Experience Tennessee January 2022 Visitors Guide

issue 9 | January 2022

e e e s s e n n e T e c n ie r e Exp monthly visitors guide

Downtown Tennessee highlight Lynchburg - Pulaski - Linden

Carl Griggs LEgacy Old Lynchburg Jail Museum Minnie Pearl Music Marker

Forest Gully Farms

EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Carl Griggs leaves a lasting legacy behind in Wayne County.

Downtown Tennessee: - Lynchburg - Pulaski - Linden

5

8 11 15

Visit the Old Jail Museum 18 to learn about Lynchburg’s sheriffs, inmates, famous residents

Forest Gully Farm

26

Minnie's Music Marker

30

The Legacy of Carl Griggs In May of 2021, we took an inside look at Carl's Music Studio in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Carl Griggs, a local legend, and music trailblazer in the heart of Wayne County.

Carl passed away on December 29th, leaving behind a story and a legacy of music, love, family, and community.

Waynesboro will miss Carl and Music will miss Carl.

As a tribute, please enjoy April Nashville's Big Back Yard story of Carl's Music Studio.

Carl's Music Studio This is the story of Carl’s Music Studio in Waynesboro, TN. In 1981 Carl Griggs was looking for a change in life. His family members owned the local jewelry store on the “square” in Waynesboro, and they were retiring. Taking a leap of faith, Carl decided to resign from his factory job, and buy Hodges Jewelry. Mr. Griggs made a good living for several years, but like many chapters, he was ready to close this one and pursue his passion in music.

This is the story of Carl’s Music Studio in Waynesboro, TN. In 1981 Carl Griggs was looking for a change in life. His family members owned the local jewelry store on the “square” in Waynesboro, and they were retiring. Taking a leap of faith, Carl decided to resign from his factory job, and buy Hodges Jewelry. Mr. Griggs made a good living for several years, but like many chapters, he was ready to close this one and pursue his passion in music. any instruments for sale and Carl teaching the art of music to future generations of music lovers.

Stop in sometime and hear about Carl’s story and the rich history of Wayne County from a life-long resident in Nashville’s Big Back Yard.

visitmaury.com

Lynchburg

Downtown Tennessee LYNCHBURG PULASKI LINDEN

By Elena Cawley

Lynchburg, Tennessee, home of Jack Daniel Distillery, attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually. The historic town square invites you to enjoy delicious meals and a pleasant shopping experience, appreciate art, and have fun at the events held in Lynchburg.

You will discover an unforgettable dining experience, often enhanced with the flavors of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. The BarB-Que Caboose Café has welcomed visitors for 20 years, serving juicy pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, homemade pecan pie and bread pudding.

Every dish comes with “a true dose of Southern hospitality plus a side of great live music.” Several shops on the square will tempt you with sweet delights infused with Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Sweet Southern Spirit Bakery specializes in making fudge products, cakes, and candies infused with spirits. The aromas of chocolate, caramel, and whiskey blend to provide a memorable day of exploring Lynchburg.

When you enter the shops, you’ll be greeted with a smile.

Browse the stores and find unique gifts – from Jack Daniel’s souvenirs to Harley Davidson apparel. Purchase a T-shirt to remind you of your time in the historic town. Lynchburg Hardware General Store and Barrel Shop offers Jack Daniel’s merchandise, including apparel, hats, mugs, coasters and bottle openers.

At the corner of cheers and deliciousness, you will find Lynchburg Winery. Enjoy wine tasting and learn about local grapes, such as Chambourcin and Muscadine.

The winery shares a beautiful outdoor space with Stave and Stone Pizzeria. The outdoor area provides a lovely setting for music events. The pizza at Stave and Stone Pizzeria, made in a wood-fired oven, will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. A wonderful mural with colorful patterns will enhance your experience. The mural, painted by artist Alexis Miller, tells a story about Tennessee, music and entertainment.

