Experience Tennessee November Visitor's Guide

e e s s e n n e T e c Experien

issue 7 | november 2021

monthly visitors guide

Tyler Braden to headline Visit Manchester Music Series Concert

Uncle Nearest Tour: History, Art, & Whiskey

win a shirt!

Win a shirt!

Like or follow our socials for a chance to win a free shirt.

We're giving away one each week!

EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE TABLE OF CONTENTS NEW EXPERIENCE TN TOURS APP DOWNLOAD NOW!

Downtown Tennessee - Columbia

04

- Fayetteville

08

- Lewisburg

11

Tyler Braden to headline first Manchester Music Series Concert Nearest Green Distillery Tour: History, Art, and Whiskey

Linden's Commodore Hotel: A Must for Your Next Getaway Not Just Events, Experiences See whats going on in Tennessee

16 22

23

28

EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE

PAGE 4

DOWNTOWN TENNESSEE

FEATURING: COLUMBIA, FAYETTEVILLE, & LEWISBURG

BY ELENA CAWLEY

COLUMBIA

Columbia, Tennessee, welcomes you with friendliness and Southern kindness.

Columbia’s downtown offers charming shops, cool eateries, fun events and artistic vibes. From family restaurants and wine tasting experiences to music festivals, annual events and arts, you will find memorable happenings downtown.

One of the restaurants in the heart of Columbia is Southern Tré Steakhouse. In addition to delicious seafood, pasta and steaks, the steakhouse provides exceptional service and a friendly environment, bringing people together. Puckett’s also offers delicious meals, served with generous portions of friendliness and extra hospitality in a laid back atmosphere. The eatery invites guests to try Southern staples, authentic comfort food classics and slow-smoked BBQ. For Lao, Thai, Vietnamese foods, welcome to Vanh Dy's Restaurant and Lounge. Enjoy a tasty meal while chatting with friends and listening to music, as the eatery often hosts events.

Shopping downtown Columbia is as enjoyable as dining. Stop by Factory at Columbia, home to several boutiques. For vintage and antique finds, browse Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, which delivers a fun experience and lovely home décor items.

Smith & York Co. also promises beautiful finds to give to friends and items to make your home cozy. For stylish and comfortable clothing and accessories, browse Southern Exposure. And of course, you are not going to want to miss Variety Record Shop. Music and wine tasting await you at Vintage Winery, where you can sit outside and sip your favorite wine.

Downtown Columbia has plenty to offer for entertainment lovers and art enthusiasts.

Various events are held downtown, including Mule Day celebration in April, a popular tradition since the 1840s. Check out First Fridays for live music on the square, happening on the first Friday of each month.

As you walk the streets, appreciate the postcard style mural, completed by artists Whitney Herrington and Meredith Elmore. Delve into more art and explore Columbia Arts District, home to artists, artisans and innovative minds who create various forms of art and share their imaginative culture and inspiration.

FAYETTEVILLE

The vibrant downtown area of Fayetteville, Tennessee, swirls around the Lincoln County Courthouse and attracts visitors with its antique stores, boutiques and eateries. The Everywhere You Look, UT and Greetings from Fayetteville murals, painted by Troy Freeman, will welcome you to the square with its colorful display of the town’s history and hallmarks. Fun events, such as the Music in the Park series and the Slawburger Festival, provide entertainment and bring attendees together by inviting them to share stories and create new memories. Fayetteville Main Street and the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce present the Slawburger Festival, featuring various vendors, and slawburger eating contest and ice cream eating contest.

Find treasures at the stores on the square, where you will discover vintage and modern items for stylish outfits and unique gifts. Fayetteville Antique Mall features local artists and its shelves display art, antiques and vintage pieces.

Have a delicious meal in the area and be sure to try the famous Fayetteville Slawburger at Honey’s, home of the original slawburger. Or experience dining at Cahoots Restaurant, located in a building which was used as a firehouse and jail until 1970. See the tables in the old jail cells, where customers now can eat with their families and friends.

