My husband, Michael, and I spent the Fourth of July in one of our favorite places in the world: Land Between the Lakes.  The 1850’s Homeplace always throws a great Fourth of July party, and far be it from us to miss a great party.

When we arrived, Henry Clay was addressing a crowd near the main entrance.  People were interacting and applauding, oblivious to the 575 degree heat. And that was in the shade.  There was a wonderful band playing as well, wisely situated beneath shade trees.

Before I get to the pictures, let me set the scene for those of you who have yet to visit  The 1850’s Homeplace.  I assure you that you’re in for a wonderful surprise.  See, most people see the word, “Homeplace” and think there’s only one cabin (or home) involved.  In all actuality, as soon as you enter the doors of the welcome center, you’re in a wonderfully fun and educational place.

The welcome center is, itself, a lot of fun. There’s a gift shop with all kinds of things for kids of all ages.  There’s a vending machine, restrooms, candy, endless fascinating educational displays and materials, and some of the friendliest, warmest, most adorable workers I’ve ever encountered.

In fact, each time we’ve been (which is FAR too many to even begin counting), the women at the desk have been nothing short of southern charmers – with a whole lot of spirit thrown in to keep things interesting.

The two women working the desk yesterday afternoon (July 4) were a credit to the Homeplace and the Land Between the Lakes. When we left, I thought, “What a fun world it’d be if those ladies worked everywhere!”  I would have told my husband what I was thinking but he was too busy laughing at these gals.  See, he’s the biggest character in all the world and approaches each day as though it were his birthday party.  Half of the time people we encounter don’t know what to make of him, but sometimes (like this these ladies), we’ll get the treat of someone going toe to toe with him… more than holding their own ground.

Anyway, it was a lot of fun and whoever hired these two ladies should pat themselves on the back.  Then take these ladies out to dinner. Their pick.

New pictures of The 1880's Homeplace added to Genuine Kentucky. This place is super special! #Kentucky #lbl http://t.co/67wCi1fz

— Genuine Kentucky (@GenuineKentucky) July 6, 2012

When you exit the welcome center (after paying admission), you enter a whole new world. Right off the bat, you realize that you’ve stepped out of the present day and have gone back in time to the mid-19th Century! The 1850’s Homeplace is actually a rural Tennessee farm much as it would have appeared in the 1850’s. The main house (pictured above and below) is absolutely adorable. I wanted to get a lot more pictures, but there were a lot of people coming and going and I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way or interrupt their enjoyment of this wonderful place.

If you love photography, you’ll fall head over heels in love with everything about the 1850’s Homeplace – from the main house to the stables, the animals, the people in their 1850’s attire, the tools, the garden, the pig pen (love, love, love the pigs), the flower garden, and even the outhouse.

This is one incredibly special place and we love every inch of it.

The 1850’s Homeplace is a beautiful place to visit in spring, summer, and fall. You’ll actually want to visit the Homeplace in each season because you’ll see how the house, farm, and people changed along with the seasons. The Homplace’s season runs from the first of March to the end of November, so you’ll have plenty of time to go and go and go and go!  I love the Homeplace in spring and summer, but my favorite time to visit is definitely in fall.

There’s just something extra special about autumn on the farm.

Kids and adults, alike, will love all of the animals and sights.  Whenever we’re there, we always see kids running around having a ball. While they do gravitate toward all of the animals, they also get a huge kick out of all the creeks, trees, hills, and people “playing dress up.”

You can read more about The 1850’s Homeplace by clicking the link.  Whatever you do, just GO! You’ll be so glad you did and, trust me, as soon as you leave you’ll start planning your next trip back. Been there, done that. Many times!

The 1850’s Homeplace Schedule:

SEASON: Mar. 1 – Nov. 30
DAYS:  Wed. – Sun., Mar. & Nov; Daily, Apr. – Oct. Closed Mon. & Tues. in Mar. & Nov.
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. thru Sat. & 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.
ADMISSION: $4 ages 13 & up; $2 ages 5-12; 4 & under, free. Pre-scheduled Group rates are available. Call 270-924-2020

More pictures from The 1850’s Homestead: