Park Happenings

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Appalachian Test Kitchen: A Victorian Christmas

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park

Meeting Place

Park Office
Sat, Dec 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Event Details

Join us this week for a special edition of our Open Hearth Cooking Series as we step back in time and explore the flavors of a 19th-century Christmas!

Using recipes inspired by 19th-century cookbooks, we'll prepare a delicious multi-course meal, beginning with an appetizer, followed by a hearty main course with seasonal sides, and finishing with a traditional dessert. You'll have the opportunity to help prepare each dish while learning about the ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditions of the era.

Between courses, park staff will explore the differences between a modern Christmas celebration and a Victorian Christmas, sharing the customs and traditions that made the holiday season special during the 19th century. We'll also get into the holiday spirit by crafting traditional Victorian Christmas ornaments to take home!

Come hungry and ready for a day of history, hands-on cooking, holiday traditions, and good food. It's sure to be a festive experience, and you'll leave with a full belly and a little taste of Christmas past!

Please Note: A minimum of five participants is required for this program to take place. If we do not meet the minimum registration requirement, the program will be canceled. Registered participants will be notified and refunded if cancellation becomes necessary.

Our Menu Includes:

  • Brunswick Stew
  • Baked Ham
  • Sautéed Heirloom Carrots
  • Honey-Stung Brussels Sprouts
  • Potatoes
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Parker House Rolls
  • Woodford Pudding


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Event Host
Monique Johnson
931-864-3247
Price
$55.00

Please Remember: Schedules and events may change - contact the park or hike leader for more information.

Discover the humble beginnings of Cordell Hull, a sharecropper's son who rose to become Secretary of State and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. On 55 magnificent acres, Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved log cabin, museum, and the scenic Bunkum Cave Trail. Visitors can explore the legacy of a remarkable Tennessean while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.