daviesmanor.org/

The Davies Manor Historic Site, located just outside Memphis in Bartlett, Tennessee, offers families a fascinating look at life in the 19th-century rural South. The centerpiece of the site is Davies Manor, a two-story log home dating back to around 1830, making it the oldest home in Shelby County. Families can take guided tours of the home, learning about its construction, the pioneer Davies family who lived there, and the daily challenges of farm life during that time. The house is filled with period furniture, artifacts, and household items, and features "dogtrot" architecture—a central hallway separating two living spaces, typical of Southern pioneer homes. Kids and parents alike can step back in time, seeing how a pioneering family lived, cooked, and worked, with engaging stories from knowledgeable guides to bring history to life.

The grounds surrounding the manor are equally engaging, featuring outbuildings and gardens that illustrate different aspects of 19th- and early 20th-century farm life. Families can explore the smokehouse, where meats were cured, the commissary, a former general store, and the barn, housing vintage farm equipment like wagons and plows. The kitchen garden displays heirloom vegetables and herbs, teaching visitors about sustainable farming practices of the time. These hands-on, outdoor exhibits allow children to connect with history in a tangible way, imagining life on a working farm while wandering the spacious, scenic grounds. Families can also enjoy a peaceful walk along the woodland nature trail, which highlights native plants, wildlife, and historic trees.

In addition to tours and outdoor exploration, Davies Manor Historic Site offers a range of hands-on history programs and seasonal events that make it a family-friendly destination year-round. Families can participate in workshops that teach traditional pioneer skills like butter churning, candle making, and weaving, or enjoy special seasonal events like the Spring Planting Festival and Harvest Festival. During the holidays, the Holiday Open House showcases period-appropriate decorations, caroling, and crafts, providing a festive way for families to experience history together. With picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds, families can relax and enjoy a meal outdoors, surrounded by the beauty and history of this unique site.