Tullahoma, Tennessee

A small town with a lot to offer

The Ganoe-Bussell cabin, believed to be the oldest structure in Tullahoma, was rebuilt on the lawn of the South Watson Civic Center, near its original location.
The Ganoe-Bussell cabin, believed to be the oldest structure in Tullahoma, was rebuilt on the lawn of the South Watson Civic Center, near its original location.

"Tullahoma - Tennessee's rising star" and "Tullahoma - the total package" are two ways you'll often hear the city described.

The largest city in Coffee County, Tullahoma features enough historical, natural and scientific attractions to occupy any weekend visitor while maintaining the small-town charm it's known for.

Stop by a museum, take a hike or just admire the 1950s architecture in the downtown district during a stroll, and duck into a restaurant for lunch. Tullahoma is a blend of new, eclectic businesses as well as storied, established ones.

"Great cities are intentional, not accidental," as Mayor Lane Curlee likes to say.

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Totally Tullahoma> Beechcraft Heritage Museum: The Beechcraft Heritage Museum is an homage to air travel. The main attraction is a selection from the museum’s aircraft collection but visitors can also see vintage advertising, aircraft parts, posters, models and other memorabilia.> Ole Shed Brewing Co.: This local brewery was founded in 2011. The dream began with home-brewing 5-gallon batches and has now expanded to 15 barrel fermenters in a new brewhouse. The taproom is open Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.> George Dickel Distillery: See firsthand the work that goes into making this Tennesse whiskey (and a Tullahoma original) a success. The fresh Cascade Springs water used in today’s distillery is the same water George A. Dickel used to make his first bottle of whiskey. And Alissa Henley, Dickel’s current master distiller, was one of the first women to hold that title. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Although tours are free, special extended tours that include a complimentary tasting cost $10 per person.Merchants at Coker’s: Housed in an original Coca-Cola bottling plant, Merchants at Coker’s features 35 businesses ranging from specialty boutiques to galleries. When you’re worn out from shopping, kick up your feet and enjoy a cup of creamy, homemade gelato at Southern Sundae. Merchants at Coker’s has been a featured destination in “Southern Living” and “Tennessee Crossroads” magazines.

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Grab a bite> Emil’s: Located in a historic Victorian home, Emil’s is high dining in a small town. The restaurant specializes in French cuisine with some traditional Southern accents and is widely regarded as a local favorite. From steaks to seafood you can’t go wrong, but be sure to try the buttermilk fried green tomatoes.> Fast Jack’s: This restaurant is known for its steaks and seafood but also serves up fresh burgers, sandwiches and pasta. With a full bar and often live music, Fast Jack’s makes for a great nighttime outing too. And don’t leave without checking out the market featuring local vendors – bring home an apron or some homemade jams to top off your visit.> Daddy Billy’s Bar and Grill: Daddy Billy’s is one of Tullahoma’s oldest eating establishments and there’s a reason locals keep coming back to it. Daddy Billy’s is known for its laid-back Americana atmosphere and out-of-this-world burgers. Every Wednesday is “Jam Night” when patrons sit back and enjoy a side of local music with their dinners and brews.

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*Get outsideShort Springs Park: This beautiful 420-acre area features hiking trails, waterfalls and rare Tennessee wild flowers. Short Springs, located on Short Springs Road, is open year round and lovely to experience during every season.Tullahoma Campaign driving tour: Take a scenic ride along the route of the Civil War campaign that, after a series of Confederate retreats, opened up Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga to the Union Forces. A detailed brochure highlighting battle spaces, historic buildings and cemeteries is available free of charge via the Tennessee Backroads Heritage Association. Call 800-799-6131 for more information.Splash Island: Cool down and have fun at Splash Island, one of Tullahoma’s newest attractions. Kids and adults alike will have fun hopping between pools, water slides and fountain installations. Splash Island has morning sessions (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and afternoon sessions (4-9 p.m.) Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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A little history> In the heydey of trains, Tullahoma was an important stop on the railroad between Nashville and Chattanooga.> More than 400 Confederate soldiers are buried in Maplewood Cemetery.> Tullahoma was the site of the longest undisturbed Confederate army encampment (January 1863 through June of that year).

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At a glanceTullahoma was chartered in 1852.Population of 18,837 as of 2013.Home to the University of Tennessee’s Tennessee Space Institute, a unique applied science facility that graduates more astronauts then anywhere in the country.The annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival takes place in neighboring Manchester, Tenn., but Tullahoma serves as a base location and flight destination for many famous artists performing there.Tullahoma’s Arnold Air Force Base houses the country’s largest concentration of aerospace testing and wind tunnels.

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