The marriage of the past and the present is a magical thing. We seek it in our museums and our documentaries, with our historical romance novels and biography specials. Here in Tennessee, you can visit one of the most beautifully preserved mansions in the state to learn more about the way your ancestors used to live: Falcon Rest Mansion. It hasn't always been the pinnacle of historic study, however, and its renovation and resulting resurgence in popularity are known as something of a legend.
Falcon Rest Mansion is a historic, completely renovated home located in McMinnville, Tennessee. It was originally built in 1896 and is currently a living museum that elevates local history to new heights.
The mansion is open to visitors every day of the week for guided tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can even enjoy a meal at the tea room on-site if you get a little snacky.
The mansion is also used as an event venue and has been known to host everything from weddings to banquets to family reunions. There are even bed and breakfast options on-site if you'd like to stay the night.
Inside, the extensive renovation is enough to take your breath away. The home was built by Clay Faulkner for his wife, meant to be the "grandest mansion in Tennessee," and its original grandeur has been almost fully restored. The home is located in one of the quietest pockets of the state and has been used as a hospital and even a nursing home.
It was in 1989, after years of disrepair, that the home was purchased and restored over four years. It has even been awarded the National Trust's Great American Home Award for restoration, a huge honor and a testament to its beauty and the owners' attention to detail.
The home has been open as a historic attraction for years and it's a great place for families and history aficionados to visit. You may want to ask about the ghostly legends that hang around the property, too. They're highly entertaining, and who knows? Maybe you'll see a ghost.
Falcon Rest Mansion offers guided tours, dining experiences, and even shopping. It's a lot more than "just another" historic home in the heart of the south, and you'll want to hear the stories that originate from behind its doors.
What a beautiful place, don't you think? The Falcon Rest Mansion is a historic mansion in its own right, and it makes for a stunning place to visit and learn about. You can find out more and plan your own visit on its official website or Facebook page.
Fall in love with Tennessee's expansive natural history with a visit to the Bays Mountain Planetarium.
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