What to Do and See
Davy Crocket Cabin
Davy Crockett came to Gibson County in the Fall of 1822, where he farmed
and reportedly killed 105 bears during a single winter. The cabin includes many logs
used in the original structure. It is furnished with items of the era, including
pieces donated by the Crockett family. For more information, call
731-665-6195.
West Tennessee Art Center
Oil paintings, several forms of sculpture, silk screens, water colors,
pastels, drawings and lithographs comprise the Caldwell Collection, rotated twice a year.
Items on display represent the works of regional artists and is open to the public.
Form more information, call 731-784-1842.
West Tennessee Agricultural Museum
The West Tennessee Agricultural Museum houses an extensive collection of
farming tools spanning two centuries of farming development. It is a treasure house
of memories representing a lifestyle that has all but disappeared. It is also home
of the No Till Field Day, the nation's largest such event, held annually in July.
For more information, call 731-686-8067.
World's Largest Porcelain Teapot Collection
Trenton, TN is the unlikely home of the world's largest collection of a
rare type of porcelain teapot, the Veilleuse. The collection was a gift to the city
from Dr. F.C. Freed, a professor at New York University and a native of Trenton.
Freed amassed his 500-plus collection during 40 years of searching around the world.
The collection is open to visitors with free admission during office hours at the Trenton
Municipal building with a sign directing visitors to the fire station next door to gain
access. From more information, contact the Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, P.O.
Box 464, Trenton, TN 38382 or call 731-855-0973.
Dixie Gun Works
Gun lovers flock to Turner Kirkland's Dixie Gun Works in Union City, TN, occupying
it's own 46,000 square foot building. Dixie Gun Works is perhaps the most recognized
antique gun operation in the world. They deal primarily in guns made before 1898,
but carry all types of original guns from the Queen Ann's War of the early 1700's, through
the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War and
lots of Civil War guns. Dixie even has some Civil War cannons and also deal in
replicas.
Headquartered on U.S. 51 Bypass in Union
City, TN, Dixie Gun Works is a combination of gun museum, antique car museum and sales
office. In addition to the guns, there are thousands of gun parts, bullet molds,
powder horns, enough powder to blow a sizable hole in Union City and more
ammunition than Daniel Boone used his entire lifetime. For more information, please
call 731-885-0561
Reelfoot Scenic Cruises
The beauty and mystery of Reelfoot Lake cannot be fully appreciated
without a trip on the State Park Scenic Cruise Boats. Tours run each day at 9 AM
from May 1 through October 1, departing from the Visitor's Center. Experienced lake
guides pilot the boats for a 3-hour cruise, stopping for a brief nature hike and snack at
the Indian Mound on Caney Island. For reservations and information, call
731-253-9652.
Reelfoot Eagle Tours
Reelfoot Lake has one of the largest wintering populations of Bald Eagles
outside Alaska and the return of the eagles has become a major event. The state park
has established extensive guide and information programs for winter visitors to Reelfoot
Lake. The Eagle Tours begin December 1 and continue through mid-March, except for
the Christmas Holidays. The tour is a two-hour trip around Reelfoot Lake to observe
the Bald Eagles. For more information, contact Eagle Tours, Reelfoot Lake State
Park, Rt. 1, Box 296, Tiptonville, TN 38079 or call 731-253-7756 or 1-800-250-8617.
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