Episode 3724

- Tennessee Crossroads is made possible in part by-

- I'm Tennessee Tech President, Phil Oldham. Here in Cookeville, Tennessee's college town, we are bold, fearless, confident, and kind. Tech prepares students for careers by making everyone's experience personal. We call that "living wings up." Learn more at TNTECH.EDU.

- [Narrator] Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways. Discover Tennessee's adventure, cuisine, history, and more "Made in Tennessee" experiences, showcased among these 16 driving trails. More at TNTrailsAndByways.com.

- This time on "Tennessee Crossroads," we take you to a Greeneville museum, that features great rides from the past. Then visit a Nashville restaurant that takes burgers to a new level, and we'll travel to Hornbeak, at an outdoor adventure on Realfoot Lake. Hi everybody, I'm Joe Elmore. Welcome again to "Tennessee Crossroads." Say, are you a car buff, a history buff, or maybe even a movie buff? Well, if you are, we've got a place that's just for you. In our first story, Miranda Cohen's traveling to Greeneville, to meet a man with a rare collection of vehicles, one that you have to see to believe.

- One of Kent Bewley's earliest memories is of being around cars.

- You know, I was a car guy from very, very young, and enjoyed the dealerships, and did everything from carry out the garbage, to sell cars, to clean cars, worked in parts, service, everything.

- [Miranda] Since 1937, his father, RR Bewley, owned several car dealerships in and around Greeneville, and the younger Bewley grew to share a passion for his family business.

- [Kent] I told somebody that I've done everything you can do with a car. I've raced. Yeah, I've, I've rented 'em, I've leased 'em, I've sold 'em. You know, so we're just big time car people.

- [Miranda] He is also somewhat of a vehicle historian. As the owner of the City Garage Car Museum here on South Main Street,

- [Kent] Cars, I had over 40 cars stored in a warehouse with flat tires and dead batteries. And so this building became available, and so I bought it, and Betty, and my wife and I, did most of the decorating, and did the total layout, and it's just worked out beautifully.

- [Miranda] This 12,000 square foot, one-time service station, is now home to an impressive collection of 42 very rare vintage automobiles. You can see everything from a 1901 Oldsmobile, to a very rare Canadian made Bricklin, to the very first Subaru that was ever shipped to the US. And Bewley does have a few favorites.

- The DeTomaso Pantera. I bought it brand new. It has 4,900 miles on it, and it has a certificate of origin. It's never been titled. It's the only one in existence. It's never been titled.

- [Miranda] The classic '57 Chevy, and the '52 Pontiac, have been in the family since they rolled off the assembly line. There are Corvettes, Cadillacs, and even a nod to Nascar. And if you are a movie buff, there is plenty for you too.

- The sheriff's car outside, it looks like the Barney Fife car. Was in a movie, was in two movies. The Rolls Royce Corniche back there was in the movie, "Divine Secrets to the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

- [Miranda] Okay, Mr. Bewley, no doubt, one of the most recognizable cars in here is the DeLorean. So when was this car made, and how many of them are still out there?

- [Kent] They, I think they produced from '82 to '84, and there's probably less than 10,000. We think this one is the lowest mileage. It has 727 miles on it, and it's never been outta this county. It was purchased in Nashville Truck up here, and it's been in Greeneville ever since.

- [Miranda] The vehicles are displayed, with nostalgic memorabilia. It is like a drive down memory lane. Bewley has been collecting vintage cars for decades, and he is not putting the brakes on any time soon. Private owners and dealers continually seek out Mr. Bewley, with the hopes of adding to his grand collection.

- [Kent] The best source of getting cars, for me now, is wives that want their husbands to get rid of these cars. So, but we have opportunities almost monthly, to buy. And we're very selective in what we buy, but people come from far and wide and let us appraise 'em, and then we end up buying some of 'em. Uniqueness, you know, very rare, cars that are very rare, but you know, there's no set rule for that. You just, it's just how you see it, and how it will fit in the museum.

- [Miranda] Bewley says the younger generation's marvel at the polished chrome, metal, and meticulous engineering. But for many, it is much more of an emotional journey.

- [Kent] Just the memories, you know, the pleasant memories, and it was just a special attachment. Well, it's kinda like a fraternity, or sorority or whatever you want to call it, but you know, car people are car people, and it's intriguing in a small town like Greeneville, and they seem to think it's much smaller than it is. And, but a lot of people come in, and they'll say, well, they're in a hurry, and they end up staying an hour or two hours you know, they become enamored with it. We draw a lot of people into Greeneville that would not come otherwise. They come here to see cars.

