An outdoorsy place like Humphreys County might sound like it’s only fun during the summer. Sure, there’s a lot of water around for fishing, canoeing, swimming, and splashing—and we’ll get to all of that. There’s something you should know about every other season here: There’s always fun stuff to do! Whether you’re looking for family activities or something romantic with that special someone, Humphreys County will delight.
Winter
The wonder of winter brings the magic of Christmas. There is no shortage of holiday fun in Humphreys County, either. When the air turns crisp and the last leaf of autumn falls, it’s time to start picking out the perfect tree to decorate your home.
Ross Farms in downtown Waverly always has a selection of trees in all sizes and shapes. While you’re browsing the trees and other holiday décor, such as wreaths and holiday flowers, you can enjoy the warm breads and other baked goods that are always present at the Ross Farms stand.
Christmas shopping in downtown Waverly is another family affair that breathes the magic of the holidays into everyone! The quaint downtown area is always decorated with a down home feel to make everyone feel as though they’re part of the latest Hallmark Christmas movie.
Take the whole family to The Milkshakery for a holiday-themed treat. If ice cream sounds too cold for winter, that’s okay! They always have plenty of sweets and sandwiches to satisfy without breaking out the ice cream scoop. But, honestly, who can’t shiver through a perfect Ultimate Shakedown for a few minutes? It’s better than passing up that sweet perfection.
There is nothing more hometown, warm, and fuzzy than a small-town Christmas parade, which will have social distancing in effect at least for 2020. Keep others in mind as you line the street in Waverly to see the floats and snag the candy parade participants share. The date is different each year, so be sure to check out the Humphreys County event calendar before loading up the family.
For something a little different, while also heartwarming and even educational, make plans to attend A Soldier’s Christmas Eve at Johnsonville State Historic Park. Each year, the park reenacts a Christmas Eve just as it would have been for the soldiers during the Civil War. After the reenactment, the whole family can enjoy holiday treats from the Civil War era and join together in Christmas carols.
Finally, you can’t celebrate the holidays in Humphreys County without celebrating Christmas at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. Hurricane Mills, the museum, and Loretta’s house are all decorated in the finest holiday décor. Keep an eye on the Ranch’s website, too. While many events for this year’s holiday season have been canceled due to the coronavirus, they’re sure to pick back up for 2021.
Spring
Spring is absolutely glorious in Humphreys County, and how could it not be? The wooded areas and rolling hills are perfect canvases for the vast array of flowers that bloom the moment the weather gets just a little bit warm. Anyone who travels to McEwen, Hurricane Mills, or Waverly—or any of the spots in between—will feel the magic of nature reborn, sometimes as early as February!
If you’re a photography hobbyist, spring is a great time to get out with the camera and travel some of the highways and byways for those first tender blooms. Your first hint that spring has arrived is usually the appearance of the daffodil. Next, you’ll begin to see forsythia, mountain laurel, dogwoods, cherry and pear blossoms, and then the mighty magnolia.
If you prefer to just wander among the beauty, Johnsonville State Historic Park is the perfect spot to welcome spring with easy hikes or a stroll along the edge of Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River.
Once the weather warms just a bit, golf is one of the most popular activities in Humphreys County. The land makes for perfect courses—beautiful yet challenging. You can hit the links over at the Willow Ridge Golf Course in McEwen.
Summer
Ah, summer. Humphreys County seems like it was created just for hot weather, with all the lakes, rivers, and streams meandering through every nook and cranny of the county.
If you have your own boat, you can set down just about anywhere in the county. Some of the more popular spots, where you’re sure to be able to fuel up and grab some snacks before hitting the lake, include Cuba Landing Marina, Mason’s Dock Marina, Eagle Bay Marina, Pebble Isle Marina, and New Johnsonville Harbor.
Cuba Landing Marina, Eagle Bay Marina, and Mason’s Dock Marina are both located in Waverly. You’ll find Pebble Island Marina and New Johnsonville Harbor in New Johnsonville. Mason’s, Pebble Island, and Eagle Bay all have campgrounds, too, so your family can make a whole weekend of your boating adventures.
Camping is also part of the fun at Bone’s Canoe and Campground. The boating adventures offered here are more of the canoe and kayak variety, and it’s okay if you don’t have your own. There are plenty to rent so you can float the river together.
When it’s time to turn in for the evening, you can bring your own RV or tent to the various campgrounds throughout Humphreys County.
