Road trips, playlists and artwork
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Knoxville’s historic Old City. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Long road trips were made for hours of music and family memories, seeing each state as a square in a quilt, with the highways as the thread that sews them together. We were treated to lots of great tunes that served as the backdrop to our trip as we made our way West last week crisscrossing 15 states. That's thanks to the Chuck Worrell playlist on Spotify, grounded in distinct guitar-picking Texas country music — a classic (thanks, Perrin!). What better way to make the trip?
Each day of the trip was the beginning of a new adventure with twists and surprises. As we pulled into the historic Old City of Knoxville, Tennessee, there was no plan except exploring with an open mind, and being curious. I recently learned one of Chuck's favorite novels was Lonesome Dove. And it so happened, we were greeted in the Old City by a restaurant named Lonesome Dove Western Bistro — you never know what you'll find when you travel. This historic area had a number of interesting architectural specimens, including the bistro building layout spanning the block. It was a moment in history, just waiting for the camera lens to happen by.
One of the greatest gifts of traveling is taking in each place with a fresh perspective — one that sees things others may miss. I took that perspective into Knoxville’s downtown, where the arts are alive. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, I discovered some artwork in a place I didn't expect to find it just a block from the famed Tennessee Theatre.
A mural of Dolly Parton in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Walking by the alleyway of a one-way street, some brilliant colors caught my eye. I looked back to see country music icon Dolly Parton smiling back, from what would otherwise be a non-descript brick wall. This artwork was part of brightening up an alleyway in Knoxville which had been an eyesore for some time, until a local effort to enliven this alley took place about 5 years ago. It’s further proof that art, and the inspiration accompanying it, can always surprise you, by showing up where you might not usually look for it.
However, there was also plenty of art out in the open, where you would expect it. A major example is "Postcard from Knoxville", a mural created in 2013 to honor the "artists, musicians and visionaries that continue to make Knoxville a great place to work, live, play and visit." Crafted by artists Bobbie Crews, Ken Britton, Walt Fieldsa, Curtis Glover and Randall Starnes, the mural adorns the side of the Knoxville Visitors Center building. It was indeed an inspiration to capture this piece of the city's creative soul. And I love the opportunity to bring this postcard home and share it with all of you. The world's creativity, and its unlimited reflections, never cease to amaze.
— Gareth Henderson
“Postcard from Knoxville,” created by artists Bobbie Crews, Ken Britton, Walt Fieldsa, Curtis Glover and Randall Starnes. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
