Think Anne...

Haunted Tennessee - Part 2

One of Tennessee's unsolved mysteries involved the death (murder or suicide) of the famous explorer Meriwether Lewis, who was known for his role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis was traveling along the Natchez Trace near the present-day site of Gordonsburg when he met his death. Rumors still linger as to what may have happened...

If you go a little southeast of  Nashville, Chapel Hill is the site of one of the South's most famous ghost lights. Here, at the L & N Railroad Crossing, hundreds of witnesses have reported seeing a glowing ball of light appear along the tracks. No one knows why the light appears here although some have linked it to the disappearance of a woman here in the 1940's. The suspect in her death later committed suicide and the light began to appear shortly thereafter. The light is seen near a dirt road that takes a sharp dip as it crosses the L & N tracks west of town. Witnesses say that the light is most often seen when facing north.

Right in Nashville on Music Row is the site of the old Jacob Schnell Mansion  (now home to Capitol Records). Staff members and visitors report strange voices, phantom footsteps, bizarre acting electronic equipment, cold spots and more. Most feel that the resident ghost is the former owner of the land, now resentful of trespassers on his land.

The connection between ghosts and country music does not end there. Many people have come to believe that the famous Ryman Auditorium is also haunted. Spirits of the past are often reported there and some even tell of the infamous Grand Ole Opry Curse, which has taken the life of many a music maker of days gone by.

11th Annual Harvest Days and Fiber Festival – Oct. 27

Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro, has celebrated the arrival of fall since 1976. Harvest day features old-time music, clogging and demonstrations including blacksmithing and butter churning. The Fiber Festival demonstrates skills like weaving and sheep shearing and offers traditional fiber arts and supplies for sale.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For the adventuresome, you can access Murfreesboro’s Greenway system from a trailhead at Cannonsburgh. For more information call 890-0355.
Cannonsburgh is located just off Broad Street on South Front Street near the Shoney’s Restaurant. Free parking is available.

Haunted Tennessee - Part 1

With Halloween less than a week away, did you know that Tennessee is one of the most “haunted” states in the nation?
The most famous fright-fest is The Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee – a short 45 minute drive northwest of Nashville.   
Closer to home is the Stones River National Battlefield in which one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War occurred. A friend of swears that she once saw confederate soldiers standing by a fire next to their tent as she drove on Old Nashville Highway. When she stopped at the visitors’ center, they said no reenactments were scheduled that day.
Another writer says, “When we reached the site of the Slaughter Pen on our driving tour, we stopped the car in a small parking area to take a look around. In the woods beyond the open field, I noticed a small light appear and bob along at the edge of the trees. I could see nothing behind it in the gloom and only saw it for a few seconds before it disappeared and did not return."  Could it have been a car reflection or another natural explanation.... or does some lone sentry from Sheridan’s brigade still walk near the scene of the battle?
Park rangers and visitors often report that the Slaughter Pen to be about 10 or 20 degrees colder than the surrounding area. It’s also been claimed that you can sometimes hear the sound of someone following you if you walk there after dark.

They're Back....

From October 19 through 21 and again from October 26 through 28, Nashville Zoo will hold its tenth annual Halloween celebration, Ghouls at Grassmere.  This year’s event features the return of all the favorites, including a wide array of activities, entertainment and treats for the whole family.  Ghouls at Grassmere runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. each of the six nights. The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. and then re-open at 5:00 p.m. for the festivities.

Taking place throughout Zoo grounds, Ghouls at Grassmere is designed to appeal to families with children under 12 years of age. The event features plenty of corporate-sponsored treat stations for children as well as animal shows, activities, games and more. Back again, and better than ever before, is the Zoo’s wildly popular Haunted Hayride with quite a few "tricks and treats" of its own. This journey offers guests a tractor ride through the Zoo’s back road decorated with Halloween displays, lights and sounds. This is a must-see attraction!

Also, boogie down at our costumed "Monster Mash!" sponsored by Cumulus Radio. Take in an old-fashioned ghost story by the fire, play some ghoulish games and see a Mad Science Show at Festival Field, or wander up to the Grassmere Historic Home for a tour to learn about death-and-dying customs of the 1800s. The Zoo’s SCARE-ousel will also be aglow with black lights and have some of its own spooky twists and turns. Whatever you do...come dressed in your best and show off your costume in a children's costume parade held each night!

Ghouls at Grassmere information here.

It's a Party!

I'm so honored...

Many of you know the saga of Allie's sweater, but for those who don't, read what Lynne Vogel had to say about it today on her blog, Hand Spun Central.

Lynne's books are awesome.  After being a "pattern knitter" for years, I only became a "Thinking Knitter" after reading The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters A Knit-to-Fit Workshop.  No more knitting projects that don't quite fit!  No more being a slave to the pattern, only being able to make minor changes!  Freedom at last!!!

Read Lynne's blog, Hand Spun Central, and see why I call The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters A Knit-to-Fit Workshop, The Book.