We’ve been hitting the festivities of the season pretty hard for the last few weeks. Our days have been busy with meeting up with family and friends, holiday parties at work and school, and trying to cram in all the festive frivolity we can. Even though we’ve been busy, I have loved this time and the people and experiences that have filled up the days. Getting to see family and friends is always special and so it is well worth the miles in the car to get to spend time with them. I’ve been focusing this year on not getting caught up in the busy to dos and just enjoy the season and these moments that are so special.
In these last few weeks we have really enjoyed some great experiences as we’ve been meeting up with people. I would choose doing something together over a bought gift anytime and so this month with those we love has been a real treasure. The holiday season has taken us throughout Tennessee and to some of the surrounding states. So to give you some added light and cheer- here is a festive collection of experiences and places to enjoy the season.
Barrel Tree Lighting at Jack Daniels Distillery {Tennessee}
Our first of the season’s enjoyments was at the annual Barrel Tree Lighting at the Jack Daniels Distillery. This has become one of our absolute favorite ways to kick of the season. A band of fiddles and banjos played while the crowds gathered around the stack of barrels waiting for the light to fade.
Jack Daniels is a Tennessee icon and thousands of people come to these hills to see where he began his own distillery. Jack Daniels not only survived prohibition but actually thrived in it. To this day though, the distillery remains in a dry county and the only way they can offer tastings of their whiskey is from a tricky little loophole in an agricultural bill.
When the day turned to night, everyone gathered around and we began the countdown to the lights coming on. Normally you would count down from 10, but at Jack Daniels you count down from 7 in honor of Jack’s famous Number 7 Whiskey. When we reached the end of the countdown, the garlands of lights surrounding the barrels turned on and it was a really beautiful display of Tennessee pride. Regular tree lightings just can’t compare with the lighting of the Barrel Tree.
Enchanted Garden of Light at Rock City Gardens {Georgia}
One of our favorite places to go is Rock City Gardens. These gardens offer a series of paths, bridges, and caverns through the rocks atop Lookout Mountain. Any visit to these gardens is incredible and we have enjoyed them in every season. But this time of year the paths take on a whole new level of amazement with lights.
We love the slot canyons where adults have to slide through sideways through the rock and long staircase that seems to take you down into the heart of the rocks. The paths were brightened with colorful lights that made the whole experience feel a little magical.
You can’t see the incredible view from the top of the gardens which stretch out towards 7 different states and you can’t see really see the giant waterfall when you come at night, but the views of the lights in the different spots of the garden are beautiful sights themselves. Young visitors can see Santa and Mrs. Claus and can decorate gingerbread cookies as well.
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood {Tennessee}
Our next holiday experience took us to the Smoky Mountains for a day at Dollywood. This area was home to the cultural icon and musical genius of Dolly Parton who left home at a young age and went on to become a star. But even in all her successes, she never forgot where she came from and set out to create a place where families and friends could come together for a fun day. At Christmas the park takes on the sights and smells of holidays of an older time.
In between getting your thrills on one of the many rides you can watch an assortment of craft workers such as a blacksmith, glass blower, and woodworker showcasing their skills. You can also see the small cabin that was Dolly’s mountain home where her and 11 other siblings were raised. It was decorated simply for Christmas and full of the love of their family in the small rooms.
When night came and the lights came on, we were amazed at how the whole park was transformed. Our favorite area was a walking path that felt like you were being rained down on with light and wonder. The lights would change color and music would fade in and out. We found a bench and just sat and watched the display.
The lights throughout the park were so beautiful. We talked to many people who come here every year just for the lights. The thrill of the rides was immediately replaced with a different kind of thrill at seeing the lights, listening to the carolers at the on site church, and eating their famous cinnamon bread right out of the oven. While not everyone may like amusement parks or Dolly Parton, there really is something special about this park at Christmas that everyone can enjoy.
Dancing Lights of Christmas at Wilson County Fairgrounds {Tennessee}
I have been teaching a class this semester on US Culture and Education and as a final activity with the students we went to the Wilson County Fairgrounds for their epic drive thru light display. We arrived soon after it was dark, but still found ourselves at the end of a long, long line of cars waiting their turn clearly showing the popularity of this favorite experience. This is one of the longest, most captivatingly creative drive thru display I have ever experienced where you drive along 3 miles worth of lights all perfectly timed to the music playing on their own station.
The music was upbeat and festive and it was really amazing to see the incredible timing to coordinate all the lights in such a huge space to all fit perfectly with each song. The best part though was throughout the park there were snowmen, trees, and stars with faces that would sing along to the music. Pictures can’t do justice to the incredible creative engineering that went into this light display. (photos from https://nashvillefunforfamilies.com/dancing-lights-christmas/ )
Patti’s 1880s Settlement at Land Between the Lakes {Kentucky}
Our last holiday venture took us to the bottom corner of Kentucky for a visit to Patti’s 1880s Settlement that sits just outside Land Between the Lakes recreation area on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Patti’s settlement is a small group of buildings created from the love of an older time. There are lovely shops to explore, a church that is a favorite place for couples to get married, a mini golf course, a sweet shop full of old time favorite sweets, and play areas for kids.
But at the center of it all is the restaurant which is an icon and a favorite of the area. The old wood building really has all the charm of a well to do meeting house from the late 1880s and each room is meticulously and beautifully decorated. This time of year the servers wear period appropriate dress of fabric covered in cardinals and holly. And the ornaments that cover the ceilings of the hallways are lovely. The building is beautiful, but what people come for is the delicious food and their famous flower pot bread with strawberry butter.
The last few weeks have been busy and fun with all the get togethers and festivities, but now I’m ready for a little quiet Christmas at home. No matter what you celebrate, or if you celebrate, or how you celebrate this time of year- I hope this season brings you love, peace, and joy. May this and every season be merry and bright. From me and mine to you and yours, Merry Christmas!
