If bluegrass, nature and history are within your realm of interest, Sparta must be on your list to visit.
As the county seat of White County, Sparta is the quintessential country intersection that has become a home for the bluegrass movement. It sits on the left bank of Calfkiller River, in a valley that positions you a stone's throw away from the Cumberland Mountains.
The town boasts friendly people, a quiet, safe community, great schools and even a wonderful climate. But the downtown area of antique shops, boutiques and beautiful parks and recreation make it a real winner for residents and visitors alike.
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A Cup of Tea> Miss Marenda’s Tea Room:Rated the No. 1 restaurant in Sparta, this antique tea room is as unique as Sparta is. Not only does the tea room serve Southern classics like the cold salad trio, but you can also actually buy the antiques around you. It’s cozy and cute — perfect for a family visit or a day out with the girls.
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Recreation HavenAlong with live music, nature and history, Sparta offers a public swimming pool, a small golf course, a library, a drive-in theater, three motels, a bed and breakfast and 25 restaurants. Sparta’s renovated drive-in movie theater, on Highway 135 north of the city, shows flicks during the warmer months of the year.
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Bluegrass, USA> Sparta is called Bluegrass, USA, because of its fame as a hometown of many international bluegrass stars.> Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs were bluegrass stars who hailed from Sparta and are celebrated each fall with the Liberty Square festival.
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Liberty Square Festival> Every October, Sparta celebrates Lester Flatt with an entire day of bluegrass music. Food, craft and other vendors accompany the show as well as a classic car show and a spectacular fireworks display. Visit spartatn.com/lesterflatt for more information.
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Falling for Falls> Fanchers, Upper Taylor and Mist Falls on Center Hill Lake: Center Hill Lake has amazing waterfalls, like the 80-foot Fanchers Falls, 30-foot Upper Taylor Creek Falls and 100-foot Mist Falls. Nature paths take you through the gorge to get a peek at these natural beauties. For directions, pick up a map of the Center Hill Lake area at the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce, or call the Chamber at 931-836-3552.> Wildcat Falls: Wildcat Falls drops 35 feet and can be seen from your car as you travel Highway 70E, 5 miles east of Sparta. Drive half a mile farther east and you can also view scenic Sunset Rock, with a 50-mile view of the Cumberland Plateau. Obviously, this place is best at sunset.