There is so much to see and do in the Fall Creek Falls Region. Every year we highlight special places worth visiting in our annual visitor guides. There is truly something for everyone. Since we've collected so much information to assist you during the journey, it couldn't all be placed on a single web page. So just click the link and learn more about these fantastic places! The PDF linked pages may take a short time to load depending on your internet connection. View the entire online guide containing all of these articles faster by clicking HERE.

Nearby Towns to Visit:
Spotlight on Pikeville

Spotlight on Spencer

Spotlight on McMinnville

Spotlight on Sparta

Spotlight on Crossville

ANNIE'S TRAVELS & TREASURES

One of the Fall Creek Falls region’s hidden gems is Cotten’s Marina - a charming, “Jimmy Buffet” style marina with a public boat dock. Weekenders from Nashville have known about this slice of heaven for decades. Families and retirees love the summer ambience and have built multifamily weekend homes, vacation homes, and retirement homes right on the river to enjoy the serene river lifestyle. The atmosphere reminds me of something like Cape Cod or the Hamptons on the east coast. Cotten’s Marina is the only full-service marina and boat storage on the Caney Fork River and the Cotten family has created a warm, fun atmosphere offering pontoon and boat rentals, kayaks, and river cottage rentals. They have an awesome restaurant that serves up delicious cheeseburgers, Philly steak sandwiches, and my favorite - chicken quesadillas. Their restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They also have amazing patio river dining with beautiful flowers and plants adorning the deck, and some of the tables shaded by big sun umbrellas. The Caney Fork, Rocky, and Collins Rivers upstream offer 35-40 miles of navigable waterway for cruising, fishing, relaxing, and swimming. Cotten’s Marina is within a stone’s throw of the “Rock Island” which is the nearest center landmark in TN, hence the name of Rock Island State Park just down the road. Fishermen love to fish the waterways for species such as Kentucky largemouth bass, black and white crappie, walleye, bluegills and catfish. Owner Greg Cotten has built 37 aluminum FDI docks, and some custom wood and steel boat storage docks since he and his wife, Sherry, took over the marina. Some have multiple slips with patios, summer garden cooking areas, slides, and sunning areas for the sun bathers. This is true outdoor river living, where residents love to enjoy the beauty and nature all around. The river residents love to celebrate every 4th of July. They decorate their docks, bath houses, and boats. They then have a parade down the river. July 4th 2009, was celebrated with BBQ’s, fireworks and celebrations all along the waterways. Come over to Cotten’s Marina and meet some of the nicest folks. Enjoy a burger, fries, and a cold drink and view the historic railroad bridge that is still in operation today. This is an “Annie’s” favorite. Such an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise on our journey to the Fall Creek Falls State Park one hot summer day! Cotten’s Marina can be contacted through their website, www.CottensMarina.com or by phone at 931-686-2373.

While at the Long Branch Lakes Discovery Weekend, I met the delightful folks from Firefly Acres – Pete and Bambi Dillingham. Two and a half years ago they combined their passions and created Firefly Acres located off of Highway 285 in Sparta, TN. Bambi was working at the Hyatt Marriot in Food Service and Hospitability and Pete left his riding stable to create one of the best catering outfits and full service ranches in the Fall Creek Falls region. Bambi loves to cook and her food is proof of her talent and generosity. I had the good fortune of sampling their barbecued ribs, tangy ginger teriyaki chicken, homemade potato salad, and the most delicious tangy coleslaw I have ever eaten. All of this was topped off with scrumptious desserts. It sort of reminds me of Emeril’s cooking, where everything has been “moved up a notch” - fresh ingredients, unique spices and herbs and a fantastic presentation style. They enjoy entertaining and serving others at special events such as weddings, reunions and private gatherings. Pete and Bambi also love to entertain at their ranch, too. Special events are their area of expertise, such as weddings, small business retreats, and family reunions. They have several cabins to rent and love to cook for larger groups of overnight guests of ten or more. If you would like to play cowboy for the weekend, let the “horse whisperer” Pete take you out on a trail ride, train your horse, or give you lessons. For more information, pricing, or to have them cater your next event, contact their website at www.fireflyacres.com or call them at 931-946-7383.

