historic rugby

We were in the area and looking for diverse things to do and see. We made the trip through Rugby knowing it was off-season. We found a map at the (closed) visitor center and made our way on foot to see the various listings on the map. It was interesting to read the history and see the structures but probably not worth the trip. Everything was closed, nowhere to eat for miles and miles (the one restuarant was closed), could only peek in the windows of a few spots that were listed on the official tour (such as the library and print shop). Trying to enhance the visit, we also went to the cemetery but found it was mostly modern. Did not hike any of the short trails as we had completed an arduous hike the day before in the Big South Fork area.... If you like history and quaint towns, this might be a brief diversion for you. Otherwise, there are probably more scenic drives, more accessible locales, and more robust venues to occupy your travel itinerary.

The words isolated and secluded were invented for Rugby - interesting place but not worth the trip from anywhere. Rugby is located in the middle of nowhere and the drive from Knoxville is neither pretty nor scenic. We visited during a period when Rugby was closed but we took time to walk the entire area. A few historic buildings and that is about it. Each of the four people in our party enjoy historic sites, antiques, and impressive scenery. All of us agreed the visit was a bust.

Nice day trip for interesting shopping and dining. this restored Victorian village is hidden off Route 52 in northern Tennessee. There is a Christmas theme, complete with carolers. We'll be back.

We loved walking through all the buildings and watching the little movie.The restaurant was good. They had wine and beer. The food was good.Not much to do after eating and walking to a few buildings.The history is very interesting.The people that worked there were very nice.

Rugby is worth a visit if only for it's history. But there isn't enough to keep you busy more than an hour or so here. The newspaper print shop was the highlight, very informant and nice man working there. Also the lady working the park ranger station at the building next door was very informant and nice to talk with. The lady at the visitors center wasn't as helpful, at all. She seemed more annoyed we were talking to her. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit but if in the area check it out.

Historic Rugby, TN has been on my "want to do" list for a very long time and finally an event coincided with a free weekend and available accommodations in town. Cemetery Lantern Tour--excellent community effort. Newbury House B&B--very good historic accommodations. Hiking with the park service and on our own--excellent. Commissary and near by shops--excellent browsing and shopkeepers. Church service and community--excellent. I would highly recommend Rugby, TN if you enjoy something off the beaten path to explore history and nature for a weekend. I would also hope that you get a different greeter and tour guide at the visitor center as the one we had was not friendly or welcoming and very unprofessional in her position. She spent a great deal of time complaining on the phone and in person to a co-worker about her work conditions that she wasn't getting enough hrs. She hardly seemed to enjoy the ones she had. The tour started late and the information given was rushed. Due to the late start and wanting to do another timed activity we had to miss the most important building where all the historic background with photos was presented. When I came back to ask about seeing it with a later tour, I was told if I made an additional contribution she could let us back in. This is not the point person you want when visitors first step into your town! I hope to return to Rugby someday and see that last part of the tour and attend another event, but I hope the historic society takes note and finds suitable people to run the visitor center and tours.

Historic Rugby - open Thursday-Sunday. None of the businesses including restaurant are open the other days - very inconvenient. Yet reservations for "B&B" houses are available every night. Breakfast not served any day at these faux B&B places but given ticket for food at restaurant that is closed. Supposed to have continental breakfast served at houses when restaurant closed, but I had to call at 9:00 am because nothing had arrived. About 30 mins. later an unfriendly "housekeeping" person showed with 2 rolls, 4 Danish, 1/2 gallon of orange juice, and 4 jelly packs - not a decent continental breakfast at all.Good thing me and my guy were the only guests in this 5 bedroom house for the night because our bed and subsequent activity on that bed would have kept the ghosts awake all night. The noisiest and most uncomfortable bed anywhere.Inconvenient check-in - have to go to visitor's center to get key. Closest place to even buy a soda is nearly 20 miles away. Mobile phone service almost non-existent in the whole area.Not worth the price at all. Good thing we have a good sense of humor. House was musty smelling and needed a good cleaning. No soaps in bathroom. Window air-conditioning unit that kept tripping off during the night. Availability should be blocked out if all services are unavailable. How is the town able to advertise these places as B&B's if the truly aren't?Will not recommend this as a trip and especially not to stay overnight.

I don't know if this is a policy or just the practice of one docent, but on the day we visited, the buildings were open only to people who went on the walking tours. Since I can only walk a short distance at a stretch, I couldn't do the tour, and thus the charming buildings I had come to see were inaccessible to me. Long drive for almost nothing.

