Tag: history

Adventures, Campgrounds, Camping Essentials, State Parks, Travel, Website

David Crockett State Park Camping and Reviews

Patricia Pickens

What to do in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

David Crockett State Park is a scenic Tennessee state park in Lawrenceburg known for camping, hiking, fishing, waterfalls, and its connection to legendary frontiersman David Crockett. The park sits along Shoal Creek and covers more than 1,300 acres.  Within the park, there are two campgrounds, 1 and 2. Sites on section 1 seems to be more level ground, with plenty of greenspace. Lots of kids taking advantage of what we called the ” racetrack”. The paths between sites were perfect for their scooters , roller skates and bikes. We drove through campground 2, where the sites in 2 are elevated, with concrete pads and higher sites, all with a fenced picnic table area. It did not seem to be complimentary to families with kids or older people. Appeared to be more need to climb around your site. Our section of campground was family and dog friendly, We love campground 1, we intend to come back soon. We were just yards off the creek with a great view of the slow moving water.

We cook at the campsite, it’s my favorite thing to do! I received the Blackstone 22″ griddle a few years back from my husband as a birthday gift.

It’s easy cleanup, I can cook almost anything on it. Keep it level, I had eggs run out the back. ” damn, damn, damn, ” We secured the eggs and promptly leveled with a flip flop! We bought a cover recently to keep it dust and grime free. Works great for the campsite as well as in the garage. We use the pumice stones to remove any stuck on grime. Check out our Amazon Store to get all of these items.

Marley on her cooling mat at Campsite 20 Campground 1
Blackstone 22” Griddle

Popular things to do there:

  • Hike trails like the Turkey Ridge/Shoal Creek Loop
  • See Crockett Falls and the covered bridge
  • Camp in RV or tent sites
  • Stay in waterfront cabins
  • Fish or rent paddle boats on Lindsey Lake
  • Visit the seasonal museum about David Crockett’s life

The park is especially popular for weekend camping trips and family getaways. Reddit hikers mention the creek areas, short scenic loops, and peaceful atmosphere as highlights.  

  • Checking out the shower and bath houses
  • The bath houses are very close to our site. There are 8 shower stalls, all with separate walk in doors and locks. A family would be able to use this easily. There do need to be extra hooks in actual shower area, to hang a toiletry bag for easy access.
  • The heat of water is adequate and pressure is decent for a campground. The ladies and mens room each have three stalls. They are all kept very neat and clean as well as supplied. There is a dump station before you exit the campground where we are, easy to access before leaving.
  • There are pet waste stations with bags and a disposal area. All the campers walking their pooch seemed to clean up, especially nice since there were so many kids playing throughout the campground. The waste cans do need to be emptied. It’s quite full in campground 1.

Marley and I walked part of the Shoal Creek Loop today. It’s slightly hilly , but, an easy path. There are many pretty plants including ferns. There was very little debris as if they kept the path maintained. We have to investigate the sounds we were hearing, they were either a lot of frogs or birds of some sort. I understand there’s an aviary here so that may be where it was coming from.

My favorite spot

Were investigating the rest of the campground, The aviary has a few birds that are caged, mainly due to injury, more likely not being able to be released into their natural habitat. For safety reasons, they are better to be kept at the aviary.

There several cabins to rent, I checked out the online photos and they look very nice. Since they are on the water, there are stairs to climb down to access the door to entry. Currently for the season I reviewed, prices are about $195.00 per night. Great for a family or people participating in events such as weddings.

Crockett Falls a great place to swim or relax
Marley enjoyed the cool creek

There is a fishing dock and boat access. The lake looks very clean and inviting.. There were several people taking advantage by fishing off the dock.

Entertainment Nearby

If you’re looking for entertainment and more things to do in the Lawrenceburg area this weekend and throughout the month of May, check out these lists below.

