Mississippi Melodies
Tue, Jul 23, 2019
  • S5.E10
  • Mississippi Melodies
Aerial heads down to Clarksdale, Mississippi, hoping to shine a spotlight on the innovators and artists that have impacted the music of America. Her first stop is the Devil's Crossroads, where according to legend, musician Robert Johnson sold his soul in exchange for mastery of the guitar. A local sits with her at Hopson Commissary to give her the lowdown on the infamous tale, as well as other forgotten stories that surround the area. Then, it's all music and dancing at the Deep Blues Festival. Aerial visits both the Ground Zero Blues Club and the New Roxy to talk to the owners of these remarkable venues about what blues music means to the city. Afterward, she stops into Deak's Mississippi Saxophones and Blues Emporium, where she meets owner Deak Harp. Not only does she learn how he got into playing the harmonica and how he keeps the craft alive by offering repairs to the instrument, but she also gets to hear a performance. Next, Aerial relives her student days by visiting Quitman County Middle School, where she helps the manager of the TVA Science Kids World Water Monitoring Program collect samples for a lab that she then gets to participate in during class. There, she discovers why it's important for kids to learn about their local water sources, and to get hands on experience with scientific experiments. Before she concludes her trip to Mississippi, Aerial meets up with the owner of the Shack Up Inn, a collection of sharecropper shacks that are as historically prominent as they are comfortable.
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Grainger's Farm to Table
Erick learns what it's like to be a farmer. He fights his way through the Grainger County Tomato Festival - an event full of philanthropic fun and family-farm produce - before heading off to explore a few "wild islands" on nearby Cherokee Lake. Even though Erick forgot his paddle, he manages to learn quite a lot, both about public lands he never knew he could explore, as well as how visitors can help take care of them. Erick earns his keep picking heirloom vegetables in the gardens at Blackberry Farms before cooking up more than just conversation with Executive Chef Sarah Steffan.
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Cruising the Delta Blues
Erick is exploring how the Delta is more than just a region it's a symbol of change. He starts out by causing quite a stir at the Grammy Museum in Cleveland before heading over to nearby favorite, Backdraft, to fill up on food, as well as stories on local families. The next day, Erick gets a little Delta under his fingernails forming fine art at McCarty's Pottery, before helping the students at Houston High School fine tune their solar powered sensation, the Sundancer.
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Smokey Mountain High
Aerial gets caught up in the call of the mountains. She starts by setting out on the trails with an unlikely set of companions the helpful herd at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks learning that, no matter how crazy life gets, it's important that you learn to be present. From there, Aerial heads over to the classrooms at Arrowmont to learn more about heritage crafts and the school's mission to make art accessible to all. Next up is a visit to Fontana Dam, where Aerial explores the facilities for hikers on the harrowing Appalachian Trail, as well as hears some firsthand accounts from the "dam kids" who grew up watching their fathers build these significant structures. Finally, Aerial takes to the sky at the annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival in Townsend, TN, where she takes in the view alongside some of the techniques it takes to fly these aircraft.
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Memphis Grit, Grime and Games
Erick is making moves to understand what it means to be a Memphian. He starts his journey with a little serenity care of Sunrise Yoga at The Dixon, joined by local blogger, Michaela Dockery. After working up a sweat, they head to nearby City Silo for some heartwarming conversation about conquering challenges. Next, Erick gets into the booth with seminal sportswriter Geoff Calkins, before heading to Hog and Hominy to dig into some conversation about how the gumption of the Grizzlies is emblematic of the city they call home. Next, Erick and Michaela cruise through the Crosstown Concourse to see how the residents have polished a piece of history and made a home for arts, food, shopping and more in the process. A quick trip to the FedEx Forum allows Erick to followup on questions about how the Grizzlies get involved in the metropolitan community and why they've been able to form such a solid fan base. Finally, Erick explores the Guesthouse at Graceland, learning about the King's heart for helping others, as well as shedding a little light on his legacy at the annual Candlelight Vigil.
