Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area covers 270 acres and is part of the 330-acre Big Cypress Tree State Park in Weakley County. Other facets of the region can be found on trails of varying lengths and through local cultural and seasonal offerings.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
The Brian Brown Memorial Greenway is 3.1 miles long, paved and runs through wooded areas and open green spaces. A 92-foot pedestrian bridge is located along the route. The Pacer Pond Fitness Trail is shorter: The approximately 1.45-mile loop circles Pacer Pond, is also paved and runs over flat terrain. It is easy to walk. Even shorter walks offer a different scale: The trail in Harmon Field Park is 0.25 miles long, while the lighted trail in Martin Recreation Complex measures 0.75 miles. You can use trail length as a guide to choosing how much time you want to spend outdoors.
Martin Recreation Complex also includes the MTD Soccer Complex, with seven fields. Those looking for other recreational options will find a permanent 18-hole course at Harrison Road Disc Golf. Rolling Hills Miniature Golf has nine holes; the course is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities and families. Options range from longer trail walks to soccer and disc golf to miniature golf.
City Life, Culture and Events
Historic Downtown Martin combines brick sidewalks with locally owned boutiques and unique restaurants. The district hosts events throughout the year, including Christmas markets and summer concerts. The Tennessee Soybean Festival takes place every year during the first week of September in Downtown Martin and celebrates the soybean as a crop grown in Weakley County. Since event schedules can change, it’s worth checking the latest dates before planning a trip around the festival.
In Dresden, the Ned R. McWherter Museum preserves the memory of Tennessee’s 46th governor. The museum was officially opened on June 4, 2015. The museum offers a specific historical connection within the region’s cultural offerings; together with events in Martin, it provides a look at different aspects of local life.
Markets, Seasonal Experiences and Wine
Martin Farmers Market is open from May through October and is located in Downtown Martin. Eligible vendors are local producers who grow, raise, wild-harvest, bake or make their products within 50 miles. The city provides the market with a pavilion equipped with electricity, fans and lighting. The months of operation may change; check the current market days for your travel dates.
The seasons also matter at Holt Family Farms: In spring, visitors can enjoy a flower-field experience, and the farm also hosts seasonal farm-to-table dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients. Check in advance whether these offerings are available during your trip. The locally owned farm winery Beau Monde Vineyards is in Martin and makes wines exclusively from grapes grown on the estate. An outdoor wine-tasting experience is part of the offering; a rotating selection of sweet and dry wines is available by the tasting, glass or bottle. Visitor arrangements and the selection may change, so checking the latest options is recommended.
Lakes of Different Sizes
The bodies of water also vary significantly in scale: The lake at Martin Recreation Complex covers 6.5 acres, while Garrett Lake in Weakley County covers 183 acres. Anglers at Garrett Lake can catch bass, catfish and crappie, among other fish. The comparison of their sizes and the fish species mentioned give you two specific points of reference for considering the lakes as distinct natural features of the region.
Discover more destinations: Dresden, Martin, Greene, Sumner County, Lauderdale County, Hawkins County, Sequatchie County, Henderson County
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