The Tennessee Magazine staff would like to thank everyone who submitted entries to the 2012 Best of Tennessee Readers’ Choice Awards. We received more than 1,000 online and mail-in ballots nominating the best food, attractions and accommodations the state has to offer.
Congratulations to our grand-prize winners: Anthony Fowler, Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation member; Lisa Bouldin, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative; and Genie Qualls, Holston Electric Cooperative. Each winner, drawn from all qualifying entries, will receive certificates from Tennessee State Parks for up to a four-night stay at any state resort park inn, $250 to spend while enjoying your visit and a basket of farm-direct, locally made artisan foods from Pick Tennessee Products. Susan Tolson, Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative member, also won $250 after her name was selected from online entrants.
Here we’ve listed each “Best of,” and the winners and runners-up in all categories can be viewed here. Thanks again to all our readers for helping us recognize these deserving winners.
EATS
Bakery
West
Shirley’s Bakery — Decades of experience creating birthday and wedding cakes and other treats. 621-C Old Hickory Blvd., Jackson; 731-668-1495; www.shirleysbakery.net
Middle
Merridee’s Breadbasket — Not a prepackaged mix can be found in this kitchen that produces made-from-scratch delicacies. 110 Fourth Ave. S., Franklin; 615-790-3755; merridees.com
East
Miss Bea’s Perks and Pies — This eatery, opened in 2007, offers soups, sandwiches and salads in addition to pies and cupcakes. 109 S. Church St., Rogersville; 423-272-6555; missbeaspies.com
Barbecue
West
Charlie Vergo’s Rendezvous — Located in a downtown alley, this rib shop has hosted presidents and the Rolling Stones. 52 S. Second St., Memphis; 901-523-2746; www.hogsfly.com
Middle
Slick Pig BBQ — Visit for catfish, wings, ribs, pulled pork and tailgating specials. 1920 E Main St., Murfreesboro; 615-890-3583; slickpigbbq.com
East
The Pig & Chick — In addition to famous barbecue, sandwiches and other entrees shine. 5020 Highway 11W, Rogersville; 423-272-4448; pigandchick.com
Catfish
West
Catfish Cabin, Jackson — Order your fish one of several ways. 1290 S. Highland Ave., Jackson; 731-422-1001; catfishcabinjackson.com
Middle
Uncle Bud’s Catfish Shack The menu’s full of Southern seafood staples. Nolensville, Nashville, Franklin and Smyrna; unclebuds.com
East
Huck Finn’s Catfish — Plan a visit for catfish, chicken, sides, hushpuppies and maybe some live music. 3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge; 865-429-3353
Hamburger
West
Bell’s Drive-In — Try a burger, but don’t overlook the barbecue and sides. 204 S. Church Ave., Henderson; 731-989-2816
Middle
Buster’s Place — Visitors can enjoy fresh, hand-patted burgers. 1615 N.W. Broad St., Murfreesboro;
615-895-5464
East
Litton’s Market & Restaurant — After selling groceries, hardware and gas, they sold their first burger in 1962. 2803 Essary Road, Knoxville; 865-688-0429; www.littonsburgers.com
Home/Country Cooking
West
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store — This attraction serves three delicious buffets daily. 56 Casey Jones Lane, Jackson; 800-748-9588; www.caseyjones.com
Middle
Bell Buckle Café — Visitors will find an extensive menu and some of Middle Tennessee’s best musical talent. 16 Railroad Square, Bell Buckle; 931-389-9693; www.bellbucklecafe.com
East
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant/Applewood Farmhouse Grill — Apple-centric dishes delight alongside country classics. 250 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville; 865-428-1222; applebarncidermill.com
Milkshake
West
Bell’s Drive-In — If you are in Henderson, find a cool treat here. 204 S. Church Ave.,
Henderson; 731-989-2816
Middle
Reeves-Sain Drug Store — Step back in time in an old-style soda shop. 1801 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro; 615-278-0770; www.reevessain.com
East
Golden Dairy, Rogersville “Where it’s fun to be hungry,” the Golden Dairy serves American cuisine alongside the winning milkshakes. 4002 Highway 66 South, Rogersville; 423-272-2000; goldendairy11.webs.com
