The “Promised Land Trail” is a new effort launched by the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways effort to guide visitors through small towns and big cities in Northeast Tennessee to discover hidden jewels and famous attractions.
The ninth of 16 self-guided driving tours in the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program, the Promised Land Trail covers 514 miles throughout Middle Tennessee. The trail passes through Cumberland, Davidson, Dekalb, Jackson, Putnam, Smith, White and Wilson counties. The areas featured on the trail have easy access from I-40 or Hwy. 70.
The scenic trail highlights the historic sites, home and museums that bring to life the stories of many early settlers as they searched for the “promised land.” The trail officially begins at the Nashville Visitor Center where guests can pick up brochures, maps and coupons to help plan their stops along the trail. Visitors also have the option to begin their journey at any site along the path. Along the trail, visitors will find antique shops and unique boutiques, historic sites, Southern cooking and plenty of music and entertainment as they get on the back roads and see authentic Tennessee.
While in Nashville, be sure to stop by the wonderful Frist Center for the Visual Arts, where you will find an amazing visual arts exhibition center and educational displays. The architecture of the former post office, a Nashville landmark constructed in 1933, is worth checking out too.
Another fun way to get introduced to the city is to take a Grayline sightseeing tour, including the Discover Nashville option. Guests get a full-narrated driving tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks. Another choice is the trolley hop that allows visitors to hop on and off at several points of interest in the downtown area.
For some fun shopping in Nashville, go to 12th Street, where you will find a great gourmet popsicle shop and Katie K Designs as well as other unique boutiques and shopping opportunities.
In the downtown area, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is a popular spot with tourists and locals for dining and entertainment. The menu includes lots of options and the specials are great, including a special, penne pasta with salmon and shrimp offered recently. Tasty appetizers choices are fried green beans and fried green tomatoes. Founded in 1950, Puckett’s has three locations—Nashville, Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. Live music is also offered on some evenings, including the fun group, Bedhead and Blondy, who perform at the Nashville location.
Also in the downtown Nashville area is the Hutton Hotel, where you can make your headquarters or go for a meal at the 1808 Grill. It’s also a great place to meet friends to unwind after the day and enjoy small plates to share, including fried green tomatoes, tomato basil flat bread and short ribs, among the many selections offered.
After exploring Nashville, one option for starting your journey along the Promised Land Trail is to take a picturesque train ride into historic Watertown Square, where you will pass lots of natural beauty through the countryside. Excursion train rides are offered 18 to 20 times each year.
The quaint downtown Watertown area has both antique and specialty shops, and long-time mayor Mike Jennings, compares the town to “Mayberry” with its small town appeal and Southern hospitality.
Watertown has several restaurant options, including the Blue Tomato Market & Café, which features local farming and Southern cuisine. The rosemary-garlic pork with roasted vegetables and caramelized apples is a delightful entrée choice. But first try some of the wonderful spicy butternut squash and pumpkin soup. The fall salad with candied pecans, pears and maple balsamic dressing is also a great choice. For dessert, the Southern pecan pie is some of the best you will ever taste.
If traveling in the spring or fall, check out Watertown’s “original mile long yard sale, which goes from Main Street along Hwy. 70 toward Lebanon.
Another interesting stop along the Promised Land Trail is The Hermitage, where you can tour Andrew Jackson’s home, as well as one of the oldest and largest historic site museums in the United States.
There is so much more to explore along the Promised Land Trail, so plan your route and head to Tennessee.
For more information on the Promised Land Trail, visit www.tntrailsandbyways.com and www.PromisedLandTrail.com. For the latest tourism happenings in Tennessee, visit www.tnvacation.com or call the toll free number, 1-800-462-8366. For more information on visiting Nashville, go to www.visitmusiccity.com. For more information on visiting Watertown, go to www.VisitWilsonCounty.com.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
