Crossville is Home to the U.S. Chess Federation I am in no way good at chess and do not even know how to play but Crossville, Tennessee has made a name for itself.  The United States Chess Federation has chosen Crossville, Tennessee as its main headquarters.  The bid was chosen in 2004.  This is a great honor to be picked.  Other towns that were bidding on this honor included Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco and Palm Beach; but Crossville won. In 2005, the building was completed and is still running and operating today in full swing.  People from all over the place come to compete and challenge the locals to a game of this highly skilled game.  There are always local tournaments occurring along with the national U.S. Cadet Championship annually.  08/02/2010

For the love of rain... It was so great to see the storms we had the other night.  Crossville  has been so dry lately and we needed that rain for sure!  My garden is getting dry and my pond is drying up.  I believe I heard my husband say that the pond was 3 feet lower than what it is normally. I love sitting at home in the evening with a good book and enjoying the sound of rain and storms.  Nothing gives me a more sense of serenity.  I know some people can not stand to hear the thunder and see the lightning but I get this rush when I see or hear it.  The rain is so peaceful and the aftermath smell of clean air is to die for.  I just wish we would get more of that here but this summer has been hotter than usual. Normally our weather is very moderate, and I should not complain about the h... 08/02/2010

Support the Firefighters! This was not a major holiday in calendars around the world but a unique day  for Cumberland County on July 31st.  The mayor of Crossville, J.H. Graham III officially made July 31st as Firefighter Appreciation Day.  This growing county can now celebrate the success and hardwork of our local firefighters. This is a monumental day.  This year is the first official day of the celebration with the title and all.  For years past though, the local firefighters have been spotted in front of local businesses along with many grocery stores to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  From 9am to 4pm, these men and women collected funds in their annual Fill the Boot Fundraiser.  They simply stand in front of these businesses and collect any donations that are g... 08/02/2010

Crossville Welcomes Campers and RV Owners If camping is something you are interested in doing, this is the place to come and check out.  There are many campgrounds open year-round and offer the best services for everyone.  The state park is one of the more popular places to stay.  There are 145 tent and RV campsites available for a small fee.  For the price, you will receive access to a picnic table, grill, and bathroom/bathhouse use.  This nightly rate allows up to seven campers on one tab. Another local favorite campsite is Beanpot Campground.  Here, there are many different packages to choose from.  The amenities include WiFi, cable, fax/copy services, and so much more that adds to the overall camping experience.   There are many more areas to camp at in Cumberland County.  Next time... 07/30/2010

The Homesteads is a Historical Landmark When looking for houses for sale in Tennessee, look at the Cumberland County area.  There are many local communities with different styles for different preferences.  One of the more country areas of Cumberland County is Homestead.  There are many residents of this area but the homes are more spread out, separated by gorgeous countryside and rolling hills of farmland.  If you travel south of the Crossville area, you will find yourself in the middle of this gorgeous area.  The Cumberland Homesteads Community, or Homestead for short, was originally purchased as one of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal Programs.  Homestead was one of the largest projects purchased to help with the Great Depression.  The New Deal included a piece of land, divided into 5 t... 07/29/2010

Crossville, Tennessee is Locally Thriving One of the things I have noticed recently in this area, is the amount of locally owned businesses.  I guess I have always seen them but I now realize how popular they are.  It seems like everywhere you look, there are businesses that have been owned and operated for years by families of this community.  I think that it  is great that this growing town still supports these businesses.  What is funny is  to also think about  the competition that these places put out.  I visited a local baby store the other day and found out that they were a major threat to Wal*Mart.  In fact, it was said that they have reduced the sales of Wal*Mart by around 15% in the baby depertment.(This information came from a Wal*Mart employee)  That is a big amount for just ... 07/28/2010

The Famous 127 Yard Sale It is that time of year for the World's Largest Yard Sale.  Every year on the first Thursday of every August through the following Sunday, people from all over come and travel highway 127 in search of deals and bargains at the famous 127 Yard Sale.  This road stretches from Hudson, Michigan all the way to Gadsden, Alabama.  Crossville, Tennessee is right in the heart of this huge event.  The Main Street of Downtown Crossville is Highway 127.  You better believe that it will be bumper to bumper traffic and people everywhere but this is a great time to get many unique items that you might be looking for without the high price tag.  There are hundreds of great booths that sell great quality items.  I enjoy looking for those booths and seeing how creative people can... 07/27/2010

