I recently visited some friends in Massachusetts. While I spent most of my time in Boston, I did spend half a day in Salem. One thing I learned is that maybe a Saturday in October isn’t the best time for me to visit this historic Massachusetts town. I will definitely go back, though. If you’d like to know more, you can listen to the podcast episode on Touristinyourtownpodcast.com
There was rain. There were lots of people, although they were all at the other end of this street in this pic.
Salem Street scene
Historic Buildings
The John Ward House was built in 1684 and is considered First Period architecture. The historic Salem home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The historic John Ward House
The historic Old Town Hall in downtown Salem. The structure was built in 1816-1817.
Old Town Hall
The Pickman House was built in 1664. The home is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and is not open to the public.
The Pickman House
This clock is attached to the Legends restaurant. I could not find any info about it, so if you know anything, please share!
While looking for a new subject for my podcast, I came across the Birthplace of Sequoyah Museum. I also noticed they were having a Cherokee Fall Festival. It would make the perfect East Tennessee day trip. So, we made our way from Knoxville, TN to Vonore, TN.
Greenback TN
Greenback Diner
When I travel, I like to stop at local places to eat, so I searched for diners between Knoxville and Vonore and found the Greenback Drugstore and Diner in downtown Greenback, TN. It’s more diner than drugstore. But it’s a great little spot for a quick breakfast. Right across the street from the diner is the historic Greenback Depot, home to several small shops. None of which were open when we came through town.
Greenback Depot
Birthplace of Sequoyah Museum
At the Cherokee Fall Festival, we were surprised to find Civil War reenactors. I am famous for not reading descriptions all the way through. Apparently, the reenactment is because a troop of Cherokee joined the Confederates for several major battles. We did not stay for the reenactment, battle isn’t my thing. But I did get some cool shots of the actors and their camp.
Presenting the flagsCivil War Camp
The festival was held on the grounds of the Birthplace of Sequoyah Museum. Sequoyah created the first written language for the Cherokee Nation. He is also believed to be the first person to create a written language without ever knowing how to read or write another language. Listen to the episode to find out more about Sequoyah.
Maryville, TN
On the return, we spotted this abandoned grocery store. The signs on the outside were new. The soda machines out front seemed to be working. There were items inside, but it was early Saturday afternoon and the place was locked up tight. So, I am assuming it is closed for good. I had to stop and take pics.
Super Market
For lunch, we stopped at Jake’s Place on Highway 411 in Maryville, TN. Jake’s is a country cookin’ joint. We BBQ sandwiches. Hubby got fried okra on the side, made with fresh okra, not frozen. I had onion rings because it’s been years since I’ve had them. They were good, just enough breading without being overwhelming. The pulled pork was perfectly smoked without being overwhelming.
Jake’s Place Menu
Sometimes it’s difficult to go on a real vacation. A quick day trip usually isn’t hard to find. Our travel time was about an hour each way. We ended up being out of the house for about 7 hours. I’d love to hear about your own day trip! Tell us about it in the comments or share the link to your blog!
Prints are available of the photos in this blog, just click on the pic.
I have traveled around the world and seen some amazing architecture. Courthouses in particular seem to get the special treatment, no matter where you are or how large the town or city. They tend to be the largest, most ornate structure in town, outside of churches or cathedrals. I have found this to be especially true in small American towns. In these small towns, the courthouse is often in the center of town, towering over all other buildings.
Knoxville Tennessee
Knoxville has the Knox County Courthouse, erected in 1885. The historic courthouse still houses several county departments. However, the majority of the city and county services are in the City-County building, erected in 1979.
Knoxville also has the Howard J. Baker Federal Courthouse. While originally built for Whittle Communications in the early 1990s, it has all the makings of a proper courthouse. I guess that’s why they made it into one. It has a large central courtyard with a beautiful clock tower and cupola. It is considered a postmodern version of neo-Georgian architecture.
The quatrefoil patterns on the balcony and porch of the courthouse.
A better view of the front porch and the arches at the entryway.
The clock tower gives the courthouse a colonial element
A man takes a smoke break in the courtyard of the Knox Co. Courthouse.
The Howard J. Baker Federal Courthouse has an arched entry and a beautiful clock tower and cupola.
Howard J. Baker Federal Courthouse in downtown Knoxville, TN
Other Tennessee Courthouses
The historic Loudon County Courthouse is the standard brick with arched windows and doors. Although, it does not have a clock tower or a front porch with columns, as most courthouses do. Construction on this building began in the late nineteenth century. The Jefferson County Courthouse is located in downtown Dandridge, TN. One of the oldest courthouses in the state of TN, it was erected in 1845. It is constructed in the Greek Revival Style with a tall cupola and large square columns on the front entry. The building is on a large hill, giving it a slightly uneven look.
The historic Loudon Courthouse
It’s Christmas in small town America. The historic Loudon Courthouse is decorated and picturesque.
Jefferson County Courthouse is located in downtown Dandridge, TN.
