Experience Tennessee August 2021

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issue 4|August 2021

monthly visitors guide

NPR'S JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY HOST TOM WILMER VISITS SOUTH CENTRAL TENNESSEE

SLAWBURGER FESTIVAL (AUGUST EDITION) SET TO RETURN TO FAYETTEVILLE!

THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION IN SHELBYVILLE, TENNESSEE!

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EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE TABLE OF CONTENTS NEW EXPERIENCE TN TOURS APP COMING SOON!

NPR's Tom Wilmer takes on Tennessee

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Lynchburg Music Fest a major hit

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Slawburger Fest in August!

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Events in August

Gobbler Springs Distillery combines Irish tradition, Kentucky heritage and Tennessee spirit to handcraft artisan whiskey Learn about the heritage of Tennessee Walking Horse, Wartrace’s history at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum

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Centerville Farmers Market

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Celebrate the 39th Annual David Crockett Days in Lawrenceburg

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Mark Collie Honored by Tennessee Music Pathways

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EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE

NPR'S TOM WILMER TAKES ON TENNESSEE INFO FROM KCBX.ORG

The Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer show covers a wide array of subjects including agriculture, culture, arts, science, history, and cuisine.

In addition to winning the Lowell Thomas Award, Best Radio Travel Show, for several years, Wilmer is the recipient of more than a dozen prestigious industry awards for radio and video, including the prestigious Tourism Australia / QANTAS "Henry Lawson Travel Writing Award" for the best North American feature about Australia as a travel destination.

Tom also serves as Culture Editor at LA-Based 360 Magazine, and Travel Editor for the prestigious NYC-based Civilian Magazine.

In July the State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development along with the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, worked with Gieger and Associates to host Wilmer for an individual Media Tour that started in Nashville and ended with two days across the southern part of the state.

Wilmer's visit included stops across the region including: Tennessee Tourism Commissioner, Mark Ezell The Fayetteville / Lincoln County Museum Camp Blount Barrel House BBQ Jack Daniels Distillery The Shelbyville Airport with the Flagship Detriot Bell Buckle Cafe Bell Buckle and Tennessee's Poet Laurette, Maggie Vaughn Bell Buckle Coffee Shop Captain Rodney's The Sundrop Shoppe Cascade Hollow Distilling Company The Tennessee Whiskey Trails with Sara Beth Urban The Beechcraft Heritage Museum and Tullahoma Airport

Join correspondent Tom Wilmer for a visit with Mark Ezell, Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development. As an enticing inducement to stimulate travelers to experience not only the allures of Nashville but the myriad outdoor experiences around the state, 10,000 $250 airline vouchers are up for grabs as an integral part of the state’s “Tennessee on Me” tourism initiative.

Come along and join Ezell as he shares the incredible litany of things to do and see across the state, from city experiences including Memphis, Chattanooga, and of course Nashville, to an incredible array of outdoor activities.

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Join Tennessee’s poetic maven, “Maggie” Margaret Britton Vaughn at her home in the village of Bell Buckle where she waxes eloquent about her immersive, creative life in Tennessee with correspondent Tom Wilmer.

The diversity of her artistic expressions include decades of writing lyrics for Nashville Country stars including Ernest Tubb, Charley Weaver and Loretta Lynn.

Come along and join Ms. Vaughn for a riveting and hilarious hour of tales her amazing 83year journey chronicling a passionate love for life in the south.

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When George Dennis retired from his career as an American Airlines pilot, he wanted to do something more than just retire. His next mission came along when he noticed an old DC3 airplane sitting in a field.

Dennis couldn’t resist temptation and put a down payment on his credit card to purchase the aircraft--and thus was born the non-profit Flagship Detroit. A 17-year odyssey ensued that entailed a meticulous aircraft restoration with the assistance of literally thousands of volunteers.

Join correspondent Tom Wilmer at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport in Tennessee for a visit with George Dennis and his airborne compatriots, Dave Buffington, Lisa Butler and her husband Blake Butler.

