Travel article: Lexington, Tenn.

Written by: Devin Burrow, staff writer

Lexington, Tenn. — Settled between Memphis and Nashville in western Tenn., Lexington is home to an 83-year-old theater, a man-made lake and some of the South’s best pulled pork barbecue. But that is not all that makes Lexington special to those living in the community.

Originally condemned due to black mold, the Princess Theatre has been around since 1935.

Perhaps Lexington’s most historic landmark is the Princess Theatre. Located on South Main Street in Court Square, the Theatre is thriving with new ownership and recent renovations.  Containing only one movie projector screen, the Princess maintains a strong following in the business community and is the weekly evening enjoyment for Lexingtonians.

Spanning 875 acres, Beech Lake is familiar to almost everyone in the Henderson County area and is also home to a new playground, a swimming zone and  a mile-long hiking trail.

Beech Lake is neighbored by five other lakes in the same county.

Boat adventurers also enjoy the soft wading waters spanning thousands of square feet. 

Lexington’s most famous attraction is the pulled pork and chicken restaurant Scott-Parker’s Bar-B-Que. The restaurant only provides pulled pork and chicken, and roasts its meat in a smoke shack behind the building. When asked about the traditional way of cooking barbecue, the owner, Ricky Parker, said, “I am the only one [around here] that’s still in the old tradition way. And if I had to go to gas or anything like that, I’d quit.”

Another landmark, located in a old World War II hospital, is the First Baptist Church of Lexington. It is the biggest and most attended religious building in Henderson County.

The First Baptist Church is located in the center of town square next to the courthouse.

The First Baptist Church is located in the center of town square next to the courthouse. On Sunday mornings, the church holds  9 a.m. Sunday school followed by a worship service at 10:15 a.m. There are also meetings and services scheduled on Wednesday and Sunday nights. The head pastor is Dr. Clay Hallmark, who is supported by a youth minister, Ryan Keaton, and Minister of Music, Bob Hull.

Lexington’s historical and unique attractions make the town a viable option to anyone looking for a rural and interesting location in the southeast.

 

 

Devin is a sophomore communications major with a minor in worship arts at Bryan College. His interests include hiking, music and football.