Hohenwald holds onto its heritage and celebrates a slower pace of life
Hohenwald is a rural Tennessee community that attracts those who want to escape the bustle of big cities. The town was a major railroad hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but has shifted its focus to recreational attractions, agricultural pursuits and local history. Several outdoor destinations surround the community, and neighborhoods preserve their tree-lined streets and sprawling farmlands. Locally owned businesses and industries fuel the economy, and community events bring neighbors together to celebrate the city's heritage.
Hohenwald means "high forest" in German, reflecting the lush landscape that surrounds the city and the community's Swiss and German past. Many refer to the city with an Americanized pronunciation. "If you come and ask the locals, it's going to be called Hoeinwald, Hole-in-the-Wall and Hornwall," says Debbie Landers, executive director of the Hohenwald-Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, in a playful tone. "I'm about one of 10 people here who pronounce it Hohenvald [like the original Swiss German settlers]."
Grassy, tree-lined lots have bungalows and barndominiums
Houses are typically close together in the neighborhoods around the city's center, but mature trees help provide shade and privacy. Farther away from downtown, lot sizes steadily grow, creating sprawling grass yards and thicker tree cover. Adjoining land is sometimes flattened for farming and raising animals. Architecture ranges from bungalows and ranch-style homes to properties with Cape Cod, cottage and farmhouse designs. Barndominiums, characterized by their distinctive tin roofs and siding, are especially popular. Prices range from $130,000 to $675,000, depending on a home's age, size and attached acreage. The city's median single-family home price is around $280,000.
Nature trails, expedition campgrounds and The Elephant Sanctuary
Ample natural land surrounds Hohenwald. Trails at Lewis State Forest and Devil's Backbone State Natural Area cut through rolling hills and thick forest. Between the two are campgrounds like Meriwether Lewis Campground, which is home to Lewis' final resting place. Hikers and cyclists have access to Natchez Trace, a nearly 450-mile-long historic trail connecting Nashville and Natchez, Mississippi. The Buffalo River is another hub for recreation, offering opportunities to fish, paddle, float and kayak.
Inside the city, Hohenwald Memorial Park has a playground, baseball fields and space for the South Central Area Fair, a summer event featuring the country's longest-running demolition derby. The city is also home to The Elephant Sanctuary, the largest African and Asian elephant sanctuary in the country. While the refuge is closed to the public, visitors can learn about the elephants in the sanctuary's care at the Elephant Discovery Center, located downtown. People can also visit the nearby Lewis County Museum of Local and Natural History to explore large animal exhibits.
Hohenwald is located in Tornado Alley, making it susceptible to seasonal storm damage. First Street reports that Hohenwald also faces a significant risk of wildfire over the next 30 years due to its hot and dry conditions.
Award-winning wineries and downtown dining at Lewis and Clarke
The city's two-block downtown has a variety of local businesses. A sepia-colored expedition mural decorates Lewis and Clarke's, a laid-back restaurant with traditional American comfort food and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Across the street, Junkyard Dog Steakhouse serves hearty portions. Around the rest of the city are fast-food chains, hardware stores, dollar shops and more locally owned businesses. Powers Food Town and Walmart Supercenter are the primary supermarkets.
There are also several wineries within 20 miles of the city, and many have received national and international recognition. "We've been calling ourselves the new Napa Valley of the South," Landers says.
Lewis County high schoolers earn credits through TCAT
Although Tennessee offers open enrollment, most students attend Lewis County schools. They start at Lewis County Elementary and Intermediate, followed by Lewis County Middle and High. The four schools have Niche scores of B-minus, B-plus, B and B-minus, respectively. High schoolers are encouraged to earn at least four post-secondary credits before graduation by taking dual-enrollment classes through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). The college offers various career programs, from forestry to power sports technology.
Highways connect Hohenwald to Nashville and nearby hospitals
Pedestrian infrastructure and public transit are limited, so residents rely on cars. Highway 412 and state Route 48 create the city's central intersection. Both connect to Nashville and the Nashville International Airport within 80 miles. The nearest medical facility is Lewis Health Center, but locals are within 30 miles of hospitals like Ascension Saint Thomas Hickman and Perry County Community Hospital.
Although people commute to Nashville for work, Landers notes that the city has many unique, family owned businesses, including Safe Step Walk-In Tubs, Real Milk Paint and Oliver Travel Trailers.
Oktober Heritage Festival honors the city’s history
The Hohenwald Oktober Heritage Festival is one of the community's most cherished events. The annual tradition celebrates Meriwether Lewis' legacy and the community's three original inhabitant groups: the Chickasaw Nation, migrants from the Appalachian Mountains and early Swiss and German settlers. Attendees can explore a genealogy fair at the Historic Strand Theatre, a big rig show, vendor booths and live music performances. In winter, the city organizes Christmas in Hohenwald, with two weekends of lighted displays, carriage rides, ice skating and visits with Santa.
