Can't beat it...

The same weekend that the Northeast got blasted with an October blizzard, we were enjoying beautiful weather.

The sun was shining, cool temps and a slight breeze in the air, perfect day for fall yard work. I personally mowed for that last time, moving leaves and getting mower put away for the season.

Autumn is beautiful on the plateau. 

The change is here

   If you have never experienced autumn in Eastern Tennessee, you are missing out.  Yes, the North Eastern part of the United States has a big reputation for fall foliage but do not underestimate us.

   There is always that one day when you just feel the change in the air. Football season is upon you, you need a jacket in the mornings and the air smells different. 
   Soon leaves are changing, as they are now, autumn decorations are coming out into the yards and you are thinking about your first pot of chili of the year.
   The glorious Smokey Mountains are nearby to take in 
the changing of the leaves.  There is glorious beauty just driving around Cumberland County and especially in Fairfield Glade.  That normal route to Crossville, a friend's home or to church has now been transformed.  Just stop for a moment and take it in.
   Places change with the changing of the leaves. Even after they have dropped you may see things that you may not have seen before because the leaves were still in place. 
   There are always autumn festivals going on within short drive of FFG. Even apple picking down on the mountain in Pikeville. 
   So don't think of autumn as the prelude to winter, think of it as different canvas Mother Nature has provided.  Just stop and take the change in.


 Beauty is always around, you just have to take a moment to see it.

Fairfield Glade 101

  Fairfield Glade wasn't named "One of America's 100 Best Master Planned Communities" by Where to Retire magazine without good reason.  It is why people from the North, South, East and West move to FFG, and where you will find some to the friendliest people you will ever meet.  I will give you a synopsis of what FFG has to offer.  I will go into much more detail on these amenities in individual entries.


  Within the Glade is located -


~  5 championship golf courses with a total of 90 holes of golf, and each with a complete pro shop
~  12 tennis courts - 4 indoor/8 outdoor, including pro shop
~  3 swimming pools - 1 indoor/2 outdoor
~  11 pristine, spring fed lakes
~  sand swim beaches and marinas at 2 lakes
~  horseback riding stables
~  recreation center that includes basketball, indoor pool, hot tub, weight room, game room, coffee shop, meeting/banquet rooms
~  a library
~  Arts & Crafts center
~  shopping mall with restaurants, grocery, spa, pharmacy, post office, beauty salon
~  weekly tours to regional attractions
~  dining at Druid Hills Country Club, Stonehenge Country Club, and restaurants at the shopping mall
~  Good Samaritans Assisted Living facility
~  24 hour security, ambulance and fire service
~  6 churches 
~  miles of paved walking trails and rugged hiking trails
~  scenic overlook 


There are many more things, but this is just a basic overlook.  Please come back for more detailed information on these plus more.  You will not be disappointed. 

Diversity of the Plateau

  The Cumberland Plateau, in which Cumberland County and Fairfield Glade are located, is the southern part of the very large Appalachian Plateau.  The Cumberland Plateau covers approximately 679 square miles and over 75% of which is covered by virgin forest.  These forests are some of the largest stretches of contiguous forest in the eastern part of the United States.  84,000 acres of protected forest is located on the northern border of Fairfield Glade.  This area is called Catoosa Wildlife Management area.  Many of the animals, especially the deer wander back and forth between Catoosa and the Glade.

  The Plateau is made up of sandstone and shale dating back 500 million years with outcroppings everywhere.  Today it is a maze of rocky ridges and ravines, with droppings into large valleys dotted with waterfalls, caves and a large diversity of plant life.  Some of the greatest varieties of fish and mollusk species are located within the rivers and streams on the Plateau, with some of the richest wildflower areas are in the ravens and deep hollows.  It is also the highest vertical rise between the Rocky Mountains and the Smokey Mountains, reaching an elevation as high as 3,500 feet.

  A large number of waterfalls are close to Cumberland County, including Fall Creek Falls, the highest single plunge waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.  The Cumberland Plateau has the largest number of waterfalls within the whole Appalachian Plateau.  The closest waterfall is Ozone Falls just about 20 minutes east of Fairfield Glade. --  Map of Waterfalls  --


  One of the most impressive things about the Cumberland Plateau is that it has such high diversity of plant life, second only to a remote region in China.  The temperate climate of the area has contributed to this diversity. You will be amazed at the type of plants you will come across here on the Plateau.


  Every time that I am able to roam the Plateau, I come across something new and unique.  I believe it is a very special place and hope you take the time to explore and enjoy it as well. 

In the beginning....

  In 1966, a company then known as Fairfield Bay Inc purchased their first property of 4,000 acres in Arkansas.  It is now known as Fairfield Bay. It became their first vacation/timeshare venture.


  Three years later,1969, the company purchased 9,600 acres on the Cumberland Plateau.  The following January, the company presented its ideas/dreams to a large contingent of local officials. Grand plans of a vacation,  recreation,  retirement community was laid out on the table. And thus the birth of Fairfield Glade.


  A sales center and 98 modular homes were in place within a year.

One of the original modulars/timeshares.
There are a few still standing.

 The first 9 holes of Druid Hills golf course and the St George marina was completed by 1971.  An additional 133 modular homes were added also.


  The Druid Hills country club, second 9 holes of Druid Hills, the Druid Hills swimming pool and tennis courts were completed in 1972. Plus an additional 135 modular homes were installed. 


  1972 was a busy year. Besides all the work around Druid Hills, the Wilshire Heights condominiums were built.  Construction on the Canterbury Dam had started, water lines from the City of Crossville was being extended and the first water treatment plant was being built. It was a time of many advancements for Fairfield Glade.


  The Lakeshore Terrace condos were built,  and the Canterbury dam was completed in 1973.

  In 1974, the Pomeroy dam was completed, with the Fire and Safety building completed the following year.


  Since this time period many, many more projects have been done to make Fairfield Glade what it is today. There are continued improvements but the natural beauty of the now 12,000 acres is still intact. Much of these acres are still undeveloped. 


  I will be doing individual entries of most of what Fairfield Glade has to offer their visitors and residents.

Disclaimer

I am not employed by Fairfield Glade, Fairfield Glade Community Club, Wyndham Resorts,  any of the restaurants, golf courses, etc.


I am just giving information as I know it, and as I receive it.


My opinions are my own. No one elses.


Specific questions can be sent to the email.