TN FARM FRESH and other Christmas décor at the Crockett Arts Center, as well as a Memphis Ballet Co. performance. For more information on Trees of Christmas, which takes place Nov. 10-22, call (931) 762-7617.
4 / Century-Old Choo Choo On Dec. 1, 1909, despite the bitter cold, several hundred people crowded to witness the dedication of Terminal Station in Chattanooga. Today, the depot is celebrating its centennial in style with events throughout 2009. During its heyday, the busy station saw three U.S. presidents and became famous as home to the Chattanooga Choo Choo steam locomotive, popularized by a 1941 song. The station’s last train departed nearly 30 years ago, and the facility now serves as a vacation and convention complex, where guests can opt to sleep in one of the railroad cars-turned-hotel rooms. The yearlong festivities culminate with the Centennial Celebration of the Year Party on Dec. 1, 2009, and a Ronald McDonald House benefit on Dec. 5.
5/ Two Mules and a Wagon Traveling across the country and back by car takes long enough – imagine making the trek with just two mules and a wagon. John McComsey did just that, leaving his Henry County home on April 1, 2009, joined by his dog Britt in two tandem wagons pulled by mules Jack and Mack. McComsey went westward to visit his sister in Arizona and to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis, which afflicts his niece. Throughout his trip, McComsey kept track of his progress on his Web site, www.twomulesandawagon.com. He made it to Texas within a month at a pace of about 20 miles per day and finally arrived in Phoenix on July 1. tnhomeandfarm.com
Pastures on the Plateau Cumberland Mountain Farm isn’t your average cattle operation – that’s just a small part of what falls under the umbrella of the Crossville farm owned by John and Susan Looney and their three sons. Nestled on 700 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the farm uses half of its acreage as pasture, running a large Chiangus cattle production business in addition to selling grass-fed beef for private purchase. But the operation doesn’t end there. On the other half of the farm, the family runs an eco-conscious timber operation, in which trees are selectively harvested under guidance from the U.S. Forestry Service. The property is protected by a conservation easement, and the owners work with the University of Tennessee’s Agricultural Extension services, along with three other out-of-state universities, to employ best agricultural practices. In keeping with environmental awareness, the farm also works with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. The Looneys have turned the scenic site into an agritourism destination. The farm hosts wildlife observation, with five towers from which to see native Tennessee birds including raptors, eagles, owls and an array of songbirds. Additionally, the farm offers in-season contract hunting and fishing. Ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and crappie, while deer, turkey and other game animals are plentiful thanks to the conservation easement increasing the wildlife density. Another attraction at the farm is The Lodge at Cumberland Mountain Farm, an executive retreat and conference center that draws businesspeople from throughout the state and beyond. An on-site spa, continental breakfasts and telescopes for stargazing, in addition to business services, are just a few of the amenities at the facility. Guests can also bring their own horses to ride or just sit back and enjoy the scenic panoramas. The property also features several miles of hiking trails. In addition to beef, the farm offers a variety of Tennessee-made products for sale, including cheeses, jellies, jams, summer sausage and cider. Learn more at www.cumberlandmountainfarm.com or by calling (919) 493-2615.
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Tennessee Farm Fresh helps our state’s farmers market their products directly to consumers through an organized marketing program. For more information about the program and more Tennessee farm products, visit www.tnfarmfresh.com.
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