Things To Do Near Center Hill Lake

Harmony Lane Farm & Creamery

Harmony Lane Farm operates as a certified Grade “A” Dairy and farm store, offering top-quality, freshly produced goat milk products. Their herd of over 150 joyful goats produces some of the finest goat milk, which is utilized along with the freshest ingredients to create unparalleled goat cheese. The farm welcomes the public; however, interactions with the animals are by reservation only.

The guided tour at Harmony Lane Farm offers a comprehensive exploration of the barns and provides insights into their animal care practices. Visitors can hand-milk a goat and cuddle a young goat. They can observe the 12-headgate stanchion in the milking parlor and learn about the intricacies of cheese production. The tour also includes seeing the cows, calves, pigs, piglets, ducks, and free-range chickens.

Harmony Lane Grille, nestled within Harmony Lane Farm, offers a delightful dining experience in a serene farm setting. Open Wednesday through Saturday between 11:00 A.M. and 4:45 P.M., the grille serves a comforting menu featuring classic favorites such as burgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, fries, and chili. They deliver via DoorDash.

285 Harmony Lane
Smithville, Tennessee 37166

Ace’s Steak, Seafood & Italian Restaurant

Explore the flavors of Italian cuisine at this restaurant, where patrons can savor well-prepared crab cakes, seafood, and mushrooms. The cheesecakes here are also known to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, guests might find it enjoyable to pair their meals with a selection of delicious wines. As many reviewers have noted, the ambiance of Ace’s Steak, Seafood, and Italian restaurant is charming, earning it a 4.5 rating in the Google review system.
Feedback from customers often highlights the restaurant’s exceptional attention to food allergies, particularly nut allergies. One customer shared their experience of calling ahead to ensure accommodations could be made. Upon their arrival, they were pleased to see that the staff had already noted their allergy on the reservation. The chef and owner, known as Ace, personally discussed the ingredients and sources of their fresh foods with the customers. When there was uncertainty about the breading for the fried green tomatoes appetizer due to a missing label, the staff recommended against ordering it to ensure safety. This level of care and transparency is precisely what customers with food allergies appreciate.
110 W Walnut St,
Smithville, TN 37166

Twisted Oaks

Twisted Oaks, a popular bar and restaurant, is located on Nashville Highway in Dowelltown, Tennessee. Known for its relaxed vibe and excellent service, it draws both locals and visitors, especially those from nearby Center Hill Lake.

The menu features classic American comfort food, including burgers, nachos, salads, and wings. Fan favorites are the Cobb salad with salmon and the house-made nachos. Twisted Oaks also offers a selection of craft beers and hosts live entertainment such as trivia, karaoke, and live music on weekends.
This casual, family-friendly spot is praised for its welcoming service and fast food delivery, even for large groups. Outdoor seating and proximity to the scenic lake add to its charm. For anyone seeking a mix of good food, drinks, and entertainment, Twisted Oaks is a must-stop in the Smithville area.

3349 Nashville Highway,
Smithville, TN 37166

Cheryl’s Beau Bees

Located in historic downtown Smithville, TN, Cheryl’s Beau Bees combines home-cooked meals and unique gifts in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Whether guests stop in for a meal or browse for a special find, they’re promised a memorable experience.

The menu features fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and comforting homemade soups. The signature desserts are a must-try, offering the perfect indulgence. Most weekends, live music adds to the cozy, intimate setting, enhancing the overall experience.

With friendly service and distinctive gifts, Cheryl’s Beau Bees blends great food, shopping, and true Southern hospitality for both locals and visitors.

108 W Walnut St, Smithville, TN
Smithville, TN 37166

Calfkiller Brewing

The journey began in 2001 when two brothers, Don and Dave Sergio, harbored dreams of starting a business together. Coinciding with their business aspirations, they also embarked on an ambitious home-brewing hobby, broadening both their own palates and those of their family members.

1839 Blue Springs Rd,
Sparta, TN 38583

Short Mountain Distillery

Located in Cannon County, Tennessee, on a 400-acre working farm, this craft, small-batch distillery produces a variety of spirits including Organic Tennessee Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Moonshine, and many other authentic and original spirits. The distillery offers tours, mixology classes, and mule ride days for an engaging visitor experience.

Aged to perfection in American White Oak barrels, their spirits spend over four years in barrels housed in a century-old barn, embodying deep, rich flavors. These products are entirely produced, bottled, and labeled on-site by employees who are deeply passionate about their craft and dedicated to preserving the tradition of moonshining on Short Mountain.

The founder of the distillery also holds the position of founding president of The Tennessee Distillers Guild and was instrumental in launching The Tennessee Whiskey Trail. They are proud to be an active part of this living history tour of Tennessee and encourage everyone to start the trail and visit their farm.
8280 Short Mountain Rd,
Woodbury, TN 37190

Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee

Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee invites everyone to join their kayaking family. Eddie and Tara, the heart and soul behind this small business, are proud local guides dedicated to kayaking excursions to Burgess Falls in Sparta, TN.
Each trip they guide is designed to reflect the high standards and personal care they would expect themselves. Their mission is to infuse every adventure with family love, environmental care, fun facts, in-depth history, and unforgettable memories, ensuring every participant has a joyful and adventurous experience.

