OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
This is a partial listing. If you would like to be in next year’s listing, call 877-864-8666.
Also, see Festivals & Events
...........................KAYAKING / CANOEING / ADDITIONAL TOURS...........................
JBEEZ WATERCRAFT / CANOEING THE CANEY
800.868.9232 • 931.858.2628
www.waverunnerrentals.com • www.canoethecaney.com
...........................HORSEBACK RIDING...........................
HOLLEMAN'S BEND HORSE TRAIL
615.735.1034
...........................GOLF...........................
SMITHVILLE GOLF CLUB
615.597.6648
...........................HIKING...........................
APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR CRAFT
615.597.6801 • www.tntech.edu/craftcenter
BEARWALLER GAP TRAIL & TURKEY CREEK NATURE TRAIL
615.735.1034
BUFFALO VALLEY NATURE TRAIL, LOST SPRINGS TRAIL, & YE OLD RED POST TRAIL
931.858.3125 • 615.548.4521
CUMBERLAND CAVERNS
931.668.4396 • www.cumberlandcaverns.com
EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK
931.858.2446
...........................MOUNTAIN BIKING...........................
BEAR WHEELS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
615.735.1034
...........................STATE PARK...........................
Edgar Evins State Park, dedicated in 1975, is one of the prettiest state parks in the Middle Tennessee region and is located on the shores of Center Hill Lake on the Eastern Highland Rim. You will find spectacular beauty and rugged terrain. It is a great place for some excellent hiking, boating, fishing and many other outdoor adventures. Local businessman and visionary, honorable James Edgar Evins, former 2-term Tennessee State Senator and former Mayor of Smithville in DeKalb County was instrumental in the development of the Center Hill Dam, the Edgar Evins Park, the Joe L. Evins Appalachian Center for Craft, and many more programs in the region. This state acclaimed park, with over 6,000 acres of developed and undeveloped land, offers direct access to Center Hill Lake, with year-round lakeside camping, hiking trails, fishing, hunting, cabin rentals, and many picnic pavilions and shelter areas for family reunions, group gatherings, vacationers, and day visitors. The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park promote and support the park with activities and projects that improve the facilities and the experience of the visitor. Some of the annual activities that the Edgar Evins State Park offer include pontoon rides, waterfall tours, wildflower walks in the spring, bird watching and trail building programs. One of the favorite fall activities is the History Hayride which highlights the local history and special characters of the region. The butterfly garden is a hit in mid to late March along with the Waterfall Tour which is normally scheduled for March. This tour offers rides on easy access, 15 passenger vans to visit many of the approximately 200 waterfalls within a couple of hours drive. Waterfalls in the Upper Cumberland/Highland Rim area are spectacular in the spring, when water cascades down through the geological wonders of the terrain. The Edgar Evins Marina (www.edgarevinsmarina.com) offers boat launching, houseboat and boat rentals, boat slips, and more. The Galley restaurant, located within the marina (owned and operated separately) is a great place to dine. Try out The Galley. Enjoy the lakeside dining with delicious meals, spectacular views and superb service, open spring through fall. Check their website for hours of operation, www.thegalley.cc and up-to-date information. Fishing is a year round activity with largemouth and smallmouth bass, Kentucky bass, Walleye, black crappie, catfish (all three varieties), bluegill and various other fish species. There are five playground areas within the park, a swimming pool for cabin guests, and they are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is an excellent trail system with six trails, from an easy trail of about 100 yards to a 5 ½ mile loop which is considered moderate to strenuous. Many types of wildlife are accessible for viewing with beautiful spring wildflowers and ferns along the trails. Bring your binoculars, as whitetail deer, raccoons, squirrels, woodchucks, rabbits, opossums, skunks, foxes and bobcats inhabit the area. Many assorted birds can be spotted throughout the park, including wild turkey, hawks, and owls, as well as the rare Cerulean Warbler which nests in the park during the summer. Enjoy the weekend at Edgar Evins State Park, or grab a picnic and come over to the park for the day and enjoy the many activities. Make sure to stop at the park’s office on the way in and say hello to Carl Halfacre and his staff. Tell him “Annie” sent you. For more information on the park, call 931.858.2446.
The Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour is one of those hip, cool, fall events that “Annie” discovered in the Center Hill Lake area while visiting the Stella Luna Art Gallery. The 11th Annual Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour will be at the end of October - a perfect time of the year to marvel at the blanket of color draped across the mountains surrounding the deep blue azure of Center Hill Lake. (Please see the www.OffTheBeatenPathTour.com website for downloadable maps and brochures, and additional information on the artists.) The Hospitality and Art Exhibit Center takes place at the Stella Luna Art Gallery in Smithville, TN where you will find light refreshments, maps and directions available if needed. I had the great pleasure of meeting with sculptor William Kooienga and wife, Sharon, one beautiful Saturday morning (picture on right). Sharon is a very accomplished fiber artist weaving with angora and mohair fibers, just to name a few. Her tapestry work and rugs adorn their rustic home and bring color to their living area. The Kooienga’s moved from Asheville, NC several years ago and fell in love with the area, buying 100 plus acres. They live simply on their expansive acreage, and have lovingly built their log home of the trees from the forest around them. They have a solar powered home with water from the creek that lines their sprawling tree-lined gravel road. William’s expansive studio where he sculpts wood and stone masterpieces overlooks the home place. He has been commissioned to sculpt some fine pieces and loves the creativity that he feels in his lovely environment. William also creates custom furniture, art pieces made out of interesting lengths of wood that are found in their forest, and other custom pieces which display his talent. The Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour covers a wide realm of artists from potters, glass blowers, furniture makers, quilters, jewelers, and wood turners. The tour takes you through the beautiful back roads of Tennessee and allows you to see the countryside at its best; showcasing the vibrant autumn colors and wonderful aromas of the season. Being able to see the artists at work in their studio is so interesting and one can learn so much about their particular style of work and wonderful personalities along the way. One artist, Tim Hintz, has been constructing ladder-back chairs for many years and is a former Tennessee Arts Commission fellow. Tim’s award winning work has been showcased at many festivals and events across the country. Folks from all over have ordered these top quality chairs. He starts with the highest quality middle Tennessee red oak and collects his own hickory bark for the woven seats. You could say that his chairs are ergonomically designed, as the back posts are steam-bent to give a supportive curve. If you have a love of the arts, want to be inspired, enjoy adventure and want to drive down some of the most scenic roads in Tennessee or are vacationing at Center Hill Lake and are looking for something to do, this is a perfect day or weekend trip. For more information about this year’s Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, studio stops, and profiles of the artists, visit their website for up-to-date information, www.OffTheBeatenPathTour.com or call Stella Luna Art Gallery at (615) 597-4004 for information and map/brochure.
The Upper Cumberland is the “somewhere” you’ve been looking for. It is a place to relax, reflect, and to become acquainted with the real Tennessee and what makes it so special.
Enjoy breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling lakes, lush hills and historic town squares. Follow our winding roads to antique shops, arts and crafts stores, quilt trails - shows, and gourmet eateries. Trace your family’s history in a heritage museum or library. Stay in one of our many cozy Bed & Breakfast Inns, cabins in the mountains and on lakes, or enjoy the comforts of a first class hotel.
Explore our gorgeous state parks which celebrate the bountiful and beautiful land and history of the region. Edgar Evins State Park, Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Fall Creek Falls State Park, and Rock Island State Park are all adjacent to the Center Hill Lake area. Each offers loads of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are spectacular waterfalls, challenging hikes (and easy ones), fishing, boating, butterfly gardens, and a vast array of flora and fauna to amaze all ages. Center Hill Lake is a fantastic jewel, but there are also other marvelous lakes nearby such as Cordell Hull Lake and further up the road - Dale Hollow Lake. Each lake offers numerous activities including house boating, swimming, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, camping, hiking, and more. There’s never a need to be bored.
There’s no where else like it in the world. Where else can you listen to bluegrass music in an underground cavern, in a general store in an old riverboat town, or stop in the many cafes where musicians gather in the evening to enjoy a fabulous meal and excellent entertainment? You can even find Broadway plays at the Cumberland County Playhouse and enjoy performances of a symphony orchestra.
There is also the opportunity to visit a New-Deal homestead community and a portion of the legendary Trail of Tears. Come and see the homes of World War I Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alvin C. York or of Cordell Hull, a Nobel Peace Prize winning diplomat and Father of the United Nations. Visit the site of the first shot fired in Tennessee during the Civil War and stop in at any of the many “general stores” and take a step back in time.
In the Upper Cumberland of Tennessee...there is something for everyone. Come for a day trip, weekend, a vacation or the rest of your life. You’ll enjoy the land where natural beauty, Tennessee heritage, and genuine Southern hospitality await.
The Upper Cumberland Tourism Association is a regional contact for travelers who wish to visit Tennessee’s beautiful Upper Cumberland region. Request a BFreeUC brochure with complete listing of lodging facilities, restaurants, shopping, state parks and lakes in the area. Visit www.BFreeUC.com or phone 800.868.7237.