For real summer magic that can’t be matched, make your reservation with The Flying Ham. You and the family can go “glamping” together in their luxury tent—complete with air conditioning, if you so desire—or you and your sweetheart can snuggle up in their charming retro campers. It will be a summer no one will ever forget.
And, of course, while you’re staying nearby, take the whole family to Ross Farms stand to check out the freshest summer produce, delicious baked goods, and lunch from the food trucks.
Fall
Humphreys County is a real stunner when autumn arrives. The leafy canopy turns into a riot of reds, golds, and oranges so beautiful that you won’t know for sure if that’s what steals your breath or if it’s the new chill to the air. The weather suddenly becomes perfect for all those hikes you put off when it was too hot during the summer.
Autumn also brings the annual Fall Horseback Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. If you have your own horses, you’re welcome to bring them to the Ranch and join the ride over the 3,500 rolling acres. Bring your RV along or reserve one of the cabins at Stagecoach Hill or Boone Hill to make a whole weekend of the event.
At night, everyone at the campgrounds gathers around the roaring fires in the many fire pits and listens to the live music. Bring some S’mores stuff along, or maybe roast your own hot dogs over the flames for your dinner.
You can also plan your fall camping trip around another Ranch favorite: the chuckwagon races. If motor vehicles are more your speed, then keep an eye on the calendar for the annual Jeep Trail Ride, or even the various ATV trail rides that take place throughout the fall.
As with every event and attraction across America, COVID-19 has changed the event calendar throughout Humphreys County, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the websites for all the happenings to make sure the show will still go on. If they do, please follow all event, city, county, and state guidelines to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.
ITINERARY POINTS OF INTEREST
This small family farm offers up the organic fruits and veggies they grow as well as delicious baked goods and you can even find the perfect tree for your family’s Christmas.
Take the whole family to The Milkshakery for a holiday-themed treat. If ice cream sounds too cold for winter, that’s okay! They always have plenty of sweets and sandwiches to satisfy without breaking out the ice cream scoop.
Each year, the Johnsonville State Historic Park reenacts Christmas Eve just as it would have been for the soldiers during the Civil War. After the reenactment, the whole family can enjoy holiday treats from the Civil War era and join together in Christmas carols.
Johnsonville State Historic Park
This 1000+ acre park was named after then-governor of Tennessee to commemorate the site of the Johnsonville Depot and the Battle of Johnsonville as well as the site of the historic town of Johnsonville itself before it was submerged during the creation of Kentucky Lake.
Designed and owned by Ernie Cannon, this par 71, 18-hole course features almost 6,000 yards of Zoysias fairways, bentgrass greens, and water hazards for a round of golf that is just as beautiful as it is stunning.
If your idea of camping is on your houseboat, Cuba Landing Marina offers spaces for $1.75 per foot, per night. You’ll have access to groceries, bait and tackle, and laundry facilities whenever you need them. Gas and diesel are also available when you’re ready to leave the dock.
Located on 165 acres fronted by thousands of feet of Kentucky Lake and Turkey Creek, Eagle Bay offers long and short-term boat slips, camping areas, a bait shop, and even a white sand beach.
This Waverly marina offers primitive camping, rustic cabins, and lake access that would be perfect for an “unplugged” trip with the kids.
For the longer vacation or even a semi-permanent houseboat setup, Pebble Isle may be better suited for your needs since their rates are a bit more affordable at $1.25 per foot, per night. In addition to access to gas and diesel for your trips, laundry, and a ship store, Pebble Isle also has cable and satellite TV access and a restaurant on site.
In addition to the easy water access thanks to their spacious ramps that can accommodate small and large boats, the New Johnsonville Harbor also has camping spots available for short- or long-term rental.
Bone’s Campground is the perfect spot to set up camp and spend the whole weekend with the family. Plan ahead and you could have your canoe or kayak reserved and waiting for you every morning so you can all stay out on the water from sun-up to sundown.
For a more unique camping experience, The Flying Ham offers 3 vintage-style campers as well as glamping bell tents for rent that they would be more than happy to come setup for you at your favorite Humphreys County camping spot.
Stagecoach Hill at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
Stagecoach Hill is considered to be “the premier campground” at The Ranch. It has 55 full-service 50amp pull through RV spots as well as cabins and a bunkhouse, which would be perfect for big families.