Eddie and Tara cherish their kayaking family and are grateful for the support over the years. They strive to make each kayaking experience not just a trip, but a memorable adventure, as highlighted by a glowing Google review from a participant, Patrick M.: “If you want to kayak to Burgess Falls any outfitter will do. If you want to Experience the falls, then Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee is the way to go.”
1393-1109 Browntown Rd,
Sparta, TN 38583

Canoe the Caney

Canoe the Caney, a family-owned business established in 1999, initially started as a jet ski rental service. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include canoes and kayaks, aiming to provide accessible outdoor experiences to all who seek adventure, thereby fostering a love for nature and exploration.
The Caney Fork River, a natural treasure in Middle Tennessee, serves as the picturesque setting for Canoe the Caney’s operations. This scenic river stretches approximately 144 miles (232 km), originating in Cumberland County about six miles northwest of Crossville and flowing northwest to the Cumberland River. It meets the Collins River and the Rocky River at Great Falls Lake, a reservoir created by the Great Falls Dam.
17055 Smithville Hwy,
Silver Point, TN 38582

Francher Falls Kayak Adventure

Explore the tranquil Fancher’s Falls from the water with Cumberland Kayak! This three-hour adventure begins with a gentle paddle on Center Hill Lake, leading up to the majestic Fancher Falls.
Participants will be accompanied by one of Cumberland Kayak’s trained guides. Upon reaching the falls, the group will spend an hour exploring the area, enjoying the scenery, and swimming. Throughout the 5.5-mile journey, keep an eye out for turtles and herons, making the route ideal for both beginner and experienced paddlers.

Through its Better World program, the company donates 2% of its sales to local nonprofit organizations that positively impact the community. Cumberland Kayak also hosts benefit paddles, volunteer cleanups, and fundraising events throughout the year.
13800 Cookeville Boatdock Rd,
Baxter, TN 38544

Burlap Room

The Burlap Room offers an array of attractions including live music, showcases from local artists, and Tio’s Taco Truck among other local cuisine options. Guests can enjoy fire pits, a sandbox, and a children’s play area, along with Hemp Brothers’ locally-grown products and a Tesla charging station. It boasts the largest beer garden in Tennessee.
The Burlap Room Beer Garden & Live Music and Harvester Event Center cater to a variety of events such as weddings, corporate events, science fairs, and private parties. They truly offer something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
175 Hurricane Ridge Rd,
Smithville, TN 37166

The Caverns: Bluegrass Underground

The Caverns music venue in Grundy County, Tennessee, embraces the power of music to unite people. The entrance is marked with the Sequoyah script of the Cherokee, translating to “Welcome to The Caverns where the Great Spirit brings all people together through music.” Known globally for its stunning natural settings both above and below ground, The Caverns is the host location for the PBS television series The Caverns Sessions (formerly Bluegrass Underground), and offers a variety of cave exploration opportunities suitable for different skill levels.
The subterranean venue of The Caverns allows guests to enjoy live music in a setting with prehistoric natural acoustics and otherworldly beauty. Known as “The Greatest Show Under Earth,” this venue provides a bucket list experience that draws visitors repeatedly to revel in its unique atmosphere.

Guided tours also feature the Big Room Cave, an awe-inspiring underground chamber known for its massive size. These tours offer insights into geology, cave lore, and the unique history of Grundy County. More adventurous guests can explore deeper into The Caverns through the “Tombstone Pass” on adventure cave tours.
555 Charlie Roberts Road,
Pelham TN, 37366

Appalachian Center for Craft

The Appalachian Center for Craft is a branch of the nationally accredited School of Art, Craft & Design within the College of Fine Arts, situated in Smithville, Tennessee.

The center offers an Artist in Residence Program (AIR) which provides emerging professional artists the opportunity to live and work within its immersive studio environment.

The mission of the Appalachian Center for Craft is to advance excellence in American craft. It achieves this by teaching both traditional and innovative techniques in professional studio craft and promoting access to the highest quality of craft education. Additionally, the center supports craft artists and facilitates the availability of outstanding craft works and events within a community arts context
1560 Craft Center Dr,
Smithville, TN 37166

The Arts Garage

A Full-Service Art & DIY Studio welcomes walk-ins and offers a dynamic calendar of private parties, workshops, and seasonal camps such as those during holidays or summer—no appointments are necessary for small groups. The studio provides a range of activities including ceramic painting, walk-in DIY, and pre-sketched canvas painting. Recently, they introduced “Bad Art Parties,” a fun competition-themed event celebrating the best of bad art.
The Arts Garage provides affordable DIY classes for all ages, led by talented local instructors, makers, and artists. Their mission is to divert attention away from digital screens, encourage hands-on creative activities with neighbors, and amplify creativity. The studio offers classes in painting, clay and ceramics, block printing, leatherworking, and sketching, using affordable and accessible tools that participants could easily acquire for home use.

The Arts Garage aims to create a fun, inclusive, hands-on learning environment where participants not only acquire new creative skills but might also complete a DIY project worthy of display. They offer a variety of evening and weekend classes open to the general public and cater to private events and corporate team-building offsites.
118 W Walnut St,
Smithville, TN 37166

John Anderson Alley

In Smithville, there has been a noticeable resurgence of nostalgia and growth in the town square, driven both by intentional design and organic development. The area has welcomed five new businesses, including Legacy Haus, Purple Door Antiques, Creation Station, Ace’s Steak, Seafood, and Italian, and Cheryl’s Beau Bees. These newcomers join established businesses such as The Male Room Brotique, Button Willow Coffee, and The Vintage Owl, which have been mainstays for years.

The alley is named in John Anderson’s honor to recognize his contributions to the music industry and local community. John Anderson, a recipient of numerous awards including the CMA Horizon Award and Single of the Year for his song “Swingin’,” has had a significant impact on country music. His career started at 15 in a rock band before transitioning to country music.
John Anderson Aly,
Smithville, TN 37166