Gateway To The Smokies Podcast
HOSTED BY JOSEPH FRANKLYN MCELROY
Gateway to the Smokies is a podcast dedicated to memorable experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. This is not a travel tip show, though you will undoubtedly learn some good tips, it instead features personalities, experts, and locals who will expound upon the richness of culture, food, history, and adventure that awaits people who want to explore deeply this ancient mountain habitat where communities have existed for 3000 years.
The podcast is hosted by Joseph Franklyn McElroy, who was born and raised in Haywood County, NC, the original “Gateway to the Smokies”, and whose family immigrated to the Smoky Mountains in the early 1800s. Each episode will feature a folktale or myth that sets the stage for the rest of the podcast, followed by guests who will enrich the listener with insights, experiences, and adventures gained from their life in and studies of the Smokies. At the end, Joseph will tie in annual events, places, experiences and adventures that relate to the overall theme of that episode.
The themes and travel experiences expressed on the podcast are explored further on Joseph’s blog Smokies Adventure and his Smoky Mountains destination hub on Where Traveler Magazine. For authentic Smoky Mountain experiences, visit Joseph’s classic roadside motel – the Meadowlark Motel – Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Starts with Where You Stay.
Trending Episodes
Episode 53: Canton Recovers and Builds a Mountain Biking Park
About This Episode: Today we're joined by Zeb Smathers, who is currently the Mayor of Canton, while also working as an Attorney with his
Episode 52:Carrying the Torch for Traditional Cherokee Crafts
About this Episode: We’re joined by Ed Sharpe, Owner, and Operator of Medicine Man Crafts in Cherokee N.C.The business, founded by Tom Underwood in
Episode 51: Crafting Quality Brews and Quality Lives in the Smokies
About this Episode: We’re joined by Corey Bryson, Co-Owner of Balsam Falls Brewery—an Award-Winning craft beer artisan and certified beer judge hailing from Tampa,
Episode 50: Journalist Garret Woodward talks about Music in the Smokies and the Legendary Musician Raymond Fairchild
About this Episode: We’re joined by Garret Woodward, an Award-winning Journalist, Author, Events Promoter, and Musician now living in Waynesville, N.C. A native of
Episode 49:Writing Tunes and Catching Fish in the Smokies
About this Episode: If you’re looking for music to harmonize to, or a guide for your next river adventure this episode is for you.
Episode 48:Creating Memorable Hiking and Outdoor Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains
About this Episode: Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is a beautiful and iconic way to experience the area, as well as a unique
Episode 47:Keeping the Past Alive, While Building For the Future
About this Episode: We are joined by our special guest, William Ritter, an Award-winning Historian, Author, Folklorist, Singer, Songwriter, who can play almost any
Episode 46:Creating Safe Wildlife Passage and Preserving the Smokies
About this Episode: We are joined by our special guest, Jeff Hunter, Senior Program Manager with National Parks ConservationAssociation (NPCA) in Asheville, where he
Episode 45: Original American Music from the Mountains of Western North Carolina
About this Episode: We are joined by our special guest, Darren Nicholson, an Award-winning Charter Member of the Legendary Contemporary Bluegrass Group, Balsam Range, and