Valentine's Eve in Watertown

Jimmy strikes a pose behind the counter at Lulu's Coffee House in Watertown.


The temperature was cold, but spirits high as we cruised into little Watertown for Liquid Crawl with displays by local artists mixed with some pre-Valentine's Day wine for good measure.

Watertown, Tenn., a little off the beaten track, is located in Wilson County about 30 minutes from Murfreesboro. It's a little town with a good deal of historic pride in its arts heavy downtown.

We kicked off our visit with a stop at Lulu's Coffee House for a spot of dinner. It came highly recommended by the owner of Dead Man's General Store, one of the unique stops on Watertown's little public square.

I had a great black bean burger with chedder cheese. Fantastic! Nicely prepared and very flavorable. Betty Lou, surprise...surprise, ordered a grilled cheese on multi-grain bread with cheddar and swiss cheese. I didn't get to sample it. We each had a cup of great freshly brewed coffee.

Thus fortified, we headed back to the square for the Liquid Crawl and displays by local photographers and artists. While, I enjoyed the displays Betty Lou kept saying we needed to head across the street to this little bakery, the Kake Haus. It quickly proved to be the hit of the night.

Owned by Duane and Kelly Schmelhaus, Kake Haus Pastry Shop was filled with shelf after shelf of delectable breads, cakes and pastries.

Located at 404 Public Square in Watertown, Kake Haus has a web site that hints at the quality of treats available at the unique shop. It's www.kakehaus.com.

Duane is a CIA man...yep, Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park, New York.

A Cleveland, Ohio native, Duane is the latest in a multi-generation family of bakers. His great-grandfather opened his bakery in 1910 in Cleveland with his sons following in his footsteps.

And what did we buy there?

Let's see ... short bread cookies, a chocolate crumb cake, delightful chocolate brownies and a loaf of sun-dried tomato bread. I hope I get a taste.

Lighthouse Landing Marina ... our perfect spot

It might sound a bit crazy when we say one of our favorite places to visit is Kentucky Lake.

After all, we don’t own as much as an inflatable dingy. Hammerhaid does have a life vest in case he trips in the kiddie pool (that’s a story for another time.)

But Betty Lou was raised on the water and her father was an avid sailor. No “stink boats” for him during his sweet, silent journeys on the Gulf of Mexico.

So it was with a certain reluctance that Hammerhaid took her to a certain spot. He was reluctant because he knew he should have taken her there long ago.

“Promise you won’t hit me, when we go around this curve.”

She didn’t promise, but she didn’t strike out either. She instead demanded, “stop here ... park it.” She didn’t buy his suggestion that they eat first.

That certain spot was Lighthouse Landing Marina in Grand Rivers, Ky. The little bay was loaded with sailboats, including a number that were 40 feet or longer.

She was in heaven.

That adventure was some time ago and we love to visit Grand Rivers, a little town that touches both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Grand Rivers is perhaps best known as the home of Patti’s 1880s Settlement, one of the most popular eateries in the Southeast. Read about it in our blog.

Grand Rivers is located in Western Kentucky on beautiful Kentucky Lake, 1 mile north of the Land Between the Lakes. Take exit 31 off I-24 and go 3 miles on Hwy 453 to Grand Rivers, KY, the “Village Between the Lakes.”

While Patti’s wonderful food and deserts temporarily distracted Betty Lou, the underlying message remained clear. She wanted to stay at one of the little cabins at Lighthouse Landing Marina.

She finally got her wish. We spent our much to abbreviated honeymoon there.

Absolute perfection!

“I could absolutely live here,” she said. And she absolutely meant it this time.

The cabin was perfect and almost like a sailboat thanks to its nautical-themed furnishings. It was snug, compact but with plenty of room for two. Every detail was well thought out and executed.

“I adore this kitchen. It’s tiny, but perfect with stove, refrigerator and even a dishwasher. This is absolutely all you need,” she said.

The kitchen was stocked, not with food, but utensils even for the microwave. Off the kitchen was a tiny, but nice bath with shower and tons of towels.

The single bedroom was roomy with queen-sized bed, dining table, Jacuzzi-tub (with a porthole window), a big comfy chair, a bureau and (to Hammerhaid’s delight) cable TV.

“Oh, I COULD live here,” Betty Lou, repeated with gusto.

And Hammerhaid had to agree.

