Weather: low 27 degrees, high 35 degrees, cloudy skies
We had a light dusting of snow that fell just after sun rise this morning, which was quite a difference from the three inches that had been forecast. Most of the snow was gone by noon, as the weather warmed up above freezing.
Our travel bug was itching this morning, so we decided to take a trip up to Winchester, Tennessee, to see what that area was about. That name of Winchester brings up images of the old West to me, when the Winchester rifle helped tame the frontier. I can't find any information that ties the city to the firearms, since the town was named after James Winchester, a soldier in the American Revolution, first Speaker of the Tennessee Legislature, and a Brigadier General in the War of 1812. Those accomplishments are nothing to sneeze at.
Winchester was established as the county seat of Franklin County, Tennessee, in 1809. I wasn't able to park anywhere near the town square so I could take some pictures, but found this picture of the courthouse on Wikipedia. The building looks to me like what an architect would have designed as modern in 1935, when it was built.
We came into town from the southwest on US 64, which we picked up in Fayetteville. The road is outstanding, with four lanes running through scenic countryside. We could see mountains on the south side with snow on them from the early morning snow fall. There was very little traffic, and the only reason we could come up with for why the road is so good, yet no traffic, is that the area must be busy in the summer.
Most of the commercial businesses in town are located east of town on Dinah Shore Boulevard. Dinah Shore was born in Winchester, as well as former Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer. On our way out the east side of town, we saw a Mexican restaurant (Margarita's Mexican Restaurant) that caught my attention. Since it was lunchtime, I decide to try it out. Carolyn doesn't usually like to go to places that are not part of a national chain. I, on the other hand, think that we should try local places. For a change, Carolyn was okay with trying this Mexican restaurant.
As soon as we walked in, I could tell that this restaurant was probably going to be okay. It was bright and clean, and we were seated immediately. Our waiter brought our drinks, chips, and salsa, along with black bean dip, in another minute. We both ordered the lunch fajitas, and when the food was served, I have to say that for just a minute I thought we were back in Texas. The fajitas were great, there was plenty of food, the service couldn't have been better, and the prices were reasonable. Then, to top it off, we had enough to take home for supper. Just like in Texas.
I think this experience might encourage Carolyn to try more local places.
After lunch, we drove around town, checking out some of the old houses and the square. Then, we headed across country to Lynchburg, the home of Jack Daniels Distillery. More about our adventures there in tomorrow's post.
It was past 1500 hours by the time we got home. Time for a short bout of meditation after a good day of sightseeing. Our wanderlust should be scratched for a day or two, at least.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Sparta, Tennessee: The Heart Of The Tennessee Highlands
Not all who wander are lost.
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