Fire House Grill has unbelievable baby back ribs! They had my Mom, Gisela/“Oma”, drooling for more during her recent stay at Grandview Cabins at Fall Creek Falls. While there, she wanted to see the Fall Creek Falls and after a delightful day of hiking and exploring the area, she was hungry. Her wish was some BBQ from the Fire House Grill. She said that she was craving some good ribs. Now, Oma is from Germany and loves great food. She was looking forward to some excellent, mouthwatering, fall off the bone, meaty ribs. Needless to say, she found exactly what she wanted at the Fire House Grill. The meat was tender and smoky, and the sauce was superb. We enjoyed some great sides such as homemade coleslaw, beans, and potato salad, too. Get there early, as word is getting out about the high quality BBQ ribs, pork and chicken. Fire House Grill also has indoor seating if you wish to sit down and have your meal inside. Come over and enjoy. Tel: 423-881-5118.

Penny’s General Store is one of my favorite new stores in the Fall Creek Falls region - just minutes from the north entrance of the park. Penny and Brian Roman bought the store four years ago and after much work, opened the store in April 2009. Penny has always wanted an old-time general store. After collecting antiques and collectibles, scouring flea markets and estate sales, she has made her dream come true in Penny’s General Store. This store is amazing with its selection of high quality items including primitive antique furniture and an amazing collection of antique mixing bowls in all shapes and colors. Estate and vintage jewelry and Trisha Waldron’s beautiful designer jewelry make great gifts. Penny’s also offers metal memorabilia (new and old), older comic books, hillbilly items, gift items, and a great selection of collector knives and guns. Penny’s General Store is an authorized Case Knife dealer and carries a wide selection. I was quite impressed with the merchandising in beautiful pine cabinets, shelves and custom built cabinetry throughout the store. Penny said that her husband, Brian, built all of them from pine trees that they were able to salvage from the nine acres around the store. His craftsmanship is superb and I believe that he could sell this cabinetry to many of the folks moving in! Penny’s General Store is probably the only destination within the Fall Creek Falls region with hand dipped ice cream being sold from an old fashioned ice cream truck throughout the summer months and authentic bluegrass, country, or gospel music playing in the parking lot - like the day I was visiting. Take a look around and enjoy one of the newest stores in the Fall Creek Falls region. Penny’s hours are from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST Tuesday through Sunday. The store is closed on Monday. Penny and Brian can be reached at 423-881-5362.

City Café reminds me of our local main street diner where I grew up in Michigan. I always loved to go and sit on those round diner stools and get an order of French fries and a coke. I would take the plastic ketchup container and douse my French fries then eat them one by one. Of course, most times, mom and dad didn’t know where I was, as I would ride my bicycle to town and take a look around at the five and dime stores. City Café is the diner in downtown McMinnville where shoppers flock to have a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade pie, and business owners and professionals from around the downtown district come and get their lunch or breakfast. I love City Café’s fried chicken and salad bar. My reasoning is that if you have a piece of succulent fried chicken, the salad bar will compensate for the calories. City Café definitely has an excellent salad bar with fresh ingredients such as fresh baby hydroponic grown mixed baby green salad, spinach, sliced beets, pickled green tomatoes, radishes, homemade salads and fresh homemade salad dressings. The plates are cold at the bar and there is always a soup of the day for those soup and chili lovers! Owners, Penny and Jr. Medley, pride themselves, along with their thirteen employees, in offering quick, courteous service with southern hospitality and quality food. I recently used the City Café to cater an event at the McMinnville-Warren County Senior Center, one of my favorite community centers on the plateau, and the fried chicken and coleslaw were huge hits! City Café can cater any event, large or small, and will deliver hot and fresh. City Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their dinner menu, offered Monday through Friday consists of an intimate dinner atmosphere, grilled steaks, Atlantic salmon, loaded baked potatoes, and daily specials. The muted lighting and great menu offers a great place for evening dining and a perfect place for a date, special occasion or just a night out. City Café is located at 201 E. Main Street and can be contacted at, 931-507-FOOD.