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Balance in 'Bama
Aerial sets out to answer a question that has been on her mind for years: what exactly is the secret to a happy and balanced life? She begins her journey through Northern Alabama at the Unclaimed Baggage Center, where she discovers the most unusual items can have the most insightful stories. Then, she heads to Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve to explore the unique history and ecosystems within. Next, Aerial enjoys some hard-earned treats at Payne's Sandwich Shop, where she quickly learns the people of Scottsboro are just as heartening as the food. She then heads over to Guntersville to learn what it takes to build a boat dock on TVA land, before setting sail on the open water with North Alabama Sailing Marina. Last, she takes a moment to appreciate the picturesque Pisgah Gorge with the company of a local photographer. All the while, Aerial embraces both excitement and intimidation, hard work and fun for fun's sake, and learns how to be her best self in the process.
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Laying it on the Line (For Bristol)
Erick learns what it means to lay it all on the line for the things that matter. First, he stops by the famous Bristol Motor Speedway to find out exactly what goes into the track, both during races and on quieter days. Not only that, but he also gets a chance to talk about Speedway Children's Charity and their impact on the lives of Bristol's kids. Next, he joins a training session with TVA linemen and learns firsthand just how much effort it takes to keep electricity running through cities and homes. Afterward, he relaxes on the South Holston by going fly fishing with an expert from a local outfitter and this time, it seems luck is on his side. Riding the wave of his fishing success, Erick then heads to a special road near Osceola Island or, more specifically, the Tunnel of Love that runs underneath it. There, he talks with a local biology professor about why the building of a weir dam had unexpected and positive outcomes, and he gets a look at the amphibians it has impacted.
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Dragons and Sabertooths in Nashville, oh my!
Aerial gains some deeper insight into the city she's living in. She kicks off her exploration of Nashville with the Dragon Boat Festival, where she not only learns about the festival's history and the importance of the Cumberland River Compact, but she even gets to participate in the race. Next she spends some time with the Predators, attending both Petey's Party and the Brent Peterson Golf Classic to get a better understanding of how the hockey team serves their community. Aerial then heads to Tims Ford with an Endangered Species Specialist in the hopes of seeing some boulder darters, a rare species of fish that's still around thanks to TVA's wildlife conservation and stream management. Last is a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, where she meets up with Ketch Secor - Old Crow Medicine Show's lead man - and discovers what makes this auditorium so special. Though Nashville has been dubbed Music City, Aerial quickly realizes it has a lot more to offer than catchy tunes.
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Bowling Green's caves, cars and cold brews
Erick learns how Bowling Green, Kentucky stands the test of time and offers adventure in all different forms. He kicks off this trip by stopping into Brew Holler Blue Supplies, where not only do they put their own spin on craft beers, but they provide the community with the tools they need to brew at home. The owner of the brewery joins Erick for dinner at Novo Dolce, a gastropub that works with other local entrepreneurs to serve unique and delicious cuisine. Erick then ventures out to Lost River Cave, and he learns during his underground boat tour that though the caves have been scarred by pollution, the right amount of care can lead to healing. Then he gets to zipline through the surrounding woods. Afterward, accompanied by his Lost River tour guide, Erick stops into Lost River Pizza to refuel after an exciting day. His next stop is Kentucky Lake, where he learns why fishing for Asian Carp is important for the ecosystem to thrive, and how management teams help keep the invasive species at bay. Last but certainly not least, Erick takes a look around the National Corvette Museum to learn about these iconic cars, and he even gets to zip around the track in one at the NCM Motorsports Park.
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Climbing through Carolina
Erick's taking on new challenges in western North Carolina. First, he tests out his strength and agility on the ropes course at High Gravity Adventures. He then swings over to F.A.R.M. Café, an organization where people can volunteer to make food for those in need. After baking some delicious cookies and helping out on the serving line, Erick takes a look around the original Mast General in Valle Crucis to see why this store means so much to the surrounding community. Lucky for him, he's able to find all the gear he needs there for his next adventure: high lining in the beautiful Linville Wilderness. With some guidance and encouragement from experts from Southeast Slackline Coalition, Erick learns no matter how many times you fall, the important thing is getting back up again. Last is a trip to Chatuge Lake for the Bassmaster Tournament. Not only does he get to watch some of the world's best anglers weigh in, but he also learns how fishing impacts economic and conservation efforts; in 2018, the total economic impact of fishing in America came in around $125 billion dollars. From cookies to forests to fishing, giving back has never felt this good.
