The Hawley House has become our home away from home. It’s the VERY BEST bed and breakfast we have ever visited and we plan to return every year. We go during the Storytelling Festival, a busy time for the little town, but we are making plans to visit more often because we love it that much!

The grounds are absolutely beautiful and the place, as a whole is a wonderful escape from modern day. If you like country charm and have a soft spot for Southern hospitality, stay here! Marcy, the owner does not disappoint. She’s extremely knowledgeable about the town – after all, she lives in the oldest building in Tennessee’s oldest town – and she’s very friendly, too! Her wrap-around porch, which is decked with big rocking chairs, and the surrounding lush gardens make being outside just as relaxing as being inside. We love going in early autumn and seeing the orange and yellow leaves falling from the trees.

Located atop a large hill overlooking a stripe of quaint town stores, the Hawley House boasts all antique furniture and décor, including traditional American china in the dining room for guests to enjoy during breakfast. Speaking of which, Marcy’s food is DIVINE! You will never leave breakfast wanting more! She does the works; everything from fruit to muffins to sausage to French toast! During breakfast, Marcy is also very attentive, but not too intrusive. She’ll offer to fill your orange juice and coffee, and there is always plenty to go around. The Hawley House is also very intimate. It’s a large place, but I don’t think there’s ever more than four couples on the premises at one time.

Marcy’s an interior designer and you can tell! Her immaculate place settings are just a part of the motif! The old, but new-looking furniture in the living room and bedrooms are inviting, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. There’s also various displays of valuable and interesting antiques throughout. You’ll be intrigued by her ability to fill a room with bits and pieces of history (each with a story to accompany), without it being too overwhelming or junky.

The train tracks outside of the house and old mill grocery store really encompass the Southern State's history and charisma, and the town's people give meaning to the saying Southern Hospitality. You’ll be so enthralled in the culture, you’ll forget busy city life exists elsewhere. Nevertheless, Marcy ensures the comforts of home aren’t too far. Our room was stocked with cozy blankets and pillows, bath soaps, and a variety of teas; as well as waters and sodas. Did I mention she makes cookies every evening? Chocolate chip our first night, and oatmeal raisin the next.

Also, ask Marcy about the Butterfly Cottage. It’s the most charming one-bedroom cottage you’ll ever see, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Main House. Filled with Southern Living and Tennessee Home magazines, it’s the perfect setting to curl up on the couch and read. There’s also a small TV for some modern stimulation and the kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator and microwave (if you want to store and reheat leftovers from a dinner in town). The bed is plush with a down blanket and soft pillows; the bathroom is modern, and makes hot showers a joy; the porches (on both sides) are welcoming; and the butterfly touches throughout are fun and sweet.

It’s the perfect place for a long weekend secluded from the world. Book now!