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 There's something special about autumn in the Tri-Cities. The mountains begin showing off their brilliant colors, the air turns crisp, and our calendars fill with festivals, family traditions, and opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors.
It's also a wonderful time to rediscover the treasures right here in our own backyard. From talented artisans creating one-of-a-kind pieces to locally owned businesses pouring their hearts into what they do, there's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with local.
In this month's edition, we're celebrating the creativity, flavors, and stories that make our community unique. We'll introduce you to some wonderful people doing what they love, share a few local favorites, and highlight upcoming events that bring us together—including our Blue Ridge Artisan Days Fall Festival on October 23–24!
As the season unfolds, we encourage you to explore somewhere new, support a small business, and take a moment to appreciate the people and places that make our corner of Northeast Tennessee so special.
After all, there's no better season for Falling for Local! |
 The Local Lineup Some exciting things happening around the area |
 | October 23rd & 24th Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Fall Festival, Appalachian Fairgrounds 30th Trunks & Treats @ Southview Community Church 1235 Moreland Dr. Kingsport 9th -31st Lamplight Theatre presents The Reckoning of Bram Stoker: Dracula's Descent |  |
November 5th Punchlines with Purpose benefitting The Crumbly House 9th Jeremiah School 6th Annual Christmas Bazaar |  | Looking Ahead December 7th Sensory Night - Hands on Museum December 12th Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Christmas Market |
 Meet the Makers:
Stephanie & Wayne of
2 Skilled Hillbillies What do crochet hooks, cross-stitch needles, and wood-burning tools have in common? For Stephanie and Wayne Buchanan, they're the creative ingredients behind 2 Skilled Hillbillies, a small business with a memorable name and a shared love for handmade craftsmanship.
Originally from Church Hill, Tennessee, Stephanie has spent 34 years as a dog groomer, but she's always found time for her creative interests, especially crocheting and cross-stitching. After meeting Wayne in 2009 and moving to North Carolina in 2010, she encouraged him to begin wood burning, and soon the couple found themselves turning their hobbies into something more.
With a clever name dreamed up by Stephanie, 2 Skilled Hillbillies was born! The couple began selling their handmade creations at craft shows, discovering the joy of sharing their talents with others.
Stephanie has since expanded her love for the artisan community by organizing small craft shows herself, giving fellow makers opportunities to showcase their work. And no introduction to 2 Skilled Hillbillies would be complete without mentioning Squiggy, their four-legged mascot, who brings a little extra personality and charm to their small business!
For Stephanie and Wayne, 2 Skilled Hillbillies is more than a collection of handmade creations. It's a way to enjoy their hobbies together, meet new people, and be part of a community that appreciates the time and care behind something made by hand.
We're happy to shine this month's Meet the Maker spotlight on Stephanie and Wayne and the creative partnership behind 2 Skilled Hillbillies! |    |
    | Flavor of the Month:
Tammy's Toffee A Sweet Tradition, Made with Patience & Love
Some of the sweetest success stories begin when you least expect them. For Tammy Dickson, owner of Tammy's Toffee, it all started with a homemade treat she brought to a workplace potluck in California back in 2003. Her coworkers loved it, and before long, they were asking where they could get more. What began as a simple gesture of sharing something delicious eventually grew into a small business with a loyal following.
For years, Tammy made her signature toffee primarily during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, packaging it in charming mason jars that made perfect gifts. After relocating to Rogersville, Tennessee, with her husband in 2022, she began sharing her creations with a whole new community. By 2023, her popular toffee had become a year-round treat rather than just a holiday favorite.
But making great toffee isn't quite as simple as it might seem! Tammy prepares her candy in small batches, using 9-by-13-inch glass pans, and she's quick to point out just how unpredictable the process can be. Temperature and humidity play a big role, and even when she follows the exact same steps, one batch may turn out beautifully while the next doesn't cooperate. It's a delicate balance that requires patience, persistence, and a genuine love for the craft.
Today, Tammy's offerings have expanded beyond her signature toffee to include toffee-covered pretzels, butter toffee peanuts, and occasional specialty treats.
While her sweet creations have earned plenty of fans, Tammy says one of the things she loves most about her new home is the welcoming spirit of the community. She and her husband have embraced small-town life, where neighbors support one another and local businesses become part of the fabric of everyday life.
With the holidays approaching, Tammy's signature mason jars of handcrafted toffee make a thoughtful gift for teachers, neighbors, friends, or anyone with a sweet tooth. And if you're anything like her loyal customers, you might want to pick up an extra jar for yourself!
Be sure to visit Tammy's Toffee at the Blue Ridge Artisan Days Fall Festival, October 23–24, and discover why this handcrafted treat has become a local favorite! |
Small Business Snapshot:
Reedy Creek Bicycles Your Next Adventure Starts on Two Wheels!
There's something about a crisp autumn morning, colorful leaves, and a beautiful stretch of road or trail that makes you want to get outside and explore. And whether you're an experienced cyclist or someone who hasn't been on a bicycle in years, Reedy Creek Bicycles in downtown Kingsport is ready to help you enjoy the ride!
Locally owned and operated, Reedy Creek Bicycles is more than just a place to purchase a bike. With over 40 years of combined experience, their knowledgeable team helps cyclists of all ages and skill levels find the right fit for their adventures. From mountain and road bikes to electric, hybrid, and children's bicycles, there's something for nearly every kind of rider.
They also offer professional repairs, maintenance, and bike fitting services to help keep those wheels turning long after the initial purchase. Their passion for cycling extends beyond the shop, with group rides and local route information that encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.
And with the holiday season just around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about a gift that brings more than a moment of excitement. A bicycle can mean family adventures, new experiences, and memories that last for years!
Whether you're looking for your next ride, getting an old favorite back on the road, or shopping for someone special, stop by Reedy Creek Bicycles and discover where your next adventure might take you!
Find Them: 154 Commerce Street, Suite 1, Kingsport, TN |    |
   | Noteworthy Non-Profit:
Rivers of Love Coffee House Where Every Cup Makes a Difference
What if your morning cup of coffee could do more than help you start your day? What if it could help a neighbor in need, support a struggling family, or simply remind someone that their community cares? That's the heart behind Rivers of Love Coffee House in downtown Kingsport.
Long before opening their coffeehouse, Rivers of Love was built on a mission of serving others. From constructing decks and ramps for elderly neighbors and those in need to helping families recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, their work has always centered on putting compassion into action.
What began as a mobile coffee trailer raising funds for their outreach efforts has grown into a welcoming gathering place at 123 Broad Street, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee comes with something extra special—a spirit of generosity.
Unlike a traditional coffee shop, Rivers of Love offers its coffee and other beverages on a donation basis. Rather than setting prices, they invite guests to give what they can, knowing their contributions help support neighbors, families, and community outreach efforts. It's a simple but powerful idea: something as ordinary as enjoying a cup of coffee can become an opportunity to make a difference.
But Rivers of Love is about more than the coffee. It's about creating a place where people feel welcome, connections are made, and kindness has room to grow. Whether you're meeting a friend, taking a quiet break, or discovering a new favorite drink, you're also becoming part of a mission rooted in caring for others.
The next time you're strolling through downtown Kingsport, consider stopping by Rivers of Love Coffee House. Enjoy something delicious, share a little kindness, and discover how even the smallest acts of generosity can create ripples throughout our community.
Because at Rivers of Love, every cup is an opportunity to give back.
Visit: 123 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN |
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