When it comes to entertainment in Lynchburg, various events are held downtown, and you will often see arts and crafts around the Moore County Courthouse. Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbeque, one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, is held in Lynchburg.

Lynchburg Visit Checklist Jack Daniels Old Jail Museum (See Page 18 for story)

C&R Buggy Tours Lynchburg Hardware BBQ Caboose Lynchburg Cafe Barrel House BBQ Lynchburg Cigar Company (Pizza) Miss Mary Bobos Lynchburg Winery American Craft Distillers American Steel Co Jackies Fits Cowboy Jacks Velma's Candy Store Barrel House Nutrition Prince's Parlor Lynchburg Ladies Work Souther Perks Harley Davidson Indian Motorcycle Southern Grace Mkt The Purple Owl Moonpie General Store Lynchburg Outdoors

Pulaski Welcome to the downtown area of Pulaski, Giles County, which promises wonderful shopping and dining experiences, arts and entertainment. The square revolves around the neoclassical building of the historic Giles County Courthouse, which was completed in 1909. You’ll notice its tall Corinthian columns and the cupola, in which the 1858 bell still strikes the hours.

The Clothes Pen Children's and Women's Boutique is one of the shops in the area. In addition to clothing, accessories, shoes and gifts for children and adults, the store offers jewelry and monogramming.

When you’re ready to relax, stop by Second Street Coffee House. Whether you’re in the mood for espresso or latte, the barista will serve your drink with a smile, and you’ll enjoy the cozy environment. Beautiful art covers the walls of the café to enhance your experience.

For cold and healthy drinks, visit Pulaski Nutrition, where you’ll discover various flavors of loaded teas packed with vitamins and energy.

Exploring downtown Pulaski is not complete without a tasty meal. The Southern Table invites you to dine in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The Southern Table is owned and operated by Pulaski native Ryan Yokley, who earned his culinary arts degree from the Nashville Art Institute. The menu includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp Ceviche, Stuffed Rainbow Trout and BBQ Shrimp and Grits.

The Yellow Deli is another option for delicious meals.

Visit the Yellow Deli for homemade desserts, soups, breads, salads and sandwiches.

To make your trip to Pulaski even more memorable, see a show at Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (STAAR) Theatre, which has provided music and arts entertainment for more than 20 years.

The building is a contributing structure to the Pulaski Courthouse Square Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Pulaski Visit Checklist STAAR Theatre Cane + Popular Blue Bird Cafe Second Street Coffee General Supply Corp Pulaski Nutrition Harwells women clothing Reeves Drug Store Outlook Clothing Store The SOuthern Table Kathys Tavern Gather Vintage Farmhouse Decor Kitchen 218 The Yellow Deli at the Heritage House Giles County Public Library and History Museum Trail of Tears Interpretive Center (Off the square)

Download NOw!

TOURS APP

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

Linden Welcome to scenic Linden, Tennessee. The town, with a population of about 1,000, offers big experiences when it comes to dining and shopping downtown. You’ll also find arts and entertainment when you visit the area.

The Commodore Music Café invites you for a memorable and pleasant time, friendly service, locally sourced food and live music. The Video Corner is another option for an appetizing meal.

When you’re ready for shopping, stroll the area and browse the shops. Find beautiful and comfortable outfits at Sparkey and Ringo’s, where the shelves are filled with clothing and accessories. Miss Mary Pauline's Antiques, Gifts and Apparel has women’s and children’s apparel. As you stroll downtown, appreciate street art, as walls in the area display several murals.

The downtown area has a variety of options for delightful meals. Sweet and spicy aromas welcome you at Smoke n’ Willies BBQ, where you’ll be tempted by the succulent items on the menu, including pulled pork and sliced brisket. The menu also features lasagna, but that’s not the typical pasta dish – it’s sweet and covered with chocolate. Try chocolate or strawberry lasagna for dessert.

For delicious sandwiches, coffee and cupcakes, stop by Mayberry’s Deli and Café. The café also offers refreshing and tasty shaved ice.

