Watertown and its excursion trains

Ever been to Watertown?

Betty Lou never had. In fact she had never heard of the little Wilson County, Tenn. community.

"Watertown?" she said with a dubious tone. I didn't dare mention the "T" word. She doesn't always share my interest in Tennessee railroads.

But Watertown has more going for it than trains.

It's a unique community betwixt Murfreesboro and Lebanon. The town's name seems to hint as its origin as an important steam railroad stop, but actually it refers to Wilson L. Waters, who built a grist mill, sawmill and general store there in the mid 1800s.

But don't misunderstand, Watertown is best known for its railroad connection. This heritage has been kept alive by the Historic Watertown organization and the Tennessee Central Railroad Museum.

Also known for its Mile-Long Yard sales and Watertown Jazz Festival, the community is the terminus for many excursion train events in connection with the Tennessee Central Railroad Museum, such as Valentine Murder Mystery, Easter Bunny and Polar Express Trains.

TCRM is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with the mission of preserving and operating historic railroad equipment. The Museum headquarters is located in the former Tennessee Central Railway's Master Mechanic's office at 220 Willow St. near downtown Nashville. Check out the Web site at http://www.tcry.org/

Watertown is located 40 miles east of Nashville and 10 miles southeast of Lebanon on Highway 70. On Interstate 40, take exit 239A and head south/southeast for nine miles.

But we didn't head to Watertown for a particular event on that beautiful fall Saturday. As often the case, we just headed out a country road. At a junction, a sign pointed to Watertown. There you have it. I knew the story behind the burg, but she didn't.

Once we arrived downtown, I heard the familiar refrain. "Why haven't you taken me there before?"

There was no real reason. Just most of our recent daytrips had ended up on the Highland Rim at places like Monteagle and Burgess Falls. Watertown has some nice antique stores and arts galleries and is much closer to home.

Betty Lou soon discovered Jim's Antiques, a great little shop featuring unique items. They're unique because the owner, Jim, is originally from Maine. (You will have to ask him the story.) But if you are looking for a lobster track in the Middle of Tennessee....

Our favorite cafe discovery was the appropriately named "The Whistle Stop." 615-438-5114. Betty Lou snapped some photos of me with railroad stuff in the background. The burgers and ice tea were great and prices very reasonable.

Another attraction that is drawing people to Watertown is the Stardust Drive-In Theater. See http://www.stardustdrivein.com/