Tennessee is filled with culture and historic sites. With
ongoing events scheduled yearly, and exhibits that highlight
the state's historic past you're certain to discover
something new in Tennessee. The state has endless recreation
to enjoy as well as entertaining shows and festivals, so
anytime of the year is a great time to visit the area.
On this trip we visit Green McAdoo, located in the historic
downtown Clinton, a Main street Community that is
beautifully restored and now has many antique shops, local
stores, an old-fashioned dinner, and one of the few
old-fashioned movie theaters left in the country. Special
events are held throughout the year, like the Clinch River
Antiques Festival, which brings in antiques collectors from
across the country.
At
the Green McAdoo Cultural Center you discover a piece of
America's Black History. The site is dedicated to the first
desegregated public high school in the south, Clinton High
School. The museum is located in the original Clinton
Colored School and tells the dramatic story of 12 students
who took a historic walk into history by choosing to attend
the newly integrated high school. It was in August of 1956
when these twelve young people in Clinton, Tennessee walked
into history and changed the world. Clinton High School
holds the honor of having the first Black to graduate from a
public high school in the South. It was a great victory for
the Civil Rights Movement, and you can learn more about this
fascinating story at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center.
Not far away in Lake City is the county’s first and only
winery or we should say Meadery. The Shady Grove Meadery
opened in October 2007 and makes wine out of honey. Tastings
and tours are offered, and local arts and crafts are
available to purchase in the store as well as cheeses, honey
and more.
You'll also find the Coal Miners Museum in the area that
tells the incredible story of life in the 1800s for the men
and boys who worked in the mines. Their lives were rough
and their stories are tragic, but they are honored here for
the courageous work they did and the much-needed laws that
came from their sacrifices.
Another
great site to visit is the Museum of Appalachia features
over 30 historic log structures on 60 acres of land with
more than 250,000 artifacts that commemorate the pioneer
heritage of this beautiful countryside. The John Rice
Irwin’s open-air museum has been referred to as the “the
most authentic and complete replica of pioneer Appalachian
life in the world.” There are several events hosted here
including the 4th of July Anvil Shoot, Tennessee Fall
Homecoming, and Christmas in Old Appalachia that brings the
feeling of the 19th century to life in today’s modern world.
For more Appalachian culture, step into the Appalachian Arts
and Crafts Shop, where 19th century traditions are kept
alive by local crafters. Traditional and contemporary works
of pottery, weaving, quilts, baskets and other mediums can
be seen here. There’s also an educational facility for
anyone interested in learning a new craft.
These
are among the many attractions to enjoy while visiting
Anderson County, which is also well known for its recreation
opportunities. From Norris Lake and Norris Dam to more than
20 marinas dotting the lake, there’s something for
everyone. Norris Lake offers 34,000 acres of recreational
space and more than 800 miles of shoreline. Nearly all of
the lake’s shoreline is undeveloped, so it’s surrounded by
picturesque views including Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge
State Park, Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area, and other
protected areas. The lake offers fishing, boating, camping,
and multiple marinas, which in turn offer houseboats,
cabins, restaurants, campgrounds, and more. For the extreme
sport lover, Windrock Mountain provides a perfect outlet
with ATV riding, rock crawling, mountain bike riding, and
other extreme sport activities. Operated by Coal Creek OHV,
the mountain offers 72,000 acres of trails to explore.
