WHISKY DECANTER MUSEUM—GRANVILLE, TN

Image: GranvilleTN.com

If you’re wondering what’s so interesting about a bunch of bottles, then you haven’t seen these bottles. The “World’s Largest Limited Edition” Decanter Museum contains some 5,000 decanters, many considered works of art. Don’t miss the Elvis Presley collection, which depicts “The King” in various phases of his career. Open Wed–Sat, year-round.

Bonus: The Granville Whiskey Museum is accessed with a Granville Town Tour ticket, which also gets you a guided tour of the Sutton Homestead and Pioneer Village and a self-guided tour of all the other buildings and museums, including the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Museum, the Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum, and much more.

Plan your trip.

BELL WITCH CAVE—ADAMS, TN

Image: BellWitchCave.com

Visit—if you dare—one of America’s most haunted locations. In 1817, John Bell and his family started experiencing strange sights, eerie sounds, and even beatings that left the youngest daughter unconscious. When John died three years later, his death was attributed to the Bell Witch, making Tennessee the only state to assign a person’s death to the supernatural.

The reconstructed Bell Cabin includes artifacts from the original one, plus news articles, photos and other artifacts from the time when the Bell family lived there. To amp up the spooky factor, take one of lantern-guided tours of the haunted grounds after dark.

Plan your visit.

WORLD’S LARGEST CEDAR BUCKET—MURFREESBORO, TN

Image: Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation

It’s big. Really big. So big that at the 1904 St. Louis World’s fair, a beer company leased it, filled it with 1,566 gallons of beer, and built a catwalk around the top for visitors to sample. But why would anyone build such a thing? Advertising, of course.

For years, the Tennessee Red Cedar Woodworks Company was Murfreesboro’s only industry and the only company in the U.S. making cedar buckets. The giant bucket was built in 1887 to promote the company.

These days it lives in Historic Cannonsburgh Village, which represents approximately 100 years of early Tennessee life from the 1830s to the 1930s. Self-guided tours are free, but please call ahead as the village may be closed for a private event.

Plan your visit.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECT—OAK RIDGE, TN

Image: YouTube

Back in the day, it was a covert mission of the American government—a vital part in bringing the world its first nuclear bomb. Known as the “Secret City”, Oak Ridge was not on any maps. Nevertheless, 100,000 workers were brought to the city to work on a top-secret war project, known as the Manhattan Project.

Nowadays, it’s one of three sites of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. (The other two are Los Alamos, New Mexico and Hanford, Washington.) It tells the stories of people, events, science, and engineering that changed the world. See rare files in the American Museum of Science and Energy and learn more about Oak Ridge’s past at the K-25 History Center, home to over 250 artifacts about the uranium enrichment programs.

Plan your trip.

A FOLK HERO’S HOME—JACKSON, TN

Image: Pinterest

Relive the life and legend of Casey Jones, an American railroad engineer who died in a crash in 1900 and became an American folk hero. Several artists have recorded songs about his final ride, including Johnny Cash and the Grateful Dead.

You can visit Casey’s former home, watch a film that tells his story, and explore three authentic rail cars before ringing the bell in the engine, just like Casey did on his final heroic ride. Then explore the village, including an authentically recreated 1800s Ice Cream Parlor & Fudge Shop, as well as the Old Country Store, and a rare soda fountain made in the 1800s (and was one of the first 75 ever made!)

Plan your visit.

One of the great things about Middle Tennessee is that there are so many things to do! Whether you visit one of these spots, go on a different adventure or just enjoy time at home, we hope you have a wonderful month.

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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 41^st 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.

Hitch your wagon.

Wherever you go—and however you decide to get there—be safe and have a wonderful time!

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FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

The only drive-through holiday lights spectacular in Williamson County! Features over 200 displays that are synchronized to Christmas classics you can listen to on the radio as you enjoy the mile-long route. Check out Walkin’ Wednesdays (Dec. 1, 8, 15), when you can walk the lighted route from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (car tours start at 7:00 ). Proceeds support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts.

