Erin, TN: A St. Patrick's Day Parade for the Whole Family

So you want to know where you can find a St. Patrick's day Celebration for the entire family...this is it. After 46 years, the folks in Erin, TN know how to throw St. Patrick a proper celebration. I will admit, even though there is something for every age, especially the kids, Senior citizens will thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in Houston County during the St. Paddy's celebrations. They actually have events scheduled for the entire week leading up to the 21st. However, it is those events that I found were more skewed towards our seniors. I am actually a member of AARP but I'm not retired and I have a daughter still in High School, so I don't consider myself a Senior. Hey, shut up.

Erin, Tennessee is located 50 miles from Nashville as the crow flies. If you are not a crow, and are traveling by car, RV or motorcycle (which I would highly recommend, as the mountain roads are beautiful.) the trip will take you approximately 1 hour from Nashville. The city of Erin is located in Houston County and nestled in what is termed The Tennessee Ridge. If you have never experienced a Tennessee Ridge, it is a must see at any time of year. The population of Erin is a little over 1500, however it feels bigger than that and maybe because of the visitors to the Celebration and to the Tennessee Ridge area as well. Before I tell you about what to expect at the Parade, which, as parades go is pretty good. If you are a nature lover, you will love your visit to Houston County. Erin is actually a Junction for highway's 149 from the north, 13 from the south and east and 49 from the west. Whatever direction you are coming from, once you are in Houston County you will be impressed with the scenary. It is a great place to visit if you are a camper or an RV'er. You will find multiple locations in and around Erin to camp or park. Campgrounds include; Rye's and Shine located on Hwy. 149 in Cumberland City. $10 hook-ups w/deli and a Pizza Hut on site. Clara's Campground on Airport Rd. in McKinnon, TN. (just beautifully outside of Erin). 15$ hook-up fee and I'm told it's worth it. Alos, if you like cabin's you'll love a place called, Campsites and Cabins on Hwy 149 in Cumberland City. If Bed and Breakfasts are your thing then Five Oaks Bed and Breakfast is your kind of place and it is located near the parade route in Erin, TN. Lastly, whether you are looking for a campsite or a motel room, you'll love Southernaire Restaurant and Motel on Overlook Lane in Stewart, TN. But book it early. They have 11 trailer hook-ups and 7 motel rooms. Now that you are situated and nestled into your warm friendly confines in Houston County, here is your parade information.

On March 21, Erin Tennessee will host their 47th annual Irish celebration. The parade gets underway at 8:00 am. on Main Street, in the heart of beautiful downtown Erin. It is complete with numerous floats and bands, including an amazing BagPipe Brigade. What is a St. Paddy's Day parade without bagpipes? The city of Erin provides bleachers along the route and the Irish Grille has a sidewalk cafe right on Main Street with excellent Irish cuisine. There is plenty of food, vendors of all kinds and last year there were three local bands set-up along the parade route. There are actually two parades. The Irish Day Parade is followed by the Leprechaun Parade and the kids loved that one as the main stars are the kids. In addition there are things set up for kids activities through-out Erin. I heard there is a carnival going on in the city at the same time but I did not see it personally. If you want a place to relax while taking in an Irish Day Celebration, Erin Tennessee is the place you want to be. Farm living is the life you see, land spreading out so far and wide, you can take Manhatten just give me that countryside. It ain't exactly Green Acre's but it is definetly green.

For more information on the Irish Day Parade call Diane Lynch at 931-721-3100. For information on the Leprechaun Parade, call Dana Alexander at 931-289-5500. For information about sites and things to do as well as more info on the campgrounds and motels, call The Houston County Chamber of Commerce at, 931-289-5100. Yall come back now, ya hear.