The Flower Basket & Sweet Shop, located in the heart of downtown McMinnville is a sweet treasure trove offering nostalgia and a full service florist with fresh and silk arrangements. Owners, CL and Kathy Witt, and daughters, Tess and Olivia, have taken their love of cooking, creating, and creative gift ideas for the bride and groom, birthday person, or anyone on your list (great gift baskets filled with gourmet olive oils, Hot Tomato Jams, BBQ rubs, Dry Country Oatmeal and Pancake Mixes, handcrafted cheeses, condiments, delicious sweets and homemade decadent chocolates made by Asher’s) to an exceptional level. The Asher’s Chocolate selections are divine - lovingly made without preservatives in flavors such as Fudge Love, Coconut, Dark Expresso, Peanut Butter, and Maple Nut to name just a few. There are several sugar-free versions that will delight the diabetic or those watching their sugar intake. The décor of the Sweet Shop creates a warm and inviting atmosphere through the rich reds, decadent restored hardwood floors, vintage signage and décor throughout. There are plenty of seats in the Sweet Shop to enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of lemonade along with a piece of chocolate as you enjoy a stroll down Main St. The Flower Basket’s former owner, Ms. Claudene Ray, wanted to preserve the shop’s deep roots in McMinnville. So in 2006, when she sold The Flower Basket to the Witt’s, she knew that her tradition of service would continue for years to come. The Witt’s, like much of McMinnville, take great pride in their heritage, service, and values. The Flower Basket originated in 1947 in the famous Sedberry Hotel, which was known all around the country. Today, the old Sedberry Hotel sign can still be seen from the present location of The Flower Basket & Sweet Shop. They also offer gift items, furniture and place settings - perfect gifts for the bride and groom. Any of several professional photographers to capture your special moment can be arranged. The Flower Basket family says… “Flowers are for the heart as Chocolate is for the Soul. So come on in and let us warm your heart and soothe your soul.” You can reach The Flower Basket & Sweet Shop at 931-473-4453.

Pluto’s Hotdogs is a delightful 1960’s feel diner located on Bockman Way in downtown Sparta. They serve great all beef hotdogs, real home cooking, and a terrific ambience. My roots go back to Motown in Detroit where Coney Dogs are served many different ways; with chili, onions, relish, pickles, jalapeños, etc. Pluto’s Hotdogs brings back so many memories for me. Pluto’s is a great way to end your shopping or day outing in the region. Jeannie and Ray moved here from California 14 years ago. Aaron, their son, had a strong desire to open a good quality hot dog restaurant. Today, Pluto’s is a fun, wholesome hotdog diner where Aaron and his family love to serve all their hungry diners. Their signature all beef hotdogs can be dressed many different ways using the freshest ingredients, some available from local farmers. My favorite is the hotdog loaded with chili, onions, and cheese slathered with mustard and ketchup. This requires lots of napkins and for me a knife and fork! My husband, Terry, dug into the taco salad that was loaded with lots of nacho chips, meat, and other fresh ingredients on top of the salad, dressed with salsa and sour cream. This is a delightful place to come and relax. Bring your computer because wi-fi is available and pop a few quarters into the jukebox for some 50-60’s music. Pluto’s is open from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday and if you have a “to go” order, call ahead and have your order ready to take with you to the office, cabin, boat or wherever. Enjoy the perfect, wholesome Pluto’s Hotdogs and tell them that “Annie” sent you. Pluto’s tel: 931-83-PLUTO.

