Smyrna Tennessee - Family-Friendly Town with a Water Park

 Smyrna, Tennessee is a family-friendly town located in Rutherford County about 20 minutes from Nashville. It boasts 10 parks, 7 miles of greenway trails, and an outdoor water park for children to enjoy. Middle Tennessee boasts a rich heritage, including Sam Davis Home and Plantation - a 168-acre historic site and one of Middle Tennessee's major cultural and historical attractions.

The History of Smyrna

Smyrna Tennessee, founded as an agrarian community in the early 19th century, gained prominence during the Civil War due to its railroad station connecting Nashville and Chattanooga. One of the key events during this time was when Confederate States soldier Sam Davis - accused of spying - gave up his life rather than reveal his identity to Union forces. Smyrna has seen many changes over the years, but its history remains unchanged. During World War II, Sewart Air Force Base was established here which provided the economic stimulus for many years - until its closure in the 1970s. Nissan North America, Inc. has opened several satellite locations in Smyrna, providing local residents with employment opportunities.

In addition to these businesses, Smyrna is renowned for its annual Great Tennessee Air Show featuring the Blue Angels military aircraft group. Tragically, in 2016, Blue Angels pilot Capt. Jeff Kuss tragically passed away while practicing for this event; consequently, the people of Smyrna raised funds to construct a memorial in his memory. Smyrna offers visitors a range of attractions, such as shopping at Smyrna Square and Country Village. Furthermore, they can explore the Stones River National Battlefield for some historical perspective.

For those interested in the history of Smyrna, they can visit Sam Davis Home & Museum. This was the boyhood residence of Confederate States Army soldier Sam Davis. Another popular attraction in Smyrna is the Smyrna Museum of History. Here, visitors can take in exhibits such as the Smyrna Railroad and the Smyrna Historical Society. The museum is open daily and offers tours suitable for children, historians, and anyone interested in Smyrna's past. To learn more about the museum's offerings, check out its website; admission is free of charge.

Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is one of Middle Tennessee's largest lakes. It provides much-needed water to Smyrna, drawing over 400,000 visitors each summer. On July 2, 1958, Congress changed the name of Stewarts Ferry Reservoir to honor Congressman James Percy Priest - a Tennessean who represented Nashville and Davidson County in Congress from 1940 until 1956. Initially known as Stewarts Ferry Reservoir, it was ultimately changed in honor of Priest on that date. Today, the lake is encircled by 18,854 acres of public lands and 10,000 acres dedicated to wildlife management. The Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District personnel supervise and operate the powerhouse, dam, public lands, and lake.

Boating enthusiasts flock to Lake Ontario for its abundance of marinas and boat ramps. Here, visitors can find all types of watercraft from paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks to sailboats, power boats, and houseboats. Around the lake, there are plenty of campgrounds that provide guests with a range of amenities. These sites typically provide water and electric hookups, showers, restrooms, dump stations, and picnic shelters. Fishing at the lake is a popular pastime, offering anglers an array of species to catch. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and more can all be caught here!

Therefore, many people take to the lake in search of their ideal catch. Fishing can be both enjoyable and challenging for anglers of all abilities. The lake is renowned for its excellent bank fishing, and there are several areas around the lake where fish can be caught without needing a boat. These include Seven Points Recreation Area, Pooles Knob Recreation Area, Bryant's Grove Recreation Area and Percy Priest Dam. The lake hosts several special events throughout the year, such as the Fishing Festival in June and Spring Festival in October. These festivals provide families with a chance to bond while taking in all that nature has to offer. Plus, these festivals serve as fundraisers for the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The Smyrna Greenway System

Smyrna is a bustling family-friendly city with outstanding health care, an expanding public greenway system, and steady employment opportunities. Just 20 minutes from Nashville, Smyrna has become increasingly attractive to retirees and those searching for an active lifestyle with low property tax rates and plenty of amenities. Smyrna boasts an array of parks, seven miles of greenway trails, and Percy Priest Lake for outdoor recreation. Additionally, it houses a Nissan manufacturing plant and regional airport - making it a prime business hub in Rutherford County. The Smyrna Greenway System is an integral element of the city's parks and recreation program, designed to improve the quality of life for local residents by connecting neighborhoods in new ways.

In addition to connecting parks, the system will serve as a conservation corridor to safeguard and conserve natural resources. Furthermore, the greenway system will enhance community interaction and foster child safety by connecting children with their peers. One major objective of the greenway system is to promote pedestrian and bicycle use by providing a secure, enjoyable network of paths. It will connect Lee Victory Recreation Park, Rotary Soccer Park, Volunteer Park, and Sharp Springs Recreation Area. It will also serve as a route for cyclists to commute to the Nissan Factory or Smyrna Airport and downtown Nashville. Estimates suggest that the greenway will attract an additional 16,000 cyclists per year to Nashville.

A greenway is a path that's popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. It may be designed with bridges, boardwalks or other features to offer users a peaceful and picturesque experience. Greenways are typically connected by walkways or bridges and often feature wildlife habitat or butterfly gardens to help people reconnect with nature. Furthermore, these pathways may feature historical or wildlife placards to inform users and enhance their experience. In December 2016, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Murfreesboro dedicated 3.5 miles of greenway along J. Percy Priest Lake to the East Fork of the Stones River. This project was made possible through federal grants and city funds, featuring three miles of new trails, an equestrian/multi-use parking facility at Coleman Farm, as well as a connection to Twin Forks Equestrian Trail.

Things to Do in Smyrna

Smyrna is a family-friendly suburban town that boasts numerous attractions and recreational activities. Just 20 minutes from Nashville, Smyrna provides visitors with plenty of chances for fun and adventure. No matter your interest - history buff or outdoor adventurer - Smyrna has something for everyone! Explore its vibrant past at the New Smyrna Museum of History, learn about local customs, and sample Southern cuisine at its finest! Sam Davis Plantation and House offer an unforgettable look into slavery life. You can explore its grounds or take a guided tour to view all of its exhibits and artifacts.

Smyrna offers an abundance of outdoor parks to spend your free time enjoying yourself. Paul Johns Neighborhood Park, for instance, is a nine-acre space perfect for jogging or walking. Sharp Springs Park is a large public park that boasts several attractions, such as its disc golf course and sporting facilities. You can also take a leisurely walk along its hiking trails or fish in one of four catch-and-release ponds. Smyrna boasts the Turtle Mound National Historic Site, an ancient landmark known for its massive shell collection that dates back to the 9th century.

If you're searching for more ways to explore the city, Depot Days is an annual festival that highlights local businesses. There is a range of activities from car shows and wine tastings to kid-friendly events. The town offers an array of restaurants to suit any budget or taste. Smyrna Cafe, for example, serves classic American dishes with a Southern flair while Hickory Falls provides mouth-watering steaks and seafood dishes.