The city is known for its small-town charm, in addition to its rich bluegrass history. (Contributed photo by city of Sparta)Tucked away amid rolling hills, Sparta's visitors will find a quiet, friendly town filled with history and bluegrass and surrounded by nature.
Home to a variety of local parks, two state parks, creeks, rivers, caves and waterfalls, Sparta is a quintessential country intersection that has become a home for the bluegrass movement. It sits on the left bank of Calfkiller River, in a plateau that positions you a stone's throw away from the Cumberland Mountains.
For those who'd prefer to appreciate the mountains from afar, there are plenty of antique shops, boutiques and other recreational opportunities perfect for any interested visitor.
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*FAST FACTSPopulation: 5,100Famous residents: Bluegrass musicians Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and Benny Martin; baseball player Earl WebbMusical history: Sparta is known as “Bluegrass, USA,” as it is the hometown of several musicians credited with creating the genre’s signature sound — so it is not hard to find some good old boot stompin’ bluegrass.
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FILL UPFamily-owned and home of the best breakfast sandwich in town, C & H Donuts is a can’t-miss. If you miss breakfast, there are always freshly made sweets to lure you in!Rated one of the best restaurants in Sparta, Miss Marenda’s Tea Room is as unique as Sparta. Not only does the antique tea room serve Southern classics like the cold-salad trio, 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.* C & H Donuts: 154 W. Bockman Way; 931-837-7777* Miss Marenda’s Tea Room: 5 E. Maple St.; 931-836-2542
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LIVE MUSICEvery third Friday from May-October, multiple bluegrass groups unite to perform free shows at Bluegrass on the Square and share the musical genre they love with others.>All shows are free, and take place at Liberty Square beginning at 7 p.m. (In the event of rain, the shows will be moved to the Sparta Civic Center.)Every October, Sparta celebrates Lester Flatt with an entire day of bluegrass via the Liberty Square Festival. 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 FALLSCenter 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.Also nearby are Fall Creek Falls and Burgess Falls state parks, home to some of the largest waterfalls in the state.
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A NIGHT AT THE DRIVE-INSparta is home to one of the few drive-in theaters left in Tennessee. Located at 220 Robert-Matthews Highway and open Friday-Saturday during summer months, the drive-in always features two films, snacks and tons of family-friendly fun.For more information, call 931-739-8001 to leave a message, or visit spartadrivein.com.