Friday, September 15, 2006

Scenic Drives


Hwy 56 North to Hwy 151 takes us on a quiet adventure from Historic Gainesboro to Historic Red Boiling Springs. This drive follows the Cumberland River as it winds through the valley before the climb to Red Boiling Springs. Lush color and historic homes decorate the landscape. Gainesboro offers unique shopping and dining experiences on the square. Red Boiling Springs was once a busy vacation spot for those families wealthy enough to escape the heat of the city for the summer. Of the 15 original hotels, 3 are open to visitors. Red Boiling Springs still offers mineral baths to soothe and relax.

Explore Hwy 127 beginning at the Tennessee - Kentucky State Lines. This rural highway passes through the Alvin C. York Historic Site where the Grist Mill provides the perfect place for a picnic by the falls. Highway 127 winds around abrupt hills and through valley farmland. Breathtaking views abound. See historic Jamestown; experience Highland Manor Winery, Tennessee's Oldest Winery; explore East Fork Stables 1200 acres of horseback riding trails; and visit Crossville, TN's Stonehaus Winery and antique shopping. Exit 127 at Highway 154 to hike, bike, ride, or simply explore Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area or Pickett State Park.

Highway 70N from Cookeville guides drivers atop the Cumberland Plateau in Monterey and then into Crossville where it passes beautiful Ozone falls. Fro those out for the day, return to Sparta via the somewhat parallel Highway 70, also know as the Historic Broadway of America. Watch for gorgeous vistas and take advantage of the unique shopping and quaint dining opportunities on the square in Sparta.

Hwy 56 from Silver Point to Smithville, TN. Exit I-40 at the Highway 56 exit and go south, This drive circles Center Hill Lake and provides breathtaking vistas from several vantages. Drivers can linger at the Silver Point Gallery, the Appalachian Center for Crafts, Lakeside Resort or several parks, boat docks, and overlooks along the way. Hurricane Bridge takes drivers high over the lake.

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