Experience The Early Days Of The State At One Of Tennessee's Oldest Inns
By Chris Dodge|Published January 05, 2024
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
One of the best things about our state is the people that call Tennessee home. We have little communities sprinkled throughout the state filled with incredible people who love each other really well. That same southern hospitality is what brought a community together to save an old historic building. The Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville Tennessee is now standing as a testament to a group of small-town people’s determination and generosity.
In the 1800s there was a popular stagecoach route that went from Washington D.C. to Atlanta, and right in the middle of that sat a little town called Rogersville.
This little town needed something to capitalize on the many people traveling back and forth. What better way to bring people in than an elaborate inn and tavern? The idea came to a man named John McKinney to build a state-of-the-art building that would catch the attention of weary travelers. So in 1824, the McKinney Tavern was opened for business and later would become known as the Hale Springs Inn.
Back in those early American days, you didn’t see many buildings like this. Influenced greatly by European design this inn would have been very new and appealing to people used to different architecture.
The idea was a success and soon high profile people spent the night there, and 3 different presidents gave speeches from the balcony in the front of the building. As time passed however the building was left in a state of disrepair but the community never gave up on this historic piece of property.
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After switching hands to the heritage association they started a major renovation to restore this place to its former glory.
People from Rogersville gathered together under this common goal and pitched in to help. Now the work is finished and the inn stands as it did 200 years ago like it was untouched by time. You can stay in the various rooms that are all themed and named after the influential people who would have visited back in the prime of the 1800s.
The grounds are also used for community events, live entertainment, and special occasions like weddings and celebrations. Make sure to keep an eye on the calendar to visit during one of their events (link below).
Holding true to the original roots the McKinney Tavern is still in operation and better than ever. Fine dining is an option to partake in a rotating menu of specials and regular dishes all made fresh from ingredients supplied by local farmers.
The dining area is warm and inviting with many guests commenting on how it feels familiar like you are eating at home with your family and friends. So whether you come to eat, sleep, or appreciate the history this inn is well worth visiting.
I love our communities of small towns throughout our state and people like this have made it possible to restore history and walk through it as if it has never changed. The Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville Tennessee, is a place preserved in time, and walking in will give you the experience of the same great men and women experienced 200 years ago. If you would like to book yourself a room at the inn make sure to check out what is available at the Hale Springs Inn. Also if you are interested in learning more please visit the Hale Springs Inn website.
While you stay at the inn, make sure you take time to appreciate all the historical charm found in the small town of Rogersville.
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