It was quite cold last night in Cookeville, 27* and 33* by the time we ventured out. Another day without too may miles covered (127 miles), but we had a nice day. Clear, sunny, and cold all day.
We decided to stop at a rest stop that had tourist information. We thought about a “big bus” tour of Nashville but none of them sounded that interesting to us, except ones that already started in the morning. Instead we decided to tour Andrew Jackson’s home, The Hermitage. No a fan of Andrew Jackson, but I do like history so that’s what we decided to do. Cost was $16. each, which included a 20 minute video, well orchestrated audio tour, and personal tour of the home by people dressed in period clothing. There was also a nice gift shop, restrooms, etc. The grounds were lovely though most of the trees were bare. Of course the fields are not planted like they were during that period of time. He lead an interesting life and was clearly a determined man, but he did a lot of dishonorable things during his lifetime. I guess it didn’t pay off because the family lost everything after his death and the Civil War. They eventually had to sell off things and pay rent to live in their home. We reap what we sow, eh? I think it is good that this is preserved so people can see how they lived and also how it worked out for them and their off-spring. Historically, it was quite interesting and I’m glad we visited.
We drove just a little farther than that, we’re in Clarksville, TN at the Clarksville RV Park, catchy name don’t you think? There is a nice pool (covered) and the sun is down now. It is another drive through site and we’ll pull out in the morning. We have full hook ups but we will just use electricity as water hook ups have to be disconnected before 9pm. They expect it to be quite cold tonight.
I wish I had a Christmas Holly Berry tree like this one! Maybe you can’t tell but there are bright red berries all over it!
Close up of Berries
More about the Hermitage in Nashville, TN
Home of President Andrew Jackson
The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States. In 1856, the State of Tennessee purchased the property from the Jackson family, entrusting it to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association in 1889 to operate as one of America’s first historic site museums. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings, including restored slave cabins. Thanks to efforts of this nonprofit organization, the mansion is the most accurately preserved early presidential home in the country. The Hermitage is a national model for authenticity, conservation, and historic preservation. In recent years, new interpretive initiatives and educational programs such as archaeology and the history of slavery have enhanced the experience of some 180,000 annual visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren, from all 50 states and many foreign countries; in fact, we interpret the Hermitage mansion in five foreign languages. The property also receives 30,000 annual visits from the local community, including over 1,000 children who play Little League baseball at The Hermitage's Rotary Park. The Hermitage is a “Partner Place” with the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and a site along the National Park Service’s Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
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