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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Bell Witch Bluegrass Festival
Springfield
Located between Nashville and Louisville, and just 10 miles from Springfield, Adams was once a thriving town. During the 1800s the Bell family moved to Adams and was rumored to have a spirit, maybe a witch, on their farm. Now, every August, "top bluegrass musicians from all over the region converge on Adams to 'pick and grin' at the Bell Witch Bluegrass Festival." Held in the Bell School Building, this festival is "the second oldest bluegrass competition in Tennessee." Read more.
Dyer's on Beale
Memphis
901.527.3937
The burgers are "deep-fried and delicious!" Yes, deep-fried. Dyer's has been around since 1912, and "the grease is rumored to be nearly 100 years old (of course they strain it each night and add new oil)." In fact, when Dyer's moved to their latest location on Beale Street, the owners hired a police escort for the five-mile drive to protect their vat of grease." It's "a most unusual hamburger," and one that our editors find befitting of a city that's home to Graceland. Read more.
Gerst Haus
Nashville
615.244.8886
From the expected sausage sampler and Bavarian kraut balls to the more fusion Bavarian pizza and Buffalo wings, "the food is great!" Gerst Haus "has that beer hall vibe" with 26 draft brews, including their own Gerst Amber. Belly up to one of "the amazing, frosty Frozen Fish Bowls," since they're known for having the coldest beer in Nashville. The fried pickles are "amazing," and locals claim the Haus "actually feels like Germany," even though you're in Nashville. On Friday and Saturday, a live Oompah band really sets the tone.
Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival
Smithville
615.597.8500
The first Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree was held in 1971 on a stage built on the steps of the DeKalb County Courthouse. Nearly 35 years later, it's still going strong. This is "a great place to hear bluegrass music and old-fashioned fiddling for free." The annual event held "on the weekend closest to the Fourth of July" is a "fun festival environment on the courthouse square with old-time craft exhibits and food." This is "the real thing," in an "authentic setting where bluegrass music is part of the local culture." Read more.
The Station Inn
Nashville
615.255.3307
Come Sunday nights, local musicians stroll in one at a time "through the front door just like everyone else" to play bluegrass with anyone who might show up and jam. It might start with just two or three musicians, but by the end of the night "the number will have multiplied" to include instruments from fiddles and banjos to guitars and mandolins. The "mismatched chairs" and "grandpa's basement" feel create a sense of "authentic charm," as do all the posters on the walls. Those who come to listen can enjoy drinks and food at "cheap prices" and have "ample room to sit and enjoy." Read more.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