Buffalo River Artisans Cooperative invites you to connect with local artists and craftspeople and to see art exhibits at the gallery. The organization brings arts to the community and helps local artists thrive and reach the full potential of their talents. By purchasing artwork at the store, you will help encourage and support local artists as well.

Linden’s downtown hosts a variety of festivities. One of the events is the Blooming Arts Festival. More than 150 artists participate in the two-day event, which attracts nearly 10,000 visitors. The wide sidewalks, retro lamp posts and beautiful architecture serve as a perfect backdrop for showcasing arts and crafts.

Music on Main Street concert series brings music and entertainment on summer weekends.

The area also hosts Halloween festivities and a Christmas parade.

Linden Visit Checklist Commodore Hotel & Music Cafe The Frame Shop Buffalo River Artisansa Corp Spalon Spa Sparkey & Ringo's Pauline's ANtiques Mayberry's Deli & Cafe Smoke n Willies BBQ Shades of Vintage Jimmys Archery The Video Corner Cafe

Visit the Old Jail Museum to learn about Lynchburg’s sheriffs, inmates, famous residents

Cawley by: Elena Step back in time and hear stories about Moore County heroes and villains when you visit Lynchburg-Moore County Old Jail Museum on the square in Lynchburg. The structure was built in 1893 and used as a jail until 1990. When you enter the building, you’ll see the cells, where inmates resided.

Artifacts, including photos, prisoner outfits and soldier uniforms, cover the walls, fill the shelves, and tell the story of Lynchburg and its residents.

The Old Jail Museum is the only museum in Moore County, and it serves as a county history museum, preserving the past for future generations.

Bobby Fuller, curator of the museum, meets guests and shows them the exhibits. Fuller has served as curator for 11 years. He was a policeman before.

Fuller is one of the few people born in Moore County.

“There’s no hospital,” he said. “I was born at home.”

In 1970, he joined the police force.

“I was a policeman until I got to retirement age,” he said.

While he was ready to retire from the police department, he still wanted to stay busy. He enjoys welcoming guests to the museum, sharing his experience and talking with visitors about the history of Moore County.

“The jail was built in 1893 at a cost of under $600,” Fuller said. “It was used until 1990. The court and the state inspector said it had to be closed. We got too many lawsuits…it was violating the prisoners’ civil rights because it was too cramped up. So they had to build a new jail.

The capacity of the old jail was 16. You could put four beds in each cell. With 16 beds in the whole jail, when you got more than 20 inmates in the jail, the excess had to sleep on the floor upstairs.”

The building was a house and jail, housing the sheriff’s family as well as the inmates. The family’s residence consisted of a living room, two bedrooms, dining room, and kitchen.

“And there was the sheriff’s office and jail,” Fuller said.

“The biggest family that lived here had eight kids, so they had beds everywhere. And the momma of those eight kids got pneumonia. There wasn’t much they could do (to help her) then, so she died here in just two or three days.”

Not only did the sheriff’s family and inmates live in the same house but they also enjoyed the same food.

“The only good thing about being in jail here was that you got good food,” Fuller said. “The sheriff’s wife cooked for everybody – for the family and the prisoners. She just cooked extra, and they all got good food.”

From 1893 to 1990, 25 sheriffs worked to keep Moore County safe. Two of the sheriffs were women.

Pearl Ervin Hobbs was the first female sheriff. She replaced her husband, Wiley Oliver J. Hobbs, who died in office in 1932.

“Her husband was sheriff, and one night he fell dead here with a heart attack. The county officials asked her if she would be the sheriff until they got another one. I wouldn’t want her mad at me – she is seriouslooking,” said Fuller, pointing to a picture of Pearl Ervin Hobbs.

Margaret Wiseman served 1950-1952.

“She was a schoolteacher and got elected sheriff,” Fuller said. “She was a nice schoolteacher. I remember her – I was a kid then.”

The last sheriff conducting operations at the old jail was Mark Logan.

