Lester Flatt is memorialized in his hometown of Sparta.A small city embedded in the hills, woods and amid the creeks of White County, Sparta has punched above its weight class for decades since first defining itself as a bluegrass titan.
Sparta straddles the Calfkiller River, 15 miles south of Cookeville, and has an overabundance of outdoor activities and getaway destinations, including two state parks as well as various caves and waterfalls.
Apart from the plethora of opportunities available for a day in the sun with family and friends, Sparta also offers quaint antique shops and a range of delicious food options that will keep you coming back for more.
GOOD EATS
* C&H Donuts: No matter your tastes, you can't go wrong with doughnuts, and you certainly can't go wrong at this local hot spot. The family owned eatery boasts some of the tastiest fritters, breakfast sandwiches and, of course, doughnuts in town. (154 Bockman Way; 931-837-7777)
* Yanni's Grille: For something more appropriate for a full meal, Yanni's offers a wide range of top-rated selections. Most every cuisine is represented on the menu, which offers fried mushrooms, prime rib steaks, specialty pizzas and even a Grecian shishkebab, all at prices that won't break the bank. (19 S. Spring St.; 931-836-3838)
LIVE MUSIC
* On Liberty Square, every third Friday night, multiple bluegrass groups from Sparta and the surrounding areas spill into downtown to share the kind of music for which the city is known.
The shows are free of charge and take place at the Sparta Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m., though in the event of rain the shows are moved to the Sparta Civic Center. (931-738-8604)
* Every October, Sparta celebrates native Lester Flatt with a day of music via the Liberty Square Festival. The event always includes food and craft vendors as well as a car show and fireworks display. The Grascals, Larry Stephenson Band and Flatt Lonesome make up just a handful of the acts to be enjoyed this year on Oct. 14. (spartatn.com/lesterflatt)
FAST FACTS
* Founded: 1809
* Population: 5,075
* Famous native sons: Lester Flatt, bluegrass musician; Benny Martin, inventor of the eight-string fiddle; Lefty Stewart, Major League Baseball pitcher
* Did you know? Sparta was almost the capital of Tennessee. It lost by a single vote in the Legislature to Nashville. Local legend says that vote was bought for a drink of whiskey.
HISTORIC SIGHTS
* Gen. George C. Dibrell's Home: Born in Sparta on April 12, 1822, Dibrell was married to Mary E. Leftwick, the daughter of a Sparta merchant. Their former home still stands, full of mementos from his time as a captain and commander of troops under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest in the Civil War, a U.S. congressman, president of the Southwestern Railroad and a prosperous merchant.
* Rock House: Just outside of Sparta to the east is the Rock House, a famous stagecoach stop and early American frontier home. It was built in 1835 as a rest stop along the wagon trail traveled between frontier settlements and several famous visitors stayed there, including Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk.
NATURAL AMENITIES
* Center Hill Lake boasts several waterfalls, including 80-foot Fanchers Falls, 30-foot Upper Taylor Creek Falls and 100-foot Mist Falls. Nature paths wind through the gorge, bringing visitors face-to-face with the natural wonders. For directions, pick up a map of the Center Hill Lake area at the Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce, or telephone 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.