Place for Dessert
West
Dumplin’s — It’s been a Jackson favorite since 1990. 31 Wiley Parker Road, Suite C, Jackson;
731-664-4959; www.hrhdumplins.com
Middle
Miller’s Grocery — This place has been serving its railroad community for more than 75 years. 7011 Main St., Christiana; 615-893-1878; www.millersgrocery.com
East
Sweet Tooth, Rogersville — The Sweet Tooth produces pumpkin rolls and other delicious goods from its downtown Rogersville location. 114 E. Main St., Rogersville; 423-921-7400; sweettoothcafetn.webs.com
TRAVEL & FUN
Agritourism/Pick- Your-Own Farm
West
Green Acres Berry Farm — Get on their mailing list to be notified when crops are ready for harvest. 158 Medina Highway, Milan; 731-686-1403
Middle
Gentry’s Farm — This working farm has been owned by the same family for 150 years. 1974 New Highway 96 W., Franklin; 615-794-4368; www.gentryfarm.com
East
Scott Strawberry & Tomato Farms — The Scott family produces strawberries, green beans, sweet corn and tomatoes. 650 Scott Road, Unicoi; 423-743-7511; www.scottfarmstn.com
Campground
West
Chickasaw State Park — The park has three campgrounds on some of the highest terrain in West Tennessee. 20 Cabin Lane, Henderson; 731-989-5141; www.state.tn.us/environment/
parks/Chickasaw
Middle
Fall Creek Falls — 228 campsites in three campgrounds are available for visitors. 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville; 800-250-8611; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls
East
Cades Cove — a beautiful campground is found at the cove entrance, and several backcountry sites can be found along the hiking trails. 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg; 865-436-1200; nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.htm.
Golf Course
West
Chickasaw Golf Course — Jack Nicklaus designed this 18-hole regulation course. 9555 State Route 100, Henderson; 888-944-2327; chickasawgc.com
Middle
Fall Creek Falls State Park Golf Course — The course has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville;
423-881-5706; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls
East
McDonald Hills Golf Club, Rogersville — This public course has been enticing golfers since 1959. 352 Guntown Road, Rogersville; 423-272-1477
Hiking Trail
West
Chickasaw State Park — Year-round hiking on several forest trails is a real draw here. 20 Cabin Lane, Henderson; 731-989-5141; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Chickasaw
Middle
Fall Creek Falls State Park — The park has more than 34 miles of hiking trails, from short and easy to two long-distance, overnight trails. 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville; 423-881-5298; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls
East
Abrams Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park — It’s definitely worth the five-mile round trip to see beautiful Abrams Falls. 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg; 865-436-1200; www.gsmnp.com/pages/abrams_falls.html
Outdoor Adventure
West
Reelfoot Lake — Besides activities on the lake, visitors can hike, picnic and in wintertime go bald eagle-watching. 2595 State Route 21E, Tiptonville; 731-253-8003
Middle
Fall Creek Falls — Explore the falls, hike, fish, swim, boat — there are lots of outdoor activities. 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville; 423-881-5298; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls
East
Rafting the Ocoee River — The Ocoee River offers premiere whitewater rafting of Class III, IV and V rapids. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano; 423-263-0050; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Hiwassee
Sporting Event
West
Jackson Generals baseball — This team is the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and plays at Pringles Park. 4 Fun Place, Jackson; 731-988-5299; www.diamondjaxx.com
Middle
Tennessee Titans football — Tennessee is a football state, and the fans come out in droves for the state’s only NFL team. 460 Great Circle Road, Nashville; 615-565-4000; www.titansonline.com
East
University of Tennessee Volunteers football — Neyland Stadium is a sea of orange on game days. 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, Suite 200, Knoxville; 800-332-VOLS; www.utsports.com