But perhaps the true gem was the deck overlooking Kentucky Lake. The weather was brisk, but not unpleasant for sitting into the two Adirondack chairs and watching the sunset.

When the fog rolled in, it was a spectacular place to be. Then it rained. It wasn’t a storm, but you could hear the raindrops on the metal roof of the cabin. The shower cleared and there were fireworks on the opposite bank.

Idyllic. Quiet with no sounds other than Mother Nature with birdcalls, fish splashing and the lapping of the lake. There was the occasional distant hum of tugboats pushing barges.

Did we mention the grills and picnic tables at all the cabins?

What a wonderful, lakeside community! Naturally, it bustles during the summer with visitors when there can be a wait at Patti’s. But there’s no push and shove.

The village has other restaurants, an IGA grocery and just enough shops for browsing even in the off-season.

In addition to the lovely cabins, Lighthouse Landing has sailboat rental and sailing classes.

Now, the only question that remains is when is Betty Lou going to sign up Hammerhaid for those sailing lessons and finally put that expensive life vest to use.

http://www.grandrivers.com/

http://www.grandrivers.com/links/lighthouse.htm

Falcon Rest makes the Civil War fun

Falcon Rest mansion is the site of a new Civil War play featuring, George and Charlien McGlothin.


Betty Lou just didn’t believe it. It is possible to have fun and learn something about the Civil War at the same time.

To top it off, she made her dramatic “debut” at the same time.

And where did this miracle take place? Falcon Rest mansion in McMinnville, TN.

George and Charlien McGlothin premiered their latest production: "The Honeymoon Ball of Gen. John Hunt Morgan … His Last Happy Day" on the weekend of April 25-26 in McMinnville, the nursery capital of the world.

“The Honeymoon Ball” is the latest in a series of interactive plays written by the funny, talented couple.

Interactive? Yes, the folks in the audience play small roles in the performance with George starring as famous Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan and Charlien as famous writer/poet Virginia French.

“I don’t do this. I refused to do this. There’s no way I am going to do this,” announced Betty Lou when she discovered the nature of the play.

But a scant couple of hours later, there was Betty Lou accepting her part as Mrs. Poindexter, the wife of a Presbyterian minister who prepared the feast for the honeymoon ball.

Ol’ Hammerhaid was surprised by her performance and was absolutely shocked that she knew the words to “Dixie.”

As for his part, Hammerhaid was typecast as the huge, glowering Confederate “terrorist” Champ Ferguson complete with plastic Bowie knife.

We’re not talking high drama here, but the presentation was based on accurate history, which pleased the Civil War buff in Hammerhaid.

“Think of it as a Civil War version of Hee-Haw,” explained the McGlothin’s daughter, who shared a table with us along with a doctor from Utah.

“When you say we get visitors from around the world, it is literally true,” said George during a tour of the grounds.

Falcon Rest, located in a peaceful country setting just outside of McMinnville, was built by Clay Faulkner for his wife and five children in 1896-97. The 10,000 sq. ft. Queen Anne mansion was state-of-the-art for the late Victorian period with indoor plumbing and was wired for electricity.

Later the home was converted into a hospital, the Faulkner Springs Hospital and Sanitarium and functioned as such until 1968. The house stood vacant until 1983 when Joe Grissom purchased it and began restoration. The McGlothins purchased the house and finished its basic restoration in 1993.

“It is still a work in progress,” George explained, adding that he and Charlien did the restoration work.

“To see him in the hot summer sun chipping plaster off the bricks was unbelievable,” daughter said.

In 1997, Falcon Rest won the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Great American Home Award” for their restoration efforts.

We stayed in the lovely Carriage Room, adjacent to the Victorian Carriage House at the rear of the mansion.

“Is it purple?” Hammerhaid asked.
“No, it’s mauve,” corrected Betty Lou. “Wow, what a bedroom suite!”
The Victorian Rennaisance-style bed is 9-1/2 feet tall ... beautiful. It was balanced by a wonderful settee and beautiful velvet curtains made by Charlien.

The 16 x16-foot room has a private entrance and great view of Falcon Rest's grounds. It was quiet and romantic. There was a cozy table for two which was perfect for in-room dining. The adjoining private bath featured Betty Lou’s favorite, an antique claw-foot tub.

Betty Lou had only one little quibble ... the bed was too firm for her.

“You should have never slept on that space-age foam mattress in Chattanooga,” Hammerhaid laughed. “It ruined you for normal beds.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she admitted.

