Just West of Winchester off Highway 50 is Tims Ford State Park. One of the most accommodating parks in Tennessee. There is over 400 acres of family fun including bicycle and hiking trails, a huge ultra modern swimming pool, secluded cabins that feature fireplaces, and developed campsites for the outdoor crowd.

The park operates a marina that includes a snack bar, bait shop, and fish-cleaning area. The marina also provides equipment and supplies for boating and fishing, a boat-launching ramp and dock.

There's something for everyone at the park and it is quickly becoming the talk of Tennessee.

Major R. Fairbanks, one of the founders and a trustee of the University of the South built Rebel's Rest, the oldest house in Sewanee, in 1886. The Fairbanks family lived in the house until 1963, when the University took over the building for use in entertaining and as a guest house. It stands on the former site of Bishop Leonidas Polk's home and is noted by a Tennessee Historical Marker.

Davy Crockett and his first wife, Polly Finlay, settled with their children on a homestead a few miles east of the Maxwell Community in Franklin County in 1812. Polly Crockett died in 1815 following her husband's return from the Creek War. An access road and small park are under construction at her gravesite as a Franklin County Bicentennial Commission Project. Tennessee Historical markers for the Gravesite and "Kaintuck" Davy's homestead stands on U.S. 64 West of Belvidere.

And, if you're into trains, Cowan has just the thing...they took their old train station, spruced it up, made a little park out the surrounding grounds, parked an antique locomotive next door and made the place into a museum...there are lots of old train parts...lots of old stories...lots of good times at the Cowan Railroad Museum...take a picnic lunch and eat in the park...Open from May 1 through October 31 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - (931) 967-7365.

 

Another thing that folks around here have been talking about is the University of Tennessee Space Institute on the shore of Woods Reservoir...they do special things at U.T.S.I...like research into engineering aeroacoustics, gas diagnostics, laser applications and magnetohydrodynamics. Franklin County has a significant role to play in the future of aerospace engineering...and education.

 

Once the former home of Tennessee's 21st governor, Hundred Oaks Castle was devastated by fire in May, 1990. After years of legal tie ups, in February 1997 an announcement was made that the Castle had been deeded to the Kent Bramlett Foundation, Inc. This foundation was formed by P.K. and Shirley Bramlett of Nashville in honor of their son, Kent Bramlett, who lost his life in an automobile accident in October of 1992. The Bramlett's, along with their son Robert, believe that tragedies and setbacks are really opportunities for service. The Foundation determined its purpose was to expand the opportunity for others to enjoy the beauty and creativity of the arts so cherished by Kent and his family. That purpose can be fulfilled by restoring the remaining portions of the Castle, designing gardens and promoting tourism and events that will showcase the works of both visiting and local artists, musicians and writers. Restoration is underway and the grounds are closed until completion.

In the southwest corner of the county is another great spot for a picnic...in the little community of Old Salem stands Falls Mill where grain is milled on stones by water power. They have one of the largest waterwheels still operating in the country...the museum traces the varied past of the beautiful old factory...Don't forget to bring your camera. Open year round 931-469-7161.

The Air Force test center is located on the 40,000-acre Arnold Air Force Base in Coffee and Franklin Counties. The center is reached by its own access highway at exit 117 from Interstate 24 south of Manchester and State Highway 55 in Tullahoma.

AEDC was dedicated on June 25, 1951 by President Truman in honor of General of the Air Force H.H. "Hap" Arnold.

Today AEDC is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world.

The center's wind tunnels, rocket and jet engine test cells, space chambers and ballistic ranges can simulate flight conditions from sea level to around 1,000 miles altitude and velocities well over Mach 2.

Entry into the test areas is restricted to badged personnel. Group tours (15-35 people), however can be arranged (Monday - Fridays only, closed on holidays), by calling 931-454-2212, or writing AEDC/PA, 100 Arnold Dr., Arnold AFB, TN 37389 well in advance.

If you're a fisherman (or woman) traveling through these parts, grab your tackle box and fishing rod and take time out to try your luck at Woods Reservoir in Franklin County.

Located on Arnold Air Force Base, the lake noted for its big bass and muskie, contains 4,000 acres of water with a 75-mile shoreline.

Fishing conditions improve as fall approaches and water temperature begins to drop. It can be reached off the AEDC/UTSI exit 117 from Interstate 24.

Tims Ford Lake was built by TVA and completed in 1971. Tims Ford Dam impounds Tims Ford Lake that offers to campers and water enthusiasts - including the ever-present fisherman-unpolluted water. With a shoreline of 246 miles of typical "Tennessee Hills" country, the lake is one of Tennessee's outstanding scenic attractions. The aquatic life abounds - crappie, large and small mouth bass, rockfish, bream, catfish and muskellunge.

Most of us who live here feel blessed...we have hunting and fishing and mountaintop views...history and tradition...natural beauty and the opportunity to live good lives...raise families...be happy and prosperous...there's a good future here and we're proud of the place...Ben Franklin would have been proud too...Come and see what Franklin County has to offer.