- Thanks, Miranda. I do love a good car story. Hey folks, my buddy to Laura Faber and I are back to remind you that stories like the one you just saw are only possible with your support.

- That's right, Joe. Travel and production costs keep rising, and this is the one time of year, when we ask for your support. We are in week two of our campaign to keep Crossroads traveling in 2024. And we need you to help make it happen. If we can get 450 donations at any level, we can keep Crossroads on the air, during NPT's March membership drive. We are off to a great start, but we have a ways to go to hit our goal. I know we can get there with your support. This is the time for you to put a value on your Love for "Tennessee Crossroads," and help us share the best places to experience our great state. Just call the number on your screen, or pledge anytime online, at Tennesseecrossroads.org/donate, to help us reach our goal. We also wanna tell you about an exciting event happening on February 24th, right here at NPT.

- [Ed Jones] You are invited to "Tennessee Crossroads" Annual Whiskey Tasting, Saturday, February 24th, 2024, showcasing some of the best whiskey producers from Tennessee. Each distillery will feature two to three products, with many of them hard to find. For tickets, use your phone to scan the QR code on your screen, or go to wpt.org/events.

- We know we have the best fans around, and we're proud to bring you "Tennessee Crossroads" each and every week. This show has been the flagship program of Nashville Public Television for well, 37 years. I have no doubt that we can get to that goal of 450 contributions, but we need to hear from you. Call the number on your screen, or visit us online at Tennesseecrossroads.org/donate, to pitch in. And while you're there, check out the ways we have to say "thank you" for your pledge of support.

- [Ed] You can help keep Crossroads traveling with a financial gift that's just right for you. At $60 a year, or $5 a month, we'll thank you with this "Tennessee Crossroads" trucker hat or beanie. At the $72 level, or $6 a month, you can show your support with this polyester blend, short sleeved T-shirt. Our limited edition t-shirt, featuring the art of Steven Sloan, can be yours for $8 a month. Or choose the limited edition hoodie for $13 a month. Finally, we'd love to see you at our annual whiskey tasting on Saturday, February 24th at NPT. Tickets are $65 or $125 for the VIP package, which includes special tastings, parking, and an extra hour of fun. Visit wpt.org/events for details, and thank you for helping to "Keep Crossroads traveling."

- I hope you'll pick an amount that is right for you, and pitch in. It takes a team to keep Crossroads traveling, and no team member is more important than you. We're counting on our loyal viewers to help get the job done. So help us keep the stories coming in 2024. As a reminder, we hope to hear from 450 viewers like you, so we can keep Crossroads traveling. You can help us get there with your contribution to NPT at any amount.

- I hope you'll take a moment to make this pledge, and reach our goal of 450 donations, to keep Crossroads traveling throughout the year. Call the number on your screen, or pledge online at Tennesseecrossroads.org/donate. By the way, here's a little clip from NPT's 60th anniversary that explains how Crossroads got its start. Hello everyone, I'm Joe Elmore, and I heard from a friend, that WDCN was starting a magazine show, and made a phone call or two, and when they offered me the job, I thought about it for about 15 seconds and said "Yes." I remember when we were sitting around Al Voecks, Jerry Thompson and myself, Susan Thomas as well, talking about what this show was gonna be about. We didn't really know. We thought we might do some kind of more serious stories, but it turned out the viewers dictated what our show was gonna be about. We kind of found our footing after about a year, and realized that well, people want to know what's going on in Tennessee, and the people, the places and so forth. And that has sort of led to what we are today. Well, they say ratings aren't everything, but you do want people to watch what you do. And the fact that this show is so highly rated is, is really gratifying. And that makes it all worthwhile. And I think it's because even with so many channels, and so many options out there, that people love to know what's going on in their backyard, that's good and positive. It's all about everything that's good about Tennessee, and it's always gonna be that way.

- It is sure great looking back on memories like those, but I'm also excited to see where Crossroads will take us in 2024 with your support. Speaking of which, where are we going right now, Joe?

- Well, our friend, Cindy Carter found a little slice of paradise for hamburger aficionados recently, in a place called, Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden. You're a big fan, I can tell.

- I know.

- [Cindy] In East Nashville, the prescription for a great burger, can easily be filled at this neighborhood pharmacy. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden to be exact.

- A lot of people say we're the best burger in Nashville. It's something we don't take lightly. Something we don't assume is the case, but it's, it's really wonderful to, to hear that from our patrons.

