Once considered for the capital of Tennessee—and only losing to Nashville by one vote—Sparta is not your average small town. It was once a popular stop for musicians and high-profile travelers making the trek between Knoxville and Nashville. The Sparta Rock House, now a state historic site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provided overnight accommodations to many musical legends, and even some political ones too. Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston were known to spend some time at this historical location.
Sparta has a small-town vibe unlike anywhere else in the state of Tennessee. Spend a little time downtown and you’ll discover more than one iconic place to see. Boutiques featuring handmade pottery, antiques, clothing, decor and more dot the street between eclectic restaurants and cafes.
The Foglight Foodhouse overlooks the Caney Fork River near Rock Island State Park’s Twin falls and serves up some of the best food in the state. The recipe features cajun favorites to accompany a brew from the local Calfkiller Brewing or a bottle of your preferred wine from Northfield Vineyard.
Where else can you find gorges as deep as the roots of bluegrass music? Outdoor enthusiasts will love their stay in Sparta. From waterfalls and scenic overlooks to hiking trails and hidden caves, there’s so much nature to explore here. Known as the “Land of Falling Water,” Sparta won’t disappoint. Some of the best water features to explore in the area include:
- The “Big” Falls at Burgess Falls State Park
- Twin Falls at Rock Island State Park
- Lost Creek Falls
When you soar into the jet charter airport in Sparta, you’re sure to discover your new favourite Tennessee town.
