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Towering walls of ruddy-brown sandstone facilitate moments of wonder.
Hughes dreamed of a class-free, cooperative town able to flourish away from England’s rigidity.
The 1884 Kingstone Lisle was the home of the founder of Rugby and is open for tours.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Hughes formed his colony alongside the regions establishedAppalachian homesteads.
What grew was more than 60 Victorian-designed buildings and around 300 residents at its peak.
Current estimates of Rugbys year-round population range from 50 to 85 people.
The 1887 Christ Church Episcopal still holds services today.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Volunteers manage many of the towns services.
As such, activities are limited during certain days or seasons.
Before visiting, check thetowns websitefor the latest hours.
Built in 1882, the Thomas Hughes Free Public Library holds more than 7,000 early edition books.Credit:Korrin Bishop
This facility is a partnership between Historic Rugby, Inc. and Big South Fork National Recreation Area.
From here, your guide will walk you to the 1884 Kingstone Lislethe town founders home.
Your next stop is the 1887 Christ Church Episcopal, which still holds services today.
Start your Rugby adventure at the town’s visitor center.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Its stunning stained glass is original from 1889 when it was brought over from Germany.
Theyre offered four times daily Thursday through Saturday, and twice on Sundays.
Played down the main road through town, participants take turns throwing an iron ball down the street.
Plan to enjoy a picnic in the shade of Rugby’s impressive sandstone cliffs.Credit:Arnita Sitasari Gray
The team that makes it to the routes finish in the fewest throws wins.
Both events invite music, food, games, and vendors to town for a full day of merriment.
To buy tickets in advance and learn about Rugbys upcoming offerings, check the townsevent calendar.
The Spirit of Red Hill Nature Art & Oddiments store offers antiques and local crafts.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Arnita Sitasari Gray
Where To Eat
Get Breakfast At R.M.
Brooks General Store
Rugby has one dining option.
The Historic Rugby Commissary is a reconstruction of the original 1880s building that sold everything from garters to plowshares.
The hike to the Massengale Homeplace winds through a mixed hardwood forest.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Youll find it filled with antiques, art, and other gifts to take as souvenirs from your visit.
The Massengale Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile walk through these woods to the crest of Allerton Ridge.
The event has limited capacity, so purchase tickets in advance.
Margaret E. Hughes was the mother of Rugby’s founder and is buried in the town’s Laurel Dale Cemetery.Credit:Korrin Bishop
It has around 150 miles ofhiking trails.
Along the trail, youll find numbered posts at points of interest.
The trail gives a scenic taste of the parks sandstone cliffs, caves, and slot canyons.
Gentleman’s Swimming Hole is a relaxing spot to cool off in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.Credit:Korrin Bishop
Soak in its stories for a long weekend by booking one of its several historic lodging options.
The Newbury House is a large Victorian-era inn that has been hosting guests since the 1880s.
These three rentals are all decorated with period furnishings and have modern amenities, like Wi-Fi and full kitchens.
The Newbury House Inn offers historic lodging in Rugby, Tennessee.Credit:Korrin Bishop
you’ve got the option to book them online.
book.bookingcenter.com, 120 Farringdon Rd., Rugby, TN 37733
