By Barbara Killmeyer

Are you tired of vacationing at the same old places that you’ve been to so many times?  Once we reach senior citizen status, we sometimes feel that it’s time to see something new, and yet we aren’t anxious to look for a place that requires a fast pace from morning to night, one that will leave us exhausted and in need of a vacation to recover from our vacation. I have discovered the perfect place:  the village of Rugby in Eastern Tennessee.

Rugby has been described in several ways. Thomas Hughes, founder of the town in 1880, described it as “a lovely corner of God’s earth.” More recently, writers have described it as “a town of cultured ghosts” and “Utopia in the wilderness.”  The National Trust calls it “one of the most authentically preserved historic villages in America.”

Hughes was concerned for the younger sons of landed British families. It was the custom at that time for the eldest son to inherit the title and the land. However, there weren’t very many socially acceptable occupations for the younger sons to enter. Hughes believed that he could establish a class-free colony in America where these younger sons, as well as artisans, tradesmen and farming families could build good, respected lives through agriculture and Christian living.

His plan worked, and 70 Victorian-style buildings were constructed, and 300 residents of this new community lived and worked there in harmony. Throughout the years, as with any community, Rugby had good times and bad times. The population languished for a time, but in 1966, Historic Rugby was formed by determined residents who restored and preserved the remaining buildings. In 1972, the community was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors to Rugby can stay in Newbury House.  Built in 1880, it is today an authentically restored and Victorian furnished bed and breakfast. Other places to stay are Pioneer Cottage, another 1880s building and several other rental cottages. All of these are available for stays throughout the year.

Eighteen original buildings that have been restored can be visited, and of these not to be missed are:

Christ Church Episcopal- It was built in 1887 and contains the original hanging lamps, stained glass and 1849 rosewood organ.

Kingstone Lisle - This graceful, rural gothic cottage was built in 1884 for Rugby’s founder, Thomas Hughes.

Thomas Hughes Library – The library was built in 1882 and is unchanged since its opening. There are 7,000 volumes of Victorian literature still on the shelves and the furnishings are original.

The surrounding scenery is unforgettable and many walking trails are available for your pleasure.

I’m sure that a vacation in Rugby will be one you will not forget and will recommend to your friends. Don’t forget to bring your camera since photo opportunities are everywhere.

Although Rugby offers a relaxing vacation and a glimpse into the past, you may want a change of pace for a day or so. Rugby is an easy drive to Knoxville with its famous toe-tapping Blue Grass music, plus many fun activities and excellent restaurants.  Also an easy ride away is Oak Ridge, where you can take a Secret City Scenic Excursion Train for a 14-mile, one-hour trip on a train pulled by 1950s vintage diesel locomotive. Seating is in an air-conditioned coach and a dining car, both restored from the 1940s era of passenger railroading.

Whatever you do – have a great vacation!

For more information and lodging, call 1-888-214-3400, or visit www.historicrugby.org.

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