- And if that doesn't clue you in, to what the pharmacy specializes in, pay attention to the restaurant's full name, and you've got a pretty good idea of what's on the menu. Great burgers, milkshakes, and old fashioned soda fountain drinks, once found in most American pharmacies, as well as German wurst, and beer selections that are often sipped and savored in this beautiful beer garden.

- [Daniel] We have a large beer garden out back, which we think's the, one of the best outdoor spaces in Nashville. We really love hosting people out there.

- [Cindy] Daniel Frazier is the Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden's general manager. He's also a man who is very enthusiastic about burgers. And this kitchen cooks up a lot of them. Gourmet in every way.

- [Daniel] So our top seller is the Pharmacy Burger. That's our flagship. It's your, it's your classic, with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, yellow mustard with some cheddar cheese, just a great classic burger. But a newer additional to our menu, which is our White oak Barbecue Burger. One of my favorites. We make a house made Coca-Cola barbecue sauce, with, and we smoke our own onions on it to get that smoky flavor in the sauce. We also got some fried onions on top of there, some Gifford's bacon with pickles. And provolone cheese. It's really, really lovely. Really lovely.

- One of our more unique burgers is the Stroganoff Burger, which is our take on a stroganoff bechamel. We use a mushroom bechamel cream sauce, with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a little sour cream. It's one of the more unique ones I really enjoy. It's really lovely, especially in the fall and winter, when you're wanting something a little hearty.

- [Cindy] And that's just a taste of the burger offerings, which include vegetarian selections, such as the Black Bean Burger and Falafel Burger. Just like an actual old time pharmacy, this pharmacy gets creative with its milkshakes and sodas, all dreamed up in their soda shop. Okay, so it's the restaurant's bar, but one that has plenty of family friendly offerings.

- [Daniel] Our cream sickle soda is one of our favorite. Kind of a classic orange soda there. We also make a classic Pharmacy cream soda, which is just a nice, our take on a cream soda. That's one of my favorites. The mint phosphate is also really good. Just a classic mint, really refreshing. A lot of people also enjoy our ginger, and our strawberry ginger soda, where we're using our, our fresh ginger to make our syrup. We use a little bit of jalapeno in there to give it an extra kick.

- Sodas served with a few modern twists, but they still use a vintage soda gun to ensure authenticity.

- [Daniel] I'll make a Pharmacy Cream Soda to show. So we're gonna use our house-made vanilla, and lemon syrups there. Add a dash of some custom made acid phosphate, like they used to do in the old timey days. That's when we're gonna add our soda from the authentic 1950's soda gun there.

- Full disclosure, the Pharmacy was never an actual pharmacy, but there was once a drug store located on the adjacent property, and when the owner of both properties was developing the land, he came across hundreds of these old time pharmacy bottles. Thus, the inspiration. A few of those bottles are displayed throughout the restaurant, along with other memorabilia, to remind patrons the Pharmacy is local, part of the community. And that's exactly what owner Case Brinkman had in mind when he opened the pharmacy in 2011.

- And the neighbors initially were somewhat of course against it, but later on they said, "You know, since you guys opened, people walk again after dark, on the street with their kids." That is so beautiful. And that's what my goal has been for this area, and it worked out really well.

- [Cindy] What has also worked out really well, is the restaurant's beautiful beer garden. Case believes a space like this can't help but attract locals who want to get together, have fun, and connect. It's also a great place to enjoy the restaurant's very best of their worst.

- [Daniel] We smoke, and pack, and grind our own wurst in-house. Bratwursts, and knackswursts, and bauernwursts, and jagerwursts. So that's, it's, burgers are definitely the main attraction, but we like to think people come back for the sausages a lot of times.

- [Cindy] And of course this wouldn't be a German beer garden without beer.

- [Daniel] We don't serve any domestics here. We want you to kind of, we've got beer that we think can meet all tastes and styles. We want to give you an experience that maybe it's familiar, it feels homey, but it's also gonna be slightly different.

- [Cindy] The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, has a little something for everyone. So if you find yourself in East Nashville, hungry for good food and a really cool atmosphere, this pharmacy has just what the doctor ordered.

- During the years 1811 and 1812, violent earthquakes caused the Mississippi River to run backward. Well, the result in northwest Tennessee, was the formation of Reelfoot Lake. Now, an natural paradise for hunting, fishing, or just relaxing. We found it all at a family owned jewel on the lake called, Blue Bank Resort.

- [Joe] It's Tennessee's only natural lake. An 18,000 acre wildlife wonderland. Home to more than 300 species of rare or endangered plants and animals, Reelfoot lake is a paradise for outdoor lovers. And whether they come to hunt, fish, or bird watch, people often settle in here at Blue Bank Resort.

