Latest news with #McMinnville
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
This Tennessee Town Has Waterfalls, Caves, And The Coziest Main Street You've Ever Seen
Situated at the midpoint between Nashville and Chattanooga, you'll find the charming small town of McMinnville, Tennessee. Its location makes it an easy weekend trip for travelers, while still maintaining an off-the-beaten-path spirit that welcomes visitors to feel like locals during their stay. Born and raised in McMinnville, interior designer Raven Young is active in the town's Historic Zoning Commission and Main Street McMinnville initiative. She works to highlight and share the area's beauty with tourists and residents alike. 'I think visitors especially love the charm, natural beauty, and history that our town offers,' she said. 'I have talked to visitors who have come to enjoy some of the beautiful parks for hiking and kayaking, and then they venture downtown to the locally owned shops and restaurants. Our downtown is very much out of a Hallmark movie and gives visitors a genuine small town experience and makes them feel at home.' Whether you're stopping in McMinnville for the day, spending a long weekend, or using it as a basecamp to explore nearby Tennessee state parks, we've rounded up the best places for lodging, dining, shopping, and adventuring in the town to help plan your trip. Get ready for a warm welcome from big-hearted locals. 'One of my favorite things is being able to walk down Main Street and wave at my friends as I walk by their shop or chat as we stand in line at the bank,' said Young. 'It's hard to describe to someone that maybe hasn't experienced that, but I could never imagine living anywhere else, and I hope that everyone is able to experience walking down Main Street on a sunny afternoon and just feeling happy.' Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens is a beautifully preserved 1890s Victorian estate in McMinnville that offers guided tours rich in history and character. Visitors can enhance their experience by staying overnight in one of four bed-and-breakfast-style suites at Falcon Manor, located on the mansion's grounds. Each suite blends antique elegance with modern comforts, and guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts and stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens for a relaxing, memorable getaway. The estate's five acres of gardens, developed over more than a decade, recreate an outdoor haven true to the time period with vibrant blooms and tranquil pathways. 2645 Faulkner Springs Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110 Smooth Rapids offers a full-service outdoor experience with kayaking, camping, and dining all in one scenic riverside location. Float down the Barren Fork River with beginner-friendly kayak rentals, then relax at the 8-acre pet-friendly campground featuring tent sites, RV hookups, and rental campers. The Grill at Smooth Rapids serves up hearty meals with river views and often hosts live music, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Onsite amenities also include a playground, shower house, and easy access to the river, making it an ideal destination for a laid-back adventure in McMinnville. 245 Durham St, McMinnville, TN 37110 McMinnville's Cumberland Caverns invites adventurers to explore more than 27 miles of underground passageways with stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and pools. Guided walking tours, like the Discovery Tour, showcase the cave's natural beauty and history. For thrill-seekers, adventure tours, such as the Hall Crawl or Guts and Glory, offer hands-on spelunking experiences through muddy passages and challenging climbs. Unique overnight packages allow groups to sleep within the cave's expansive chambers. With a consistent temperature of 56 degrees and 99% humidity year-round, it's a cool escape into nature's depths. Reservations are recommended for adventure and overnight tours. 1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110 Located northeast of downtown McMinnville, Rock Island State Park spans 883 acres of rugged beauty, featuring cascading waterfalls, deep-blue pools, and scenic trails. Highlights include the 30-foot Great Falls, which is below a historic 19th-century cotton mill, and Twin Falls, which emerges from a cavern into the Caney Fork River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. On-site lodging includes 10 cabins and 60 campsites, offering a serene nature retreat. 