(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 1] This program was made possible by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you, thank you.

(bright upbeat music) Wish You Were Here, produced under an agreement with the Upper Cumberland Development District and made possible in part through support from the United States Department of Agriculture (uplifting upbeat music) In the heart of Tennessee.

There's a little slice of heaven, you've just gotta see.

(uplifting music) Oh man, wish you were here.

- Welcome to Wish You Were Here.

Adventures in Tennessee's Upper Cumberland.

I'm Katelyn Steakley, your guide on this incredible journey.

We will delve into the captivating, natural wonders and unique culture of this breathtaking region.

Together we'll uncover hidden gems, marvel and awe-inspiring landscapes and partake in extraordinary encounters that define the upper Cumberland's unparalleled charm.

Join us as we embark on unforgettable adventures and meet with our field correspondence to uncover the best kept secrets of this stunning region.

Our expedition begins here in Moss, Tennessee where we have found the ultimate sanctuary in nature.

The magnificent cabins at Getaway.

(bright upbeat music) I'm here today at the incredible Getaway at Del Hollow in Moss, Tennessee.

I'm joined today by manager Brandon Hardy.

Brandon, thank you so much for having us.

Tell me a little bit about Getaway and the Getaway brand and how you guys ended up choosing your location here in Moss.

- For sure, so Getaway is all about free time being a right and a ritual for everyone across the United States.

The location here in Moss Tennessee specifically targets Nashville, but really has all kinds of other cities like Cookville and Chattanooga that they're also going after.

So the location here in Moss was really what can we do to come in and edit the land as little as possible?

Getaway is extremely environmentally conscious so choosing this spot being an old logging camp was a natural decision for Getaway - Right behind us here is one of your cabins, can you tell us a little bit about the experience that guests can have on site when they show up to stay at Getaway?

- Of course, our cabins have everything you need and nothing you don't.

So the cabins themselves don't have WiFi or television.

And the goal is to give you an opportunity to breathe from normal everyday life and technology, and to just have an experience out in nature, but a comfortable one.

So we still have a bed, we still have a bathroom with running water.

All of the things you need for cooking including a two burner stove, pots, pans, dishes, et cetera.

- The cabins here are surrounded by nature.

How many cabins do you have on site and what are the different type of cabins that you offer?

- So here at the Dale Hollow Outpost, we have 40 cabins, 10 of which are double cabins, and they will accommodate a family of four or something like that with the bunk bed style.

And then we have 30 single bed cabins that are better for you know, an individual or a couple to come out and disconnect in nature.

We also have two accessible cabins, which are great for anyone who needs any kind of special assistance with roll and showers and things like that.

- Are there other activities here in Moss in the surrounding area that you guys recommend to the guests that stay here?

- Definitely, so Dale Hollow Lake is our number one recommendation here.

Pleasant Grove Park is a really big one where guests can go and swim, and then of course going and seeing the shops down in Salina.

So seeing the old antique shops and all of those kinds of things.

- When guests do stay here, you guys have something called the Getaway Journal, and that's where guests can share their experiences and their stories about their time here.

I would love to know if you read a particularly inspiring story that you wanna share with us.

- For me, the inspiring stories are always the opportunity for people to escape their day to day.

You know, in hospitality we create empty spaces, where people can come and grow.

And one particular story comes to mind that happened here at Dale Hollow where guests were struggling with their marriage, they're having a really hard time and the opportunity for them to come together and work on that in this empty space saved it, and it made it so much better.

And they posted it all over social media and they made it very well known.

That story is actually in our journal, but that picture of them sitting at the picnic table and just discussing, you know, what they need to do to save their marriage, was really impactful.

And stories like that happen all the time from people celebrating their firstborn child, to people who are celebrating their first honeymoon.

We've had several engagements here on property, so it's just a very romantic and beautiful opportunity to create that empty space.

- We really appreciate you having us today, Brandon.

It was great meeting you, and I'm really excited to explore the property and see the inside of the cabins.

- Of course, looking forward to it.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 2] Indulge in the embrace of nature's wonders as you relax in the comfort of modern amenities.

These charming cabins offer a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Don't hesitate any longer, embrace the serenity that awaits you at Getaway.

