Visitors to Manchester, Tenn. might be in town to enjoy the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, explore the downtown historic district, or soak up the art and nature. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the area boasts plenty of unique areas from which to choose as a home base. Here are a few options of where to stay in Manchester to consider before you determine the ideal accommodation for your trip.
Art: Mobe / Photo: Odinn Media
Historic Downtown Manchester
The Coffee County Courthouse is the focal point of Manchester’s historic square. The 1871 Italianite structure is surrounded by Manchester’s Downtown Historic District, home to many mom-and-pop businesses and close to the Manchester Arts Center, as well as the Church at 117 Event Center.
Photo: Odinn Media
With the help of the Tennessee Downtowns program, the downtown district has been preserved and maintained through a facade improvement program. With a handful of nearby vacation rentals and small hotels, downtown is an optimal area in which to stay for architecture buffs, history enthusiasts and fans of small businesses.
Little Duck River Greenway
The 2.4-mile Little Duck River Greenway allows nature lovers to meander along the river on an eight-foot-wide concrete walkway. Bikers and walkers utilize the greenway as an alternative to vehicular transportation and can access Dave King Park, Fred Deadman Park, the Manchester Sports Park, the Recreation Center, the Town Square and Old Stone Fort State Park.
Photo: Odinn Media
Since the greenway connects parks to the downtown and natural areas, it's got something that everyone in the family will enjoy within walking distance of nearby lodging, including several of Manchester's many murals.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
On the north end of Manchester, Old Stone Fort State Park is home to its namesake; the Old Stone Fort was constructed during the Middle Woodland Period (circa 1,500-2,000 years ago) and was inhabited by Native Americans for approximately 500 years. Hiking trails are found throughout the 400-acre park.
Photo: Phillip Fryman
The park offers 50 campsites with water and electrical hookups, and hard-surface pads at the campsite can house units up to 50 feet long. The sites are spaced out and in wooded areas. Of the two restroom facilities at the campsite, one has showers that are open seasonally from March through November. Visitors can utilize grills and picnic tables during their stay.
Bonnaroo Campgrounds
For those ready to Roo, the Bonnaroo campgrounds are inundated once a year during the well-known music festival. The space-themed options include designated locations for general admission, RV, glamping and group camping.
Normandy Lake
Manchester borders the northeast shores of Normandy Lake, which was created by a dam on the Duck River in 1976. The 17-mile-long reservoir offers boating, bass fishing and camping options for travelers focused on the great outdoors. The area is within the Duck River watershed, which is home to over 500 species of fish, insects and aquatic life.
Photo: Odinn Media