Vacation season is upon us, so it seems like a good time to celebrate travel the way Tennesseans did it in days gone by (and some still do today). Hop in the transport of your choice and head out to see…
PLANES
BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM
Image: Facebook
Let’s fly away…in our imaginations, at least. The Beechcraft Heritage Museum, next to Tullahoma, TN Regional Airport, holds 38 aircraft and much, much more. It’s a great outing for folks who like history, military memorabilia, learning about an early aviatrix (aka female pilot), admiring original art, or enjoy wandering through beautiful grounds admiring rare and innovative airplanes. You can even bring your pet (leashes required).
The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Get your boarding pass.
TRAINS
COOKEVILLE DEPOT MUSEUM
Image: Cookeville Depot
Head to the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee’s historic west side district for the Cookeville Depot Museum. It holds artifacts from the Tennessee Central Railway, but the biggest attraction is the HO scale replica of Cookeville’s west side—1950’s style.
Pack a lunch and picnic in the grounds by the 1913 Baldwin steam engine, train cars and 1920’s classic red caboose. While you’re in town, be sure to check out Cookeville’s other museums, galleries and attractions.
The Depot Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM till 4 PM. Admission is free. All aboard!
CLEMENT RAILROAD HOTEL MUSEUM
Image: Clement Railroad Museum
It started life in 1914 as a “railroad hotel” and welcomed guests for 40 years before closing its doors. Now the former Hotel Halbrook in downtown Dickson is a museum packed with Tennessee history. There’s a hands-on display of a steam engine cabin (so you can play engineer) and a display of model trains, but you’ll also find exhibits about civil rights, the Civil War and Governor Frank G. Clement—the 41st governor of Tennessee—who was born in Room #5 on June 02, 1920.
Stop by Tuesdays – Fridays, 9 AM to 5 PM, or Saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Plan your trip.
AUTOMOBILES
LANE MOTOR MUSEUM
Image: Lane Motor Museum
Where can you go to see microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, prototypes, one-of-a-kind vehicles and motorcycles—not to mention the largest European automotive collection in the U.S.? Nashville’s Lane Motor Museum, of course.
Home to some 150 unique cars and motorcycles dating from the early 1900s to the present, the museum’s goal is to have all their vehicles in working order. Visit on a Thursday-Monday and they’ll prove it, with vehicle demos at 11 AM each day included with admission. Closed Tuesday-Wednesday.
Start your engines and plan your day.
BONUS: STAGECOACH
WHITE HOUSE INN MUSEUM STAGECOACH
Image: Facebook
As long as we’re in transportation mode, let’s harken back to the days before motorized travel was a thing. Once upon a time, White House, Tennessee was a stagecoach stop on the trail between Louisville and Nashville. As you drive through town on Highway 76, look for an actual “white house” that now houses the City’s Museum, Visitor’s Center and Chamber of Commerce. Then pull into the parking lot because, as well as the museum, there’s a great photo op at the 1800s-era stagecoach and horse.
The museum is open Monday – Thursday, 9 AM- 4 PM, but the stagecoach is outside so you can likely snap that pic anytime.
Wherever you go—and however you decide to get there—be safe and have a wonderful time!
0 Comments