Wartrace, Tennesee

 This summer we spent some time in Wartrace Tennessee.

 Now actually we were looking for Bugscuffle Tennessee (because if that's not a funny name nothing is) as pictured on an old atlas but apparently the town of Bugscuffle is now unincorporated.

 Even Bugscuffle road is no longer marked.

 So here we were, looking for a small town with a funny name but not finding it. What to do now?

 That brings us to the picturesque town of Wartrace. 

 While looking for Bugscuffle and driving through the beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee we came upon Wartrace. 

 Now when I say that Wartrace is a small town I am not kidding. I think you could literally throw a rock from one end to another especially if you're Nolan Ryan. 

 Wartrace was founded in 1853 and has the distinction to be the home of the Tennessee Walking Horse. This was interesting news to  me since I didn't know that people could make their own horses!

 The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a picture of Hillbilly Willy's. Gotta love those small towns!

 The quaint, nearly 100 year old Walking Horse Inn is at the center of town and is reported to be one of the most haunted buildings in the U.S. We actually didn't know this at the time and I'm glad we didn't go in!

 We did however visit the local graveyard. Now, I rather like graveyards because the headstones can be so uniquely artistic and the people in there don't make a lot of noise. 

 I also never knew that graveyards had rules but I guess you don't want any grave hopping going on. Imagine coming to see Grandma and finding her with another family. Embarrassing!

 We visited just one week before Wartrace's  big bluegrass festival. I'm really sorry we missed it, the first 600 people through the gate got a free Little Debbie oatmeal pie. I love the South! Maybe we can make the festival next year.

 It's a shame that we didn't get to stay the weekend but if we ever get the chance we'll stay longer and enjoy the quiet beauty of this lovely southern town.

Small Towns, Funny Names

Small Towns, Funny Names

or

How I spent My Summer Vacation

Featuring: Bat Cave North Carolina

 Bat Cave North Carolina is a very small town on the western side of the state in the lovely mountains. I went to visit this town mostly because of its name. I mean, how can you resist a name like Bat Cave with all its Gothamy innuendos?

Now I’m not going to kid you Bat Cave is very small, but it’s also very pretty. The Broad River runs through this tiny town adding to the picturesque landscape. The river is so small I actually thought that it was a creek but I saw a sign that corrected me.

The river is great for swimming or fishing but not so suitable for rafting or canoeing due to the volume of large rocks along most of its length. Many small cabins line the length of the river and some are for rent. Information about cabin rentals can be found at 
VBRO.com. Just type Bat Cave NC in the search bar.

One must visit place is the Old Cider Mill. The first sight you’ll see as you pull up are the scarecrows. Made from gourds, baskets, old plastic milk containers and women’s clothing it reminds you of something from Children of the Corn. Now,Stephen King scares the heck out of me but I went in anyway.

Inside the building has the look and smell of an old flea market with handmade jewelry, old vinyl records and an assortment of jams, jellies and other food goodies. But thankfully, no corn. My favorite item was a bat T shirt that said “Bite Me”.

We asked the nice quirky lady running the register if there really was a bat cave in Bat Cave and she said “Yes”. It turns out that Bat Cave is home to the largest fissure cave in the United States and houses many different species of bats. This protected cave is not open to the public.

Now remember, bats are your friends, mosquitoes are not! Go bats!

I also had to ask if the Batman was seen very often and it turns out that he drops by every now and again. Well, Bruce Wayne does anyway. He actually produced a driver’s license to prove it.

It just goes to show boys & girls, that you don’t learn anything if you don’t ask!

But the town of Bat Cave is only one interesting feature along Lake Lure Highway.Lake Lure is where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Nearby Chimney Rock State Park is where Last of the Mohicans was filmed.

Both of these natural attractions are well worth seeing.

It’s easy to spend a nice relaxing weekend in this area of natural beauty, interesting  shops and homegrown eateries.

VBRO.com