Drive about an hour east of Nashville, and you’ll find a small town that couldn’t be more different from the boom and bustle of the state capital. Granville calls itself “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” and although the iconic television show wasn’t filmed here, it certainly looks as though it could have been. The town and its residents are big on history, both real and imagined. Its location on the Cumberland River helped establish it as a riverboat town in the early 1800s, and later, as an area for farming. Today, it’s a vacation or day-trip destination for its natural beauty and yesteryear appeal.
From the old-timey T.B. Sutton General Store, to Pioneer Village with its grist mill and blacksmith, to numerous museums dedicated to the past (classic cars, I Love Lucy, quilts and textiles), a trip to Granville can feel like stepping onto an old movie set, or traveling back to a different decade, especially during the town’s many festivals and events.
It takes an entire community and lots of volunteers—240, according to the town’s website—to bring the past to life. Some people serve as historic interpreters of sorts, demonstrating crafts like basketweaving, performing in staged adaptations of The Andy Griffith Show episodes, and leading tours of The Sutton Homestead, an original home from the 1880s. You could say that Granville is built for visitors—here are a few things to see and do while you’re here.
Start At T.B. Sutton General Store
Courtesy T.B. Sutton General Store
This charming landmark opened its doors in the 1800s, and is still the heart of this community. Not only can you browse for old-fashioned candy, toys, and apparel, and get a hand-dipped ice cream cone or float, the store also functions as a restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and Saturday night dinners, along with live bluegrass performances. Upstairs, you’ll find work by local craftspeople, like baskets and pottery.
Another reason to start your visit here is because you can purchase a town tour ticket that grants access to all of the attractions in town (as well as a guided tour of the Sutton Homestead and Pioneer Village), and get recommendations on things to see and do.
Explore Pioneer Village
Courtesy of Granville, TN
If you see one thing in Granville other than T.B. Sutton’s, it should be this area, which offers several attractions devoted to life in the past. Auto fans will enjoy the Sutton Service Station and the Antique Car and Transportation Museum, which has vehicles from the 1920s to the 70s on display. Tour the Williamson Pioneer Cabin, which was built in 1820, as well as outbuildings including a smokehouse. Learn about farming history at the Webster Barn; watch corn get freshly ground at the Eller Grist Mill; and observe blacksmithing and basketmaking.
Sutton Homestead, the former home of T.B. & Ethel Sutton, dates back to the 1880s, is filled with period furniture and decor, including items belonging to the Sutton family.
Check Out Some Museums
The Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum
Courtesy of Granville, TN
A must-see for anyone interested in the art of quilting. See a selection of works by local artists as well as antique and heirloom pieces. If inspiration strikes, Aunt Bee’s Quilt Shop & Bakery, located next door to the museum, is stocked with sewing supplies for purchase, as well as sweet treats.
The Mayberry/I Love Lucy Museum
This building is filled with artifacts from both television shows (like Aunt Bee’s glasses), and memorabilia like photographs, toys, and more. Reminisce about the famous characters or perhaps introduce a new generation to them.
Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum
Billed as the “world’s largest collection of limited edition decanters,” this museum contains 5,000 ornamental decanters donated from personal collections. The bulk of the collection was produced by Jim Beam Distillery in a variety of categories including people and sports. Other items include an Elvis Presley collection and car-shaped decanters.
Stop For Tea
The Lovely Find Tea Room & Garden Gifts is a two-in-one experience: you can sit down to afternoon tea with sweet and savory bites at Lovely Find, and shop for seeds, yard decor, and other outdoor items at Garden Gifts. Reservations are recommended for tea.
Enjoy The Outdoors At Cordell Hull Lake
Just outside of Granville, this reservoir, which is run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is a popular destination for boating, swimming and fishing. There are also trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and picnic sites, if you want to make a day of it.
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