Moo, moo, moo-ve on over to Athens, Tenn., this summer and visit the famed Mayfield Dairy, where workers make ice cream, milk and dairy products that are shipped across the United States.
But don't stop with just an ice cream cone. Tucked about 60 miles north of Chattanooga, the small town of Athens has much more to offer, with activities ranging from hiking to concerts to markets.
And with the Living Heritage Museum, visitors can all but take a trip back in time to explore American history firsthand.
More Info
CUT A RUGEnjoy a free outdoor concert thanks to the Sounds of Summer concert series which kicks off in May and offers concerts every Saturday night from 7-10 p.m.Concerts happen at Market Park in downtown.For more information, call 423-744-2704.Tourist tip! It’s a good idea to bring a lawn chair because the pavilion has no seating. Also, feel free to stock up a cooler and tug it along.Source: Athens Parks and Recreation
More Info
MARKET-FRESHFarmers offer a wide variety of wares at the Athens Farmers Market every Tuesday and Thursday between June and October, from 3-6 p.m. at Market Park, located at 106 S. Jackson St.Stock up on fruits, vegetables, honey, crafts, eggs, homemade bread and more.* The market is also open on summer Saturdays, before the Sounds of Summer concert series. Look for vendors to open around 5 p.m.For more information, call 423-744-2707.Source: Athens Parks and Recreation
More Info
GOT MILK?Athens is perhaps best-known as the home of Mayfield Dairy.Visitors can take tours of the manufacturing plant every hour on the hour, starting from the plant’s visitors center, at 104 Mayfield Lane.Tours cost $4.50 per adult and $3.50 for kids ages 4-12. Kids age 3 and under are free. Tours last about 45 minutes and include a free scoop of ice cream.* The visitors center is open for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It’s open for ice cream only from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays — no tours are offered on Wednesdays. On Saturdays, tours run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but there is no ice cream production on Saturdays.For more information, call 423-649-2653.Source: Mayfield Dairy
More Info
BROUGHT TO LIFEThe Living Heritage Museum offers visitors a way to explore American history, with permanent exhibits on education, childhood, the Civil War, slavery and life in East Tennessee.The museum is located at 522 W. Madison Ave.Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and it closes at 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.* Most Saturdays feature a live event or presentation. The museum will feature hundreds of quilts from the early 1800s in October.For more information, call 423-745-0329 or visit livingheritagemuseum.com.Source: Living Heritage Museum