Welcome Home 278th Troops! A few days ago, I found out a large group of soldiers serving in Iraq came home earlier than scheduled.  I knew we had a regiment in this area but I was so shocked to hear of their early arrival.  That is great new to hear!  They departed in February 2010 and were not scheduled back until December.  This gives a whole new meaning to Christmas in July, that's for sure! Back when 9/11 hit the country pretty hard, the 278 went into full swing and has sent around 20,000 soldiers oversees.  This regiment is the largest Army National Guard's unit and has been for many years. I am so proud of our men and women that fight for us everyday.  It blesses my heart to hear of how much they do for us.  We live in such a great nation where we have the freedom that our troops ... 07/27/2010

Wildwood Stables and Concepts In Crossville Tennessee I am a huge fan of horses and I love being around them.  Fairfield Glade includes a beautiful stable where dozens of gorgeous horses live and play everyday.  At Wildwood Stables and Concepts, they offer so much wisdom and courses in order to learn about all you need to know of horses. I did a little research on this beautiful place and found out a ton of information.  At a glance, I thought this place just offered the usual hay rides, horseback/pony rides and a bonfire to end the night.  I found out that this place is not only a tourist attraction but so much more as well.  There are series of classes called 'Horse Sense' and through these course, lectures are taught about the caring of horses. Groups of all shapes and sizes are also... 07/20/2010

The Cumberland County Playhouse is Historical The Cumberland County Playhouse is one of the most well-known landmarks in the Crossville, Tennessee area.  With about a dozen new shows each year along with numerous concerts, it is no wonder why the audience keeps coming back for more.  The Cumberland County Playhouse began back in the early 1960s with Paul and Mary Crabtree.  Over the years and many actors and plays completed, the Playhouse has grown into a national landmark.  It is the only non-profit playhouse in rural Tennessee and one of ten in the rural country.  This amazing place hosts around 140,000 people a year and still continues to put on a great show for the audience.  This is definitely a major highlight of the Crossville, Tennessee heritage.  Today, the Cumberland County Pl... 07/15/2010

Tennessee Golf Open Held in Cumberland County Not only is Cumberland County the Golf Capitol of Tennessee but it is also home to the Tennessee Women's Open Golf Championship.  For the past many years, this competition has been held at Bear Trace Golf Course, located out by Homestead.  It wasn't until last year that this event was moved to Stonehenge Golf Course in Fairfield Glade.  Many people from the state will come just to watch many talented female golfers compete for the ultimate title of the best female golfer in Tennessee along with a cash prize.  Mayor of Crossville, J.H. Graham stated, "We will see a lot of talent this year and we are looking to break a record by fitting 1,000 spectators around the 18th hole as the last golfer puts." Admission to the Women's Open Championship i... 07/15/2010

Cumberland Mountain State Park Throughout Tennessee, there are many well known parks. In fact, TN is probably best known for a park-The Great Smoky Mountains. Even though everywhere you look, you can probably find a park or other recreational place, I urge you to stop by the Cumberland Mountain State Park in Cumberland County. Cumberland County has over 5 parks total but the State Park is probably the most visited and is by far the largest. This park is full of various activities to do for the whole family. It is open all year round and includes a five star restaurant that has delicious food. This restaurant hosts the monthly rotary meetings in the basement area. Right outside of the restaurant is the popular Cumberland Mountain Bridge. The local high schools have chosen this as the ba... 07/13/2010

Cumberland County Tennessee - 32nd Annual Cumberland County Fair Horse Show Saturday July 10, 2010. Community Complex 7:00 pm 20 Classes - Trophies and Ribbons in all classes. Cumberland County Only. Sponsored by Cumberland County Fair Association. $5.00 Admission * Children Under 6 FREE. Come and Enjoy!   07/09/2010