When you’re ready for dessert, Signature Sweets will satisfy your cravings. The delicious treats will bring joy to your eyes, too. Have tasty and beautiful chocolatecovered cake balls, cookies or cupcakes.

You will find a relaxing and friendly atmosphere at the Local Café. Owners Chanse and Catherine Bartlett were instrumental in completing the Everywhere You Look, UT and Greetings from Fayetteville murals to celebrate the town’s history, bring delight and start conversations.

More art awaits you in Fayetteville. Enjoy the art pieces when you visit Dragonfly Gallery and Design. The gallery features the work of regional artists.

LEWISBURG

Nestled in the hills of Middle Tennessee, 50 miles south of Nashville and 52 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, you’ll find Lewisburg. The city, with a population of 12,380, has a beautiful downtown area, with various shopping, dining, arts and entertainment options.

As you walk in downtown Lewisburg, several boutiques will greet you with colorful window displays. Browse the shops and purchase nice accessories for your outfit or unique gifts for your friends. One of the boutiques on the square is Studio 20 South, 104 2nd Avenue North, and it offers clothing, shoes, jewelry and monogramming.

When you get thirsty, stop by Nspire Nutrition, 106 West Church Street. Tasty drinks will satisfy your thirst and help you stay healthy. Healthy options on the menu include fusion energy drinks, protein shakes, ice coffee and green tea.

Visit Brandon Brorista, 764 West Commerce Street, for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, panini, soup or salad. When you’re ready for something sweet, try strawberry yogurt parfait or a caramel pecan roll (or two). By visiting Brandon Brorista you will also support an important cause. Each tip received at the shop supports research for childhood cancer.

Whether you love creating art or appreciate art galleries, you’ll enjoy visiting Marshall County Art Guild Gallery and Studio, 107 West Commerce Street. The studio offers art classes and workshops, including Collage Mixed Media and Colored Pencils classes.

See a show at the Marshall County Community Theatre, 110 West Church Street.

Productions, such as The Sound of Music, Oliver, Grease and Steel Magnolias have entertained audiences and provided opportunities for hundreds of artists to showcase their acting and singing talents. Now they invite you to enjoy a play at the theatre.

In front of First Presbyterian Church, you’ll notice a colorful little box. Grab a book from the Little Free Library and bring it back next time you visit Lewisburg, Tennessee.

visitmaury.com

Linden’s Commodore Hotel A Must for Your Next Getaway By: Cindy Dupree Holloway

LIt’s always important to know the local hot spots, but never more essential than during this season, when quick getaways are the ticket to living our best life now.

One of Tennessee’s most charming small towns, Linden, is home to the historic Commodore Hotel, named one of the six best places to stay in the state, and featuring the equally appealing Commodore Music Café.

The property, originally built in 1939, features 22 fully renovated and stylized rooms complete with modern amenities, while maintaining the building’s old-world charm.

In 2007, Rhode Islanders Michael and Kathy Dumont rescued this architectural piece of history from the wrecking ball. As a developer, Michael always had a passion for preserving historical buildings and homes. Starting with renovations of lofts in Boston, to an award-winning restoration of a 1756 Sea Captain’s home in Rhode Island, Michael honed his gift of “hearing the space.” “A vision comes to me, and I see the space as she was meant to be,” says Dumont.

Restoration is a labor of love, and with the Commodore, every detail was carefully considered. The narrow-planked oak flooring was stripped of its 70s-era, multicolored shag carpeting and refinished, along with restoration of the original period tile floors and tubs in several bathrooms. Art decor door hinges and doorknobs were salvaged.

The warm, brick walls were exposed, and one can imagine those brick layers working in 1939, with good, old fashioned sweat and pride. The huge, broken windows were replaced, and when opened now, guests can smell the grass and trees of this small Southern town.

The adjoining Commodore Music Café, fully restored, re-designed and renamed, welcomes guests with a warm, inviting ambience, friendly service, locally sourced food and live music on Friday nights. “We serve traditional Southern favorites, plus a few unique dishes,” says Kathy. “As often as possible, we use fresh, local ingredients, including eggs from our farm!”