A few of the buildings were nice, the food and service there was OK. The reception we got at the visitor's/tour guide center was something out of the twilight movies. I don't know what happened before we got there but it was not our fault. We meet friends there later that had gotten the same experience later in the day. The overall experience without that would have been a generous OK but with it, I suggest skipping this unless you live in a short drive.

I was just in Rugby on the Memorial Day weekend for the wedding of my college roommate in Oneida, TN. I think the history, atmosphere, and setting of this place is awesome for reuniting and connecting with old friends. There are lots of ghost stories to keep you entertained and the accommodations are very comfortable and charming. I stayed at Oak Lodge (Room 1) and really enjoyed the house and my room. Technology doesn't really work out in Rugby so expect your phone to switch from eastern standard time to central time every five minutes. This is a great place to escape the busy city life and just enjoy nature. There are limited restaurant options and limited stores/shops nearby so I would recommend brining plenty of food/snacks and books to keep you entertained if you don't have other plans. There is a lot of area of explore, but don't expect a fast-paced, exciting environment. This would be an awesome getaway for a couple who want to have a romantic retreat or even a babymoon type thing in my opinion.

We visited Rugby today and, although we've been many times before, we were charmed all over again. We ate at the Harrow Road Café, where the food was a 3 out of 5 stars. The reason for this rating is that there is very little for a vegetarian to eat and a lot of the choices are fried. The movie at the Visitor Center is an award-winning documentary and explains beautifully the origins of Rugby. I highly recommend the gift shop at the Alexander-Perrigo House, where one can also find reasonable lodging.The autumn leaves were an added bonus!!

My parents introduce me to Historic Rugby as a teenager. I've been visiting it ever since. Take a step back in time and slow down your pace. Enjoy the friendliness of the community and the hospitality of those where you stay and dine. Rugby is situated on the southern end of the Big South Fork National Park--another favorite of mine. Rugby is the last English settlement and was seen as a Utopia by those who settled there. The town is slowly but surely working to restore Rugby to its former glory. You'll be surprised to find a library still without electricity but holds a wealth of first editions. You'll also find a beautiful church. It's kerosene lamps have been converted to electric. You can stay in your choice of historic cottages/bed and breakfasts, included in the fee is often admission to a historic tour of Rugby. Just about everything is within walking distance. A few trail heads are in Rugby, too, which allow you to enjoy historic homesteads or a "Gentleman's Swimming Hole." About thirty minutes away, more trail heads are available where you can enjoy a much quieter version of the Great Smokies. Granted Rugby has very little to offer if you are into packing your day full of indoor shopping activities and tours. Rugby is for those who want some peace and quiet, a slower pace, and some outdoor adventures.

We really enjoyed our visit to Rugby. The staff was very friendly and truly loved their work and Rugby. We will go back again. Would live to go at Christmas.

We blundered into Rugby many years ago and have been back several times since. The marketers do a great job of coming up with unique events and those events are appealing, but we always visit on our own schedule. We've been to Rugby in November for my birthday, in spring when rhododendron were in full bloom, for our anniversary in July, and have enjoyed ourselves each time. You can see everything in Rugby in a day, if you're there on a day when things are open. Don't assume they keep regular tourist hours; confirm online or by phone for the day or days you'll be visiting. Each site--the print shop, the Commissary, the Visitor Center, and others--is worth spending time. Part of the town is a fee area; you're expected to pay before walking around or taking photos. Check with the Visitor Center for details. There's some great hiking right from town, although the loop to the Massengale Homestead isn't much, nor is the homestead itself that exciting. We wouldn't drive to Rugby to see Rugby; there's not enough there. But as part of a package that includes hiking and mountain biking on the nearby Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, it's one of the more appealing travel packages we created for ourselves.

The settlement of Rugby village by the 2nd sons of British gentry in the late 1800s is little known off the plateau but is fascinating. Being areader and lover of books as well as history I alway senjoy the visit to the library at Rugby a highlight of the tour. If one is also a hiker there are several trails nearby, including one to the original Gentleman's Swimming Hole. I also recommend taking time to visit the large historic cemetery where early settlers of Rugby are buried along with recent community burials. There are several festivals throughout the yar at Rugby. It is my intention to schedule a visit badk during one of these events. I have been told to book accomodations at the Grey Gables Inn and other B&B places at Rugby up to a year in advance for the festivals.