“His wife didn’t like living at the jail because they had a nicer house, so they moved out to their house,” Fuller said.

Fuller loves sharing his knowledge with visitors.

“My favorite part of serving as curator here is meeting all the people,” he said. “I meet a lot of nice people, who are on vacation, having fun. For years, when I was a policeman, I met people in a bad situation, usually. They had problems, so they called the police. Now, I meet people in a nicer situation.”

Fuller appreciates the opportunity to talk with visitors about the museum’s pieces – from the pictures and newspaper clippings to the cardboard cutout of Little Richard and the statue of Jack Daniel.

The museum is located at 231 Main St., Lynchburg. Visiting the museum is free, and donations are appreciated.

‘Shake modern-day life off,’ immerse in nature, enjoy glamping experience at Forest Gully Farms

by: Elena Cawley Unplug from your devices and reconnect with nature at Forest Gully Farms, in Maury County, Tennessee.

Owners Jon and Mandy Giffin have created a sustainable food forest and invite you to experience an ecosystem made up of fruit trees and beneficial plants.

“Each season at Forest Gully provides a different experience amongst our ever-changing environment,” Jon said. “Stay underground on our 15-acre farm. Sit by the fire under a blanket of stars. Enjoy walking around, nibbling on some fruit in the orchard or gathering eggs from the chicken coop. When you stay underground, you get this space all to yourself.”

Forest Gully Farms has welcomed visitors since 2017.

“There was interest even before we opened, so we opened earlier than we planned because people wanted to come visit,” Jon said.

The farm is an experiment in sustainable living, said Jon. “On our farm, we strive for a balance in diversity with our plantings,” he said. “We work with the whole system to produce a holistic edible ecosystem.”

Jon and Mandy manage the farm as two homesteads, each with a vegetable garden, orchard and chickens. One of the homesteads is available for guests to rent and immerse in a unique experience.

“Using methods from both permaculture and food forestry, we hope to keep a self-sustaining ecosystem using our plants, trees, animals and bees,” Jon said.

Visitors can expect a variety of activities on the farm.

“It always depends on the time of the year,” Jon said. “We offer different experiences throughout the year.

As a food forest, we try to have a diversity of plants growing…from pawpaw and persimmons to muscadine and blueberries. We always try to have something interesting growing. But it’s really more of an outdoor adventure and a glamping experience than what someone might have at a hotel or Disney World.”

Jon and Mandy changed their career paths to reconnect with the natural world. “(Before establishing the farm), we moved around a lot,” Jon said.

“I was working for newspapers as a photographer. Mandy was working as a recreational therapist. We did wedding photography for a few years. Then, I started working at farms and nurseries to try to get more experience in the horticultural world.”

When their business took off at Forest Gully Farms, Jon and Mandy quit their jobs and focused on the farm.

“The reason we are at the farm, doing what we are doing, is that we wanted to find a different way to live off the land,” Jon said. “A lot of people may have market gardens…but we thought it would be an interesting way to live in the woods, in the country, and to be able to provide for our family. We wanted to find a way to live off the land and share it with other people.”

Jon and Mandy appreciate the opportunity to welcome guests on the farm. “The reason we got into this was our love of the land and love of being outdoors,” Jon said. “Trying to share our love of the land is something we enjoy the most. We love being able to sculpt and work the land into what we think is something that is beautiful and something that will last. Just the other day, I was digging up and moving around pawpaws for better pollination.

That kind of (activity), although it doesn’t seem exciting to some, is very exciting to me. We try to work the land in a way that is beautiful. And hopefully, people would love what we love about being outside.”

Mandy enjoys managing Forest Gully Farms and helping visitors reconnect with nature. “My favorite part of doing this job is reintroducing people to the outdoors – there are so many people that don’t get that (experience),” Mandy said. “We don’t have WiFi and we don’t have TVs. (People like) the immersion into nature and remember what it is like to hike and get dirty and play with chickens. Come and shake modern-day life off and get outside.