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581 The Park Theater is a meticulously restored 1939 art deco venue in downtown McMinnville that has reclaimed its role as a cultural centerpiece. Following a $2 million renovation completed in 2015, the theater now hosts a diverse lineup of concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and community events. With seating for nearly 560 guests across its main floor and balcony, every seat offers a clear view of the stage. It's the perfect place to catch a family-friendly show or venture out for a date night on your next trip. 115 W Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Lemon is a boutique clothing and gift shop located in downtown McMinnville. Founded in 2019 by Amanda Lowe, Lemon offers a curated selection of stylish apparel, accessories, and home goods. The shop features brands such as Lucky Brand, Flying Monkey, and Vervet, catering to a variety of tastes and styles. With a focus on personalized customer service, shoppers can find unique items and receive styling advice. 126 E Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Southern Traditions Gifts & Interiors is a family-owned boutique that has operated in downtown McMinnville since 1981. The shop features an array of products, including fine china, jewelry, candles, women's clothing, framed art, gifts, and more. Known for its warm welcome and customer service, the store is a beloved destination for those seeking unique and stylish items for their homes. 217 E Main Street, McMinnville, TN 37110 The Hitch Outfitters and General Store are two local-favorite shops located across from each other on Main Street in downtown McMinnville. The Hitch Outfitters offers a wide range of outdoor gear, clothing, and pet supplies. Brands like YETI, Chaco, and Life is Good are featured alongside local McMinnville merchandise. Meanwhile, across the street, The Hitch General Store delights visitors with nostalgic treats such as Goo Goo Clusters, Moon Pies, jams, honey, and classic bottled sodas. Both stores are known for their friendly service. 121 E Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Begonias is a mouth-watering bistro in downtown McMinnville, known for its house-made pasta and pizza dough, which is crafted daily. The menu offers a diverse selection, from classic pizzas and pastas to burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salmon, and fresh salads. Popular dishes include the garlic confit appetizer, Caesar salad, steak with smashed red potatoes and squash casserole, and the burnt cheddar cheeseburger. Dessert options like the homemade cheesecake are a must-try. The restaurant boasts a wide selection of beers and provides a nice ambiance for dinner. 239 E Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Collins River BBQ & Cafe is the perfect stop for some hearty Southern barbecue in a relaxed setting with excellent hospitality. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and baby back ribs, as well as hand-breaded chicken tenders and Mississippi catfish. Popular sides include cornbread salad, baked beans, and Gouda mac and cheese. Appetizers like loaded nachos, smoked wings, and fried green tomatoes are also favorites among patrons. The restaurant offers a wide selection of craft beers and is known for making every guest feel like family. 117 E Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Cumberland Biscuit Company is a brunch spot on Main Street in McMinnville that is known for its scratch-made comfort food and warm hospitality. Their pancakes are a local favorite, often hailed as some of the best around. For a hearty meal, try the supreme omelet or the biscuits and gravy. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the dinner menu features standout dishes like shrimp and grits and the flavorful voodoo pasta, combining shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage in a spicy, creamy sauce. The restaurant offers a selection of local beers and provides a cozy, rustic ambiance. 114 W Main St, McMinnville, TN 37110 Read the original article on Southern Living
Geek Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Oregon farm where Steve Jobs picked apples and gained inspiration hits market for $5M
Geek Life: Fun stories, memes, humor and other random items at the intersection of tech, science, business and culture. SEE MORE Steve Jobs once lived and worked on this property in McMinnville, Ore., when it was a commune known as All One Farm. (Windermere Photo) Before there was Apple, there were apples. A 387-acre property in McMinnville, Ore., that was once home to Steve Jobs — and where he worked in an apple orchard before starting Apple — is for sale for $5 million. Comprised of five parcels with multiple homes and outbuildings, the All One Farm was a counterculture community that is said to have profoundly influenced Jobs' life and career, serving as the inspiration for the name of his company and as the birthplace of his daughter, Lisa. Steve Jobs shows off the iPhone 4 at the 2010 Worldwide Developers Conference. (Wikimedia Commons Photo) A Windermere listing by agent Drew Staudt describes the property as a