Don't Tell the Kids - Tennessee Log Cabins Are Educational!

For parents, finding unique family vacationingenuity served purposes other than protecting
destinations where the whole clan can relax andfamilies from animals and the elements.
simultaneously learn something can be challenging.Tennessee log cabins were used as churches,
Let's face it--many kids balk at the notion ofgathering spots, government offices and stores in
going somewhere "educational", assuming that theaddition to being homesteads.
term will be synonymous with "dull". But forToday, many of the Tennessee log cabins that
creative moms and dads, Tennessee log cabinsstill stand have been turned into landmarks and
are a perfect fit.museums, giving visitors a taste of the simple life
Tennessee Log Cabins' Historythat so many called home. Places such as the
Tennessee, also known as the "Volunteer State"Mark Twain family cabin in Anderson County and
thanks to its role in the War of 1812, has a richNashville's "First Hermitage" Tennessee log cabins
history that, when explored, challenges thethat were once inhabited by President Andrew
imaginations of both youngsters and moreJackson challenge the notion of our modern
seasoned travelers. And Tennessee log cabinsexpectation of three bedrooms, a separate
played a serious role in establishing the societykitchen and indoor plumbing.
that has come to be known for its country musicFamily Vacations and Tennessee Log Cabins: A
scene (ever hear of a singer named ElvisPerfect Mixture of Fun and Learning
Presley?), breathtaking Great Smokey MountainsThough travelers to Tennessee may not be able
and consistently high levels of homespunto stay for a few days or weeks in Tennessee
hospitality.log cabins that are hundreds of years old, there
As in most states that were settled by pioneersare plenty dating from the late 1800s and early
seeking a life "out west", cabin life was to be1900s that offer a cozy sanctuary for families on
expected as the norm. With abundant forests atthe go.
their fingertips, industrious men and women spentAnd those who are opposed to "roughing it"
long days constructing residences in which manyneedn't be concerned. The vast majority of
were born, lived, and died. (Children often areTennessee log cabins advertised in vacation guides
surprised when they learn that moving to thisand on the World Wide Web have been
state during its formative years meant erectingmodernized and fitted with everything from
one's own housing, not simply moving into oneInternet access to luxurious outdoor hot tubs.
already there!)However, just because the cabins have been
Built by hand using tools that were powered byupdated doesn't mean that their historical
the brawn of strong arms, shoulders and backs,significance or impact has been undermined. Quite
Tennessee log cabins were lovingly crafted tothe contrary, as children can still get a strong
provide shelter, warmth, safety and functionalityunderstanding of just how day-to-day cabin living
for families as large as ten or more. (Again, thediffered from that to which they are accustomed
size of the average family in the 1700s or 1800sin the Internet-driven 21st century.
usually comes as a shock to kids.)By giving young people the opportunity to
Ironically, Tennessee log cabins were much smallerexperience the realities which with their for
than even some apartments arebearers dealt when growing up in such close
now--Washington County's Tipton-Haynesquarters, they'll have a deeper respect for the
Historical Home and Site began as a modest 25spaciousness of modern housing. And chances are
foot by 35 foot room. And that one roomgood that any youngster will adore pretending he
probably served as a bedroom, kitchen, livingor she is a rough-and-ready pioneer, able to tackle
room and dining area.any adventure that comes his or her way.
Some of these tiny monuments to human