One of the things that Tom and I really enjoy about the Tri-State Area is all the opportunities we have for hanging out.  We recently had a ranger who left because of “Appalachian Isolation.”  He had some reasons to feel that way, but it isn’t something that Tom and I have experienced.  We are more connected to people here than we are to people in the Columbus area where we have our home.

We spend time hanging out at the Levitt AMP concerts.  I wrote about these concerts two years ago, and they are back in Middlesboro.  Tom and I go every week that we are in town.  We even have “our spot” to sit and invite others to join us.  Pat and Trish have been with us every week.  Pam and Chuck Blank were there the first week.  A couple of rangers with their friends joined us last week.  It is fun to sit in a group and enjoy the great free concerts.

We are hanging out every month at the Cumberland Gap Small Farmers Market.  I love talking to the people who are selling and asking about their product.  I am a big supporter of small, local businesses, especially ones that make sweets.  The local school band has a bake sale every month, so I have to support that.  We try the cookies at different booths and definitely have our favorites.  In August we were able to get a grilled cheese sandwich at Adorno’s, our favorite local food truck.  We recognize many of the vendors because we see them at all the local events.

We are hanging out with rangers at special events like Folk Fest, which was this last weekend in the town of Cumberland Gap.  Our setup was under a tent and in the shade of a couple of old trees.  Each of us demonstrated a skill.  I had my spinning wheel.  Tom and Pat worked on a bucket.  Buddy demonstrated carving.  Ranger Lucas was a “whitesmith” – pewter and silver – and Ranger Brittony did candlemaking.  There were over 500 visitors and some of them had been up to see me previously in my textile room.

Folk Fest was a perfect weather day and there were lots of vendors.  I enjoyed walking around and talking to the different makers.  One vendor was selling beautiful handmade dulcimers and cigar box banjos.  Another was selling one-string banjos that he called “diddly bow.”  I saw several people carrying them around.  He was doing a great job of demonstrating how to play them and one string would make it easier.  There was fudge, soap, honey, and our favorite food truck Adorno’s.

In addition to these special events, we have enjoyed hanging out on casual nights with friends.  We get together with Pat and Trish every Friday for a game night.  Last week we learned how to play Rummikub.  Sherry and Paul Downing had us over for smash burgers – good food and good friends.

After our game time with Pat and Trish, we usually go to the campground program on Friday night.  Each week a ranger or someone who lives locally gives a talk on a subject about the area.  We heard about Ely mound, Caves and Karst, the geology of the gap, and the traditions of Indigenous people.  We sit with the other volunteers and any rangers that attend.

We really enjoy our time hanging out in the tri-state area.  The people are so friendly and supportive of their community.  We see the same folks over and over at events.  They are also very supportive of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and we appreciate that.  This is a good place for us to live and work for a while.