Morristown Tennessee

In the 60s, Morristown Tennessee got the idea to build some overhead sidewalks above the main sidewalks in downtown.  If I understand correctly, this was done so people could still shop downtown after flooding, and it was also done to help the downtown businesses compete with the new indoor shopping mall that opened in that decade.

So, now there is a second level of sidewalks in downtown Morristown.

This is very different.  I don't think I have seen anything else like it.

The downtown area does have a very classic feel.  I love the fact that there are old, fading advertisements painted on the sides of buildings that are still very visible.  In general, this isn't uncommon, but I always appreciate seeing it.

There are several nice little shops here.  Not one or two, but enough to make this area worth a visit.  We enjoyed hanging out in a great little antique shop.

The area is attractive and nice, but there was some graffiti here and there.  Hopefully, locals will keep appreciating what they have down here, and make the most of it.

Crockett Tavern- Morristown, Tennessee

We drove by the Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown Tennessee.  As you know, I have been on a big Davy Crockett kick for some time now, after our two trips to visit the Alamo over the last couple of years.  We visited Mr. Crockett's birth site not far from the Tavern too.

The Crockett Tavern Museum is, unfortunately only open seasonally, so it wasn't open when we stopped by.  That's OK though, I have an excuse to get back to this area again!


This is a cabin built to represent a tavern that Davy's dad established in 1794!

Rogersville Tennessee

After hanging out at the Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville, Tennessee, we took some time to walk around the town.

This is a very attractive small town, worthy of a day trip at some point....  but I kept thinking to myself that the town is a small community museum and a few more local shops away from REALLY popping.

We did briefly swing through Miss Bea's Perks and Pies.  We enjoyed a couple of muffins, and we really liked the vibe there.  You could tell the locals enjoyed it too, it was busy!

Here are a few photos of Rogersville......

Berry Springs Lodge- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

So, we planned out a trip to spend some time near the Great Smoky Mountains, and its surrounding area.  We probably make it here a time or two each year, and it seems that we rarely stay in the same place as there are some interesting places to stay!

This time, we decided to give the #1 ranked Bed and Breakfast in Sevierville (currently, according to tripadvisor) a chance!

Berry Springs Lodge is actually right in Pigeon Forge, VERY close to Dollywood (I am guessing it is a mile or two away), but also still very secluded.

Berry Springs is part of the Select Registry group of B&B and inns, and we have had a LOT of success with the group lately (remember when I mentioned Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont and Chanticleer Inn in Georgia?).  These guys seem to have a very high standard!

So, we arrived on a Thursday and we were able to check in early!  That was appreciated, and it was a huge plus!

We were given a tour of the place, and told about the lake, the property etc.  Canned drinks, hot tea and coffee were pretty much always available for the taking.  That's a pretty cool bonus anywhere!

What you might call a "main lobby area" simply looked so cozy.  There were several sitting areas near a TV and near a fireplace.  Stairs come down from a balcony area over looking this area.  It is very attractive, and has that perfect "lodge" feel.  I took a photo, but it really doesn't do justice to how pretty and comfortable it is here.  I love some of the little touches at Berry Springs.  A HUGE stuffed (as in toy stuffed animal, not taxidermy) moose head hangs on the wall.  A similar giant fish is over the fireplace!

Bears are a big deal in the Great Smoky Mountains, and Berry Springs has utilized bears in their décor.  On our bed when we arrived, were two small toy bears to keep us company for the stay!  Our room was so perfect.  There was a fireplace, regional magazines, and a great balcony we could relax on, over looking the mountains.  It was clean and well maintained.  Room service and turn down service were perfect each day too.

In the early afternoon and evenings, we enjoyed sitting in rocking chairs on the Lodge's back porch.  We could hear wild turkey and birds.  Bird feeder's attracted several winged critters.  A squirrel was a frequent visitor too, picking up seeds dropped by the birds.  We really enjoyed our time on this porch, as there are plenty of seats, and the view is amazing.  We took books to read, but just looking out at the land was so relaxing.

