Tracy City Travel Guide
Explore Tracy City with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, food, accommodations, and more.
- Introduction to Tracy City
- List of Places to Visit in Tracy City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Tracy City
- Best Things to Do in Tracy City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Tracy City
- Food and Drink Scene of Tracy City
- Where to Stay in Tracy City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Franklin-Marion State Park
- Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center
- What to Buy in Tracy City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Grundy County Hams
- Fire & Ice
- Local Culture and Customs of Tracy City
- Best Time to Visit Tracy City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Tracy City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Tracy City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Tracy City
- Where to Go Next from Tracy City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Chattanooga
- Nashville
- Conclusion
Introduction to Tracy City
Tracy City is a charming town in Central Tennessee, United States. This small town, with its friendly locals and picturesque surroundings, is known to offer a peaceful escape from the chaos of city life. Tracy City is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history, which makes it a great destination for people looking for a quiet getaway.
List of Places to Visit in Tracy City
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Grundy County Historical Society and Museum
The Grundy County Historical Society and Museum is a must-visit place for history lovers. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the county’s past, showcasing exhibits like the post office exhibit, the military exhibit, and the vintage clothing exhibit.
Dutch Maid Bakery
Dutch Maid Bakery is a small, family-run bakery that has been serving freshly baked goods for over 60 years. The bakery started as a small operation, and today it has become an iconic landmark in Tracy City. You should try their signature sourdough bread and delicious cinnamon rolls.
Natural Attractions of Tracy City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Fiery Gizzard Trail
The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a 12.5-mile picturesque hiking trail that features stunning waterfalls and scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. This trail is known for its rugged terrain, challenging enough for experienced hikers, and it has been ranked the second best trail in Tennessee.
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is a charming and peaceful community located just a few miles from Tracy City. This community is nestled in the mountains, and it offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy here, including fishing, hiking, and swimming in the community’s pool.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Tracy City
Tracy City Rail Trail
The Tracy City Rail Trail is a 1.5-mile flat biking and hiking trail that begins at the Dutch Maid Bakery and ends at Ketner’s Mill. The trail features a beautiful view of the mountains and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park is a 30-minute drive from Tracy City and offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. These trails vary in difficulty and range from easy to challenging, making it a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Best Things to Do in Tracy City: Activities and Tours
Bluegrass Underground
Bluegrass Underground is an underground concert hall located in a cave system on the Grundy County border. This cave hall has been attracting music lovers from all over the country since 2008. This unique experience of live music in a cave is a must-visit, as it is a one-of-a-kind event.
Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountain views, making it a great destination for relaxation and scenic beauty.
Week-Long Itinerary for Tracy City
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Check into a hotel, explore downtown Tracy City |
| Day 2 | Visit Grundy County Historical Society and Museum, have lunch at Dutch Maid Bakery |
| Day 3 | Hiking on Fiery Gizzard Trail |
| Day 4 | Visit Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, go fishing and swimming |
| Day 5 | Biking on Tracy City Rail Trail, have lunch at an outdoor restaurant |
| Day 6 | Visit Bluegrass Underground |
| Day 7 | Visit Nickajack Lake |
Food and Drink Scene of Tracy City
Must-Try Dishes
Sourdough bread
The sourdough bread at Dutch Maid Bakery is a must-try, with its crispy crust and soft, fluffy inside. It’s perfect to enjoy with butter or use in sandwiches.
Fried catfish
You cannot leave Tracy City without trying their classic fried catfish, which is a local favorite. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it is usually served with coleslaw and hushpuppies.
Local Beverages
Moonshine
Moonshine is a popular drink in Tracy City, and you can enjoy it at any local restaurant and bar. It is a clear, high-proof liquor that is known to be a part of Tennessee’s cultural history.
Where to Stay in Tracy City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Franklin-Marion State Park
The Franklin-Marion State Park is a great place to stay in Tracy City, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers campsites, motel rooms, and cabins, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It also features multiple hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor activities.
Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center
The Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center is a cozy and charming bed and breakfast that offers beautiful views of the mountains. It is located a few miles from Tracy City and features comfortable rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a relaxing spa.
What to Buy in Tracy City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Grundy County Hams
Grundy County Hams is a local delicacy that has been produced in the area since the early 1900s. The hams are cured and smoked using an old-fashioned method and are known for their delicious taste.
Fire & Ice
Fire & Ice is an art studio and shop that features handmade pottery, jewelry, and other unique items made by local artists. Visiting this store is the perfect way to take a piece of Tracy City’s history and culture home with you.
Local Culture and Customs of Tracy City
Tracy City is a town that values its heritage and culture, and it is reflected in its residents’ friendly and welcoming nature. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Dutch Maid Bakery Fall Festival, which showcases the town’s unique culture, history, and local businesses.
Best Time to Visit Tracy City
The best time to visit Tracy City is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities, hiking and biking, without the heat and humidity of summer and the cold of winter.
Do’s and Don’ts of Tracy City
Do:
- Respect the town’s natural surroundings, landscapes, and wildlife.
- Be friendly and polite to the locals and fellow travelers.
- Take a hike on the many trails in the area and experience the beauty of the region.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the town’s natural resources and historical landmarks.
- Disturb the wildlife, including snakes, spiders, and other creatures.
- Ignore the local customs and culture of Tracy City.
Safety and Health
Safety in Tracy City
Tracy City is a safe town with low crime rates compared to big cities. However, it is always best to take precautions, like locking your car doors and keeping your valuables safe.
Health in Tracy City
Tracy City has a few medical clinics and hospitals in and around the town that can cater to basic healthcare needs. It is always important to carry any necessary medications with you when you travel.
Getting to Tracy City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Tracy City
The nearest airport to Tracy City is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, located about 45 miles from the town. It connects Tracy City to major U.S cities, including Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Bus Stations Near Tracy City
The closest bus station to Tracy City is the Greyhound Bus Station in Tullahoma, which is about 55 miles from the town.
Other Options
Tracy City is easily accessible by car since it is located near the major interstate highways and is just a few hours’ drive from Nashville and Atlanta.
How to Get Around in Tracy City
The best way to get around Tracy City is by car. The town is spread out, and having a car will give you the flexibility to explore all the town has to offer.
Where to Go Next from Tracy City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Tracy City. It is just an hour’s drive from town and is home to major attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Riverwalk.
Nashville
Nashville, known as the “Music City,” is located about 130 miles from Tracy City and is a popular destination for those looking to explore southern culture. Nashville offers a variety of attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Conclusion
Tracy City offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it an excellent destination for travelers looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. With its numerous outdoor activities, fascinating museums, and delicious food, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Tracy City.