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The Beechcraft Aircraft Company has been based in Wichita, Kansas since it was founded in 1932, while the iconic Beechcraft Heritage Museum is located in the rural Tennessee town of Tullahoma not far from the Alabama border.

The connection is that Walter Beech was born and raised in nearby Pulaski, Tennessee.

The museum was originally formed in 1973 to showcase the iconic Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane.

Join correspondent Tom Wilmer to learn the rest of the story with Charles Parish, President at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum located at the Tullahoma Regional Airport— that served in a previous incarnation as a WWII Army Air Corps’ B-17 training base.

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Come along and join correspondent Tom Wilmer deep in the realm of Tennessee’s historic whiskey distilleries. Wilmer visits with Kelly Coleman, brand home manager, and tour guide Tori Perry at Cascade Hollow Distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee situated just down the road from Jack Daniels.

Cascade Hollow Distillery dates from 1878 when George Dickel opened for business in nearby Coffee County, Tennessee.

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photos from tom's trip

The Lynchburg Music Fest – Where the Love of Music and Whiskey Intersect By; Tomeka Allgood, Experience Tennessee The first thing most people think of when they hear about Lynchburg, Tennessee is whiskey.

The association is fair considering Jack Daniel’s whiskey is what put this small town of less than ten thousand residents, measuring 130 square miles on the map. After this year’s third annual Lynchburg Music Fest, it is reasonable to say that music is becoming a close second.

The three-day music event has proven that if you build it, the fans will come.

Let’s get the party started…

Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Jack Daniel’s distillery the music festival has grown into an annual pilgrimage. The first day of this year’s event had a buzz in the air as sponsors, vendors and other crew members set up. The large 100+ acre farm location is a perfect spot for any large outdoor gathering, especially one that involves music.

It was inviting and spacious so everyone could be comfortable and set up their lawn chairs without concern or worry as it related to personal space, or social distancing. One other thing that organizers did for fans, is made the festival a cashless event. Upon entrance, the fans were provided a wristband with a chip. If they needed help creating their account, there were multiple places on the grounds to add money to the wristbands. This is one trend that is sure to stay. It made transactions throughout the weekend seamless regardless of if you were buying food or merchandise.

It was obvious from day one that the fans were not the only ones excited. One could say the vendors themselves were just as happy to participate in this year’s festival. They experienced the negative effects of the pandemic just as much as anyone. All the vendors were ready to meet the fans and provide them with a great experience and without a doubt found a few new customers in the process.

Prior to the first performance, crews set up not one or two but three stages. In addition to the main stage, there were two smaller stages. One was sponsored by the tobacco-free nicotine patch company, Zyn and the other was the club select small stage for VIP guest.

The small stage included performances by singer-songwriters. With Nashville being one of the top ten places for singer-songwriters, it was a nice touch to bring a little bit of Music City to Lynchburg. That sort of access is not something many people get the opportunity to experience outside of Nashville.

In addition to the food and beverage trucks, there was a noticeable presence of Jack Daniel’s branded merchandise, several bar top tables, and no matter where you looked you knew you were in the whiskey giant’s backyard. The festival even had its own bottle labeled to commemorate the occasion. There was no doubt that what was to come would be special.

The Show Must Go On… Mother Nature reared her ugly head and thought rain was necessary as a cruel joke on Friday, the second day. Therefore, there was a short delay in live performances, but as the saying goes, “the show must go on”. Even though, no one could have planned for the weather, having Rockstar Energy there with free drinks came across as genius in hindsight.

The delay caused the second day to end later than scheduled but honestly, no complaints once the show started. The organizers were able to get communication out to the attendees in advance, so everyone was aware of the delayed start. Thankfully, that was the only time that the festival had any significant rain. The rest of the event only had a few sprinkles so needless to say, the rain that did occur was overall forgettable.

When the artist finally took the stage, it was worth the wait. The headliner on day two was Hardy and his set was described as electric. People did not think twice about the rain earlier that day and just enjoyed the evening. Hardy killed his performance, and the fans were not disappointed.

