POINTS OF INTEREST

 

Historic Sites

 

NATCHEZ TRACE – A National Parkway of 450 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, goes through the southwest corner of Hickman County.  It was first an Indian trail, then a post road, and widely used to transport troops and supplies.  It gives the traveler a peaceful drive through beautiful countryside, with many historic sites along the way.  No trucks or commercial vehicles are allowed.​

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GORDON HOUSE – One of the oldest homes in Hickman County, it was built around 1817-18 by Captain John Gordon.  He was a prominent early settler, first Postmaster of Nashville, owner of a trading post and ferry on Duck River.  His acclaim as a fearless fighter and spy was acknowledged from Nashville to Natchez.  His home is owned by the Natchez Trace Association and has been restored outside.

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BAKER’S BLUFF – One of the most scenic views along the Natchez Trace.  It overlooks Duck River and fertile farmland, typical of this area.

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JACKSON FALLS – A historic rest stop on the Natchez Trace near Shady Grove.  Large spring and waterfalls made this a good camping place for troops traveling down the Trace.  Among them was Andrew Jackson, for whom the falls were named.

 

NATCHEZ TRACE NATURE WALK – Scenic sight along the Natchez Trace.

 

OLD GRIST WATER MILL – On Leatherwood Creek.  Parts of the mill still remain in a log cabin that was built by the Brooks family when they settled there in 1799.  Presently a Spring Water Marketing Operation

 

BON AQUA SPRINGS – Site of the Bon Aqua Hotel, a booming railroad town of the early 1900s offered restorative treatments and entertainment to their guests. Many a musical event filled the hollows of this and Primm Springs Hotel at the peak of their popularity.

 

GRINDER’S SWITCH – In the 1900’s, Grinder’s Switch was a shipping town.  In more recent times, this quiet farm community has become known all over the word as the home town of Mine Pearl, the imaginary spinster of Sara Ophelia Colley Cannon who grew up across the river in Centerville.  Over the years through her comedy, Mrs. Cannon brought laughter to millions.  Through this same comedy, she preserved a valuable picture of life in the hills of Tennessee during the Twenties and Thirties.

 

BIRTHPLACE OF BETH SLATER WHITSON – Beth Slater Whitson was the composer of many of our most loved songs, such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”, Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland”, and many others from the 1930s.

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LEE’S FURNACE (OLD FURNACE) – Iron Ore Furnace built-in 1830 by Lee and Gould is the remnant of early industry in this agrarian county.  Located near the Bucksnort Exit off I-40.

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HICKMAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Located upstairs in the Courthouse on the Town Square in Centerville.  There one will find historical books for sale as well as additional books and information for in-office genealogy research.

 

NACOME CONFERENCE CENTER – For over a hundred years it was known as the Beaverdam Springs Resort and was a favorite vacation site for President James K. Polk.  Purchased in 1939 by the Presbyterian Synod of Tennessee, NaCoMe is today the largest Christian conference center in the midsouth.

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Music

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TARKINGTON STORE – R.D. and Edith Tarkington opened Tarkington General Store in 1927 and started a family tradition that lives today.  Now the store is co-owned by their son, C.W. Tarkington, his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Pam Allen.  People near and far return to yesteryear at this one-of-a-kind old country store that continues to feature live music and storytelling.  Located at 6688 Hassell’s Creek Rd., Lyles.

 

GRINDER’S SWITCH WINERY: This award-winning winery grows some of the best wine grapes in TN. Their wines produced on-site, have been prized for their excellence.  Their summer calendar features national and international blues musicians that fill the night with astounding sounds.

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EVERMORE FARM – Located in Lyles, the eastern end of Hickman County, it is a working farm totally powered by solar panels.  Its state-of-the-art barn also doubles as an event venue. The concert series features singular music all summer.

 

PINEY RIVER ESCAPE – Canoeing, camping, and of course music can be found here at the most scenic bend of the river. You could stay here for a long time and truly experience life in the county.d

 

NATIONAL BANANA PUDDING FESTIVAL – Drawing over 6000 people from all sorts of places this October festival, happening on the month’s first weekend, combines the notion of mama’s pudding with talent. Two stages are filled with nonstop entertainment,  held on the banks of the Duck River at the River Front Park. The weekend also features the ANNUAL QUILT SHOW and the CIVITAN ANTIQUE CAR SHOW. You will not have a moment to spare!

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HICKMAN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PARK & FAIRGROUNDS – Includes a large multi-purpose pavilion.  The county fair is held here.  It is also utilized for many other functions such as concerts, live theatre, and festivals at the Shouse Pavilion. Fairgrounds also host livestock shows throughout the year.

 

Clay Harris Theatre: Six original plays annually written by Clay Harris are performed live with a cast of community players to the great hilarity of standing room only audiences.

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Hickman Heritage Music Fest: A showcase of outstanding musical icons emanating from Hickman County in the world arena is performed each year in August.

 

HICKMAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A small museum is open to the public giving tribute to Hickman County’s Minnie Pearl and Beth Slater Whitson.  And hosts the Grinder’s Switch Radio Hour to a live audience. They also sponsor the annual GRINDER’S SWITCH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL in early September, the ANNUAL 4th of JULY FESTIVAL, and many other events throughout the year. Visitor information is available for all.

Grinder’s Switch Radio Hour: Chamber Offices are transformed into a colorful stage for the live music show featuring talented musicians and comics from the region. The show is aired every Saturday from 10-11:30 AM and is streamed world wide on the webcast via KIX96