Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker officially opened the Sunny Side Trail, a mapped driving route starting in Sevierville and covering 12 East Tennessee counties—including nearly 300 points of interest.
     Sunny Side Trail is the second of 16 regional trails launching over the next several months as part of a statewide tourist development initiative, “Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways.” The effort is the result of multiple agencies working together to showcase local gems such as wineries, historic main streets, quaint restaurants and scenic spots for outdoor adventure.
     “The trails initiative is one of the most comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives ever to be launched from the state’s tourism department,” said Whitaker. “Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways is an opportunity to showcase tourism’s major sites as well as our state’s exceptional off-the-beaten-path attractions which are some of Tennessee’s greatest assets.”
     In opening the trail, Commissioner Whitaker was joined the Department of Transportation, which is providing way-finding signs that will direct the traveling public along the Sunny Side Trail. Participating dignitaries included Sevierville Chamber of Commerce CEO Brenda McCroskey, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association CEO Claudia Moody.
     “The trail’s name was inspired by the Carter Family, one of the most famous performers from the Bristol Sessions. Their theme song on radio was the Christian hymn, “Keep on the Sunny Side,” said Moody. “Because we truly feel Northeast Tennessee – with its beauty, heritage and Southern hospitality – offers the sunny side of life, “Sunny Side” is the perfect name for a trail that will showcase this area of Tennessee.”
     The trail unveiling ceremony was held at the Robert A. Tino Gallery in Sevierville, where attendees could view the artist in action, hear country music group Mountain Ruckus play “Keep on the Sunny Side” and enjoy refreshments from Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant.  County Mayor Larry Waters read a proclamation declaring May 13 Sunny Side Day.
     For more information on the state trails initiative, go to www.tntrailsandbyways.com.

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