Weakley County: Nature, Trails and Local Experiences

Weakley County combines natural areas, paved trails, lakes, local history and culinary discoveries. A notable starting point is Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area: it covers 270 acres and is part of the 330-acre Big Cypress Tree State Park in Weakley County. There are also various opportunities for walks, sports, culture and regional specialties. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can therefore use their preferred type of trip as a good basis for choosing a location.

Trails and Landscapes for Different Day Plans

The Brian Brown Memorial Greenway runs for 3.1 miles through scenic wooded areas and open green spaces. The paved trail also includes a 92-foot pedestrian bridge. For a shorter loop, the Pacer Pond Fitness Trail is a good option: the loop around Pacer Pond is approximately 1.45 miles long, paved, flat and easy to walk. Both trails offer different experiences without requiring you to commit to just one way of enjoying the outdoors.

The Martin Recreation Complex further expands the options for active days. It features a 6.5-acre lake, a three-quarter-mile lighted walking trail and the MTD Soccer Complex with seven fields. The permanent Harrison Road Disc Golf Course has 18 holes. For another group activity, there is the nine-hole Rolling Hills Miniature Golf Course, which is designed to accommodate people with disabilities and families. Harmon Field Park adds a 0.25-mile walking trail to the range of options.

Culture, City Life and Regional Traditions

In Dresden, the Ned R. McWherter Museum commemorates Tennessee's 46th governor. The museum officially opened on June 4, 2015, providing a specific cultural destination to include in your travel plans. Historic Downtown Martin offers a different focus: brick sidewalks, locally owned boutiques and distinctive restaurants shape the downtown visitor experience. The district hosts events throughout the year, including Christmas markets and summer concerts.

One local tradition is the Tennessee Soybean Festival, held every year during the first week of September in Downtown Martin. It celebrates soybeans as a cash crop of Weakley County. The history of the Tennessee Iris Festival is also part of the region's event culture: in the years that followed, the parade was accompanied by an arts and crafts fair and a flower show. Virginia Weldon Park is also home to a historic Illinois Central freight car.

Market, Farm and Wine

The Martin Farmers Market is open from May through October. It accepts local vendors who grow, raise, forage, bake or produce their goods within 50 miles. The market is located in a market pavilion provided by the city, with electricity, fans and lighting. Those traveling in spring can plan a flower-field experience at Holt Family Farms. The farm also hosts seasonal farm-to-table dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Beau Monde Vineyards is an independently operated farm winery in Martin. The wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on the estate. On-site, visitors can enjoy an outdoor wine-tasting experience; changing selections of sweet and dry wines are available for tasting, by the glass or by the bottle. Garrett Lake adds a larger body of water to the regional attractions: the lake covers 183 acres, and anglers can catch bass, catfish and crappie there, among other species.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

When searching for a vacation rental in Weakley County, you can first decide which experiences should define your trip: paved walking trails and nature, culture in Dresden or Martin, sports activities, market visits, farm-to-table dinners, wine or fishing at Garrett Lake. The public transportation service provided by the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency is also relevant when planning mobility. A corresponding office is located at the Office on Aging; the transportation service is available to people of all ages for medical appointments, recreation and shopping, among other purposes, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available.

For further travel planning, you can also view the pages on Dresden and Martin. Find more destinations at Bedford County, Sumner County, Unicoi County, Obion County, Claiborne County and Henry County.

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