This, not only helps oneself become a better agent, but also to really connect to those "people" not just a piece of paper on the other end. I saw Pete and Mary's profile, and was immediately taken. I never once looked at their "points"...No, I looked for what I saw were "genuine" folks ready to help my friend. Thank you Pete and Mary, for you did just that! Not only did my friend and her family find a great home, but great friends too!

Last, but not least...Thank you Active Rain and its founders for making this such a possibility for all of us. What a brilliant idea you had to build this site.

Being an Active Rainer for over two years now, I have seen it evolve into a wonderful service for everyone.

POSTED BY: KAY BENNETT, REALTOR®

FIRST REALTY COMPANY

116 S. LOWE AVE

COOKEVILLE TN

Remembering Christina...

After battling Ovarian Cancer and three brain tumors, Christina past away last evening. Her battle was long and hard, and she never gave up living and smiling. The people who's lives she touched knows her determination and love for all that is with God's creation. Christina is a true inspiration to people as she always had a smile for everyone. When I first met Christina, I saw her here on Active Rain. It was Spring of 2007, and we were both on the Tennessee front page at 8,000 points. As I began to blog on Active Rain, I would read other's blogs and especially noticed hers. Her content was inspirational and quite informing about our area and interests. Then, after a few weeks, her company closed and remembering that my broker had mentioned wanting to open an office in our neighboring town, I called her...It went something like this..."Hey girl, I know you don't know me, but I know you from Active Rain." We both laughed and the friendship was on. I am so glad she came to work with us and we became friends. During her battle with Ovarian Cancer, she would tell me to spread the word. She wanted women to know that your regular yearly exam (pap smear) does not test for Ovarian Cancer, but only Cervical Cancer. As a fund raiser for her, I remembered her wishes and began to spread the word. I have never felt so good about a cause before. I know if we can reach at least one woman in time, our mission will not be wasted. Bringing together people in love and friendship is who she was as a person. She loved selling Real Estate for that very reason.

Some facts about Ovarian Cancer:

• Ovarian Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women
• A Pap Smear is used to detect Cervical Cancer, not Ovarian Cancer
• There is NO consistent and accurate screening test, however, a blood test to determine the level of a tumor called a CA-125 is available.
• Only 5-10 percent of Ovarian Cancer is the result of inherited susceptibility gene. Most Ovarian cancers are sporadic, meaning they occur in women who do not have a family history of Ovarian Cancer.
• Many people incur these symtoms: Abdominal pressure, bloating, discomfort, nausea, indigestion, or gas, constipation, diarrhea, or frequent urination, abnormal bleeding, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms are often acute or intense, they are not silent. Many of us experience these symptoms from time to time, do not be alarmed..It's when they persist or seem unusual that you should see your doctor.
• Early recognition is the best way to save lives. Without increased education about Ovarian Cancer, many women and their doctors will continue to ignore or misinterpret the symptoms. Remember, early detection can mean a 90% and over survival rate.

As she departs from this life, I will remember her as she would turn around and giggle, and as she walks away she gives a wink and a smile and says....Later tater....

I dedicate one of my favorite poems to Christina as this reminds me of her individualism and wisdom..

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN..

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ROBERT FROST

POSTED BY: Kay Bennett, Realtor®/Friend®

First Realty Company

116 S. Low Ave.

Cookeville, TN. 38501

Below is an old fable that always reigns true! Life is what we make it, so speak up and make the positive changes for yourselves!

A man lived by the side of the road....and sold hot dogs.

He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio.

He had trouble with his eyes, so he had no newspaper.

But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up a sign on the highway, telling how good they were.

He stood by the side of the road and cried, "Buy a hot dog, mister!"

And people bought.

He increased his meat and bun order, and he bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.

He got his son home from college to help him. But then something happened.

His son said, "Father, haven't you been listening to the radio?

There's a big Depression on. The International Situation is terrible, and the Domestic Situation is even worse."

Whereupon the father thought, "Well, my son has gone to college.

He listens to the radio and reads the newspapers, so he ought to know."

So, the father cut down on the bun order, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand on the highway to sell hot dogs.

His hot dog sales fell almost overnight.

"You were right, son," the father said to the boy.

"We are certainly in the middle of a Great Depression."

This fable appeared in American Metal Marketing, January 15, 1958.