Friday: Secrets Revealed. The story of Oak Ridge’s stint as a “secret city” during World War II, explorations of light and sound and models of earth’s energy resources are highlights of the town’s American Museum of Science and Energy. Delve deeper into the history with a Department of Energy public tour, a three-hour bus excursion (offered June through Labor Day) that departs from the museum and takes visitors to Manhattan Project facilities, such as the X-10 Graphite Reactor plant and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “There’s a growing interest in that time in history, from the standpoint that we’re losing 1,000 people a day from the World War II generation,” says tour coordinator Fred Strohl. “I think as result of that, the Manhattan Project facilities take on an iconic trait.” Dinner is elegant yet affordable at Flatwater Grill, where menu items range from lasagna to crab cakes.
Saturday. Gift shops and other specialty stores (including quilts, shoes and sewing) fill the buildings of Historic Jackson Square, the original town site of Oak Ridge. After shopping, enjoy a performance at the Oak Ridge Playhouse; the 2010 season will feature musicals and comedies, with childhood classics performed in the Junior Playhouse. After the show, satisfy your sweet tooth with milkshakes, floats or sundaes at Razzleberry Ice Cream Lab.
Sunday. Whether by foot or bike, you’ll find plenty of trails and 11 greenways that offer opportunities for exploring nature. Hike along the waterfront of Melton Lake or through greenbelt land on the northern boundary of Oak Ridge. For more outdoor reveling, head to Norris Lake and its equestrian trails, marinas and hiking trails.
Cost Round-up: American Museum of Science and Energy and Department of Energy public tour ($5, adults; $3, children; $4, seniors, free, children 5 and under); Flatwater Grill ($11-$26); Oak Ridge Playhouse ($16-$20); Razzleberry Ice Cream Lab ($2-$5).
Before You Go
DoubleTree Hotel
Amenities include a pool, lounge and restaurant. Call for rates. 865-481-2468; doubletree1.hilton.com
Jameson Inn
Continental breakfast available; pool, fitness center and high speed Internet access. Call for rates. 865-483-6809; jamesoninns.com
Melton Hill Dam Campground
Self-service campground with 57 campsites, 33 with water and electric hookups. $16 without hookups, $20 with water and/or electric hookups, $24 with water, electric and sewer service.
800-882-5263
Oak Ridge CVB
865-482-7821
oakridgevisitor.com
American Museum of Science and Energy
865-576-3200
amse.org
Flatwater Grill
865-862-8646
theflatwatergrill.com
Oak Ridge Playhouse
865-482-9999
orplayhouse.com
Razzleberry Ice Cream Lab
865-482-0300
razzleberrylab.com
Tennessee Information
tnvacation.com
Civil War Stop: Greeneville
Take a stroll among architecturally stunning historic homes and other buildings with significant relevance to the Civil War in Greeneville, Tenn. The 90-minute tours are available April through October.
Notable stops include Old Harmony Graveyard, where both Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War are buried; Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, used as a hospital and stable during the war; and the Dickson-Williams Mansion, which both Union and Confederate armies operated as a headquarters. President Andrew Johnson’s home, also part of the tour, was damaged by Confederate forces, but refurbished after the war. 423-787-0500. —JW
This is first in a series of state-by-state travel stories that we'll be posting in the coming weeks.