The heart of the Center Hill Lake region is the downtown area of Smithville in DeKalb County, TN. Boy is there a lot to do in this vibrant town and the surrounding area! Suzanne Williams, their passionate, energetic Chamber Director has led this community for many years. She lights up any room with her beautiful smile and her positive “can-do” attitude. Stop by the Chamber and say “hello” to Suzanne and get more information about the local area, retirement, and relocation information. Smithville is conveniently located off of I-40 and Hwy. 56. It is easy to get to the downtown area, where the City Hall, shops, antiques, gift stores, restaurants and professional offices are located. Cantrell’s Clothing and Fluty’s Shoes are owned and operated by the Cantrell family. The clothing store is like those I remember from my childhood (and most anyone born before 1980 can). It is loaded with the latest fashions, full of style and the service is impeccable. Recently I bought a red trench coat there and loved the help and advice given by Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell. You can find a little bit of everything - from a special boating outfit to a summer dress, or just about anything for a man, woman or child. Make sure to take a look across the street at Fluty’s Shoes which offers name brand athletic shoes, sandals, cowboy boots, hats, purses and all the accessories. Smithville also has Tennessee’s oldest family-owned pharmacy which is run by the Webb family. Webb’s Pharmacy & Gifts has been in the family since 1881. There you can find their antique pharmaceutical bottles and a really great gift shop. I found a great selection of home furnishings, handcrafted pottery by Susan DeMay, decorative plates and bowls for your lake cabin home or houseboat, children’s toys including my favorite Melissa and Doug toys, an expansive line of greeting cards, baby shower gifts, jewelry and so much more. Make sure you stop in and see the Webb family and say “hello”. All this shopping is sure to make you hungry, and two of our favorites are the Sundance Restaurant and J. Ashburn’s Heartland Café. Sundance has great daily specials, wonderful fresh salads, sandwiches and some awesome homemade soups and desserts. My grilled chicken taco salad was excellent and the homemade salsa which topped it off was superb. Even though I shouldn’t have, my guest and I shared a slice of key lime pie, and oh was it good. The Heartland Café is the newest sit down eatery in downtown Smithville. It has a great, casual, fun atmosphere with excellent barbecue, country cooking, burgers, sandwiches and daily specials with wonderful southern hospitality. If you are in the mood to relax and to be pampered….not a problem. The Smithville Square has several full-service salons and specialized skin care experts to serve you. Downtown Smithville can be reached by traveling west on Hwy. 70, turn right onto North Congress Blvd., then turn left at the red light (West Main Street) and travel 1 block to the square. The two highlights of the year in DeKalb County are the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival which always takes place the first Friday and Saturday in July and the DeKalb County Fair in Alexandria. The Jamboree is a must see if you love music, dance, and pure Appalachian crafts. Come see what over 100,000 visitors from all around the world come to experience annually. The DeKalb County Fair has been known as the “Grandpa Fair of the South” since 1856. The Award Winning DeKalb County Fair showcases everything from beauty pageants to the best agricultural and home-grown products to flat track racing. The midway is filled with arcades and rides for hours of games and fun. The newest additions to the fair include the “DeKalb Idol”, “DeKalb Top Model”, and “The Vintage Fashion Show” which have become crowd favorites. Come experience home-town living, hospitality and friendly people, enjoy downtown Smithville, the Stella Luna Art Gallery, the festivals and fairs, the local eateries, and so much more! If you would like more information, visit their website at www.SmithvilleTN.com or call 615.597.4163.
One of my favorite day trips while visiting the Center Hill Lake region is to a quaint, lovingly restored town called Granville which is located about 30 miles north of the Smithville area. Granville is a vibrant old riverboat town that sits beside another small lake - Cordell Hull Lake. Their wealth of history is showcased in a small museum which is staffed by local folks that love to share the history of Granville. Back in its heyday, Granville was a bustling riverboat town consisting of over 600 families, who made their living off of the fertile land, the riverboat trade, and local commerce. Today, it has been revitalized by numerous volunteers and families that have come back to their roots following careers in larger metropolitan areas. One such couple is a prominent, yet humble businessman and his wife, Mr. Randall and Peggy Clemons. The heartbeat of the community is the T.B. Sutton Store (931.653.4151) which serves as the general store, selling clothing, gift items, candies, and books. It also showcases the Upper Cumberland Arts Alliance (UCAA) artists’ work in the gallery upstairs. One of the biggest draws is their Saturday night bluegrass, folk, and country music performances which generally feature local musicians, yet occasionally spotlight headliners out of Nashville. This coupled with their family style, down home country meals make this is a great evening out for friends, families, and groups. The word is getting out about Granville’s “Corner Stage” and reservations are recommended to enjoy this excellent evening of music and delicious home cooking in this great resort town. Granville has many festivals throughout the year, including their Heritage Days in May and bluegrass festival in the summer. Folks from all around come out to enjoy this friendly river town, stay at one of the quaint bed and breakfasts available or down at Granville Marina & Café or Defeated Creek Marina in one of their cabins or campground. There are several gift stores, including the Granville Gifts and Bed & Breakfast, located nearby the granddaddy, the old T.B. Sutton Store. On one occasion while visiting the old general store, we had the pleasure of observing Mr. David Sharp practicing his wood crafting skills for those that stopped by. He does a beautiful job. The Granville Museum showcases the history of this remarkable town. In October, you can enjoy the Journey Stories Exhibit, which celebrates its grand opening on October 2nd at 10:00 a.m. as part of a special ceremony during the Granville Fall Celebration. Journey Stories is a Museum on Main Street project organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. This unique exhibit tells the story of courage, new beginnings, adventure, fun and freedom that has happened since the discovery of America. Many expeditions have taken place since that time ranging from the movements of the first settlers, the Gold Rush, advent of different modes of transportation, to those brought on by vacations, the search for freedom, and much more. The exhibit will be open Wednesday through Saturday, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM (CST) October 2 – November 13, 2010. Admission is FREE.
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