Southern Accents 17th Season Launches on February 5th
Highlighting unique places to visit, the Mid-South Emmy-nominated series invites viewers to experience exciting journeys throughout the Southeast
The Mid-South Emmy-nominated series Southern Accents launches its 17th season on WTCI-TV (PBS) February 5th with thirteen brand new weekly episodes and a new primetime spot at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights. The new season of Southern Accents will be distributed to other PBS stations throughout Tennessee, bringing regional recognition to WTCI’s longest running locally-produced program. The program highlights wonderful places to visit and things to do for individuals, couples and families throughout the Southeast—including local attractions, music, special events and art.
“Producing Southern Accents is such a pleasure because this area is rich with interesting people and places,” said Karen Elliott, the series host. “Each program takes viewers on a journey that celebrates the culture, history and beauty of the South.”
The February 5th premiere episode will include journeys to Fort Payne, Alabama to visit a glassblower who has garnered national attention with his work at Orbix Hot Glass, Lines Orchids in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, a photography workshop with Tom and Pat Cory, and the beautiful Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.
“As WTCI’s longest running series, Southern Accents has become one of our most popular programs,” said Paul Grove, President & CEO of WTCI-TV (PBS). “We are proud to be launching our 17th season in primetime on Thursday nights to bring our viewers engaging, unique local programming that highlights the beauty and creativity of our region.”
Each Southern Accents episode typically features three to four locations that highlight an interesting mix of history and culture. Other featured locations for the 17th season include: Atlanta, Georgia to explore the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.; the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina; Chattanooga Bakery and Moon Pies in Chattanooga, Tennessee; the Wilderness Outdoor Theater in Trenton, Georgia; Mayfield Dairy in Athens, Tennessee; Fly Fishing and Birding in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park; Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia; and the Tennessee River Explorer in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Southern Accents will air weekly on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. with encore presentations on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. The full schedule and featured locations for the 17th season can be found at here
WTCI, PBS for the Tennessee Valley, has been helping the community “Be more connected” for nearly 40 years. Through quality programming and educational outreach services, WTCI can help you “Be More!”.
Bella
Wonderfully entertaining and informative...glad to hear it is going state-wide.
EvelynRuth Ragan
evelynruthragan@hotmail.com
May I suggest highlighting the movie/TV-related attractions in North Carolina? There is an Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield (Ava Fest is in the fall each year.) and Mt Airy has an Andy Griffith collection, plus lots of other Mayberry-related sites. We have many studios all across the state (ScreenGems in Wilmington is the largest east of the Mississippi.) There are hundreds of filming sites (See FILM JUNKIE'S GUIDE TO NC) where movies & TV shows have been made (for 20 years NC ranked #3 in the nation). Also, many famous North Carolinians are buried here: Frances (Mayberry's Aunt Bee) Bavier, Charles Kuralt, Kay Kyser, Sidney Blackmer, Buck Leonard, Randolph Scott, Dale Earnhardt, Sr, O'Henry & Thomas Wolfe, etc. There's also the original LOOK HOMEWARD ANGEL statue.
Paula Martin
ronandpaulamartin@gmail.com
We saw your TV program for the first time tonight (8/20/09). We loved it! It was about the Loveless Cafe, Mayfield Dairies... Have you done anything on Carver's Apple Farm and restaurant? It is in Cosby TN We stayed at Yogi Bear Campground on Hwy 321 and the folks there recommended it. It is awesome....they serve apple cider, apple fritters and apple butter with every meal, and have a farmers market right there...you eat overlooking the orchard!!! The place brought tears to my eyes....it is beautiful and warm.
Karen Elliott
kelliott@wtcitv.org
Evelyn, Thank you for these wonderful ideas. We are planning a trip to North Carolina in the fall to shoot some stories for our new season and will definitely check out your suggestions. I am not surprised North Carolina is #3 in the nation for television and film production...it is a beautiful state with charming towns and fine southern hospitality.
KarenElliott
kelliott@wtcitv.org
Paula, we appreciate your warm comments regarding Southern Accents. I am sure it was apparent we had a wonderful time at The Loveless Cafe. I almost always choose fried chicken when it is on a southern menu and it was delicious there. We always love to see how things are made and it is hard to beat all the flavors of the south that were featured on that episode which was #1704. You can always catch up on other Southern Accents episodes at our website too! I can't wait to see all that Carver's has to offer. Thank you for sharing your suggestion.
Martha
martha_montanez@quakeroats.com
Hello, I saw colts Chocolates on your show Saturday 05/01/2010 and I have been trying to call to place an order , but I can't get a live person. How do they expect to make any sales. Very hard to get a hold of you would think with mother's day this would be a huge business for them. Thanks Martha
Karen
Elliott
Martha no question Colts Chocolates are special and the folks there will get back to you, but you ask a great question so I'll share what I found out with the rest of our viewers. Most orders are placed on line...but if you prefer a phone order just call 615-251-0100. Carol Patterson at ext 1 handles those orders and though she is often out of the office she will return your call. For those of you who are not familiar with Colts Chocolates check out our Southern Accents story on episode 1805. Don't be surprised if you recognize MacKenzie...she used to be a regular on Hee Haw...now she and her son Rob make great candy!