buttonwillow church civil war dinner theater

Two friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the two-person presentation of Civil War history. One of the friends and I were former history teachers, but we learned a thing or two--and enjoyed doing it. The female actor was spectacularly good, but the whole thing was interesting and well presented. We were seated right next to the stage, so we were able to see every nuance of expression. The sound system was excellent, which made the conversation between the actors easy to follow. The food was good -- chicken, carrots, green beans, rice dressing, iced tea -- and served efficiently.

Excellent time with skillful entertainment in the form of a history lesson. The meal is delightful and is in the setting and time of Jefferson Davis...Confederacy era! The menu is planned...each person receives same meal. The servers are mostly family/some others and the efficiency and speed of service is delightful. The theatre production was written by the Restaurant owner and his wife. They also perform a 2 hr play after your dinner!!!!! We have attended 4 times with different guests and it is always a delight!!!!

I have been here twice in less than 6 months and both visits were top notch excellent. The meal is bounteous and tasty but the highlight is the theatre performance by the owner and his wife. A history lesson presented with humor and fact. Two very talented people, dedicated to educating their audience with truth. You will not like Pres. Lincoln anymore nor will you use your fork or napkin the same way again. Make your reservations ASAP and take lots of friends/family.

If you must drive a long way to get to Buttonwillow, then drive. If you must save money for the entrance fee, then start saving... this is well worth the time and money. A performance to remember, with great food and a really interesting gift shop. I anticipated a poor show, with a lot of jaded history. To my delight this was far from that. History and humor combined makes this a five star attraction.This is an attraction for young and old... everyone is entertained. Can't wait to go back.

I attended this dinner theatre recently with a large portion of my family for my great-grandmother's birthday. I was actually expecting it to be cheesy but I was pleasantly surprised. The man who runs the place is very well read on anything and everything concerning U. S. History. I appreciated his zeal for authenticity and accuracy. He says that he has done most of his research by reading original historical sources rather than depending on history books for the facts. We need more of his kind, especially in the education system. The dinner was nice. The portion was very generous and nobody went hungry. The only downside to this was that we were there for about 3.5 hours which was a long time to sit in hard chairs. The play lasted for two hours and it did not start until after we had eaten. In my opinion the show could have been a little condensed but then again it takes a while to get in all the information that he presents. I was thoroughly entertained as was the rest of my family. I have already recommended it to several people. I plan to go back sometime. Great place. Just bring a pillow or pad to sit on.

This is the best dinner theater ever. It is run by a husband and wife,. It actually used to be a church. Family style seating. Pre show was great, Dinner was delicious, Show was extremely good. If you love history and the civil war especially you will learn more than you ever did in school. It is funny, educational and the gift shop is very interesting. Some items made by the husband, wife and their beautiful daughter. Amazing. You must make a reservation. It is worth the time and money you will spend. We have been 3 times and plan to go back again soon. Even the batroom decorations are photo worthy. Love It.

I have to admit, I was not very excited about visiting this dinner theater as a stop on a bus tour. However, it turned out to be one of the best stops we made. This 2 person play was so entertaining, as well as educational. The website states it is "Southern Drama with Southern Humor". Steve Gipson, owner & actor, & his wife, Allison, are wonderful actors, & from the time we arrived until we left, they were pretty much in character. The food was served before the play & was very good and traditional. This stop was not just a short hurried stop, but lasted approx 2 to 3 hrs. We enjoyed every minute. There is a small gift shop with unique items.

Our group of 26 Senior Adults went on a fun day trip to The Buttonwillow Civil War Dinner Theater for lunch. The lunch was delicious and true Southern food . We really enjoyed the play which took us back to Civil War times. Never have facts been so fun! It was our second visit too. We recommend this for anyone, but especially young people studying American History or older people who need a refresher course.

My wife, and my father and mother in law went here for dinner and the show. Entertaining, educational, good food...we could not have been more pleased with the whole event! I was thoroughly impressed with the whole event. I found the ad in the back of Tennessee magazine, a one line blurb about the civil war dinner theater in whitwell..and a few days later we went. Again...I will go again...and can't wait! So well done.

Great food and show! Enjoyed the lunch show with a group of 17 - can't say enough good things about the Buttonwillow Dinner Theater!

Looking for something different and thourghly entertaining - Buttonwillow Church Civil War Dinner Theater might be for you. Whitwell, TN might be off the beaten track (about 40 minutes from Chattanooga, tak I24 and route 28) but it is oh so worth the trip. We went with a group of 20 for a lunch and all of us had a good meal and a great time. Reservations (423-658-7478) are required as it is a small venue and no walk-ins allowed. Dinner is served at long tables seating around 16 at each table and after dinner a delightful almost 2 hour two person show set in 1864 that is educational, funny and perhaps thought provoking. If you are planning a tour trip - give Buttonwillow a try - you will not be sorry.

Delightful dinner theater! Delicious meal with great servers. The play was very entertaining as well as educational, reflecting on historical facts about the Civil War. Adequate parking and a unique gift shop with very affordable merchandise. Even the restroom was a trip down memory lane.

My husband took a quick weekend trip to Chattanooga, Tn. He came across Buttonwillow online, and we decided to give it a try. We didn't realize it was a 30 min drive from Chattanooga...but oh was it worth it!! The gift shop is lovely, with wonderful well priced items (not a bunch of junk, like in other gifts shops). The food was wonderful and simple, we chatted with others at our table, and everyone was raving about the food and service. The show was funny, entertaining, and kept our attention. We didn't realize we had been sitting for 2 hours. Afterwards we spoke to the owners/performers and felt like old friends. This attraction is well worth the drive and the money. We will recommend this experience to anyone in the area. We learned a lot and have been discussing Buttonwillow our whole drive home. I will add that the neighborhood is a little run down, and we were weary when we pulled up, but don't let that stop you from stepping back in time!

What an incredible evening!! Really had no idea about this place until it was featured on Tennessee Crossroads, so while visiting Chattanooga for a birthday weekend, we decided to make reservations and check this place out (short drive from Chattanooga). The food was very tasty and served piping hot. The chairs were less than comfortable, but the history lesson was absolutely amazing...did not teach us in school. This husband/wife team are charming and very entertaining. It is like you are taken back in time and right there at that very moment with the characters. At times it was funny...at times it was sad...all in all, it was such a great experience. The next time my Yankee family visits, I will definitely be bringing them to Buttonwillow!

I am a middle Tennessee native and cannot believe that this is my first visit to Buttonwillow! Everything about the experience was fantastic and exceeded any expectations. The food was delicious and the show was as educational as entertaining. I couldn't believe how much of the Civil War I didn't know. I cannot wait to take the rest of my family and any visitors to see it. I will be back!