There was a time when traveling through Claiborne County was best done in a hurry. That is, if you were hauling “‘shine.” Moonshine was big business in the county during Prohibition, and those days are remembered each year during a special celebration. But these days, folks there hope you will slow down, and maybe even stop, to take in some of the outdoor beauty, history and local sites.
The county holds an annual festival focused on the moonshining days and its relationship to NASCAR, but the event also showcases what the area has to offer today. Home to one of the largest collections of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War-related artifacts in the country, Claiborne also has plenty of hiking, biking and water-related activities.
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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 antique shopping and restaurants, according to Carl Nichols, director of tourism for the Chamber of Commerce.
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WHITE LIGHTNINGThe 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, 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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*DINING CHOICES ABOUND*Claiborne offers dining choices from top to bottom.*If you find yourself hungry in the northern part of the county, the town of Cumberland Gap has several choices, according to Nichols.Angelo’s in the Gap, 527 Colwyn Ave. (423-801-3314), is an Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizza pies. It’s open evenings from 4-10 p.m.The Pineapple Tea Room, 604 Colwyn Ave. (423-869-4410), serves breakfast and brunch, and the eatery specializes in sandwiches and subs. Open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.The Gap Creek Coffeehouse is located at 710 Pinnacle Alley (423-801-3100). This quaint shop is situated in a 90-year-old cottage with a panoramic view of Pinnacle Overlook. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.*The southern end of the county won’t leave you hungry either.At the Corner Cafe, 613 Main St. (423-626-4606), the owners are new, but the sandwiches and home cooking are still the fare at Carla’s. Open 7 a.m. tp 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.*Source: Carl Nichols, Chamber of Commerce
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WATER YOU WAITING FOR?Norris 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, 423-278-3131> Beach Island Marina, 865-992-3091> Straight Creek Marina, 423-626-5826> Lone Mountain Boat Dock, 423-626-9437> Norris Landing Marina and Jimmy’s Place, 423-626-1818
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FAST FACTS> Population: 31,560> Land area: 434.58 square miles> Largest 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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GO FOR A WALKCumberland Gap National Historical ParkThe park contains more than 20,000 acres with 50 miles of hiking trails. The gates are open from 8 a.m. to dusk year round. You can see Civil War cannons in their original bunkers, earthen trenches and forts used by both the Union and Confederate armies. 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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FAST AND DIRTYThe Tazewell Speedway is a 1/3-mile oval dirt track known for producing action-packed racing every time the gates open. Tazewell Speedway hosts a five-division racing program, featuring Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Modified Street, Pure Street and Four-Cylinder racing action. The speedway is located at 1400 Bacchus Road. For more information call 423-626-2222.