Traveling through Middle Tennessee visitors will find Civil War sites and other historic stops, charming small Southern towns and other off-the-beaten track stops that are well worth a visit.
Clarkesville is Tennessee’s oldest incorporated city with architecture from the 1850s throughout the downtown area. The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is a great place to start your visit to the town. You will find history and artifacts of the area of the town, as well as this area of Tennessee. Art, science and more are found in this former United States Post Office and Customs House building.
Also downtown you will find the Roxy Regional Theatre, which features 18 productions this season. “A Tale of Two Cities” will be presented through Nov. 19, with “A Christmas Carol” planned Nov. 25-Dec. 17.
Nearby the downtown area is Fort Defiance, which is on a bluff overlooking the Cumberland River, and was a cornerstone of the Confederate Defense of the area. Operated by the city, the site has a museum with information and a short film on the Civil War history of the area.
Another wonderful town to visit while in Middle Tennessee is Leiper’s Fork, named after the stream which flowed through the valley when the town was formed in 1818. Many of the old buildings and homes have been preserved and the town is very picturesque. In 1998, the town was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district.
Leiper’s Fork has an active community that plans lots of fun events, including a chili cook-off each fall. Booths line the downtown area with lots of chili options with voting taking place for the grand prize winner. Art galleries and other shops are open and entertainment is offered in the Lawn Chair Theatre.
The Barn at Leiper’s Fork features the work of David Arms, as well as other original work. Michael McDonald (original member of the Doobie Brothers) was spotted at the gallery on a recent Saturday afternoon.
For some Southern cooking while in Leiper’s Fork, stop by Country Boy Restaurant, a local favorite since 1968. Catfish, ribeyes, a daily blue plate special and fried pies are among the menu options. A fun promotion the restaurant does is the “Country Boy Calendar.” Some of the local country boys who eat at the restaurant are featured, along with their favorite menu items and information on their lives.
Franklin is another town that offers lots of fun stops for visitors, including a theater, historic courthouse square and boutique shops. The downtown Franklin area is always thriving and many country artists and other celebrities live in the area. You never know who you will spot. On a recent Saturday afternoon, Ted Danson (who portrayed Sam Malone on the television series, “Cheers” and and is now on “CSI”) and his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen were headed into Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant for lunch. Puckett’s is a great spot for lunch. Try the Redneck Burrito for a real treat.
Also in Franklin is The Factory at Franklin, a complex with restaurants, shops and a farmer’s market, and The Franklin Theater, which features music and other entertainment.
For more information on visiting Tennessee, go to www.tnvacation.com or call the toll free number, 1-800-462-8366.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
