'Doc' to patrol social distancing at Alcatraz East Crime Museum

In this time of COVID-19, many tourist attractions are going extra lengths to keep the public safe. At the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., there’s a new lawman in town.

“Doc,” an abbreviation for Department of Corrections, will be watching you as you enjoy the museum, barking at those who don’t follow safety protocol.

The museum did a recent survey asking fans about their planned visit when they reopen on May 15 and what they hope to see. When asked: “What could the museum do to make you feel comfortable” the most common answers were “Additional cleaning and spatial distancing.”

Museum changes will include reduced hours and capacity, heightening cleaning efforts, spatial distancing protocols, employee health screening and employee PPE. Guests are encouraged to review all safety rules prior to their visit on the museum web page devoted to COVID-19. You can read it here. 

While visiting the museum this summer, guests can enjoy these temporary exhibits: 

Alcatraz Art Escape – Extended through July 5, 2020, the Alcatraz Art Escape features artwork by incarcerated artists that tell the story of Alcatraz Penitentiary. This temporary exhibit is made possible through a collaboration with the organization Prison Arts Touching Hearts. 

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – Opens in July 2020. In partnership with TBI, this exhibit showcases the important work done on a daily basis, sharing information about some of the most famous cases the bureau has investigated.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has a panel of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including those in law enforcement, collectors, a medical examiner, crime scene investigators, and others. The board includes Jim Willett, a retired prison warden; Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief; and Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.alcatrazeast.com. Check out our traveling safe page with more safety tips and information: www.crimemuseum.org/help-the-missing/missing-persons/.

Solar Eclipse Part IV: Nashville

The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse darkening our nation passes directly over the South, scooting past Nashville, Tennessee. Naturally, the Music City is offering a few incentives for eclipse watchers since it's the largest city in the path of totality.

The Westin Nashville near Nashville’s entertainment district and adjacent to the Music City Center, will offer everything from a Solar Eclipse 2017 Room Package to a Solar Eclipse 2017 Watch Party at L27, Nashville’s highest rooftop bar. The package includes a minimum two-night stay at the Westin Nashville starting Sunday, Aug. 20, an in-room breakfast for two off the SuperFoodsRx Menu the morning of the Total Solar Eclipse, and a comp Rhapsody Spa welcome gift. In addition to this accommodation and in-room dining experience, guests will be given access to a complimentary yoga class for two at the L27 Rooftop Bar at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, and will receive two tickets to the Solar Eclipse 2017 Watch Party.

The Westin Nashville’s Solar Eclipse 2017 Watch Party begins at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at L27 Rooftop Bar and is open to guests of the hotel. Eclipse progression begins around 11:58 a.m. and the fun concludes at 2 p.m. Access for the general public is not guaranteed, but will open at 1 p.m. pending available space.

Other eclipse events happening include:
Watching the animals react to the sun's disappearance at the Nashville Zoo
Viewing party at the Nashville Adventure Center Aug. 19-21

Want more suggestions on where to view the total solar eclipse in Tennessee? Click here.

Cheré Coen is a food and travel writer who loves weird and unusual things, and simply cannot wait until the total solar eclipse.

The biggest dag gum yard sale of all!

            The South’s not alone is loving to recycle, reuse and re-buy stuff, but we sure have the best massive yard sales.

Photo courtesy of DeKalb Tourism

            In fact, the World’s Longest Yard Sale takes place in the South, this year from Aug. 7 to 10 along a 690-mile route that begins in Gadsden, Alabama, and travels along the Lookout Mountain Parkway into Chattanooga, Tenn., and all the way to Addison, Michigan, along Highway 127.

Fentress Cty Chamber of Commerce

            OK, you got us, it’s not all South, but you know the best part is down here. For instance, the 93-mile Lookout Mountain Parkway has been touted a “Must See” by Reader’s Digest, the National Geographic and Southern Living magazines, and the headquarters for the sale is the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, Tenn.
            This year (2014) marks the 27th anniversary of the sale, which gets bigger every year. Vendors come from all over, including foreign countries; Alabama tourism folks estimate there will be 1,000 vendors in Alabama alone!
             Vendors are typically up and at ’em by 8 a.m. and sales go late into the summer twilight. Some are locals spilling out their used goods on front lawns, while others are sophisticated antique dealers. In addition, local restaurants and shops offer more great finds.

Photo courtesy of DeKalb Tourism

            The sale began as a way to get tourists off the interstates and along the back roads of Kentucky and Tennessee, which offers beautiful scenery, Civil War history, railroads, music, and so much more. After a few years, the Lookout Mountain Parkway Association asked to be included, and before long, the route was 690 miles long!

            For more information regarding the annual Hwy. 127 Corridor Sale, visit www.127sale.com. Lookout Mountain tourism has a wonderful FYI page as well. For lodging information, directions, road closures and more information in Alabama and Tennessee, visit www.ShopLookoutMountain.com or call DeKalb Tourism at (888) 805-4740 or Greater Gadsden Area Tourism at (888) 565-0411.

Fentress County Chamber of Commerce