storybook estate that 'could serve as a statement homestead, corporate retreat, hunting lodge, vineyard, winery, or strategic venture that taps into the history of the property.' The farm features a fully remodeled 5,200-square-foot main house, built in 1985; a large barn with a ballroom floor, full bathroom, and outdoor kitchen next to a greenhouse; and a remodeled three-bedroom, two-bath guest house. There are territorial and mountain views and the land is a mixture of forested, cleared, and pasture areas. There is abundant wildlife for hunting, including elk, turkey, deer, bear and cougar. There's even a little red cabin where Jobs lived and which has been staged in the listing with vintage Apple memorabilia. The property is 15 minutes from downtown McMinnville and just over an hour southwest of Portland. All One Farm was owned by Marcel Muller and managed by his nephew, Robert Friedland, a future billionaire financier in the mining industry, who ran the property as a hub of Eastern philosophy, meditation, and psychedelic exploration. A cabin where Steve Jobs stayed on All One Farm. (Windermere Photo) Friedland met Jobs at Reed College, where he is said to have taught Jobs the 'reality distortion field' leadership style. Jobs dropped out of Reed after one semester, and credited his experience on LSD while on the farm with expanding his creative vision. While visiting and living at the farm in the early 1970s, Jobs worked at Atari as a technician alongside Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Inspired by his work in the orchard and a fruitarian diet, Jobs suggested the name 'Apple Computer' while brainstorming with Wozniak on potential names for their new company. Jobs wanted a name that was 'fun, spirited, and not intimidating' like other tech company names, according to Walter Isaacson's biography, 'Steve Jobs.' Inside the cabin where Steve Jobs stayed. (Windermere Photo) The main house on the property in MicMinnville, Ore. (Windermere Photo) The living room inside the main house. (Windermere Photo) Apple trees in the orchard where Steve Jobs worked. (Windermere Photo) The ballroom space inside the barn. (Windermere Photo)
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Oregon Mutual Group Members
OLDWICK, N.J., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B- (Fair) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings to "bb-" (Fair) from "bbb" (Good) of Oregon Mutual Insurance Company and Western Protectors Insurance Company, which are domiciled in McMinnville, OR and collectively referred to as Oregon Mutual Group. The outlooks of these Credit Ratings (ratings) have been revised to negative from stable. The ratings reflect Oregon Mutual Group's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management (ERM). The rating actions reflect the continued deterioration in Oregon Mutual Group's balance sheet metrics, which has been primarily driven by continued surplus erosion in three consecutive years that continued into first-quarter 2025. The surplus decline in 2025, was a result of continued adverse loss reserve development from several large claims, impacted by economic and social inflation, in addition to smoke related claims attributed to the California wildfires. Through first-quarter 2025, the group's surplus position declined by $6.5 million (12.8%) which led the overall risk-adjusted capitalization to decline to adequate levels. Despite Oregon Mutual Group's undertaking initiatives to improve profitability, efforts have not gained meaningful traction and have not effectively insulated the group's condition, which led to its ERM assessment being lowered to marginal. Oregon Mutual Group's operating performance is assessed as marginal due to volatile underwriting results in recent years, which have been driven by economic and social inflations. While the group has undertaken initiatives to improve profitability, recent results have trailed its peer composite. Oregon Mutual Group's underwriting and operating ratios, as well as its return-on-revenue and return-on-equity measures, compare unfavorably to the composite averages. The group's business profile is assessed as limited, reflecting its focus on commercial lines, with over half its book in California on a direct written premium basis. California has historically had a challenging regulatory environment that has impacted the group's results in recent years. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Daniel Mangano Senior Financial Analyst +1 908 882 1907 Christopher Draghi, CPCU, ARe Director +1 908 882 1749 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day 2025: Remembering Bobby Ray, a Tennessee hero who died in Vietnam