And the whole property had the same mellow vibe.  We walked down to the lake at Berry Springs, and it was a very nice way to start a morning.  It was a steep walk downhill, and staff recommended that we use a walking stick (I probably would use one next time) but a stick really wasn't necessary if you're careful.  Near the lake is a barn with a pool table and some other games.  A canoe is on the property that can be taken around the lake.  We skipped that this time (it was a chilly morning) but I will want to try that out next time.  We walking in a loop, going back to the Lodge by way of their main driveway, instead of walking back of the steep hill trail path.

When it comes to places like this, obviously breakfast is a big deal.


Well, Berry Springs Lodge did a great job on breakfast.  Juice, and fruit cups were available along with the main meal.  Of course, fresh coffee was always around too.

My wife has been on a big health kick lately, and Berry Springs prepared some healthy but tasty breakfasts for her.

I was OK with indulging in the delicious breakfasts offered, and I am so glad I did!  Check out the photos!  These were easily some of the best breakfasts I have ever had in my life.

We spent 3 nights here, and we made a point of spending a lot of time Saturday around Berry Springs Lodge just because we wanted to enjoy all the time at the place that we could.  It was just so relaxing!

Hale Springs Inn- Rogersville Tennessee

Hale Springs Inn  in Rogersville Tennessee has been on my list of places to visit for some time. 

I don't recall when I first heard about it, and its history, but it was years ago.  Luckily, we finally made it there as we drove through part of the state.

This is a small Inn that simply pops with history.  ALL THREE of the Presidents most closely associated with Tennessee (Jackson, Polk, and Andrew Johnson) have stayed at Hale Springs Inn.  During the Civil War, Union forces used the site as a headquarters.

We stopped by to check things out, and the place does have OLD charm.  It feels like a very well preserved building from the 1800s.  The floors creak and you know the place is the opposite of modern- proudly showing off its age.

It is small and cozy.  We walked around some, and one of the staff members told us about the history.  A small flyer is available in the lobby.

We did have lunch in their restaurant.  For $8, I had unlimited she crab soup and salad which I thought was a bargain!  The restaurant was very pleasant, with lots of light coming from the windows.  You could tell that the locals love this place, as our waitress seemed familiar with others in the restaurant.  Our waitress was great and we enjoyed the experience here, but the place does show a bit of being amateur at times.  Loud music from the kitchen area drown out the classical music in the dining room at times.  Still, I wouldn't let that hold me back from enjoying some time here.

Our Place Bookstore and Gifts in Cosby Tennessee

Our Place is a gifts and bookstore in Cosby Tennessee, just a short drive outside of the main touristy area of the Great Smoky Mountains.  I heard about it not too long ago, and I knew that I had to check it out!

We arrived in the morning and found this very unique shop right off the main drag, but in a very rural area.  We walked in and were greeted by the very pleasant shop owner who asked if we wanted coffee.

I personally never turn coffee down, so I got a cup and went about looking for books.  Much of the time I was in the store, I was carrying on a very loose conversation with the lady running the place.  She talked about the fires (and the locals who helped out afterwards), the community, books, and various other topics.

We were on a bit of a time limit, so I didn't get to explore this place as much as I would have liked to, but I did find a few rare volumes that I had to have.... and I had to have some bags of the coffee I was drinking...  they sell the beans there (it was good stuff!) AND for less than $5 I picked up a honey bear of local honey.

There were a lot of bargain priced books in the shop, but I was more interested in some of the rarer offerings.  I asked about some signed books, and I was surprised at the quality selection.

For me, this is going to be a place to check with when I am looking for something more unusual.

They had a great Civil War section, and an impressive local interest area too.  That's what I am most interested in when I find a new book store.

This is a very special bookstore, with some serious character.  They care about having a great selection, but they also care about having some quality stuff too. 

If you love books like me, YOU KNOW there are some books out there....  probably older books, or maybe some odd self published book- that you have never heard of.  You have never seen it referenced, but its out there... and you want it.  Well, Our Place has that book.  For me on this visit, I found an old biography on Gutzon Borglum that nearly jumped off the shelf and into my arms!  That book lives at my house now.

Our Place is one of the most perfect bookstores I have ever come across.