The snow has melted, temperatures have risen and things are starting to turn green in Northeast Tennessee. This is the time of year that is just right for outside activities- the weather is just right and snakes and bugs haven’t made their full return. There are a lot of outside activities in the region, but one of the most charming is to travel the Appalachian Quilt Trial. Brought to the area by Clinch Powell Resource Conservation and development, the Appalachian Quilt Trail is a trip back in time that allows visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenic countryside Northeast Tennessee is so famous for.
With over 100 stops in six counties, the Appalachian Quilt Trail dots the region with beautiful pieces of patchwork art that have been derived from local quilt squares. Most of the squares are replicas of old family patterns and can gladly be accompanied with a story by a local if desired. It is a genuine back roads adventure among the green hills and blue mountains, from rolling farmlands to the meandering rivers and lakes.
While exploring the trail, it is a guarantee to encounter century old farms and barns where Tennessee pioneers worked hard to forge a new nation out of the wild land. Such as famous battlefields and the homesteads of Davy Crockett and Sam Houston.
The variety of stops showcases the rich history of the Appalachians. Centuries old mounds from the early Cherokee inhabitants are still found along the way.
One stop with a great century old story is the Davidson’s Farm and Country Store in Rogersville. This is a working farm and country store full of fresh seasonal goods and many outside activities. Davidson Farm is a fourth generation farm originally built in 1902 by the current owner’s great grandfather, M. S. Looney. The store at that time supplied all of Carter’s Valley with goods. It was also a stage stop as many people traveled the old dirt road, including many famous names such as J. F. Goodson, founder of JFG Coffee. Davidson’s Farm and Country Store’s quilt pattern is the Broken Wheel symbolizing the many wagons and stagecoaches that have traveled its road.
The Appalachian Quilt Trail is a way to experience the beauty and of Northeast Tennessee in a very unique way. Follow the colorful, hand painted squares to learn history and find hidden gems tucked all around the mountains.
Get more information, quilt trail map or download the app here.