- One of the most fun things to see, is multiple generations coming back over again. So it's real fun just to see how much fishing is involved in the family.

- [Joe] That's Drew Hayes, a fifth generation family member to host travelers here at this Reelfoot Resort. His great-great-grandmother built the area's first hotel back in the early 1920s. This resort dates back to 1959. Owners, Mike and Kathy Hayes gladly welcome both serious anglers, and a newer breed of resort fishermen.

- They fish a couple hours, they'll hire guide, they'll go to Discovery Park, they bring their wives and kids. It's a whole new fisherman. And I think if you don't change the fact, you're not gonna like it in this biz.

- But we still take care of our hardcore fishermen. We wanna make sure they have a good time, and they'll come, you know, when it's cold, when it's rainy, they're here 'cause they wanna fish.

- [Joe] Enjoying nature doesn't necessarily imply roughing it. Guests have their choice of accommodations that include all the usual amenities and more, from a swimming pool and hot tub, to this. It's a beautifully landscaped butterfly garden, where you can take a walk, and work up an appetite for lunch or dinner at the Blue Bank Grill.

- [Kathy] Of course, you know we're gonna have fish, but not only do we have fish, we have like Redfish New Orleans, and then we have our Bang Bang Shrimp, we have burgers, we have salads, anything you could like, we've probably got on the menu.

- [Joe] Of course the main event is this beautiful, mysterious lake. Part open water, and part bayou. The average depth is only about five and a half feet, with a maximum depth of about 18.

- There was a swamp beforehand, and then all the trees and underwater structure are still out there, which makes it where you wanna make sure you're not going too fast across most of the lake unless you know where you're going.

- [Joe] Lot of stumps, huh?

- Lot of stumps.

- [Joe] So while you won't find any skiing on Realfoot, the lake's shallow cypress fueled water, is one of the world's greatest natural hatcheries for fish. Well, here on a beautiful crisp West Tennessee morning, it's time to some of that Reafoot Lake magic myself. And while my fishing skills are meager best, I'm lucky enough to have one of the best guides in the business, Billy Blakely.

- I've been doing it with the Hayes family there for 39 years.

- 39 years.

- Since I was in ninth grade in high school. I mean, you get into high school, and of course all you want to do is play around. So my playing around was on this lake hunting and fishing. So I just kept playing, and kept playing, and kept playing, and I'm still playing. So I've done pretty good with it.

- [Joe] Billy's become quite the celebrity here on the lake, and obviously loves his so-called Job.

- It's a different adventure every day. You meet so many different people from all over the United States, and other places too, but it's a pretty thrilling job.

- [Joe] Billy guides us through a canal surrounded by sawgrass. Basically the same stuff you find in the Everglades, and then toward a small outcropping of trees, inhabited by a group of comrades. According to Billy, that's a good sign some catfish are waiting below.

- That quark goes under, you jerky his teeth, eh?

- Billy's instincts were right on the money.

- [Bill] You got it.

- I got 'em.

- Yeah, that'll do. Not a bad one.

- Whoop.

- He gon' get me yet.

- He's trying to.

- Come here. Let's put you back in there.

- Send him back home. Let him get it. Now jerk! I'd rather watch somebody catch fish than me catch 'em. And believe me, I love catchin' fish. Anytime that cork goes under, I get excited. I don't care if it's my cork, your cork, or whose cork. Oh, you got a drill, I gotta catfish.

- [Joe] Oh, you got two.

- Oh!

- [Joe] Yeah.

- There ain't nothing wrong with them at all.

- Boy, that's fun, man.

- Yeah, it is.

- And what a way to wind up our visit. Small wonder folks come back year after year, to renew friendships with the owners and staff, to hunt or fish with some of the best guides in the business, and to marvel at the many wonders of this natural Tennessee attraction.

- You got everything on this lake.

- Well, that's about it for this edition of "Tennessee Crossroads." Thanks for joining us. Don't forget about our website, Tennesseecrossroads.org, a place where you can download that PBS app. Of course, join us next week, and please keep Crossroads traveling.

- [Narrator] "Tennessee Crossroads" is made possible in part by...

- I'm Tennessee Tech President, Phil Oldham, here in Cookeville, Tennessee's college town, we are bold, fearless, confident, and kind. Tech prepares students for careers, by making everyone's experience personal. We call that "living wings up." Learn [email protected].

- [Narrator] Discover Tennessee trails and byways. Discover Tennessee's adventure, cuisine, history, and more "Made in Tennessee" experiences, showcased among these 16 driving trails. More at TNTrailsAndByways.com