Save The Best For Last…

Of course, the third and final day was the longest but when you are having fun, it goes by fast! On top of having a great musical lineup, there was also an onsite rodeo. I spoke to a lady who lived nearby, who said, “I never thought that I would have a rodeo in my front yard!” The Invitational Ranch Rodeo was held on the last day of the festival. Even though it was not centered around music, it was a rodeo! It was a favorite of the younger attendees and an experience they will not ever forget.

On Saturday evening, the highlight performances were both Walker Hayes and Cody Jinks.

The Hayes set brought the crowd together. His Tik Tok dance with his daughter to his song Fancy Like started to energize the crowd. That energy held strong the rest of the evening in which Cody Jinks closed out the festival with a bang. By the time Jinks hit the stage, everyone was on their feet and the crowd was the largest of the day. The people who knew the words to the songs sang right along in unison at the top of their lungs, many others just swayed back and forth.

The entire weekend can be summed up in a nutshell with a quote from the world-renowned reggae artist Bob Marley:

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

The ambiance was awesome, from the atmosphere to the food and beverages. When music lovers come together in a shared space it is a recipe for good times and positive vibes. The love of music and whiskey is a combination that makes the Lynchburg Music Fest a safe bet for a fun-filled weekend full of joy.

Fayetteville Main Street and the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce present the sixth Slawburger Festival in Fayetteville, Tennessee- home of the Famous Slawburger.

We have such a rich history with the unique "slawburger" and the festival serves as a way to share those stories. Create new memories or revisit old ones from the past. Come visit us on August 21, 2021 at the Historic Fayetteville Downtown Square for the 6th Annual Slawburger Festival.

2021 Event Schedule 11am - 7pm Vendors

2pm Slawburger Eating Contest

11am - 7pm Information Booth

330pm Slaw Dog Contest (Pet Contest)

11am - 6pm Orange Zone

11am - 4pm Kids Lawn Games

1pm Ice Cream Eating Contest

August 21, 2021

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EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE

AUG 2021

AUGUST EVENTS 2-6

TULLAHOMA ART CAMP

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60TH BELFAST LIONS CLUB HORSE SHOW

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GOOD FRIENDS MUSIC FEST - MANCHESTER

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PEGGY BURTON'S SOUTH JACKSON GOES COUNTY AT SOUTH JACKSON CIVIC CENTER

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39TH ANNUAL DAVID CROCKETT DAYS

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GRAPE JAM MUSIC SERIES AT BEANS CREEK WINERY IN MANCHESTER, TN

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LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR

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SLAWBURGER FESTIVAL IN FAYETTEVILLE, TN

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TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION IN SHELBYVILLE, TN

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CELEBRATION CITY REGION CAR CLUB CRUISE-IN ON THE SQUARE IN SHELBYVILLE

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COMMUNITY YARD SALE IN WARTRACE

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BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

In Centerville, Tennessee, the farmer’s market festivities Farmers Market at River Park is celebrating its 16th year of operation this season by adding an option to visit the market in the afternoon and into the evening on Thursdays, making it more accessible to those who work from 9 to 5.

Between 24 vendors, shoppers will find in-season fruits and veggies, eggs, honey, flowers, baked goods, jams and jellies, and locally made crafts like handmade picture frames from J P Creatives.

This year, organizer Tammy Stone approved of a fun, new booth that will be occupied by @Horseshoebendfarmwines - The newest winery in Hickman County specializes in fruit wines made from locally grown fruits and sells a particularly unique tomato wine that they swear pairs well with pizza and pasta.

If you find yourself in the area, stop by the Farmer’s Market at River Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Farmer’s markets are the perfect way to support the local makers and farmers here in Nashville’s Big Back Yard!

Nashville's Big Back Yard is a natural watershed region anchored by 100 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway and made up of 12 connected communities with populations under 5,000 people.

Come for a visit or live a lifetime with us.