Fall Creek Falls Area Places to Visit:
(Featured Articles)
Fall Creek Falls Bed & Breakfast and MeadowBrook Cabin
Blue Orchid Bistro
Long Branch Lakes
Top of the Porch
Antiques & the Arts
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens
Discover Cumberland Caverns
McMinnville Senior Center
Warren County Heritage Museum
Foglight Foodhouse
Rock Island Bay & Supreme Building Products
Southern Museum of Photography
Day Trips at Dale Hollow Lake

Simply Southern Quilts in downtown Sparta, TN is sure to delight anyone that loves to quilt or just to look at them. Owner, Cheryl Hackett is a delightful lady with a passion for people and it shows. She makes everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk through her door. Her shop is filled to the brim with some of the most beautiful fabric, notions, supplies, equipment, and quilts you could ever imagine and often the smiling faces of quilters light the space as they stop by to work on their projects. Cheryl offers many classes throughout the year, as well as special events and sales. The line up is ever changing, so check her website often – www.SimplySouthernQuilts.com (you can also order supplies online) or give Cheryl a call at (931) 836-3271. New fabric comes in throughout the year. You don’t have to be an expert to feel at home there and no quilt is absolutely perfect. It’s all a learning process and a journey, just like life.

To make the gentlemen feel at home while their ladies shop, Cheryl’s husband keeps a special space upstairs with a TV, couch, and magazines (his) where they can have some time to enjoy their visit too. Among the many classes available in 2010, she will be offering a class featuring the Janome 1100 embroidery machine – a Block of the Month Quilt. This machine is simple and easy to use. Everyone (no matter your level of expertise) is sure to have a great time. There are 3 requirements for any class or event at Simply Southern Quilts. 1) It must be relatively simple so all levels of experience can enjoy their time there. 2) Laughter is a MUST. 3) Chocolate must also be on hand. We dropped in for Cheryl’s anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 24th. Even Grant and Blake had a great time helping with the games and prizes. Be sure to stop in and tell Cheryl “hi” and let her know that “Annie” sent you.

Sparta Drive-In is one of only four movie drive-ins in the state of Tennessee. They offer that good old fashioned fun of watching a movie from the comfort of your car. After working there for many years, Tommy and Judy Brown decided to buy the Sparta Drive-In in 2008. It is a fun, family atmosphere with a children’s playground area, kitchen offering delicious 8 ounce T&T burgers, hotdogs, chicken, Frito pies, and of course scrumptious popcorn. Popcorn and candy are essentials to any movie night out and their team of eight employees keep the patrons happy with fresh popped buttery popcorn and soda. Drive-ins bring back memories for many baby boomers who used to take their dates out for a special evening and hope to steal a kiss or two! Today the Sparta Drive-In offers this nostalgia, with an affordable, fun and safe entertainment space for families. The prices are very affordable and, at the time of printing, the cost to watch two movies is $5.00 per adult, $2.00 per child, and children under the age of 5 are free. Come plenty early, as Tommy said that folks start lining up around 4:00 PM to get their chance of getting those first row aisle seats! The Sparta Drive-In has two movies and the movies generally start around 8:15 PM CST (or when it gets dark). They can hold up to 270 automobiles. If you have a vintage car, bring it over on a Saturday, and you get 50% off of the normal ticket price. Sparta Drive-In is conveniently located just north of Sparta off of Hwy. 111, approximately thirty minutes from the Fall Creek Falls State Park. Sparta Drive-In is located at 220 Roberts Matthew Hwy, Sparta, TN 38583 and can be contacted at tel: 931-739-8000 or www.SpartaDriveIn.com.