In the winter of 1960, snow fell gently from the gray skies over McMinnville, Tennessee. The ground was so frigid that each lacy flake was determined not to melt, no matter where it landed. Quickly, school buses filled with kids, taking them home. Just as quickly, mittens, boots, and layers replaced dresses and jeans. Good snow meant sledding down many hills in our little town east of Nashville, a shared joy that united us. When one hill was too packed with kids, it was easy to find another. One day, a group of us found a hill behind the Rays' house. Mary Ray and her brother Bobby hosted sled riders and daredevils. One had to be brave because their hill was littered with trees. Trees can stop a thrilling ride quickly, as I quickly learned. My old wooden sled, a remnant from my father's youth, was destroyed when I crashed it into a tree trunk that refused to move out of my way. I landed face down in a pile of snow, and when the other children realized I would need no last rites, laughter began to fill the air. I must admit, I was a funny mess. When I glanced at a group of boys laughing, one face stood out in my memory: Bobby Ray. His blond hair framed a teenage face radiant with joy, kindness and goodness. Everyone admired him and his sister, but we were unaware that we were in the presence of a fearless hero. I moved to Georgia shortly after that fateful snow day and never saw the Ray family or many of my peers again. Yet the memories of those joyful, carefree days spent with friends still stay with me. The 1960s were a significant period of change for many American teenagers, though not all of it was positive. Snow-covered hills transformed into rice paddies, and sleds were replaced by tanks. The sounds of laughter were drowned out by the blasts of gunfire and grenades as the Vietnam War took center stage. Opinion: 50 years after the Vietnam War ended, its veterans deserve our gratitude After college, Bobby joined the U.S. Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman Second Class. He was assigned to Battery D, 2D Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. During the early morning hours of March 19, 1969, an enemy force penetrated Bobby's battalion near An Hoa combat base. The initial blast of fire caused numerous casualties as the group hustled to fight the enemy with rockets and mortars. Bobby was injured, but he refused medical assistance. Instead, he continued to minister to those in need. While bandaging and comforting others, he also fought back against the enemy with gunfire. He was rapidly losing strength from his severe wounds, but he managed to navigate through hostile fire to provide medical care. As he bravely fought, Bobby ran out of ammunition and soon suffered fatal wounds. In a final act of heroism, he chose to protect a severely injured soldier, throwing himself on top of his wounded comrade just as an enemy grenade exploded nearby. He saved the man's life but sacrificed his own in the process. David Robert Ray was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 20, 1970. Bobby is one of thousands who valiantly gave their lives to maintain America's freedom. Since our nation began, we have lost nearly 685,000 warriors in battle, excluding the Civil War. Many more died from war-related injuries and accidents. Those service members who never experienced another snowfall in winter or basked in the summer sun are a blessing to those who survived war. They are the reason our nation is remarkable. In my living room, there is a large white book that reminds me of the sacrifices made by soldiers to keep us safe. Titled "I'm Ready to Talk" by Robert Babcock, it contains 160 stories from individuals, like Bobby, who served in Vietnam. Many of these veterans returned with lasting scars from the war. Approximately 2.7 million American men and women served during the Vietnam War, and over 58,000 didn't return home. How many stories are left unknown, words unsaid, stolen by time? More: Meet the Vietnam War-era veteran who refused to be disqualified from joining the military How many fallen heroes received no medals or awards? How many are, instead, buried beneath the earth, somewhere in the world, because they simply did what they were asked to do: serve America. We are individuals with short attention spans who often overlook the significant cost of maintaining our bliss while sledding down hills with our friends. We are never thankful enough for the valor of our protectors. I often wonder why I only remember Bobby in the crowd that gathered in the snow behind the Ray house that day. Perhaps his face was meant to remind everyone to honor the fallen, the brave, and the powerful spirit of America. David Robert Ray: 2/14/45 - 3/19/69 Lynn Walker Gendusa is a writer in Georgia and the author of the book "Southern Comfort." She is originally from Monterey, Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memorial Day 2025: Remembering a hero who died in Vietnam | Opinion