(bright upbeat music) - Indulge in an unforgettable day of exploration on the Majestic Center Hill Lake where every moment is etched into your memory.

With over 18,000 acres of pristine rolling water and a staggering 415 miles of shoreline, prepare to be captivated by the endless array of thrilling activities.

Whether you're seeking a delectable dining experience or yearning to embark on a water crafted venture to uncover the wonders of the lake, Hurricane Marina is your ultimate destination.

Join Field Correspondent Shan Stout on her all inspiring journey to Silver Point, Tennessee as she explores all the marvels this lakeside paradise has to offer.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 3] Dive into adventure at Hurricane Marina on Center Hill Lake where unforgettable experiences and natural beauty awaits you.

- Oh my goodness, look at where we are.

I am here on beautiful Center Hill Lake at Hurricane Marina and I'm here with Harrison Carmichael, general manager.

Hi Harrison.

- Hi, and welcome to Hurricane Marina.

- So this is my happy place already.

You're gonna love it.

You have to visit.

People can come for a weekend, you can stay for a couple days.

You can stay for a whole week or longer.

Tell us a little bit about what is available lodging around here, how do people staycation, vacation?

- We're really close to Cookville as well as Smithville.

So there's places to stay and then there's, you know the Airbnbs and Vrbos that have some great views of the lake are really close as well.

- And camping at Edgar Evans State Park, things like that?

- That's right, yes.

And floating mill.

- Now word on the street is, is that you guys are a trophy lake fishing destination and that anglers from across the world come here to fish.

- That's right.

We've got a really good fishery here at Center Hill.

There's all sorts of different fish you can catch large mouth, small mouth perch, even walleye.

And so it's a great place to come fish.

There's even a kayak fishing tournament which has anglers from 16 different countries.

- Apart from angling, because I love to fish with my family.

But there are other water sports that we have here at Center Hill Lake.

So what can we expect to see when you come to visit?

- There are, yeah, there's a lot of jet skis, lots of ski boats, surf boats, wake surfing, skiing, wakeboarding, wake foiling.

You see a little bit of it all around here.

- And I know there's a lot of pontoon boats out here, sunset boats, tours, those sort of things.

It's a lot of fun.

- That's right, lots of pontoon boats and then a lot of houseboats.

A lot of people come out here and stay the weekends or stay the week.

- Now say like me, you don't own your own boat, but you wanna come and experience Hurricane Marina and maybe you're from outta state you don't wanna drag your own boat here.

You have boating opportunities.

- That's right.

We've got rental boats that can house anywhere from one person all the way up to 25 people.

So we've got pontoon boats of various sizes and capacities.

We've got pontoons with slides we've got pontoons that can pull tubes.

You name it, we can provide it.

- I love it.

Now after a long day on the lake, there's something about being on the water, you're starving.

So you always need a good place to eat.

And you've got our back.

- That's right, we've got right here, the Blue Water Grill.

They've got some nicer dinner food if you wanna sit down and have a nice supper or they've got some lunch, kind of grab and go.

They have a really good club sandwich.

- A really good club.

I was gonna recommend the club sandwich so obviously we're on the same page here.

- That's right, yep.

- Now Harrison, with so much to do on the water you guys also have annual events that happen here.

- That's right, in addition to our weekly bands and entertainment that happens every Saturday, most Fridays, and then every holiday, here at Hurricane we have our Annual Haunted Harbor which usually takes place the weekend before Halloween.

And then the lake also has Wake Fest and a Poker Run that takes place in August.

So Wake Fest is in July.

- You think you could let us take a tour out on the water get the real experience for ourselves?

- Let's do it.

Let's go out there.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 3] Discover the ship store's stylish clothing, unique gifts, and souvenirs.

Explore 415 miles of shoreline where boaters of all levels can embark on thrilling journeys and peaceful explorations, and create lasting memories against the stunning backdrop of Center Hill Lake.

(bright upbeat music) - As soon as you step into this hollowed brewery you are enveloped by an ambiance that evokes warmth and the irresistible allure of exploration.

With every sip they beckon you to embark on a mesmerizing expedition, immersing yourself in a symphony of flavors that mirror their dedication to quality and innovation.