In addition to regional flavors, the restaurant is known for live music performances for diners on Friday nights. From platinum record holders to songwriters who have written No. 1 hits, the Commodore has become a great place to showcase the vibrant musical talent of the region, including guests from Music City.

Just off the hotel lobby is a truly unique guest experience, the Commodore’s Speakeasy. Capturing an air of mystery, the Speakeasy’s atmosphere is all about nuancing the past, including romantic lighting, intimate seating, and specially made libations. Here’s where guests begin to relax their cares away.

Relaxing is part of the trip, but don’t miss the adventures. Take a hike along some of Tennessee’s most pristine nature trails, including Lady’s Bluff Small Wild Area and Trail and at Mousetail Landing State Park. In season, kayak the beautiful Buffalo River.

Kayak rentals are available at Commodore River Adventures. Interested in fishing? No problem. Local guides can facilitate on the Buffalo or nearby Tennessee Rivers. Linden and the Commodore usher in spring with the Blooming Arts Festival, happening March 25-26, 2022 on Main Street.

No vacation, or staycation for that matter, is complete without time spent shopping.

Downtown Linden offers a variety of specialty shops including clothing boutiques, giftshops, and a high-end custom jewelry maker. Among the most popular stores are the Buffalo River Artists Consortium and Main Street Marketplace, both featuring the creative works of local and regional makers.

After an day of adventure, make your way back to your home away from home, the Commodore Hotel, where you can wind-down in a peaceful place, where the cares of this world seem far, far away.

If you haven’t already, stop reading now and visit Commodore Hotel in Linden at https://www.commodorehotellinden.com to book your small town Tennessee getaway.

Tyler Braden to headline FIrst Manchester Music Series concert

The Manchester Coffee County Conference Center has partnered with Igniter Productions to launch the “Visit Manchester Music Series”. The first concert will be held on November 12th, 2021 at 5 pm at the Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center. The event will be held outdoors.

The Vist Manchester Music Series’ first event will be headlined by Tyler Braden with three others sharing the stage including Stepanie Nash, Matt Dillon, and Logan Wheat.

Tyler Braden is an Alabama native and grew up in Slapout, just miles fro the graveyard memorial to Hank Williams, and his influences speak to the best of the ’90s and ’00s: from country greats such as Eric Church, Alan Jackson, and Keith Urban to singer/songwriters including John Mayer, Ron Pope, and Jason Reeves.

Following a move to Nashville in 2016, he spent several years committed to his job as a firefighter while building his catalog and touring. With more than 25 million streams already to his name on Spotify alone, Braden has new music due later this year.

Igniter Productions is known for founding and producing the Lynchburg Music Festival that has showcased major county music acts each of the three years of the festival’s existence.

In 2019 the festival featured Jamey Johnson, Easton Corbin, Montgomery Gentry, Joe Diffie, and Manchester’s own Becky Buller Band, and Sarah Pearson. In 2020 Justin Moore, Kip Moore, and Josh Turner headlined the event. This past July Cody Jinks and Hardy shared the stage with Walker Hayes, Jameson Rodgers, Parmalee, Ernest, Tyler Braden, and so many more.

You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Discounted hotel rates are available through Holiday Inn and Suites, Comfort Suites, and LX Hotel all in Manchester.

Buy

Tickets Now

click here!

Download NOw! TOURS APP

Experience all of your favorite trips, trails, and tours on the all new Experience Tennessee Tours App.

Nearest Green Distillery Tour: History, Art, and Whiskey

By: Tomeka Allgood

The Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was launched in 2017. Since then, it has experienced phenomenal growth for an independent whiskey brand. It is the largest selling African American owned spirit brand in history. The Nearest Green Distillery closed in March 2020, during the global pandemic. It reopened on June 19, 2021, with a state-of-the-art welcome center located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, also known as the walking horse capital of the world. The distillery is housed on 270 acres. Monday through Friday it is still a fully operational farm which is why the weekends are the only opportunity that visitors will have to take guided tours and/or tastings. It is recommended to book your tour in advance as they are limited to a specific number of people. The tours also sell out quickly so the sooner you book, the better.