Here are some of the bigger things happening around Lawrenceburg this weekend:

Free Concert at Veterans Park

The Levitt AMP music series kicks off Saturday evening with a free outdoor concert at Veterans Park. Gates open around 4 p.m., and the city has been promoting it as one of the major community events of the month. This might of particular interest to music fans, it’s featuring country music artist Jimmie Allen. Known for his genre-blending sound and high energy performance, this is not to be missed.

Off-Road Weekend

Wheelin in the Country is running events this weekend for ATV and off-road enthusiasts. The tourism calendar lists activities Friday through Sunday.

Artisan Market

The Farm Artisan Market is scheduled for Saturday, featuring local crafts, produce, baked goods, and vendors from the Amish and Mennonite communities nearby.

Downtown Cruise-In

The Lawrence County Classic Car Club Cruise-in is also on the calendar this weekend with vintage cars and community gathering downtown. We love vintage cars, may have to attend this one!

Live Music & Nightlife

If you want evening entertainment, these spots usually have weekend crowds and live music or karaoke:

  • The Depot
  • Good Times Bar
  • Society American Nosherie

Where to Check Updated Schedules

The most reliable local calendars are:

A few events can shift because of weather, especially outdoor concerts and off-road activities.

Be sure to check out our Amazon store through the links. I have posted in our blog. As an Amazon associate, we may earn a commission on any purchases made through our links.



Adventures, Campgrounds, National Parks, Travel, Uncategorized

Crazy For You and a Lesson in History

Patricia Pickens

I don’t believe I told you about the campground site we reserved, it was three nights at this beautiful county park. Right on a stream, near the walking trail and had lots of beautiful rocks and friendly folks. There was a fish hatchery on site, a walking trail and nearby Spearfish Canyon. One of the first things that happens is the hammock gets set up for pleasure. A great gift from my husband on my 55th birthday, I remember that, because, it’s also the first year we had the camper.

What’s even better is the stand he got to with it. It has a convenient drink holder for the beverage of your choice, cell phone nook and table. Ahhh, it’s the perfect relaxation spot while camping.

We pale in comparison

Here we are, another day in South Dakota, this was another adventure in our circle through the western side of the state. I had never been to see Crazy Horse; in fact, I knew very little about it. I knew of the legend of this warrior chief from history lessons, when we actually taught history to children. I am linking the site History.com here to share with children who may be interested in learning, one of my favorite subjects. They even have a today in history daily knowledge bump here. Today, as I write, Elvis Presley made his debut on the Ed Sullivan show.

The Crazy Horse Memorial is not a National Park, instead, a privately funded memorial, made possible through a foundation and donations from patrons and visitors. It is a remarkable tribute to the Indian nations. Everyone should know the dedication of the man and the Ziolkowski family who began the process, the story of the family and collaboration of tribes and Chief Henry Standing Bear to carry through a promise made.

You need to plan on several hours at this memorial, the walking, the scheduled tram ride to see the process up close and yet another large scale nose. It is certainly humbling to see the sculpture, walk the museum full of artifacts and history, perhaps see a family member who oversees the project.

Considering we got to the Crazy Horse Memorial early in the day, we still had plenty of time to visit other places on our list. Remember, our campsite location was in close proximity to so much! We decided on Custer State Park, just southeast of Crazy Horse, The path took us on highway 385 to 16 A into the park.

Time to look for buffalo…..in this beautiful park, which meanders on all kids of roads, lots of sites to see along the path to buffalo. I was eager to get great photographs of buffalo in their native habitat, although , I learned that occasionally, the buffalo are moved to new areas. Here’s why. The buffalo roundup occurs once a year in order to keep the balance between healthy live stock and available forage. Good news, just days away on September 30, 2022 is the Livestream of the roundup. Join here to watch this roundup without being there, but, it will be like you are with cowboys and cowgirls as the plains rumble with thundering herds of buffalo. Here is the roundup from 2021, wow, what a sight and adventure. This could be or should be on a bucket list, am I right!