Celebrate the birthday of the "King of the Wild Frontier"

The 39th Annual David Crockett Days will be held on August 13-15th this year at David Crockett State Park in Lawrence County, TN. Longhunters (and their families) from throughout the region set up camp to demonstrate the lifestyle and skills of the period and hold muzzleloader, tomahawkthrowing, and fire-starting competitions. They camp in primitive tents, dress in clothing of the era, and talk with the public about the time period. There are demonstrations and workshops to teach visitors "how it used to be" on the frontier. Visitors are welcome at the campsites because Longhunters love to educate others about their favorite era.

Come experience the history here first hand in Nashville's Big Back Yard!

For more information about Crockett Days, contact Jim Cozart at 931-242-001 or email crockett_club@hotmail.com. https://www.facebook.com/DAVY-CROCKETT-LONGHUNTERS-284438375209 https://www.nashvillesbigbackyard.org/

Mark Collie Honored by the State of Tennessee's music pathways program

Congratulations to American country music artist Mark Collie for his well deserved honor of a new “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker in his hometown of Waynesboro, Tenn. The unveiling took place at the Courthouse Lawn, by the Wayne County Walk of Stars.

The Chamber Board of Directors presented Collie with a plaque replica of the Tennessee Music Pathways guitar pick, naming him “Person of Distinction” for Wayne County and declaring July 3, 2021, “Mark Collie Day.” “I am deeply humbled by today, but none of us would be here today if it weren’t for our hard-working mama working that grocery store. Thank you, Wayne County,” -Mark Collie Mark’s long career of worldwide success, philanthropic deeds and unending creative talent make us beyond proud to call him one of our own here in Nashville’s Big Back Yard.

Gobbler Springs Distillery combines Irish tradition, Kentucky heritage and Tennessee spirit to handcraft artisan whiskey

By: Elena Cawley When you visit Gobbler Springs Distillery, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, you’ll find artisan whiskey and an unforgettable experience, taking you on a trip back in time. Licensed to produce alcohol in 2017, Gobbler Springs Distillery now operates the first legal still in Lawrence County since 1821, when David Crockett’s distillery was swept away in a flood, said John Michael Hatcher, proprietor and master distiller of Gobbler Springs Distillery. Hatcher is a fourth-generation distiller, and his Irish roots go back to his great-grandfather. Hatcher has blended Irish and American whiskey distilling traditions with rustic methods and modern science to handcraft small batches of artisan whiskey. Gobbler Springs Distillery is located on 400 acres of beautiful farmland bordered by the Buffalo River. The area is rich with natural limestone springs and is ideal for making small-batch artisan spirits, said Hatcher.

“I am a fourth-generation distiller born in Glasgow, Kentucky,” Hatcher said. “My Irish roots reach back to my great-grandfather, John Michael Toomey. I grew up in Smiths Grove, Kentucky. I married my high school sweetheart, Linda, in 1983. We have two sons, Joshua and Benjamin. We have lived in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, since 1985.”

Teddy, their goldendoodle, is the unofficial mascot of Gobbler Springs Distillery, often greeting visitors.

“Making whiskey is a generations-old family tradition on my mother’s side of the family,” Hatcher said.

In 1821, Hatcher’s great-grandfather, a young child orphaned by the Irish Potato Famine, emigrated from Cork County, Ireland. He landed in Lexington Courthouse, Virginia, where he learned the craft of distilling spirits in the Irish tradition. As a young man, he moved to Kentucky and operated his own distillery near the community of Summer Shade. Hatcher’s grandfather, Robert, worked as a young man in the family distillery, until it was shut down, said Hatcher.

“The Toomey family distillery was permanently shut down by Prohibition,” Hatcher said.

“Growing up in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, I heard tales of the Toomey still, and of nearby moonshiners. I remember stories about stills smashed in government raids, and of a grumpy great-grandmother, whose daily cup of moonshine spirits improved her disposition. My father, Eulas, was the child tasked to cross the field to fetch the medicinal elixir from Maxie, the owner of the area’s largest still. My mother, Mary Toomey Hatcher, taught me the family art of fermentation, including wine and beer making.”