Upon arrival visitors will become instantly relax in the country setting. There are multiple buildings all spaced out with barns, horses and fresh air all around. As you enter the huge, green front doors of the welcome center, there is no doubt that this experience will be unique. Artifacts, oil paintings and artwork are just a small hint that this brand is more than a whiskey, it is about family. When it is time for the tour to begin the tour guide will let you know. More and more places are doing self-guided tours these days, however that is not the case at this distillery. This is a guided tour with very knowledgeable tour guides who are able to answer a wide range of questions from participants.

History The tour starts in a saloon replica that immediately takes guests on a trip back in time. There is a brief historical overview by the guide followed by a short film that features actor Jeffrey Wright. In the film, Wright takes viewers through the history of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green and the whiskey making process. Nearest was born in 1820.

He was an enslaved man who was known throughout Lynchburg, Tennessee and surrounding areas for his whiskey making ability. He worked on the farm of a preacher by the name of Dan Call, who sold whiskey on the side. In the 1850s, a young boy came to work for Dan Call. The preacher told Nearest to show the boy everything he knew about distilling whiskey. That boy’s legal name was Jasper and he later purchased Dan Call’s farm. As an adult he became known as Uncle Jack by his family and Jack Daniel by the rest of the world.

After the end of the Civil War, Nearest continued working for Jack Daniel as a free person. He became the first master distiller behind the famous Jack Daniel’s brand until 1884. He is also the first black master distiller of record in the United States. He is the founding father of Tennessee Whiskey. The process created with West African influence became known as the Lincoln County process. For a whiskey to be called Tennessee Whiskey, it must follow the Lincoln County process.

Whiskey After the history and short film, the tour guide moves the group over to the bottling house.

This is the first opportunity the group has to walk across the vast grounds and see the architectural details and theme of the distillery. The bottling house is a barn where a team labels each whiskey bottle by hand. Each member of the tour is given a brief tutorial on how to label a bottle. Then they can see if they are good enough at labeling to pass an inspection. This is harder than it looks.

The tasting follows the bottling house labeling and is held in the family tasting room. The group is seated at a bar in the shape of a horseshoe. Each are given three plastic shot glasses to participate in the tasting. Once the tasting is completed, the group is allowed to keep their empty shot glass but are not allowed to carry any whiskey out. If you do not finish, it will have to be thrown away. The Single Barrel Rickhouse is the last stop on the tour. This is where all the current barrels are being aged. The guide walks the group through the barrel house where barrels seem to go on forever. The aroma of aging whiskey mixed with oak is simply intoxicating.

Art The tour concludes back at the welcome center and that is where each guest can purchase their whiskey, merchandise or just browse the beautiful artwork along the walls. History and art come alive on the wall with tidbits of information about whiskey making. Each piece of art was meticulously designed specifically for the Nearest Green Distillery. One of the artists who contributed to project was Chris Clark. When asked how long it took to complete his pieces he stated, “With each piece being done in stippling, they took quite a few hours to complete. ‘The Fiddler’ and the ‘Tennessee Walker’ both took around 45 hours to complete each.

‘Tennessee Oak’ took the shortest amount of time at 35 hours – so all together, I spent about 125 hours working on all three pieces.” In addition to the art on the inside, there’s an angel wings mural outside that invites visitors to take their picture with it and post on social media. It was designed by Kelsey Montague and includes musical notes, a guitar and a walking horse.

Taking a tour of the Nearest Green Distillery is something that even non-drinkers can enjoy. If you love history and appreciate art, this place will not disappoint. Of course, if you do enjoy a premium whiskey then that make this a must visit destination.

n i s u J o in

e e s s e n T en Let's Be Social!

e e s s e n T en

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