Take A Stroll Through Tennessee's Past At This Historic Village
By Chris Dodge|Published October 23, 2023
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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.
History is fascinating, isn’t it? Looking back into the past to see how people lived during different eras… learning about innovative discoveries from the ancient world… seeing the resilience and determination of our those who came before us — these are some of my favorite aspects of history. When you take a trip to The Exchange Place in Kingsport, Tennessee, you will have the opportunity to walk back in time and see what life was like on the great frontier.
The Exchange Place stands as a relic of a long-lost time; a place where modern technology has no use and where guests can truly immerse themselves in living history. The land looks untouched by time, and you might feel as though you've stumbled through a time warp to a time long, long ago.
Interpreters walk around in period clothing as sheep bleat, and the pounding of a blacksmith’s hammer can be heard in the distance. The Exchange Place once stood alongside the Great Stage Road and travelers would trade goods for their long journeys ahead. This thriving community has been preserved and stands as a living history museum and farm where you can visit.
Currently, you can only visit the Exchange Place when they are hosting an event, but five big events are spread out throughout the year for many people to come and enjoy.
The year kicks off in April with the Spring Garden Fair. After a long winter "hibernation," things get busy around the farm and the anticipation is tangible as leaves start to bud and crops begin to sprout. If you have a green thumb, peruse the various vendors selling plants, seedlings, or fresh produce. There are planned children's activities and the ever-popular sheep shearing demonstration to enjoy.
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In July, you can enjoy lots of fun activities at Farm Fest. Indulge in the simple pleasures of country farm life and enjoy some juicy watermelons while partaking in various 19th-century practices like cleaning clothes with a washboard.
Kids can challenge others in sack races or cake walks, and learn about crafts from that period with hands-on demonstrations. The friendly farm animals are available to interact with and live music is played during the event.
Something about the fall just inspires creativity for me, and I know I am not alone because the Exchange Place also offers a Fall Folk Arts Festival in September.
This long-standing tradition gathers artisans to showcase folk art and modern designs. The whole village comes alive with demonstrations, music, food, and much more for a historical look into harvest time.
In October, things tend to get a little bit more spooky as Halloween approaches . The popular Whiches Wynd event takes guests on a night walk led only by lantern through the property.
As darkness settles, the the eerie atmosphere is set for renowned storytellers to share hair-raising tales of old. This creepy event is very popular and tends to sell out, so make sure you prepare ahead of time and purchase tickets online before you go.
Maybe we have been conditioned by Dicken’s Christmas stories, but an old-fashioned holiday is charming and inviting. At the Exchange Place in December is where you want to be to experience Christmas in the Country.
This traditional holiday event will bring you back in time with Christmas carols, sip wassail, make tasty treats, and partake in the age-old ceremony of the Yule Log. Vendors will be onsite to showcase classic wreaths and hand-crafted goods.
The Exchange Place in Kingsport Tennessee is a wonderful trip through time where you can witness and live out what country life was like long ago. There are several events throughout the year where you can experience a taste of pioneer living and walk away with a great appreciation for the history of our great state. For more information please visit the Exchange Place’s website. While you are in Kingsport make sure you check out the historical and opulent-designed Allendale Mansion. If you want another hands-on and historical experience check out this blacksmithing demonstration right in the Tri-Cities area.
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