Gertie's Commissary Antiques, Cumberland GapMoonshiners who traveled the White Lightning Trail from Tennessee to Kentucky passed through Claiborne County in the early days, and the county holds an annual festival focused on those moonshining days and its relationship to NASCAR.
The White Lightning Trail Festival celebrates that history but also showcases what the area has to offer today. Visitors these days will find plenty to do, see and eat. The county is home to one of the largest collections of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War-related artifacts in the country, and you can find plenty to do outside, as well.
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FILLING THE GAPLocated near Kentucky and Virginia, Cumberland Gap sits at the top of the county. Downtown Cumberland Gap is the place to go if you are into antiques shopping and restaurants.
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MIGHTY, MIGHTY PLEASIN’George Jones immortalized the home-brewed stuff in song and the annual White Lightning Trail Festival celebrates the history of moonshining in the area, as well as its role in the creation of NASCAR. The event, which is highly regarded by the Southeast Tourism Society, takes place the last weekend in June and showcases the history and culture of the area. There is a vintage and classic car show, a motorcycle run, arts and crafts, live country and bluegrass music and more than 100 vendors.
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YOU WON’T GO HUNGRYWherever you find yourself in Claiborne County, you’ll find some place good to eat.If you find yourself hungry in the northern part of the county, the town of Cumberland Gap has several choices.Angelo’s in the Gap is an Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza pies. It’s open evenings from 4-10 p.m.The Pineapple Tea Room serves breakfast and brunch, and the eatery specializes in sandwiches and subs. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.The Gap Creek Coffeehouse is a quaint shop situated in a 90-year-old cottage with a panoramic view of Pinnacle Overlook and specializes in coffee, sandwiches and salads. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.The southern end of the county won’t leave you hungry either.At the Corner Cafe, the owners are new but the sandwiches and home cooking are still the fare. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.* Angelo’s in the Gap: 527 Colwyn Ave.; 423-801-3314* The Pineapple Tea Room: 604 Colwyn Ave.; 423-869-4410* Gap Creek Coffeehouse: 710 Pinnacle Alley; 423-801-3100* Corner Cafe: 613 Main St.; 423-626-4606Source: Rebecca Epperson, Chamber of Commerce
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DIP YOUR TOE, OR A LINENorris Lake offers more than 800 miles of shoreline, with two state wildlife management areas, three state parks, boat docks, county parks and public access areas. Norris Lake extends 56 miles up the Powell River and 72 miles up the Clinch River. The lake has a surface area of more than 34,200 acres and a maximum width of 1.2 miles.* If you are into fishing, boating, water sports or if you’d like to rent a pontoon, boat, jet ski or waverunner, check here:Cedar Grove Campground & Marina: 423-278-3131Beach Island Marina: 865-992-3091Straight Creek Marina: 423-626-5826Lone Mountain Boat Dock: 423-626-9437Norris Landing Marina and Jimmy’s Place: 423-626-1818
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FAST FACTSPopulation: 31,560Land area: 434.58 square milesLargest employer: Lincoln Memorial University, though England Manufacturing, which makes furniture, and DeRoyal, which manufactures health care products, are also located in Claiborne County.Source: Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce
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TAKE A HIKEAt Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, you’ll find more than 20,000 acres with 50 miles of hiking trails. The gates are open from 8 a.m. to dusk year-round. Civil War cannons in their original bunkers, earthen trenches and forts used by both the Union and Confederate armies can be seen by visitors.Campfire programs, hikes, walks, music and craft demonstrations, tours of Hensley Settlement and the Gap Cave are scheduled daily from mid-June to Labor Day.For more information call 606-248-2817, ext. 1075.
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BICYCLE MUSEUMThe Little Congress Bicycle Museum is located in Cumberland Gap, where the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia come together. For more information call 423-869-9993.
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TRACKING FAST FUNTazewell Speedway is a 1/3-mile oval dirt track known for producing action-packed racing every time the gates open. The speedway hosts a five-division racing program featuring Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Modified Street, Pure Street and Four-Cylinder racing action. For more information call 423-626-2222.
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GIDDY-UPVisitors to Haymaker Farms Stables & Event Center can enjoy horseback riding, training, riding lessons, riding trails and nature’s beauty. Call 423-869-4115 to schedule.
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A LITTLE PICKIN’ AND GRINNIN’Nashville Connection Live musical entertainment is on tap every Friday and Saturday night in a family atmosphere. Andy Maiden and The Silver Clouds Band and some special guests perform a variety of music along with various other musical artists. Call 423-869-5481 for more.