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Cleveland/Bradley County
Ocoee Region of
Tennessee
Media Advisory For More Information:
Melissa Woody, 800-472-6588
mwoody@clevelandchamber.com
Cleveland . . . in the middle of it all!
In the middle of I-75 as it streams from
Michigan to
Florida . . . in the middle of
Chattanooga and
Knoxville with metropolitan appeal . . . and in the middle of nature’s playground with whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, fishing and camping in the
Cherokee
National Forest.
Cleveland is the perfect place to rest, refuel and reenergize while enjoying the Ocoee Region of
Tennessee.
- Cherokee Heritage –
Bradley
County is home to Red Clay State Park, the last eastern capital of the Cherokee Nation before their tragic journey on the Trail of Tears. The sacred ground of Red Clay is where the Cherokee first learned of this forced removal from their eastern home. A reunion of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee is set to take place April 16-18. This also signifies the 25th Anniversary of the lighting of the eternal flame housed at Red Clay. This timeline coincides with the PBS broadcast of “We Shall Remain,” a 10-hour documentary series on the Native American Experience. Episode 3 is entitled “The Trail of Tears” and contains scenes shot at Red Clay.
In the small town of
Charleston, TN, the story is just unfolding.
Charleston, located on the
Hiwassee
River, was the site of Fort Cass, where federal troops under the direction of Gen. Winfield Scott, rounded up thousands of Cherokee and held them and encampment sites in the area until they left for the West. Rattlesnake Springs was the largest of these encampments and probably one of the most familiar locations associated with the Removal. This tragic story was not one that was passed down through the ages. In fact, it had almost been lost until residents decided it was a story too significant not to share. Interpretation is in development, history is unfolding with each passing day.
- Outdoor Recreation – The Ocoee Region is unmatched when it comes to adventures in the great outdoors. Catch awesome whitewater rapids on the Ocoee River,
America’s only Olympic River as site of the 1996 Canoe & Kayak Competition. Check out the listing of outfitters at www.visitclevelandtn.com for guided trips down the class
III and IV rapids of the Ocoee. The
Cherokee
National Forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, and miles mountain biking trails.
- Historic Downtown – Downtown
Cleveland is a charming destination with unique eateries (see culinary interests) and great year-round family events. The Museum Center at 5ive Points is a centerpiece attraction of Downtown offering permanent and temporary exhibits as well as interesting events and cultural programming. The Museum Shop is like a gallery, filled with exquisite artwork and jewelry designed and created by regional artists.
The
Courthouse Square is host to a Halloween Block Party, in its 20th year, attracting 15,000 people from across the region annually. Live music, vendors and treat bags make for a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. The square is also home to the MainStreet Cruise-In, which gathers classic and special interest vehicles each fourth Saturday from April – October. At Christmas, Carols in the City, “reverse caroling” at historic downtown churches, and the community tree lighting are warm welcomes to the holiday season. The amphitheatre in
Johnston
Park is filled with the sounds of music during warm months, especially every Friday night in May with Evening Shade Concerts in the Park, free concerts supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
- Agri-tourism - Heralded for their southern fried apple pies, Apple Valley Orchard has been featured in prominent publications. It’s a great stop for groups and families. Request a tour of the orchard and sip some delicious apple cider. Each October, the Cleveland Apple Festival, held around Downtown’s
Courthouse Square, celebrates the harvest of the season. Morris Vineyard and Winery is one of the largest “pick your own” vineyards in the country. It also boasts the most beautiful view in
Bradley
County. The new tasting room is the perfect place to sample the delicious wine varieties and select the ones that will accompany you home.
- Religious Heritage – From small country chapels to large mega-churches,
Cleveland is sometimes termed “the buckle of the Bible belt.”
Cleveland is home to the international headquarters for the
Church of
God, whose campus features a beautifully designed
Prayer
Plaza welcoming residents and visitors alike. Another “must see” is the Christian campus of
Lee
University, the fastest growing private university in
Tennessee. Southern Baptists lead the way in numbers of congregations and the list continues with a variety other movements and denominations represented.
Several local churches are more than 150 years old and display ornate and interesting architecture. This region of
Tennessee is rooted in religious heritage and diversity. “On the
Glory Land Road” captures the story and sites of the 10-counties of
Southeast Tennessee. A brochure is available at the Chamber of Commerce and information can also be viewed at www.southeasttennessee.com.
- Culinary Interests – From fine dining to burgers and malts, from “meat and threes” to barbeque,
Cleveland has the “eats” department covered. Acclaimed for fine western dining, the Bald Headed Bistro is a uniquely elegant dining experience with just the right splash of “hometown watering hole.” The menu features kobe beef and incredible prime rib while the patio features live music on select nights, plasma screens and plenty of smiling faces.
Several notable restaurants are located on and around the
Courthouse Square. Café Roma offers an exquisite Italian-inspired menu featuring original pasta recipes created by the owner/chef and arguably the best calamari anywhere. Gardner’s Market is a deli-style shop with many hard-to-find imported goods in a market setting.
Gardner’s has been featured in some prominent publications for the fresh, quality food and excellent service. Travel back in time at The Spot, a 50’s style burger and malt shop. Family fun is waiting at this treasured landmark. A couple of notable “meat and threes” are located around the Square as Earl’s and Diamond Lil’s dish out daily southern favorites for breakfast and lunch.
In north
Bradley
County, the small town of
Charleston is a must-visit for a southern tradition. Yes, it wouldn’t be the South with out tender smoked barbeque and W&W Restaurant has the market cornered in this area. Tasty and big portions of smoked pork, beef and chicken are the specialty of the house. But do not stop there; the entire menu is worth the short drive. Owner/chef Wilbur Moore will be glad to see you and y’all will be glad you came!
The Cleveland/Bradley County area has a great travel experience and hometown hospitality waiting for visitors. Check out our website and searchable event calendar at www.visitclevelandtn.com and call us for more information on these and other interesting places and activities in the Ocoee Region of
Tennessee.
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