The Inn at Harvest Farms Lake is a grand, inviting bed and breakfast overlooking the Harvest Farms Lake located between McMinnville and Manchester, TN. Angela and Rob Gribble followed their dream and bought this beautiful home several years ago. The land on which the villa sits was once the Grissom Family nursery and the lake behind the inn was used for irrigation of the plants. The setting at The Inn at Harvest Farms Lake is idyllic. It’s a perfect place for a wedding with its manicured walkways, unbelievable landscaping, and pathways to the lake. The picturesque bridge overlooking the lake offers an exceptional backdrop for wedding photos and the grounds are perfect for hundreds of guests. Specializing in weddings, the Gribble’s have catered over thirty thus far, offering personal service and attention to detail for all facets of the event. They have tables, chairs, table coverings, and of course, the ability to cater the event offering all types of home cooked food and desserts. Their daughter, Whitney Gribble Harrell, also pampers the bride and bridesmaids with hair, pedicures, manicures, and makeup at her Simply Divine salon. They are open throughout the year for business people passing through needing comfortable overnight accommodations, bed and breakfast for couples on the weekends for a romantic getaway, and many other special events. The Inn has two large event rooms downstairs and can offer church groups, Red Hat Society ladies, business meetings, private parties, reunions, anniversaries and other events catering for most any budget. The Gribbles’ Inn at Harvest Farms Lake is a very warm, inviting and comfortable inn with three guestrooms, private balcony area for a romantic “dinner for two” overlooking the Harvest Farms Lake, and Rob’s special five course meal. Rob specializes in offering a hearty country breakfast with all the fixings and homemade baked cookies and snacks in the evening for his bed and breakfast customers. He is a bit modest about his culinary ability, but he has been featured on the local television cooking show and loves to entertain and make his guests feel very welcome. The Inn at Harvest Farms Lake is located close to the Fall Creek Falls area, downtown McMinnville, and less than an hour from one of Tennessee’s favorites - Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN. They love the Christmas season and have over twelve Christmas trees decorated throughout their spacious home. They also host their annual Breakfast with Santa in November complete with a breakfast buffet, craft booths, and a picture package with Santa for the children. The Inn at Harvest Farms Lake can be contacted by visiting them online at http://innatlake.blogspot.com or by phone at 931-815-2225.

The Reserve at Collins River is a beautiful sprawling 450 acre development that hugs the picturesque, softly flowing Collins River, with gently rolling hills, mountain ranges, abundant wildlife and a beautiful championship golf course. The majestic homes in this development have tremendous views overlooking some of the most beautiful mountain ranges of the Cumberland Plateau, including Harris Ferry, Caldwell and the Ben Lomand mountain ranges. Some of the homes overlook the golf course and offer the peace and tranquility for which the Fall Creek Falls region is known. Founders of The Reserve at Collins River, Dwight and Hannah O’Neal, bought the family farm and acreage from his parents in the 1990’s. Dwight knew this land well - every curve and every bend. After raising their two sons, Joe and Chris, he says that he had a vision for this rich land that included a golf course and development to offer beautiful home sites which would allow others to treasure this land as much as he does. The nine hole golf course opened in July of 2006 with a clubhouse grille, plus fantastic panoramic views from the wraparound porch that overlooks the Harris Ferry Mountain. The clubhouse grille offers sandwiches, burgers, and Joe’s famous BBQ pork sandwiches. Chris is the greens keeper and manages the challenging golf course. They have many tournaments throughout the year, including the Troy Jones Memorial held the first Saturday of September. This tournament honors a local retired high school coach, teacher, principal and golf fan that had a tremendous impact on his students’ lives. He watched the golf course being built and a month before the course opened, he died of a massive heart attack. Golf rates for nine holes of gold plus a cart start out with winter rates of $16.00 and in peak season, weekend rates are an affordable $25.00 (at press time – rates are subject to change). The Reserve at Collins River offers unprecedented value and they are conveniently located near downtown McMinnville and less than one hour from Chattanooga and Nashville and about two hours from Knoxville or Atlanta. The Reserve at Collins River offers the best of both worlds - country living with accessibility to the metropolitan areas. This beautiful development is paradise in the middle of Tennessee, close to the natural wonders of Cumberland Caverns and the Fall Creek Falls State Park and the southern hospitality that is bringing so many folks to the region to play outdoors, relax in a countryside vacation home, retire, or just relocate for the quality of life. Come see why The Reserve at Collins River is so special and play nine free holes of golf by bringing their ad from the inside back cover, or have a sandwich on Dwight and Hannah. Dwight and Hannah love the land and are so proud to be able to have their boys back home. They love meeting the many folks that come to golf and to tour the land. There is a special place in their hearts for those that go on to become residents of their beloved Reserve at Collins River. So “Go Four” and take a day trip, play some golf, visit, and explore this pristine area. Make sure to say that “Annie” sent you. The Reserve at Collins River can be viewed online at www.collinsriver.com or contact them by phone at 931-668-7749.

