Discover Manchester: Archaeology, Music, and Wine

Manchester offers travelers a range of interests: archaeology at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, music at Bonnaroo in June, art at Little Duck River Greenway, and wine and dining at Beans Creek Winery. These places and experiences differ not only in subject, but also in the considerations that matter when planning.

Old Stone Fort: Archaeology and Hiking

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park consists of two separate areas on the Duck River west of Manchester, in Coffee County, Tennessee. The Old Stone Fort is an ancient earthen enclosure built by Indigenous peoples of North America during the Middle Woodland period, approximately between 100 BC and AD 500.

The main hiking trail follows the enclosure wall. The Old Stone Fort itself served as a ceremonial gathering place for Indigenous peoples of North America. Twelve interpretive signs share more about the structure along the trail, and visitors can see waterfalls during their hike. The park museum features replicas from the prehistoric period of Indigenous peoples of North America, as well as dioramas and photographs.

Walking Trail and Art at Little Duck River Greenway

Little Duck River Greenway is a walking trail; horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed. An Art Walk was created along the Greenway, featuring murals commissioned by Manchester Parks and Recreation from artists Matt Wiley and Lance Turner. While Old Stone Fort is defined by its earthworks, historical context, and hiking trail, the Greenway centers on a walking trail and public art. This makes it possible to compare the two based on your interests: archaeological history on one hand, and an art project along a walking trail on the other.

Bonnaroo and When to Travel

Bonnaroo takes place every June on a 700-acre farm in Manchester. Festival plans may vary from year to year. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your chosen year before setting your travel dates.

Wine and Dining

Since 2004, Beans Creek Winery has offered handcrafted, award-winning wines made from grapes grown in Tennessee. The winery in Manchester is home to Café Rosé, which offers a relaxed, upscale dining experience to complement a visit. The winery focuses on wines made from Tennessee grapes, while Café Rosé is known for its dining concept. Wine and food offerings may change; if you have specific products or dishes in mind, check the current offerings in advance.

Bonnaroo is a clear anchor for planning when to travel: the festival takes place every June, although the specific schedule may vary. Old Stone Fort and the Greenway, by contrast, offer different experiences—archaeological history and hiking on one hand, and a walking trail and public art on the other. You can weigh up whether to decide on an event date first or settle on the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Tullahoma

For the overview of the wider region: Coffee.