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Mississippi Melodies
Aerial heads down to Clarksdale, Mississippi, hoping to shine a spotlight on the innovators and artists that have impacted the music of America. Her first stop is the Devil's Crossroads, where according to legend, musician Robert Johnson sold his soul in exchange for mastery of the guitar. A local sits with her at Hopson Commissary to give her the lowdown on the infamous tale, as well as other forgotten stories that surround the area. Then, it's all music and dancing at the Deep Blues Festival. Aerial visits both the Ground Zero Blues Club and the New Roxy to talk to the owners of these remarkable venues about what blues music means to the city. Afterward, she stops into Deak's Mississippi Saxophones and Blues Emporium, where she meets owner Deak Harp. Not only does she learn how he got into playing the harmonica and how he keeps the craft alive by offering repairs to the instrument, but she also gets to hear a performance. Next, Aerial relives her student days by visiting Quitman County Middle School, where she helps the manager of the TVA Science Kids World Water Monitoring Program collect samples for a lab that she then gets to participate in during class. There, she discovers why it's important for kids to learn about their local water sources, and to get hands on experience with scientific experiments. Before she concludes her trip to Mississippi, Aerial meets up with the owner of the Shack Up Inn, a collection of sharecropper shacks that are as historically prominent as they are comfortable.
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Off to the (Chattanooga Races)
Aerial digs into Chattanooga's many quirks. She first gets a tour of the city in an unconventional manner - by riding around on a segway. She then takes a 26story elevator down to Ruby Falls to take in the magnificent sight. After that, she tours Rock City, which is full of not only gnomes but also scenic overlooks and stories of visitors' experiences that span generations. Then, Aerial gets to have a one-on-one conversation with Stephanie Weldon, an athlete who has competed in all of Chattanooga's IRONMAN competitions. The next day, Aerial volunteers at the event itself and learns how it has impacted the city (and conversely, how the community impacts the competitors); but first, she makes a stop at Hales Bar Dam. A TVA historian sheds some light on the dam's spooky past, which begs the question that Aerial sets out to answer: do any ghosts haunt the structure? Last is a ride up Lookout Mountain on the Incline Railway, where Aerial learns about the railway's unique past while enjoying spectacular views. During this trip, it becomes evident that whether you're young or old, outdoorsy or more laid back, Chattanooga has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Digging into Scruffy City
Aerial sets out to discover what "scruffy" really means to the people of Knoxville. She starts by mountain biking with a couple of champion bikers, who teach her the value of facing challenges as well as getting active in the outdoors. Next, she heads to TVA's Norris Engineering Lab, where a long-forgotten kiln was recently discovered during a demolition project. They have since halted the demo to save the nearly 85-year-old kiln and the ceramics within, which Aerial gets to explore as she heads into the kiln's crawlspaces. Aerial then refuels with East TN Tours, an organization that allows people to sample a variety of the best and most unique food downtown Knoxville has to offer. She also visits the iconic Tennessee Theatre, where she speaks with the executive director to gain more insight into the theatre's history and what makes it so special. To wrap up her trip, she joins a group of Girls Scouts on a Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tour and tries her hand at hunting for the paranormal. After a few days among the Vols, Aerial realizes that Knoxville's "scruffy" label is a testament to the hospitable nature and unexpected adventures that encompass the city.
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Taking Georgia's Slow Lane
Erick makes a trip to Georgia to see what its northern region has to offer. First he visits Helen, a town that looks more like Germany than the Southern United States. There he meets up with local photographer Jordan Tribble, and they take part in the food, drink, and dancing of Helen's Oktoberfest. Then, it's off to Dahlonega to wander the scenic vineyards of Frogtown Cellars. Erick talks and drinks with the owner, and he is amazed to learn how the South can produce some of the most delicious and award-winning wines. The beautiful landscapes and relaxation continue as he kayaks on the Toccoa with TVA's Amy Blankenship. As he floats on the water with nothing but nature around him, Erick quickly finds out why this section of the river is Amy's all-time favorite. He then discovers another hidden treasure (in the most literal sense of the term) when he explores the tunnels of Consolidated Gold Mine. Not only does he get a sense of how miners here used to do their work, but he also gets to pan for gold. Last is a stop at Mercier Orchards, a family-run orchard that produces over 50 varieties of apples. During conversations, treats, and cider with the marketing coordinator and the orchard manager, Erick is reminded of the importance of slowing down to enjoy life's little moments.
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