She loved the settee though.

“That’s a real surprise. I always thought those would be uncomfortable, but it’s perfect,” she said as she settled down with a selection of books and magazines from the room’s large selection.

“Wow, what a great selection of channels,” Hammerhaid exclaimed, as he checked out the TV. “I could live here forever.”

We were both pleased with the food.

The play came with dinner based upon the menu for the original ball. The ham stuffed with turkey was unusual and was delectable as was the old-fashioned corn pudding. The delicate sno-white cake was fantastic.

Breakfast, served in our room the next morning, was fabulous as well with a delicious sausage and cheese omlet, biscuits with honey butter and fresh mixed fruits. Betty Lou is still going on about the apple turnovers.

“The best I’ve ever had,” she said.

The gift shop was fun too with items reflecting a historical theme. There was a mixture of “fun” items and beautiful jewelry with a great selection of music boxes.

“It’s part of what I like to is in keeping with Falcon Rest’s theme as ‘the Victorian mansion where history is fun,’” George said.

We enjoyed our visit and are already talking about attending the “Ghost in the Mansion” production at Falcon Rest.

“Ghost in the Mansion?”

Oh, yes, there are numerous ghost stories associated with the mansion, but that’s another adventure.

Where is Falcon Rest?

It's halfway between Nashville & Chattanooga, 25 miles east of I-24 at Manchester Exit 111.
33 miles south of I-40 from Smithville Exit 273, between Nashville and Knoxville.

2645 Faulkner Springs Road
McMinnville, TN 37110
931-668-4444
Web Site: www.falconrest.com
E-mail: falconrest@falconrest.com

Quick trip leads to Gator Burger delight

There was a mere hint of spring in the air, so Hammerhaid decided a trip to the “home country” was in order.

Besides Betty Lou was in need of a breather after playing host to a baby shower. Yep, her daughter Michelle is due anytime and it’s gonna be the first girl. So-o-o-o-o-o-o, there’s more than a little excitement brewing.

A short trip, a very short trip, was in order.

“I don’t want to be more than an hour away,” Betty Lou insisted.

“So where are your clod-hoppers?” he asked.

“My blue hiking boots? I have no idea,” she said.

Hammerhaid dug them up and off they headed to rural Cannon County between Short Mountain and Blues Hill. (Nope, it’s not all that hilly, but it is the Home Country.)

By the time they got there, it was snowing ever so slightly. It was a perfect time for a walk through the fields and woods. Hammerhaid didn’t even work up a sweat.

After a nice, long hike, he revealed his true intentions. “Think we have time for a Billy Burger?” he asked.

“I was just thinking of that,” Betty Lou confessed.

It was just a hop, skip and a jump over to the McMinnville Highway (US 70S), past various nurseries, along side the McMinnville Airport to Newtown, a little wide spot on the road just before Mc-Town. That’s the low profile home of “Billy’s Restaurant,” owned by Billy Foutch.

Billy’s is the home of the Gator Burger.

“It is probably the best hamburger in Middle Tennessee,” Hammerhaid said. “It’s nothing fancy, just absolute perfection with two hand-patted beef patties covered with cheese and served on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, union and the condiments of your choice.”

Each burger is a labor of love for Mr. Billy.

“I’ve never seen anyone but Billy manning the grill,” he added. “The restaurant has a wide menu with everything from breakfast to T-bone steaks for dinner.”

And when Hammerhead gets stuck on a menu item, he usually won’t order anything else. So it’s a Gator Burger with fries for him.

Betty Lou being “oh, so much more adventuresome” ordered her usual Gator Burger, but got freaky and ordered onion rings. Good choice! The H-man discovered he likes the onion rings more than the crispy, krinkle cut fries. Fortunately, BL shared.

Billy’s Restaurant, you won’t find it on the Internet, serves a variety of short-order dishes at his new, clean-as-a-pin restaurant just off 70s. The imperceptiably slow widening of the roadway connecting McMinnville to Woodbury to Murfreesboro and ultimately to Nashville nearly closed Billy’s a few years back, but he just relocated slightly and expanded his operation.

Billy's Restaurant , 2822 Nashville Highway, McMinnville, TN 37110 (931) 668-9987.

For the scenic route from Murfreesboro, take John Bragg Highway (70S) through Woodbury and Centertown to McMinnville. The restaurant will be located on your left after Robinson Road and before you get to McMinnville’s bypass.

