Cedars of Lebanon (SP) 9/30/22 - 10/3/22 (#14) - Part 2

 

We left Cheaha on Friday & arrived at Cedars of Lebanon SP 4.5 hours later. This campground is in Lebanon, TN & has 3 separate areas for camping. Area 1 has the most sites but all are pretty close together. Area 2 has larger sites but caters to more tent camping. Area 3 is the newest & all sites are well spaced apart. We stayed on 109 which is 1 of 4 FHU sites. The only problem is that is was on a sort of a curve & cars driving through were headed straight for the living side of the camper until they rounded the curve. So, while large, it didn't feel very private.

We had two separate reasons for wanting to visit this Park. There was a festival going on & it is in the town where my roommate from 40+ years ago is buried.

The festival (WPA day celebration) was a small one held at the Sadie Ford Heritage Farm across the street from the Park. They hold this festival each year to teach others how a working farm was ran during the 1920s & 30s. We went a little late in the afternoon just before they closed. They have basket weaving demonstrations, wood working, broom making, blacksmithing, etc. The local cast iron cooking club was also there serving up, stews, rice & beans & dessert. All in all it was very interesting.

The next day we went into town about 8 miles away. We ate late lunch/early dinner at a family run restaurant Demo's. Highly recommend. 

We then went to the cemetary to pay respects at Joyce's grave. The cemetary was MUCH larger than I anticipated & knew we didn't have enough daylight left to try & find her grave. We found the office but it was closed. I called the # on the door, no answer. I texted her son Troy, in hopes that he could tell us where to go. While waiting to hear back from him a car drove up & it was the cemetary director who just happened to stop by for something. He went inside & booted up the computer & found where it was located & how to find it. Lucked out on that one because Troy texted back that he could get to it but didn't know the # or the lane on which it was located. Bittersweet but glad we were able to go.

We were also able to go to a pottery shop just a few miles away - Silver Ridge Pottery It is owned by a very nice couple & the shop is adjacent to their home. Lee is the primary potter but her husband Marshall also makes unique & whimsical things. Lee gave us a very detailed tour & then we were left to browse. We bought a few platters for us & for Christmas gifts. Also met their sweet pups - Diana & Katie.

We also has a very sweet brindle cat come to the site every day for a morning & evening snack. It was feral but would let you pet him/her & didn't look like he/she was starving.

Met a few other pups too. Buddy, a black & white bird dog from California. 2 standard poodles (black & grey) from Flaggstaff, AZ (the one that wanted to climb in my lap was named Dutch), their parents were Jackie & Dave. Archie, a beautiful black lab whose parents were full timers originally from S. Dakota.

Weather was again very nice .... mid 70's during the day & mid 40's at night. The fire pit was located at the far corner of the site & was very high so we only had a fire one night.

Still missed Nelly but agreed that she wouldn't have liked this site very well either.

Extra note: We found one of the nicest liquor stores we have ever been to - The Golden Bear. The manager was very nice & personable & helped us make a decision on what to buy.