Not-so-famous Tennessee attractions worth a closer look

Northwestern Financial Review, Dec 1-Dec 14, 2002

Twenty-five years after his death, Elvis' Graceland is still the most visited attraction in Tennessee. (They don't call him the king for nothing). But if you're interested in lesser-known attractions that still offer your group an afternoon of quality entertainment and education, check out these Tennessee gems.

Birdsong Resort and Freshwater Pearl Farm, Camden

Just below the azure surface of Kentucky Lake, Tennessee mussels incubate translucent gemstones destined to adorn fashion-conscious women all over the world. It's this process of pearl cultivation that captures imaginations during the aptly named, "Pearl of a Tour," where freshwater pearl farmers explain how man manipulates the natural process of pearl production in order to make pearls more accessible - and ultimately more affordable.

The process of pearl cultivation requires skill and patience, and the formula for success is guarded as tightly as the formula for Coca-Cola. Simply put, a sacrificial mussel gives up the "mother of pearl" portion of its shell to supply "seed" for new pearls. Those seeds are then carefully implanted into live mussels who surrogate under the care of pearl farmers. During the tour, you'll take a boat out to the farm to visit with professional mussel divers. You'll also witness implantation demonstrations and see how mussels are cared for during the cultivation process. The folks at Birdsong allow plenty of time for questions.

Bob Keast, owner of Birdsong Resort, also offers groups an opportunity to travel to the nearby Tennessee River Folklife Museum to learn more about the culture and history of West Tennessee. Afterward, your group will enjoy a catered meal in an open-air pavilion overlooking Kentucky Lake.

Participants are given a freshwater pearl as a remembrance of the farm tour; guests interested in ready-to-wear souvenirs can browse the Pearl Jewelry Showroom.

Birdsong's "Pearl of a Tour is available from April through November and Keast, your onboard tour guide, is happy to assist in arranging a day customized to your group. Tel. (800) 225-7469. Internet. www.tennesseerivertours.com.

Historic Falcon Manor, McMinnville

Tired of museum-like mansion tours that over-do the velvet rope treatment? If so, you'll want to put Historic Falcon Manor on your list of must-see homes, for when property owners George and Charlien McGlothin invite you inside their home, you really do come inside.

"We don't rope off any of the rooms so visitors can come right in and enjoy the Victorian atmosphere," said Charlien McGlothin. Each room in the solid-brick, 10,000 square-foot mansion is filled with Victorian-era antiques, true to the time of builder Clay Faulkner.

George McGlothin, who looks every bit a Victorian-era southern gentleman with shoulderlength white hair and goatee, takes up the role of Clay Faulkner during regular tours and during their signature Murder Mystery tours. "When we do Murder Mysteries, every participant is given an identity from the time and they are free to participate or ad lib their role as much as they'd like, or not at all, it they're not comfortable," George McGlothin said.

The McGlothin's have infused the gaiety and irreverence of the Victorian era into their tours and Murder Mysteries. "We're a historical home," George McGlothin says, with a twinkle in his blue eyes. "But we have fun with the history."

When arranging a tour of Falcon Manor, consider lunch, dinner or a formal Victorian Tea; all can be arranged for your group. Meals are served in the Victorian dining rooms, part of the Falcon Manor Visitor's Center, which is adjacent to the home. The property also offers a Victorian gift shop filled with 1800s-style treasures.

Charlien and George McGlothin have recreated more than a beautiful Victorian home at Falcon Manor, they've recreated the essence of the Victorian era. You can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they retell the colorful stories that make up their home's history. Tel. (931) 668-4444. Internet. www.falconmanor.com.