Nov. 25 – Dec. 26, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm nightly at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center. Learn more.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEEKWOOD

You’ll be walking in a winter wonderland when you stroll through a mile of enchanting holiday lights glowing throughout the gardens. From the Peppermint Path to the interactive Pinnacles of Light display, to the trains, there’s something for everyone—including a Holiday Marketplace and a special mailbox where kids can drop off letters to Santa. Choose between a “Gardens Only” or “Gardens & Mansion” ticket, which adds access to the historic mansion and museum, beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Nov. 20 – Jan. 9, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm nightly at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Tickets and information.

MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS LIGHT RIDE

Because it’s hard to drive and look at the lights at the same time, leave the driving to someone else and have a very merry evening with all your kin. The folks behind The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour promise a fun-filled festive adventure featuring merry rednecks, drunken reindeer, and some of the purtiest lights in Music City, be they on double-wides or McMansions. Tour is rated PG-14. BYOCC – Bring your own Christmas Cheer. Coolers containing Christmas Spirits welcomed.

Weekends Dec. 2 – Dec. 30 (no tours Christmas Eve/Christmas Day) Tickets and information here.

GAYLORD OPRYLAND

Even if the weather outside is frightful, inside Gaylord Opryland is delightful this time of year. Explore acres of twinkling lights, plus more than 17 hours of exciting activities, shows, and events. Enjoy ice skating, photos with Santa, ice bumper cars, ice tubing, and an all-new Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™.

Nov. 12 – Jan.  2. Learn more here.

THE DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

Billed as “Tennessee’s largest drive thru light and music show” the Dancing Lights of Christmas is a family-owned and operated event in Lebanon. It features a 2.5-mile route with over two million lights dancing to the music on the radio so each visit is a new experience. Be sure to check out Santa’s Village while you’re there! Note: they tell us weekends can have long wait times, so consider a weeknight outing.

Nov 12 – Jan 2, open Nightly from 5:00 pm at Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. Information and tickets here.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CARRIAGE RIDES

It’s the next best thing to a one-horse open sleigh! Sugar Creek Carriages offers private narrated rides through downtown Nashville in their beautiful horse-drawn carriages. You’ll clip-clop past the sparkling City Christmas Tree along with other decorated hotspots such as the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Bridgestone Arena, The Johnny Cash Museum, Riverfront Park, and much more.

Thurs. – Sun., Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.  Book your ride.

However you decide to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, please remember to stay safe out there. Happy holidays!

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1. Make a Day of it at Centennial Park

It sounds simple, but this might be one of our favorite ways to spend a day off. Centennial Park is in midtown, located just a few minutes from downtown Nashville. It has so much green space for a picnic or a family game of tag. Plus, there are plenty of walking paths, beautiful scenery, and so much more to enjoy. Learn more about the park’s hours and features right here.

2. Watch Fireworks at Nashville Shores

The weather will likely be quite hot well into September so spending the holiday at a waterpark could be a genius idea. But besides cooling off, fireworks will be happening on Sunday, September 5th, and will be a great way to celebrate the long weekend. Learn more about the fireworks and ticket pricing here.

3. Run (or waLK) THE Franklin Classic

Get moving over the holiday weekend and participate in the Franklin Classic! You can do a 1K, 5K, or a 10K and if you’re not into running, walking is welcome too! Get all the details here.

4. Listen to Live Music at Arrington Vineyards

Pack snacks and a blanket and head on out to Arrington Vineyards for live music and delicious wine tasting. They have a great jazz lineup Friday and Saturday and more live music happening on Monday. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax Labor Day weekend. You can check out the line up of musicians right here.

Got big plans for Labor Day weekend? Comment below and let us know how you’re celebrating the holiday weekend!

The post What to Do in Middle Tennesee This Labor Day appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.