“I’m gonna try the chuckwagon sandwich next time,” Hammerhead swears.

Liar.

“The real question is why such a UT fan has anything to do with a Gator Burger?” Betty Lou said.

Valentine's treat at B. McNeel's

Too often, the old work schedule doesn't permit us to get out of town for even a few hours.

But that doesn't really matter, because Murfreesboro is the center of an increasing number of great places to go for fine dining, fun nightspots or great shopping.

One of the best is B. McNeel's Restaurant located on Church Street just off the Historic Square. Betty Lou enjoyed a surprise belated Valentine's dinner there Saturday.

"Where are we going Saturday night?" she asked. "Wait, don't tell me I want to guess ... you don't have to tell me which guess is right, just that I got one right. wait, I know, I will write down where I think it is and then show you I was right."

That's Betty Lou, always up for a game. But, Betty Lou always seems to change the rules, like tonight; she was excited and could not wait to see if she had printed the correct address so she started asking questions!

"Five Seasons?" she asked.

That was a good suggestion, but wrong. "The Parthenon" was guess number two. Her two guesses quickly multiplied and by the time we were driving down West College Street, she had guessed correctly.
The exterior of B. McNeel's is so festive and inviting much more so than chain restaurants. Proprietor Barbara Thomas makes sure of that with fresh, tasty food and great service.

We enjoyed a bottle of Fetzers Chardonnay. "They pay attention to detail with everything served at the proper temperature." I know, red goes with steak but Betty Lou likes white, and it was Valentines Day so she got her way.

We had the bruschetta, which was flavorful and very fresh. "I don't know where they find tomatoes that are so wonderful this time of year," she said.

We skipped the salad course in an attempt to save space for dessert.

For the main course, we both selected the Jack Daniels strip steak, which was beautifully prepared. The sliced, tender meat top a layer of roasted potatoes, which soaked up that wonderfully sweet Jack Daniels sauce. The steak was topped by a generous serving of onion straws that were cooked to perfection.

Other favorites include the Creamy Chicken Marsala, Five Pepper Chicken and the Teriyaki Beef Medallions.

Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert, not even the crème brulee, which just might be the best in town.

B. McNeel's is one of Murfreesboro's most intimate and romantic restaurants. During warm weather, its patio draws a nice crowd.

It is located in a building that once housed the telephone company. In later decades it was home of Miller and Loughry Insurance. It has nice brickwork and molding that reflects the structure's age and has a "club-like" feeling, particularly upstairs in what we refer to as the library.

In a day when most restaurants have a first-come, first-served policy, B. McNeel's accepts reservations. They also have a great Sunday brunch for $12.95 for adults that includes made to order pancakes, omelets and eggs benedict.

It's located at 215 N Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130, next to the Rutherford County Center for the Arts. Phone: (615) 896-1002

http://www.bmcneels.com/

A visit to Shaker Museum in Kentucky

Sometimes, Hammerhead is just full of little surprises for Betty Lou. Like last weekend when the sky was beautiful blue and he knew they were both needing some "road time”

Anytime we get back on the road Betty Lou has to sing that same old song. You know the one...."on the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again" and that is all Betty Lou ever remembers so I finish it off with a hound dog howl. We both laugh and into the wild blue yonder we head.

Betty Lou was slightly surprised when instead of heading east like the last few trips, the ol’ compass pointed due north.

“Do you have absolutely any idea where we are going?” she asked. Are we going to Lexington?
Maybe, was all the H-man said. That usually means I have something in mind, but no real idea how to get there.

“Are we headed to Bowling Green?” Betty Lou asked, noting the signs along I-65.

“In that general direction, but more in the boonies,” I explained. (I could tell by her face she thought it smelled like an obscure Civil War site to her.)

Well anyway, Betty Lou was enjoying the drive on a sunny, slightly crisp Saturday morning. Blue sky and open road is all she ever needs to start feeling relaxed again. There was some swearing and a little backtracking (which always makes her laugh) on my part before I could announce, “Ah ha!”

I had discovered a little sign proclaiming South Union near Auburn, Ky. Now headed in the correct direction, Hammerhead disclosed his intent. “We are heading to the Shaker community at South Union.”

. The Shakers were 19th century communal society. They were celibate, believed in racial and gender equality and freedom from prejudice. They lived their lives through a quest for simplicity and perfection in design and craftsmanship. Shaker-made goods are some of the most sought after antiques in the world.