We were not fortunate enough to see this kind of a sight, but, on my list was to see them on the plains, with baby buffalo roaming about watching the day to day life of a buffalo. I got my wish, and, my husband was brilliant enough to locate a spot high above in the park, perfect for viewing and photos. He had recently purchased a tripod for me and I couldn’t wait to utilize it. I had purchased a nice digital camera about two years before that, I was always a 35mm film camera photog before, I had the right camera for this purpose. This tripod is affordable for everyone and I highly recommend having one. At this low price, how could you not!

Continue reading “Crazy For You and a Lesson in History” →
Adventures, Campgrounds, Travel

Our Favorite Camping Necessities

Patricia Pickens

Check out this Idea List on Amazon: Camping Travel Necessities by Patty Pickens https://a.co/hol7A12 Here is out link to favorites!

I wanted to share some of our favorite things we have used and currently have in the camper. This is not a comprehensive list but it is some thing that everyone could use if you don’t know where to start!

Travel

Antiquing in the South

Patricia Pickens

If you grow up in the south or even lived in the south you may know a little bit about antiques. Perhaps not an expert ,but , the type of knowledge you would have from visiting your grandmothers house or even great grandmothers and using certain things. Maybe it was a certain set of china that came out on special occasions, a specific set of salt and pepper shakers or more recently old Tupperware items that were always seen on the countertop.

I am fortunate enough to have some of my grandmothers things from both sides of the family. And yes, I do you use them.

David and I both have an affinity for antiques. He is definitely a collector of childhood items such as toys he used ,maybe his father owned or specific items related to movies that were familiar in the 60s and 70s. I, however, am a bibliophile. I love all old books. I am particularly interested in books from the 1930s to 1940s with a few favorite writers such a Steinbeck.

Several years ago, I discovered the antique trail. This is a listing of antique shops that are listed and the map locations around Alabama and Tennessee. It lists other locations as well, but, we live in Alabama and frequent Tennessee.

This trip was taken late July 2018 , so, I have a lot to catch up on if I’m going to post it all!

We took the path from Columbia Tennessee east toward Bell Buckle. Columbia has an awesome town square with plenty to see, including history of a president James Polk, his home is there and can be toured. We went east to Lewisburg, Shelbyville and Bell Buckle. The quaint little town of Bell Buckle has a very small shopping area ,but, extremely friendly folks. Not to mention an ice cream counter within an antique store . Bluebird antiques has numerous ice cream flavors from which to choose. There is a general store in the town that is incredible! Phillips General store has something for everyone from toys to books!!! The owner is so nice and his mom bakes at the town cafe. Small town charm flourishes here in the town of Bell Buckle. This small town also known for the RC and Moon Pie festival held in a June and has a wonderful holiday theme. If you visit , consider staying at of one several inns in town .Just outside of town is JRs antiques where the owner sits in his old barber chair and his dog alongside him. Old oil company signs, pedal cars and a beautiful 1929 Ford that still runs.

We continued on to Manchester and Winchester then to home. I don’t actually remember if we purchased anything , but ,we certainly had a great time checking out the small towns in these wonderful antique stores. If you’re interested in antiques the way we are ,you should really try the antique trail.

Adventures, Courthouses, Restaurants, Travel

Where to Begin

Patricia Pickens

Let me start by saying I am a frustrated writer. Not to say I am frustrated when I write, but, because I can not write as much or as often as I would like. I took creative writing in school, was on two newspapers ,enjoyed writing essays ( I know call me crazy ) and liked detailing about a novel in class and even trancsribing French to English. I have lost most of the use of French, but, I can sure tell when someone is using bad language! Ask still know how to order and ask where the bathroom is, I do not ever intend on traveling to France, so……..

All that being said, I still want to try chronicle our travels together , starting with our very fist trip. I will try to link as many places as possible. And when we travel , we stop a lot!! Hence, the name of the blog, we always say, a six hour trip once took us three days, no kidding!