Let's join field correspondent Matt Beal for a pint at Happy Trails Brewing Company in Downtown Sparta where the passion for craft beer and a love for the great outdoors converge in perfect harmony.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 4] After a day adventure on the trail find solace in the comforting embrace of Happy Trails Brewery and taproom where you can unwind with a refreshing pint of meticulously crafted beer.

- Today we are here nestled in the rolling hills of White County in beautiful, picturesque Downtown Sparta, Tennessee at the Happy Trails Brewing Company.

We're here with owner Jessica Upchurch of Happy Trails Brewing Company, where we have many exciting things to show you today.

Jessica, thanks so much for having us in today.

- We're so glad you're here, welcome.

- Let's start with you.

Before you were a brewer you had a whole another life doing something else.

- I did, absolutely.

I was a pre-K and special Ed teacher for 10 years actually.

- And how does that lead you to owning a brewery?

Take us on that journey.

- So when we very first started being interested in craft beer, we started brewing in our garage.

We just did home brewing and we probably did that for around five years or so.

And I really began to love the whole process.

So I found a program through Auburn, and I did a master's in Brewing Science and Operations.

- And folks should know that while beer is certainly the main reason we're here, there are other things to eat and drink as well.

- Yes, absolutely.

We do beer, cider, seltzer and sodas.

And then we also have a restaurant Trailhead Grub that's located inside.

And he has food, a menu that rotates weekly like ours does.

And he also has smoothies and a coffee bar.

- There are so many really unique and awesome things here including this bar and what's hanging over it.

Explain to me what I'm looking at.

- Actually, Dry Levee Salvage outta Cookeville came in and he said, "I have an idea if you'll let me run with it," and we're, "Sure go for it."

So they actually found some wood on a property here in Sparta, cut the pieces of our bar top here in the parking lot and hand laid every piece.

And they actually did our lighting for us.

Our canoe came from Fall Creek Falls and our chestnut beam from a state park in Georgia.

(bright upbeat music) - Now we've arrived at one of my favorite parts of our visit where I actually get to taste the fruits or in this case, hops, barley and wheat of your labor.

And explain to me what we have here today, and what I'm gonna get to enjoy.

- So I have three for you to try today.

So I have one of our favorites, it's one of our core beers.

It's our Montgomery Belgian.

It's our Belgian Pale.

I have our new release, it's our new core beer, it's our hazy IPA, Amarillo By Morning, and then our third is our limited release for this week.

It's our blood orange and pineapple sour.

- Well, I'm very excited to try these.

So let me start here.

That's an easy drinker.

- Yes.

- And a lot of flavor and finish there.

Let's move on down the line to tell me again.

- So this one is our Amarillo By Morning, it's a hazy IPA and it uses Amarillo Hops hence the name Amarillo By Morning.

- Yum, that's very flavorful.

Now I'm one of those people who says, I don't like an IPA, but people should really give it a try.

- Well, and it's not super bitter, it's more on the hazy side.

So you're gonna get a little bit of the hot flavor and a little bitterness but it's not gonna be overly IPA like.

- [Matt] Delicious, and then on down the line?

- This one is blood orange and pineapple.

So the pineapple gives it a little bit of sweetness and you definitely get that blood orange flavor.

- Oh yum, and that's a nice place to go after the IPA actually.

- Yes, yes.

- So I see why we're doing- - That's the transition.

- Absolutely, and regulars have something that they can participate in, yeah?

- Yes, absolutely.

So we have our Mug Club membership and we have numbered mugs and it's $75.

You get your lifelong membership.

We don't do renewals or anything like that.

You get a dollar off hour beers and it's actually a larger pour.

- Plus it gets me in the club.

- That's true.

- Thanks for having me in the club today.

- You're so welcome.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 4] Whether you bring your loved ones to savor a delightful meal at the Trailhead Grub restaurant or engage in a friendly game of corn hole in the vibrant rear garden, Happy Trails invites you to experience a nature inspired retreat and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

(bright upbeat music) - Are you looking for the ultimate Getaway to exhilarating adventures on the water?

Look no further, step into a world where the rhythmic flow of the river becomes your guide, and the serenity of nature becomes your playground.

Whether you're seeking an adrenaline pumped rapids or a tranquil float, Smooth Rapids promises an unforgettable adventure tailored to your desires.

