Visit Little River Railroad Museum
Little River Railroad Museum, Brian Stansberry: Wikimedia Commons
Children, who might thus far only be familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine, will find the Little River Railroad museum worth a visit. There is a historic water tank, various flat cars, a caboose, a boxcar, a log loader and a depot. These are outdoor exhibits that invite hands-on exploration and encourage play. Interior exhibits showcase the history of the railroad and Townsend itself.
Admission is seasonal; in June, July, August and October, the museum is open daily. In April, May and September, hours are restricted to weekends only--Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. November through March, you need to contact the museum curator for an appointment. There is no charge, but you may give a donation to support the museum's upkeep.
Little River Railroad Museum
Between U.S. 321 and River Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(865) 448-2211
littleriverrailroad.org
Walk in the Gardens Surrounding the Lily Barn
Orange Daylily, Steve Karg: Wikimedia Commons
The Lily Barn is a historic cantilever barn that houses a restaurant--Miss Lily's Café---and also a reception hall; you notice cabins surrounding it, which are actually vacation rentals. Visit this venue for a walk around the pond or along the creek and through the day lily fields. There is also a maze made with evergreen flora for children.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner every day, except on Sundays, when it only provides brunch; Monday through Saturday, hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Brunch on Sunday is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The food is traditional Southern cuisine with smokehouse meats and grits.
The Lily Barn
1116 Carr's Creek Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(800) 448-8697
lilybarn.com
Go Spelunking in the Tuckaleechee Caverns
The Tuckaleechee Caverns offer opportunities to marvel at nature's underground wonders. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the caverns offer a cool respite in the hot summer. Sightseers enjoy the vistas of stalagmites, stalactites and an underground river. In 2009, admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 11. Guided tours start in the gift shop above ground. Be sure to budget about 1 1/2 hours.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
825 Cavern Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(865) 448-2274
tuckaleecheecaverns.com