State Park
West
Chickasaw State Park — Located on some of West Tennessee’s highest land, this park features hiking, camping, fishing and other typical state park activities. 20 Cabin Lane, Henderson; 731-989-5141; state.tn.us/environment/parks/Chickasaw
Middle
Fall Creek Falls State Park — The park’s namesake is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States at 256 feet. 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville; 423-881-5298; www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls
East
Roan Mountain State Park — This park offers more than 2,000 acres of southern Appalachian forests rich with wildlife and wildflowers. 1015 Highway 143, Roan Mountain; 423-772-0190; www.tn.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn
THE ARTS
Art Gallery
West
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art — Showcasing art for 95 years, the Brooks is one of the largest art museums in the South. 1934 Poplar Ave., Memphis; 901-544-6200; brooksmuseum.org
Middle
Frist Center for the Visual Arts — The Frist is housed in a 1930s-era art deco post office. 919 Broadway, Nashville; 615-244-3340; www.fristcenter.org
East
Hunter Museum of American Art— Sitting on an 80-foot bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, this gem focuses on American art from the Colonial period through the present. 10 Bluff View, Chattanooga; 423-267-0968; www.huntermuseum.org
Museum
West
Pink Palace Museum — Housed in the Pink Palace Mansion, the museum currently has permanent and special exhibits. 3050 Central Ave., Memphis; 901-636-2362; www.memphismuseums.org
Middle
Frist Center for the Visual Arts — The Nashville museum features rotating exhibits, a gift shop and café. 919 Broadway, Nashville; 615-244-3340; www.fristcenter.org
East
Hands On! Regional Museum — Families experience the world of science through more than 20 permanent exhibits and other special presentations. 315 E. Main St., Johnson City; 423-434-4263;
www.handsonmuseum.org
Performing Arts
West
Orpheum Theater — This lavish theater began entertaining audiences with vaudeville acts in 1928 and now hosts theatrical and musical productions. 203 S. Main, Memphis;
901-525-7800; www.orpheum-memphis.com
Middle
Tennessee Performing Arts Center — TPAC is home to Broadway shows, the Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Opera and the Tennessee Repertory Theatre. 505 Deaderick St., Nashville; 615-782-4040; www.tpac.org
East
Tennessee Theatre — Upcoming acts at this 80-plus-year-old landmark include Lyle Lovett, the Moscow Ballet and the Knoxville Symphony. 604 S. Gay St., Knoxville; 865-684-1200;
www.tennesseetheatre.com
GETAWAYS
Place to Take the Kids
West
Memphis Zoo — It’s home to more than 3,500 animals, including polar bears, pandas, hippos and penguins. 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis; 901-333-6500; www.memphiszoo.org
Middle
Nashville Zoo — Merged with Grassmere Wildlife Park in 1996, the zoo now has sections devoted to the animals of Africa, Asia, South America and more. 3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville; 615-833-1534; www.nashvillezoo.org
East
Dollywood — The Dollywood experience includes the theme park and the Splash Country Water Adventure Park. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge; 800-365-5996; www.dollywood.com
Weekend Getaway/Town to Visit
Editor’s note: These appeared as two separate categories on the entry form, but the same cities won in both
West
Memphis — Finding music, culture and food is easy in this West Tennessee river town. Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, 47 Union Ave., Memphis; 901-543-5300; www.memphistravel.com
Middle
Nashville — Music City USA offers historic and entertaining activities for the whole family. Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, One Nashville Place, 150 Fourth Ave. N., Suite G-250, Nashville; 800-657-6910; www.visitmusiccity.com
East
Gatlinburg — It’s the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and here you find recreation, entertainment, food and natural beauty. Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, 811 East Parkway, Gatlinburg; 800-588-1817; www.gatlinburg.com