Recently Field correspondent Rafferty Cleary traveled to the banks of the Barron Fork River in downtown McMinnville to discover all the wonder Smooth Rapids has to offer.

(playful music) - [Narrator 3] Welcome to Smooth Rapids, where they offer an unforgettable blend of adventure serenity and mouthwatering delights.

Glide along the Barren Fork river where both beginners and experience kayakers can revel in perfect conditions and breathtaking scenery.

- I'm in McMinnville, Tennessee at Smooth Rapids owner Jimmy Barker hanging out with us today.

Jimmy, thanks for letting us spend some time with you.

- Thanks for coming down.

- So tell us about how Smooth Rapids got started and how you became owner and general manager.

- Well, there was a time where we just thought McMinnville needed something more outdoorsy to do 'cause there wasn't really anything here.

And me and my brother talked about doing a canoe rental business decided that kayaking was the new thing to do.

So we got together with some of our friends bought 20 kayaks.

Well it started from our garage and our parents back porch to what we have here today with our restaurant and campground and everything that we do here.

- Yeah and that's the thing it's kind of a one stop shop if you will.

You've got your entertainment, you've got your food, and of course the adventure aspect of all of this.

Is that what makes Smooth Rapids so unique?

- I think so.

I think it has sort of become a Middle Tennessee destination.

- All right, Jimmy.

So the Barren Fork behind us, what makes it such a great place to hit the water whether tubing or kayaking?

- It's a very smooth flowing river.

It doesn't get too exciting while you're on it.

It's good for families, families with smaller children.

We have tandem kayaks that we can put a father or a mother in the back of the child in the front not have to give them a paddle and the parent can maneuver the river very easily.

It's just a nice float.

There's several places to get out and enjoy the water to get out and swim or have a picnic or, you know, whatever you wanna do to to enjoy your day out on the water.

- I understand you all have different float levels.

- [Jimmy] We do.

- Do you care to talk about that?

- We have one that we call the short float and that starts above us at Pepper Branch Park.

That's about a mile and a half upstream from here.

We take you via shuttle to that and lets you float back down to here.

That's usually, typically takes about an hour and a half.

Or you can start here and float down to what is now Wild Bills Barbecue used to be the old VFW.

It's about a six and a half mile float from here to there.

That takes about four and a half to five hours.

Or you can combine the two floats to make what we call the long float to take about six six and a half hours to do.

- Another aspect of Smooth Rapids is camping RVing.

What do you offer?

- We have a campground with full hookups for the RVs.

We have one 10, We have tent spots that half of them about, I think eight of them have the full hookups.

The other ones are more primitive and do not.

And we also just opened a bathhouse that we started from the beginning of this season which has already drawn a lot more people to the campground because they can clean up after their day on the water.

- What about the entertainment side of Smooth Rapids?

And then tell us a little bit about the restaurant which you offer - The entertainment wise, we try to have some type of music here at least once every couple of weeks if not every week during the summer months.

As far as the restaurant's concerned, we do burgers and Philly cheese steaks.

We do black and shrimp tacos which is a pretty much a house favorite.

And we also do what we call the river monster.

Once you get off the water and have something like that you're ready to go back to your tent or RV and have a nap for sure.

- Well there you have it folks.

Adventure awaits at Smooth Rapids.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 3] Unwind amidst nature's embrace creating cherished memories for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Discover a haven of relaxation at Smooth Rapids campground.

Nestled by the riverside.

Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature, recharging for another day of thrilling adventures in McMinnville natural paradise.

(bright upbeat music) - Nestled in charming downtown Lafayette, Tennessee lies a coffee house, beckoning visitors with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

And the warm embrace of a welcoming community, with a passion for exceptional coffee and a commitment to uplifting the spirits of all who enter.

SheBrews coffee has become a cherish gathering place.

Let's join field correspondent Shan Stout on a journey through the inviting world of SheBrews where every cup tells a story and every visitor becomes part of the family.

(bright upbeat music) - A subtle nod to Hebrews chapter 11 verse one, symbolizing their commitment to faith and fueled by their unwavering belief.

The owners of ShewBrews abandoned their conventional careers to pursue their dream of opening a coffee shop.

- I am here in downtown Lafayette, Tennessee at SheBrews Coffee Company, and I'm with owners Derek and Courtney Gann.