Best known for its Centre House dwelling space, South Union was an active community from 1807 to 1922. At one time, the commune had 225 buildings and 6,000 acres of land. The 3 ½ story Centre House was built from handmade brick and hand-hewn limestone. It even had limestone gutters. There were separate living spaces for men and women. Two staircases leading to the same landing, but one was used by the women, one by the men. Betty Lou was surprised at how small the beds were and how barren the rooms.

Shaker Museum at South Union preserves the site, which features a large collection of Shaker furniture and fabrics.

South Union was a bit different from other Shaker communities in the United States because of its accommodations for the “people of the world,” including a 1869 tavern and inn built on a nearby railroad junction. The tavern was built as a business venture.
Among the 19th century dignitaries who visited were President James Monroe, President Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Sam Houston. Its architecture differs greatly from the stark simplicity of typical Shaker buildings. It features intricate brickwork, an ornate staircase and a columned facade. Visiting the site is a peaceful, calming experience.

“The tour was fascinating,” Betty Lou said. “I had no idea they lived that way.” (I think she was more then a little happy that we were not spending the weekend there though, no plush surroundings to enjoy!)


The Shaker Tavern is owned and operated by the Shaker Museum at South Union and is maintained as a bed and breakfast. It is located 1.25 miles west of the Shaker Museum at South Union on Highway 73 near Auburn, Ky. The Shaker Tavern offers six guest rooms that share a common area on the second floor landing. Accommodations include full breakfast and admission to the Shaker Museum.
We both agree that if you want a peaceful day trip this is a nice venture. Not to far from home but far enough to feel like you got lost in the past for a day.

Operating hours: The Shaker Museum at South Union is open for tours March 1-Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays (closed Thanksgiving). During Winter Hours (Dec. 1 Feb. 29), the museum is open for tours from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday, CST. The museum is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

For updated information, please call 800-811-8379, or 270-542-4167. http://www.shakermuseum.com/

How to get there from Middle Tennessee: Take Interstate 65 North to take exit 20 (Natcher Parkway). From Natcher Parkway, take exit 5 (US-68 / KY-80) and turn left (west) onto US-68 / KY-80. Continue west on US-68 about 10 miles to KY-1466 and turn left onto KY-1466 to the Shaker Museum.

An eating adventure in Kentucky

Speaking of crazy trips to Kentucky, we went cross country with this one so Betty Lou could experience the state’s most unusual restaurant ... Patti’s 1880’s Settlement at Grand Rivers, Ky.

Patti’s is actually a series of three restaurants housed in what was once a little motel in Grand Rivers, population 350. It was started by Patti and Bill Tullar in 1977 as a hamburger joint and ice cream parlor. Since then it’s grown like Topsy into a facility that serves more than 350,000 customers a year and tops the Favorite List of a number of publications. You may have seen about it on Tennessee Crossroads, which is one of our favorite shows by the way.

“OK, what’s the hurry?” Betty Lou asked. She’s not a big fan of my driving, which tends to be a bit “swooshy” on curvy roads. “I want to take you to this restaurant,” I explained, not adding that it was off 1-24 near Fort Campbell.

“Hmmmm, I am starving,” she answered. “It’s not another barbecue joint is it?”

“Well, they may serve barbecue on their huge menu. What I want you to see are the desserts. Bigger than my head,” I told her.

“That’s pretty big,” she said, “but not so appetizing. What do you mean?”

“The pies, the cakes ... they are 10 inches to a foot tall. Huge. And the servings are monstrous too,” I explained.

“I want to experience the pork chops again,” I explained. “I’ve never seen so much food in my life and it is very tasty. We are talking quality and quantity here.”

“Pork chops? I’m not in the mood for that,” Betty Lou said.

“No, you will be ordering the Kentucky Hot Brown,” I told her. “It’s huge with layers of turkey and cheese.”

“We could always split something? Is this the place your parents love?” she asked.

“Yes indeedy. They always stop on their way to the casino,” I said. They go for the shrimp pasta.

Once we arrived, Betty Lou had to agree Patti’s was quite an experience and not quite like any other restaurant we have visited.

Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is about two hours from Nashville and about three miles off I-24. It’s located in Grand Rivers, Ky., at the northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes. Take I-24 to Exit 31. Go south for three miles on 453. Then take the first left, go a quarter mile to the stop sign.

http://www.pattis-settlement.com/index.htm