SHOPPING
Antiques Store
West
Yarbro’s Antique Mall — From furniture to coins, you can find almost anything in their 20,000 square feet of display space. 350 Carriage House Drive, Jackson; 731-664-6600
Middle
Cuz’s Antiques Center — It has antiques from around the world with new offerings arriving regularly. 140 Public Square, Lebanon; 615-444-8070; www.cuzsantiques.com
East (tie)
Haggle Shop Antiques — Three multi-story buildings account for the store’s 60,000 square feet. 147 Broad St., Kingsport; 423-230-1090; www.haggleshopantiques.com
Mountain Star Mall — Offerings include “primitive country decor,” lighting and floral arrangements. 122 E. Main St., Rogersville; 423-272-7800; www.mountainstarmall.com
Farmers Market
West
West Tennessee Farmers Market — It’s open Tuesday through Saturday year-around. 91 New Market St., Jackson; 731-425-8308
Middle
Nashville Farmers’ Market — Located adjacent to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall, it’s home to farmers, artisans, restaurateurs and local business merchants. 900 Rosa Parks Blvd., Nashville; 615-880-2001; www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org
East
Kingsport Farmers Market — Buy fresh, locally grown produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays, May through October. Center and Clinchfield streets, Kingsport; 423-229-9400; kingsporttn.gov/kingsport-farmers-market
Flea Market
West
Friendly Frank’s Flea Market — This family-owned flea market operates the first full weekend of each month except July and September. Highway 45 south of downtown Jackson at the fairgrounds;
901-755-6561; www.facebook.com/pages/Jackson-TN/Friendly-Franks-Flea-Market/129588533397
Middle
Nashville Flea Market — Dealers and vendors from 30 states flock to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for this event. 625 Smith Ave., Nashville; 615-862-5016; www.nashvilleexpocenter.org/expo/fleamarket/index.asp
East
Sweetwater Flea Market — Open seven days a week, this flea market is four football fields long and has more than 800 booths. 121 County Road 308, Sweetwater; 423-337-3532; www.sweetwaterflea
market.net
EVENTS
Arts and Crafts Show
West
Reelfoot Arts & Crafts
Festival — This festival, with more than 300 vendors, takes place the first weekend in October — Oct. 5-7 this year. P.O. Box 938, Union City; 731-885-7295; www.reelfootartsandcrafts.com
Middle
Webb School Craft Fair, Bell Buckle — Scheduled for Oct. 20-21, this fair has more than 500 booths filled with fine arts, crafts and artist demonstrations. P.O. Box 222, Bell Buckle;
931-389-9663; www.bellbucklechamber.com
East
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair — Held twice a year, the huge fair showcases handmade items in more than 200 booths. Next show: Oct. 6-23 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, P.O. Box 70, Gatlinburg;
865-436-7479; www.craftsmenfair.com
County Fair
West
Dyer County Fair — The 2012 fair featured agriculture exhibits, a demolition derby, a carnival, pageants and more. P.O. Box 1113; Dyersburg; 731-285-9388; www.dyercofair.com
Middle
Wilson County Fair — The biggest county fair in the state, the Wilson County Fair’s roots date back to 1853. 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon; 615-443-2626; www.wilsoncountyfair.net
East
Appalachian Fair — Held each August, the event brings typical fair entertainment to Gray. P.O. Box 8218, Gray; 423-477-3211; appalachianfair.com
Festival
West
West Tennessee Strawberry Festival — Started more than 70 years ago to promote the strawberry industry, this festival now provides pageants, a barbecue cook-off and more. Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Main St., Humboldt; 731-784-1842; www.wtsf.org
Middle
Uncle Dave Macon Days — Old-time music fills the July air at Cannonsburg Village. P.O. Box 5016, Murfreesboro; 800-716-7560; uncledavemacondays.com
East
Heritage Days — This year’s installment of the popular Rogersville festival will be held Oct. 12-14 with crafts, food, music and dancing. 415 S. Depot St., Rogersville; 423-272-1961; www.rogersvilleheritage.org
