This year, Jack Daniel's celebrates its 150th anniversary as an American whiskey maker whose iconic label has been the drink of choice for everyone from Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix to Nobel Prize winning novelist William Faulkner and silver-fox-sexy George Clooney.
The distillery tour remains the biggest tourist draw. But it would be a mistake to rush out of town without enjoying the charming historic downtown, restaurants serving Southern comfort food and more, plus landscapes so pretty and entertaining, the kids will stop bickering and look out the car windows serenely - at least for awhile.
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REFRAMING HISTORYInterestingly, Jack Daniel’s has highlighted a little-known aspect of its history for its landmark 150th anniversary. It has paid much-deserved respect to Nearis Green, the master distiller and slave who taught Jasper Daniel — known to us by his nickname “Jack” — how to make whiskey.Green was owned by Tennessee preacher and distiller Dan Call. Daniel was orphaned and homeless at the age of 15 and Call was prosperous enough to bring him into his home and raise him. That’s where Daniel met Nearis, who took Daniel on as an apprentice. Daniel founded his own distillery in 1866.The story of Green has been added to Jack Daniel’s corporate history and pops up in its social media. But as of the end of June 2016, he had not been added to the Jack Daniel’s website, any display at the distillery nor mentioned as part of the tour unless a visitor asked about him.
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STAY AWHILEIn addition to chain hotels such as Holiday Inn and Travel Inn, there are historic bed-and-breakfasts that serve a glimpse into Lynchburg’s past as well as hearty country breakfasts.Tolley House, at 253 Main St., is a mile away from the busy town square. With its huge shade trees and lush landscaping, it’s easy for visitors to feel as if they wandered into another era. It has a grand porch with high columns, a perfect place to relax. Call 931-759-7263 for inquiries.The Carriage House Inn, at 404 Cabell St., is a beautiful turn-of-the-century mansion in Lynchburg’s historic district. It is one of the first certified “green” lodgings in the city and is at the head of several hiking trails. The Carriage House has a well-shaded brick patio and wraparound front porch for socializing plus a gourmet breakfast and spa treatments. Call 434-846-1388 to learn more.Ledford Mill B&B, at 1195 Shipman Creek Road in nearby Wartrace, is snuggled amid the scenic splendor of the 1884 Gristmill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as Shipman’s Creek and the Tennessee Heritage Trail winding through the forest. The enormous log cabin is rustic enough to help you daydream about Daniel Boone’s adventures while the rooms have comfy beds, electricity and modern bathrooms that Boone probably never imagined.>Warning for the highly wired! There is no cellphone reception, no Wi-Fi and no TV. But there are landline phones and dozens of videos to watch. Yes, videos. Ledford Mill B&B can be reached at 931-455-2546.
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GOOD EATIN’Lynchburg Fix’ns offers budget priced comfort food and is close to the distillery. (177 Main St.; 931-632-5044.) And there are huge Deep South meals crowned by decadent fudge pies and coconut cakes at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, a historic landmark encircled by a white picket fence. (295 Main St.; 931-759-7394.)Non-drinkers who want a taste of Jack can head to Prince’s Parlor for ice cream and chocolate sauce flavored with JD. (22 Short St.; 931-759-7311.)Need to nourish your inner hipster? Then head to Southern Perks. (10 Short St.; 931-759-5552.)
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BEYOND JDAfter the distillery tour and paying your respects at Jack Daniel’s headstone in the Lynchburg City Cemetery on Church Street, maybe it’s time to do something that doesn’t involve whiskey.Tims Ford State Park includes a lovely lake and marina, and there are plenty of places in town to rent boating and fishing gear.The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at 570 Old Shelbyville Highway in nearby Tullahoma is kid-friendly with its collection of these jaunty, cool small planes that even those terrified of flying would love to own because they are so well-designed.
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DID YOU KNOW?Lynchburg is located in a dry county, meaning the only alcohol you can buy is at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. That doesn’t exactly mean you’ll have to wait to get home for a toast. The distillery offers tastings (for those 21 and older, of course).