We also like to teach our guests about different native plants they could use for medicines or food or drinks. We just give people time to relax as they should.”

Learn more about Forest Gully Farms, 6016 Fly Hollow Rd., Santa Fe, Tennessee, by visiting www.forestgullyfarms.com.

Minnie Pearl honored in Centerville Celebration with Tennessee Music Pathways Marker unveiling Sarah Ophelia Colley-Cannon, better known as Cousin Minnie Pearl, was the undisputed Queen of country comedy, performing on the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years. The State of Tennessee honored Minnie with the installation of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker in her hometown of Centerville, Tennessee. During the reveal, the crowd enjoyed a live performance of some of Minnie’s best jokes, with a dedication from local leaders who helped celebrate her memory.

Minnie's niece, Mary Beth Pruett, was the featured speaker along with a host of dignitaries from State Senator Kerry Roberts, Mayor Gary Jacobs, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development's Zach Ledbetter and Ashley DeRossett.

Carlin Cochran performed as "Minnie" telling jokes and singing alongside her father Darin. The event was coordinated and organized and by Chamber Director Mandy King along with Chamber President Jane Ambrose-Herron.

She was born Sarah Ophelia Colley, the youngest of five daughters of a prosperous lumber magnate and his homemaker wife, who lost their fortune in the Great Depression. Aspiring to become an actress, twenty-twoyear-old Ophelia (as she was then called) settled for a job as an itinerant community theater director for the Wayne P. Sewell Producing Company, traveling to rural southern cities and staging plays owned by the firm.

While on the road in North Alabama, she met an older woman whose amusing country talk and mannerisms inspired Ophelia Colley to create a comic character that eventually became known as Minnie Pearl.

In the fall of 1940, a chance opportunity to perform at a banker’s convention in Centerville brought her to the attention of executives at radio station WSM in Nashville. On Nov. 30, 1940, she made her debut on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry. Less than a week later, more than 300 cards, telegrams, and letters addressed to Minnie Pearl flooded the offices of WSM. On Dec. 7, 1940, the name Minnie Pearl appeared among the Opry cast listing for the first time in the weekly radio guide of the Nashville Tennessean newspaper, slotted in the 8:45 p.m. segment.

With the help of her sister Virginia and coaching from the Opry’s George D. Hay, Ophelia Colley gradually developed a fully-fledged comedic character and jokes to go with it. Minnie Pearl became the quintessential small-town spinster, preoccupied with chasing men and gossiping about her family and neighbors in the mythical town of Grinder’s Switch—Brother, Uncle Nabob and sometime boyfriend, Hezzie. In the spring of 1942, she graduated into the elite cast of the Opry when she joined the “Prince Albert Show,” the half-hour of the Opry broadcast over the NBC radio network. Not long after getting this promotion, she added a distinctive new touch to her act: the big “How-DEE!” At the request of the William Esty advertising agency that had the sponsor’s account, she went from a wallflower’s shy “Howdy” to a shouted “How-DEE!” that called for an audience response. It quickly became one of her trademarks.

She performed her last show in Joliet, Illinois, June 15 1991; two days later, she suffered a serious stroke that left her virtually bedridden in a Nashville nursing home for the next five years. When she died following a final series of strokes in 1996, all of Nashville, and indeed much of the world, mourned her passing. – Paul Kingsbury– Adapted from the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s Encyclopedia of Country Music, published by Oxford University Press.

TENNESSEE MUSIC PATHWAYS: Launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2018, Tennessee Music Pathways is an online planning guide that connects visitors to the state’s rich musical heritage at tnmusicpathways.com. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, Tennessee Music Pathways stretches across all 95 counties and features hundreds of landmarks from the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home.

eT nnessee

s w e r B & , s e in W , y e k is Wh 10 Distilleries, 9 Wineries, 6 Breweries, and several specialty locations!

Downtown tennessee.com

an equal opportunity organization