Fall Creek Falls State Park celebrates its 75th birthday in 2010. It was in 1935 that the National Park Service began purchasing the land that would become the Park. The Park was not created in one fell swoop—it continues to grow to this day, keep in mind that the drive to create a Park here had begun years before.

The 1930’s were the years of the Great Depression. After inauguration in 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt pushed through the Economic Relief Act, which created agencies such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (the C.C.C.), and the Works Project Administration (the W.P.A.). These groups were tasked with not only putting people back to work, but also to set aside and develop parks. In other places, where the landscape was scarred from overuse and abuse, they moved in to fix the erosion with waterbars and to plant an often bleak landscape with trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Work was started on setting aside this area in the Spring of 1935, with the official name of the project being “Fall Creek Falls National Recreation Demonstration Area”. The project director for the National Park Service was Horace Roberts. Local sponsors for the project included Judge Solon L. Robinson, Attorney James M. Brady, Attorney Robert S. Brady, Agriculture Agent, S.M. McKissick, and Superintendent of Schools J.M.Taft. Much of the work was done by the W.P.A. While much of the work at nearby Bledsoe Forest was done by the C.C.C., it is assumed the two groups cooperated on certain aspects of the two projects.

By 1937 the project had progressed along nicely. Most of the 16,000 acres had been purchased (at an average of $6.50 per acre) or was under option, the road in from Highway 30 had been improved, a headquarters had been constructed, and work was progressing on a group camp (today, Camp 1). However, the road over to Fall Creek Falls was years away, and there was no camping area for individuals or families. That same year, the National Park Service had second thoughts about their plan of turning the area over to the State of Tennessee. At the urging of Conrad With, assistant director of the N.P.S., a committee of park professionals was sent to Fall Creek Falls to evaluate it for inclusion as part of the National Park System. They arrived in late June, and in what must have been a very dry Summer, most of the storied waterfalls were either flowing at a trickle, or dry altogether. They were especially disappointed to find Fall Creek Falls dry. They decided that the original plan of turning the area over to the State should be followed through. Some other interesting suggestions this committee made was to suggest a name change to “Caney Gulf” Park to highlight the tremendous canyons in the Park. Another suggestion they made was to increase the size of the Park to 52,000 acres and acquire more of the watershed of the park to help with water quality and to improve the flow of the waterfalls (much of the upper drainage of Fall Creek and Cane Creek had apparently been heavily logged). They also suggested adding areas such as Dry Fork Gulf to the Park, because of its size and beauty.

In 1944, plans to turn the area over to the State were carried out, and Fall Creek Falls National Recreation Demonstration Area became Fall Creek Falls State Park. The area, unfortunately, was never increased to the proposed 52,000 acres. “Caney Creek Gulf” as the suggested name was dropped, and Fall Creek Falls kept. But the Federal Government recognized they were transferring an area of superlative beauty and recreational value, and so they put a reversionary clause in the deed transferring the land to the State. This reversionary clause states: “this deed is made upon the express conditions that the State of Tennessee shall use the said property exclusively for public park, recreational, and conservation purposes…and that the title and right to possession of said lands…shall revert to the United States of America upon a finding…that the State has not complied with the aforesaid conditions….”. The deed was signed by Harold Ickes, Secretary of Interior, 4th day of May, 1944.