Crossville, Tennessee, a city often celebrated as the state's 'golf capital,' is strategically positioned on the Cumberland Plateau, equidistant from Nashville and Knoxville. This charming locale beckons visitors with its impressive collection of nine championship golf courses. Among these, Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, a Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece, earned recognition from Golf Magazine as one of North America's top ten courses in 1999. Another prominent golfing hub is Fairfield Glade, boasting 90 holes spread across five distinct 18-hole layouts, including the prestigious Stonehenge Golf Club, which recently hosted the Tennessee Senior State Open and is slated to welcome the Tennessee Women's Open. Beyond the fairways, the city's quaint downtown area offers a delightful array of local boutiques and art galleries, reflecting its distinctive Southern character.
While golf is undeniably a major draw, Crossville's appeal extends to a wide range of recreational activities and upscale accommodations. Centennial Park, a sprawling 83-acre facility, provides diverse sports amenities, including fields for softball, baseball, and tee-ball, along with courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball. The park further enhances its offerings with picnic areas, a skatepark, a dog park, and a playground. For enthusiasts of shooting sports, a dedicated park features skeet and trap fields, clay courses, and gun ranges. Additionally, many local resorts, like the 1,400-acre Fairfield Glade, offer amenities such as tennis courts, lakes, beaches, swimming pools, and hiking trails. Mirror Lake's amphitheater at Fairfield Glade hosts regular concerts and festivals during warmer months, while Lake Tansi provides a more budget-friendly golfing option complemented by lakefront cabins and boat rentals. Furthermore, Cumberland Mountain State Park, home to Bear Trace, offers extensive hiking and biking trails, along with kayak and canoe rentals, ensuring ample opportunities for outdoor engagement.
Beyond its sporting and natural attractions, Crossville captivates with its rich Southern charm, particularly evident in its historic downtown. Visitors can indulge in retail therapy amidst charming brick storefronts, exploring an eclectic mix of vintage, modern, and artisan shops. The downtown area also frequently hosts vintage car shows, adding to its nostalgic allure. For cultural enrichment, the iconic Palace Theatre, established in 1938, continues to be a vibrant venue for jazz, country, and rock concerts, serving as a significant community hub for various events and classes. Whether one seeks to perfect their golf swing, unwind at a serene resort, or immerse themselves in the local culture, Crossville promises a tranquil and engaging retreat for all.
This vibrant community exemplifies how dedication to a core passion, like golf, can flourish into a multifaceted destination offering a rich tapestry of experiences. It reminds us that embracing and developing local strengths can create a haven for recreation, culture, and community, fostering a positive environment where both residents and visitors can thrive and find joy in diverse pursuits.