Hi guys.

- Hey - Welcome in.

Welcome to SheBrews.

- Welcome to SheBrews.

- Oh, we're so happy to be here.

It smells wonderful.

It looks amazing.

You have a mission here.

And that mission includes wanting this to be a gathering place for friends and family and community members to come together.

- Yes.

- Tell us how that got started.

- So in our town, we have lots of great restaurants but meeting a friend from out of town and just wanting to sit and have you know, just a long conversation there's really no place to do that.

So we thought if we could provide that space where you could come in grab a cup of coffee and stay as long as you want to and not feeling like you have to get up to give your table to someone else.

- Now, speaking from the business side of things, was it important to you to include Tennessee vendors and Tennessee businesses in your products?

- Yeah, for sure.

We have a lot of locally made items like all of our apparels made local here in Lafayette.

Our coffee, you know, the main ingredient here, we started getting a wholesale coffee bean from a place in Gallatin, Tennessee.

We are very thankful for them.

They got us where we're at, but here in the last few months we've kind of ventured into our own part of that business and now we roast our own coffee.

So it's made here locally, but everything that we do we try to keep it local.

- I love that.

I wanna know your favorite signature drink and maybe what the best sellers are to the community.

- My favorite is a little weird.

I'm a fan of a mocha, just a mocha latte with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.

- [Shan] Oh wow.

- It adds - Yeah.

- a little spice to it and then plus when the, you know, if our baristas wanna, you know, kind of pull one on me they put a little extra pepper in there to kind of, - Yes.

- I know when they do it.

So yeah, that's my favorite.

- So I'm a little moody 'cause you know we women are so, I really enjoy just a plain Americano with cream.

If I want something just kind of simple, but if I want something a little more sweet I like a blackberry and honey iced saute.

It's really good with oatmeal.

- [Shan] Now I hear that congratulations are in order.

- [Courtney] Yes, ma'am.

- [Shan] There is a new member of the Gann family.

- Yes ma'am.

- This is Bristol, Bristol Phoenix Skan.

He is two months old.

- Future Barista at SheBrews.

- Yes, he's the boss now.

So he's the real boss.

- Hello Bristol.

- Hey, hey.

So he'll be drinking coffee in his bottle pretty soon.

(bright upbeat music) - Courtney, are you gonna turn me into a latte art master?

- Yes, ma'am.

We will hire you if you're good.

Only if you're good.

- I heard the if, it was a big if.

- Yeah, if you're an artist.

All right, let's go.

(bright upbeat music) - Oh, look at this.

Oh my word yes.

Look at that.

- Oh, it's not the best, but it's not the worst.

- That's gorgeous, are you kidding?

This is gonna be so bad.

- There we go, okay.

Swirl, swirl, swirl.

Here we go, okay.

We're building our palette.

Okay.

- Okay, all right.

All right?

Yeah, I got nothing.

I just got cream in a cup.

- Yeah (laughs) - Okay, I'm doing something called cloud arts.

You see what you want to see, what you wanna see.

I mean, it kind of looks like a flour or maybe a chicken wearing a top hat.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 4] Indulge in the exquisite flavors of SheBrews coffee, then venture into the enchanting realm of Lafayette's local shops.

Prepare for a day in Lafayette that will leave a lasting impression.

Blending coffee and shopping delights.

(bright upbeat music) - As our unforgettable journey here at Getaway comes to a close, we depart with a revived sense of wonder and renewed connection to nature.

From stargazing under the open sky to indulging in the therapeutic rhythm of crackling campfires.

Getaway offers a sanctuary where you can rediscover your inner peace and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable adventure through Tennessee's Upper Cumberland.

Until we meet again may your wonderlust guide you to new horizons.

And may the spirit of exploration continue to ignite your soul.

Keep on exploring for the World is filled with wonders waiting to be discovered, wish you were here.

(bright upbeat music) Alongside a truly unique outfitter company company, except there's a car in the background.

Again, in the middle of nowhere.

It's push!

It was simple.

(bright upbeat music) - Wish You Were Here, produced under an agreement with the Upper Cumberland Development District and made possible in part through support from the United States Department of Agriculture.

(bright upbeat music) - [Narrator 1] This program was made possible by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you, thank you.

(bright upbeat music)