Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you heard about the Great American Eclipse visible on August 21. The path through North America was to begin in Oregon, leaving the continent in South Carolina. With 100% totality within a couple of hours’ drive, reservations were made for a long weekend in Crossville, Tennessee, an area I’d never explored.
A Culinary Surprise in Crossville, Tennessee
A picturesque drive had us pulling into Crossville around lunch. The Pour House was the first in a weekend of culinary surprises. A fun, fresh menu awaited with handcrafted burgers, farm-fresh salads, and more. Our server offered samples of craft beers, and they had an excellent selection of wines. Not to mention delicious food! Who would have thought you’d have great Korean BBQ tacos in a smallish town in middle Tennessee?
You probably wouldn’t think you’d find authentic Cuban cuisine either. You would be wrong. Culinary surprise number two was Abuela’s Cuban Cafe. Delicious! They’re the real deal.
Beer and Wine in Crossville, Tennessee
Having sampled an excellent craft beer from Calfkiller Brewery, we learned the brewery was located in Sparta, Tn., a short drive from Crossville. Off we went. Greeted by cats, chickens, and the sounds of The Band, we found our way inside for free samples (not unlimited, in case you’re getting any crazy ideas). Purchase or rent a growler, get it filled with your favorite beer, and head outside to enjoy the day. You can’t beat the Calfkiller Deadhorse, an excellent porter with brown sugar and oatmeal. Yum! You see what I did there, right?
Beer doesn’t get to have all the fun! The Stonehaus Winery offers both tours and tastings. Stonehaus makes all of its wine on-site. However, they purchase the grapes elsewhere. Some from as far as California, allowing them to make wines other than the expected muscadine. A delicious Cabernet Franc was our first choice, followed by a nice red blend. Served with cheese from the local award-winning Sweetwater Valley Farm, we sampled everything up to the so-sweet-it-hurts-your-teeth Hillbilly Shine Wine, which they claim can be used in place of tequila in margaritas and mixed drinks.
What To Do Around Crossville, Tennessee
The Cumberland Mountain State Park, home to Byrd Lake, is the star of the Crossville, Tennessee area. Offering fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoes, you can easily spend a day on the water. With 14 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to overnight treks, you’ll have plenty of chances to reconnect with nature on the trail. Cool off in the Olympic-sized swimming pool afterward. The stone bridge/dam is the most well-known landmark and the largest masonry structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Cabins, campsites, and a restaurant make it easy to spend the weekend there. I haven’t met a state park I didn’t love, and Cumberland Mountain was no exception.
Interested in history? Stop by the Homesteads Tower Museum. This nifty little museum originally housed the Works Progress Administration (WPA) offices and showcased FDR’s New Deal and its effects on the area. Climb the octagonal water tower to the top for amazing views of the area. Don’t miss a side trip to one of the original Homestead Homes located outside the state park. The Military Memorial Museum is downtown and free to visit. Consider adding it to your list of stops.
Three other state parks are within 40 miles of Cumberland Mountain State Park. The Cumberland Plateau area is perfect in all four seasons with a mild climate. But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself!
As always, thanks for reading! XOXO
Want more like this? Grab a copy of my new book Stuff I Wish I Knew Before I Went Hiking: Tales and a Few Fails From the Trail.
