The Lights Are Off

Vineyards, Mist, and a Mountain Called Clingman


We ventured out of Lexington, Kentucky, winding our way through lush valleys and green-blanketed mountains until we arrived in Maryville, Tennessee, at our next Harvest Host location: Pleasant Hill Vineyards and Winery.


Our host, Charles, and his sweet black lab, Etta Ray, welcomed us with the kind of southern hospitality that makes you want to stay longer than planned. We spent a peaceful afternoon walking the vineyard’s grounds and were treated to a private wine tasting and tour—with Charles pouring and Etta supervising, of course. The pours were generous, the wines smooth and satisfying, and the setting? Picture-perfect. Pleasant Hill hosts weddings in a beautifully restored barn and former horse stables, and it’s easy to see how special a place this would be to start a new chapter.



Wednesday: Where the Mountains Touch the Sky


Today we found ourselves wrapped in mist and silence in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. On days like this, when fog clings to the ridges and curls through the trees, the name Smoky Mountains feels almost too perfect. As our Jeep climbed steadily higher along the winding roads, we stopped—often—to take in the views from the many scenic overlooks. Each time we stepped out, a hush seemed to settle around us. These mountains don’t shout for attention; they whisper their beauty. Quiet. Unassuming. Timeless.


While Gary made the climb to the top of Clingman’s Dome—the highest point on the Appalachian Trail at roughly 6,600 feet, sitting on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina—the dogs and I stayed behind to enjoy the serenity. Since pups aren’t allowed on the trail, we people- and squirrel-watched instead, and I soaked in the scene stretched out before us like a living painting.


We ended the day at Barley’s Taproom in downtown Maryville, where we ate well, drank happily, and listened to live fiddle and guitar music as the sun went down. One of those rare, perfect days: full of fresh air, good wine, and even better company.