Our very first trip was a short one, we decided to stay close. A friend of ours had told us of a great little restaurant, near where she lived as a child. Not too far, hotel close by…let’s try it!! We are forever in love with Soda Pop Junction in Lynnville Tennessee. The same dude is always there to cook the best burger ever! Well, in our opinion anyway! You must try their fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. We missed trying the fried pickles on our first anymore though. As you can see from the picture, the burgers are hearty. Take your appetite and take time to walk through the Lynnville Train Museum. If you are a lover of trains, as we both are, you will thoroughly enjoy it.

SODA POP JUNCTION

Near to Lynnville are some great southern towns, such as Pulaski , Lewisburg and Columbia. We chose to stay in Lewisburg and discovered a local hotel that is never really too busy. It is our location of choice if we want to just go get a burger!!! The Walking Horse Lodge mainly hosts people coming in to town for horse shows and the like. Very reasonable pricing and clean rooms, though it may be a little outdated.

We drove through Lewisburg that evening, this must be when he discovered my fascination with Courthouses. Whoops! I may have not told him that before. I am enamoured with all the older courthouses across the US! We were nearby in Pulaski County and their court house was incredible. David even talked one of the security guards into letting us take a look from over, into the main courtroom. I took a video so I can’t post it here. It is pretty awesome though!

Giles County TN courthouse

    We continued west on our journey, going through the western part of Tennessee. Stopping at many cemeteries. This passion, he was alredy told how nuch I love to trample through old cemeteries. Every time, he wouls ask if I wanted to stop. I counted ten when I started listing them in my phone. I try my best to track them and log them into my genealogy blog www.fanniesyouraunt.wordpress.com . Here I lost as many as I have been to that I remember to document as I travel. It is quite extensive, still being updated. David took this photo on our cemetery trek in Tennessee on Hwy 129 just outside of Lynnville, so we pass this huge tree often.

    A unique place we visited was an antique and unique store. We had stopped a few minutes before to photograph a beautiful country church. The pastor invited us in for a tour and gave a brief hostory of Choates Creek United Methodist Church, located in Lawrenceburg Tennessee. founded in 1854, Pastor Niles Worsham was so kind and gave us church swag, invited us back and mentioned this unique junk store down the road.

    So this Pickers Paradise is quite an attraction. The owner is nothing if not eccentric. David had a bit of fun with him as Pastor Worshams urging. Suggesting he say “how have you been” ? , as if they had known each other a long time. It worked and had the man going for a while. Then David gave in to him. The Powder Mill Trading Post is a must see when is central southern Tennessee. Check them out on Facebook.

    From Tennessee, we meandered south into Mississippi. Staying in Corinth, but, not much there. But, once we go to Canton, Mississippi, we learned so much. It is a charming and beautiful small town. We stopped in an antique store and spoke at length with the owner, Ms Doris. It has a mixed variety, something for everyone. Canton Square Antiques. She also told us of the Christmas theme the town has and invited is to come back to visit. The, we asked about the courthouse which looked really familiar. It was the scene of the courthouse in one of our favorite movies, ” A Time to Kill ” . A story about injustice in the black community, where Samuel L Jackson plays the father of a young girl who is raped by several white young men and his attorney Matthew McConaughey, who is struggling in the shadows of his predecessor , Donald Sutherland. Other stars include, Oliver Platt, Kenin Spacey , Ashley Judd and Sandra Bullock If you have not already seen this film, you really must.

    From Canton we made our way south through Jackson , Mississippi. I have a dear friend who was once the Superintendent in Jackson , back in the early sixties. A time of tumoil, integration and a poor education system. Dr Brandon Sparkman stood up to the racism with his wife and three young children. Often being a target of hate crimes for supporting the black community . He later wrote a book about his time there. The book is titled Called to Jackson, Mississippi: The Last Bastion of Segregation: A Historical Documentary . It is a great read. We stopped at the capitol building in Jackson, which is absolutely beautiful.

    We went through a few cemeteries there and headed toward home, back to Alabama. Our first trip together was a gret success. We learned we bth enjoy many of the same things. Trains, history, courthouses and antiques! We took the small car by the way!

    Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed!

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