Comments on: Notes from Sevier County

By: Rob Womack

Rob Womack — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:49:48 +0000

Mr. Cogdill does have a point: you were neither raped, mugged, obstructed by drug abusers or beggars on the 5 lane street during your vacation. Unless you left that part out. In which case he doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about.

But I suspect he’s right. I would further speculate that you have never been raped or mugged. I think Xy was obstructed by beggars and/or drug abusers when she stayed with us in New York, but I can’t remember any specific instances. We once gave a homeless guy some potato chips, but we didn’t have to borrow any money for that.

He is also very astute in the observation that if TN were closer to sea level, there would be more sidewalks. Clearly, as it is a mountainous region, there is not so great a need to walk.

I do take issue with his observation that the time share mooch surely did her homework before she happily lived off the hard earned money spent to purchase the timeshare from all your illness spreading inlaws. It seems to me that she could have found a timeshare that was in driving distance of more than 70% of the population so as to increase the amount of money you can squeeze from Xy’s parents on your inevitable return trip. Duh. That is Mooching 101! Next time you want a real mooch, you call me. That goes for you too, Cogdill!

By: Susan Spillman

Susan Spillman — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:51:13 +0000

P.S. I would have preferred a more reasoned response from Cogdill, outlining the positives of recent developments in the Sevierville area and maybe even outlining a strategy for better promotion of our historic and culturally-rich area.

By: Susan Spillman

Susan Spillman — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:48:28 +0000

Great travel writing, Bart. As you know, I grew up in Cleveland, TN, in the SE corner of the state, about 80 miles south of the Sevierville-Gatlinburg area. I know only too well what the downside of unlimited “economic development” can be like. There are even worse examples throughout the greater Smoky Mtn./ Appalachian region. So far there are 473 mountaintops that have been blasted out of existence for the benefits of the coal companies. Unfortunately, that doesn’t “economically benefit” the local people very much, since the choked streams and ravaged woodlands are left behind while the profits go to other, more prosperous areas of the country.
The area you visited has opted to promote what many, many people want when they visit the mountains. While I know how much sharp criticism of the home area can sting, I think any of us with roots in that part of the country must grieve, at least a bit, to see the profitable but very ugly development of what has been a region of such beauty.
On the other hand, thanks for the adorable picture of you and the adorable Miss E. on the hiking trail!sfs

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:35:04 +0000

@Chris, I know how having criticism of the city you were born, raised and continue to live in and love can upset a person… However, remember people lost lives here so making comments alluding to flooding is not the same as criticizing billboards, tourist traps or pizza.

Being a tourist isn’t any way to know an area, but local insight is useful. Chris, it’d be more helpful to share the spots that you like the most.

By: b.rox » Blog Archive » Penetrating Insight

b.rox » Blog Archive » Penetrating Insight — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:47:29 +0000

[...] that it just begs to be given special attention. So herewith I present the penetrating insight of Chris Dillcog: I was very fortunate to be born and raised in Sevier County and Pigeon Forge and was not as [...]

By: Chris Cogdill

Chris Cogdill — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:19:23 +0000

I was very fortunate to be born and raised in Sevier County and Pigeon Forge and was not as amused at your ramblings as you apparantly are. 1.) Our area is the second most visited area east of the Mississippi and is within a days drive of 63% of the population. A well traveled time share mooch surely did her homework before she happily lived off the hard earned money spent to purchase the timeshare from all your illness spreading inlaws. Then made classless jokes to show how little pride you do have. 2.)If the truth were known one or all of you probably took another timeshare presentation so you could continue your mooching way of life. 3.)The best was the way you mentioned your clean and wholesome hometown, New Orleans. I didn’t hear you mention the fact that you weren’t mugged or raped while on your FREE stay. You didn’t have to step over any drug abusers or borrow money from your in-laws to give to the beggars on the 5 lane street. 4.)If you visit again remember the reason we are not as walking friendly as the clean, safe, and morally sound area you admire is because we chose to live in an area ABOVE sea-level. I truly hope hurricane season finds you well and look forward to the money you can squeeze from Xy’s parents on your inevitable return trip.

By: Jenny Rieth

Jenny Rieth — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:52:57 +0000

Great travelog, Bart!! A perfect example (re: the strange time share nonfra-structure) of the geography of nowhere!
Sounds like you guys had some good road coverage & nice family time!