Hatcher became interested in chemistry at an early age, mixing chemicals in a photography lab in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

“I am a former adjunct professor of photography, publisher, and commercial freelance photographer,” Hatcher said.

Family history of distilling and chemistry knowledge resulted in creating hand-crafted artisan spirits, including Gobbler Springs Tennessee Sweet Mash Whiskey, Premium Vodka, Distilled Gin, and 1821 Sweet Mash Shine.

Visit the distillery to hear stories about the Toomey still and David Crockett’s distillery.

Washed by the floods of 1821, David Crockett’s old distillery is long gone, but the fertile soil, abundant land and clean water that attracted him to Lawrence County remain, and these natural resources inspired the Gobbler Springs Distillery to begin distilling small-batch artisan whiskey.

Gobbler Springs Distillery is located at 866 Gobbler Springs Lane, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

The distillery is open for tours by appointment. Text 931-300-3753 for requests. Visit gobblerspringsdistillery.com for more information.

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LEARN ABOUT THE HERITAGE OF TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE, WARTRACE’S HISTORY AT THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL MUSEUM By: Elena Cawley

Known as the cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse, Wartrace, Tennessee, invites you to learn about the town’s history and experience shopping and dining in the area. The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum preserves the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse. When you visit the museum, you will find artifacts, documents and photographs revealing the heritage of the Tennessee Walking Horse and the pride of the town, where the history began.

Frances Bates, president of Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, encourages visitors to stop by the museum, where they will learn how the Tennessee Walking Horse was developed.

“The horse has been around for ages, but what we did in Wartrace, which is known as the cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse, was develop the horse into the ride we wanted. We were looking for a smooth, long-stride, comfortable ride that people could use as a farm horse, as a horse that took your wagon to church on Sundays and to buy groceries on Saturdays. We got the best mares that rode like we wanted, with a long, even, smooth ride, and we bred them to stallions that had a long, even, smooth ride. And we have developed at this point a wonderful riding horse.”

The museum opened its doors in Wartrace 11 years ago, according to Bates.

“There had been a museum in three or four different locations before, but this is the home, this is where everything started,” Bates said. “It started back in 1891, when a horse, named Black Allan, was purchased and brought here and when the Breeders’ Association (was established). They traced everything back to Black Allan and a couple other mares and stallions, and they were all from this area. So the area was designated the cradle of the Tennessee walking horse.”

Allan F-1 was the designation given to Black Allan by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association when it began its registry in 1935. He was recognized as the "greatest contribution to the breed, among all known stallions."

When you visit the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, you will see pictures and artifacts that will bring the history to life.

“We have a lot of history here,” Bates said. “We can explain the history, show you pictures and videos. We will tell you about the Town of Wartrace, the Walking Horse Hotel, which is not open at this time, but it was the center and the attraction. People would come with their horses and gather at the hotel, and would pack a picnic lunch, and would ride up through the woods and through the hills and down in the valleys and have a picnic.

Then they would pack everything up and come back to the hotel. Wartrace has a rich history, from the Tennessee Walking Horse to Civil War history because of the railroad.

It’s just a neat little town. Several years ago, I was sitting in the rocking chair, and we had a farmers’ market, and there was a rooster that kept crowing. In a few minutes, I heard a siren coming down the road and when the siren started, a dog started howling, and then a train started coming. Where else on earth can you hear all this and enjoy it?

You can enjoy the sounds of the train and the chickens and the dog howling – it’s just wonderful to think you are in a small town like this and it has stayed like this.”

Enjoy visiting the museum and listen to the sounds of Wartrace when you explore the town’s shops and cafes. Have an unforgettable and authentic experience in Wartrace.

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s w e r B & , s e in Whiskey, W 9 Distilleries, 9 Wineries, 6 Breweries, and several specialty locations!