We tend to view history from a political lens. We will follow the great men and women of the past as they changed the culture and shaped the world we live in today. Now we love that kind of history, but there are small little pockets of time that seem to be forgotten. They were times long ago when people lived ordinary lives but did extraordinary things. They might not have changed the political structure of the world, but they made an impact nonetheless, and these interesting stories can be just as entertaining. You can find tales like those in this historic mansion in McMinnville, Tennessee.
The Falcon Rest Mansion started as one man’s attempt to bring his wife closer to his work.
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens/ Google In 1896, Clay Faulkner made the audacious claim that he would build “the grandest mansion in Tennessee” if she would move near their woolen mill where he made his famous Gorilla Pants (so named because they were “so strong even a gorilla couldn’t tear them apart” She graciously accepted the offer and he set out to work.
After the Faulkners passed away, the mansion was used as a hospital and nursing home from the 1940s to the 1960s, but then was left vacant for many years. A man named George McGlothin bought the property at an auction.
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens/ Google Like the former owner, McGlothin set out to build a wonderful mansion by restoring it to its original glory. However, McGlothin was a charismatic showman with a dream to show off this amazing piece of history as a tourist attraction.
The dream was completed thanks to the hard work of the McGlothins, and now you can enjoy this piece of history, too.
Management/ Tripadvisor Tours include seeing what was, at the time, a state-of-the-art house, equipped with lots of modern-day conveniences that were not present in most homes at the time. You’ll walk through the opulent rooms decorated as if untouched by time. You will hear stories of the Faulkner family and the history of real, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. You will walk the garden and live a piece of history right here from Tennessee.
If you get hungry around your tour time, you can take full advantage of the Victorian Tea Room for lunch. You do not even need a tour scheduled for the day to take part in a lovely dining experience. Walk-ins are always welcome, and the tea room is located in the visitor’s center.
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens/ Google
If you want to make the most of your time at Falcon Rest, then check in to the Falcon Manor Bed and Breakfast. Stay in your own peaceful and historically decorated room. The property is quite relaxing in the overnight accommodations and well worth extending the stay.
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens/ Google
There are, however, some chilling tales of ghosts hanging around the mansion.
ldydynardr/ Tripadvisor Some guests have been said to see a woman in the window peeking out from behind the curtains, and that’s not the only creepy occurrence. If you are interested, make sure you tell your tour guide, and they will incorporate some of the ghost stories along your tour.
Touring this historic mansion in McMillville, Tennessee, is perfect for any history buff. Taking in a tour with a charismatic host, seeing the finely decorated property, walking through the garden, and hearing a ghost story or two make for a great visit. Take a friend and have lunch, or bring the love of your life for an overnight stay, however you choose to enjoy this historical piece it is sure to leave an impression. To learn more about the property, tours, or any other information, please visit the Falcon Rest Mansion and Garden’s website.
Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens/ Google
In 1896, Clay Faulkner made the audacious claim that he would build “the grandest mansion in Tennessee” if she would move near their woolen mill where he made his famous Gorilla Pants (so named because they were “so strong even a gorilla couldn’t tear them apart” She graciously accepted the offer and he set out to work.
Like the former owner, McGlothin set out to build a wonderful mansion by restoring it to its original glory. However, McGlothin was a charismatic showman with a dream to show off this amazing piece of history as a tourist attraction.
Management/ Tripadvisor
Tours include seeing what was, at the time, a state-of-the-art house, equipped with lots of modern-day conveniences that were not present in most homes at the time. You’ll walk through the opulent rooms decorated as if untouched by time. You will hear stories of the Faulkner family and the history of real, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. You will walk the garden and live a piece of history right here from Tennessee.
ldydynardr/ Tripadvisor
Some guests have been said to see a woman in the window peeking out from behind the curtains, and that’s not the only creepy occurrence. If you are interested, make sure you tell your tour guide, and they will incorporate some of the ghost stories along your tour.
Not far from the mansion is a nice little hike with incredible views and a waterfall.
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Address: Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens, 2645 Faulkner Springs Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110, USA