Taste of Crossville The area of Cumberland County is well known for the production of wine.  Over the years, Stonehaus and Chestnut Hill Wineries have become increasingly popular and a local delicacy. Stonehaus Winery is located right off of Genesis Road; a few hundred yards right off of exit 320.  This is a very well-known winery and is the only winery in Tennessee with statewide distribution.  The wine produced in this place can be found not only in Crossville but other metropolitan cities including Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis.  Stonehaus delivers the wine out of state as well.  Liquor stores as far north as Michigan all the way to the south in Alabama sell the wine that is produced right here at this winery.  Stonehaus Winery is open every day and sells this award winning wine w... 07/09/2010

Crossville, Tennessee is Award Winning 2009 has come and gone but I was reading the other day about some great accomplishments that Crossville, Tennessee has undergone.  Being a resident of the area, words cannot describe how content I am with living in Crossville.  One of the most important things when looking for a home is safety.  Is a neighborhood safe for my family?  That is crucial when anyone is looking for a house or place to live.  Crossville meets that requirement above and beyond the call of duty.  In 2009, the Crossville Police Department was recognized and won state and national awards.  They received first place in both national and state levels for their highway safety patrols.  Our mayor, J.H. Graham was also presented with top honors for Mayor of the Year.  Every year, ... 07/07/2010

Crossville Summer Nights I absolutely love Crossville   summer nights.  They probably one of my favorite things to look forward to in the summertime.  I have never really realized how much I enjoy them until this year.  This summer has been warmer than most but the temperature at night has been perfect to just sit out on my back deck and listen to nature.  There is nothing better than sitting and watching the sunset or just relax after a hard day's work.The summer breeze gently blowing through the trees making an ever so soft sigh. Watching the squirrels scatter about and the rabbits scurrying around the yard.                                                This year has been perfect for camping and fishing trips.  The wildlife have came out more frequently and I have seen so much more o... 07/07/2010

Lake Tansi Village in Cumberland County Cumberland County, TN has many relaxing communities to live in and there is a place for anyone to enjoy.  Lake Tansi Resort is one of the most prestige places in the area.    This beautiful 5,000 acre resort contains the popular 500+ acre Lake Tansi, a beautiful golf course and the newly refurbished Mitchell's Restaurant.  This lovely community is home to many happy residents.  There are many recreational activities to do-including swimming, putt putt golf, tennis courts and so much more! Lake Tansi has an incredible beach and marina area for those than enjoy the water.  The marina alone provides 90 berths for boats and many can enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing and so much more! Come and check out Lake Tansi today! 07/06/2010

                                                         Happy Birthday America   All Americans should take time this weekend to reflect back on how this wonderful country came about. All the blood that has been shed to protect our rights and our freedom. We have our issues for sure, but we are still the best country in the world.                                   I have not traveled abroad much since the 80's because of all the violence and unrest  overseas. When I was in college, I toured Europe and remember to this day how glad I was to return to American soil.                                                                                                                Thank you to all our service men that have served in the past and are serving today. Thank you for leaving your fam... 07/02/2010

A Hunter's Paradise One of the favorite things to do by the residents in Cumberland County, Tennessee is hunting.  Ever since the Cherokee and Choctaw Indians came along with the first settlers, this has been a popular thing to do.  Since there are many places in the area to hunt, people from all over come and take part in this recreational sport.  Catoosa Wildlife Management Preserve is the area's largest preserve in the county that is used for hunting.  With 80,000 acres and a ton of wildlife, this spot is perfect for any hunter.  This area is state-owned and consists of open fields, wooded areas and even large bodies of water for fishing.  You can find a big variety of deer, turkey and boar. Catoosa Wildlife Management Preserve is about 20 miles north of Crossville.  The only time hu... 07/02/2010

 Crossville Depot The Crossville Depot is one of the more important landmarks of the Crossville Tennessee area. It was first built in 1900 and was a crucial place for many train routes to pass through. The first train that landed at the Depot, was in September of 1900. The building of the Crossville Depot was not completed, so a boxcar served as the station until the main building was completed. For many years, this was the happening spot for many visiting trains and people making Crossville a highly successful town and rich in goods during the prime time of the Depot. In 1925, on Valentines Day, the Crossville Depot burned down. The community was quick to re-build it and the newer building was finished in May of the following year. The Depot was shut down in the 1980s and was not main... 07/02/2010