DeKalb County
Around DeKalb County
Photo: Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Countryside and towns · Tennessee · 21k people
DeKalb County
Fiddles, farms, and friendly folks.
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Welcome to DeKalb County, where the lake is big and the pace is slow. Whether you're here for the Jamboree or just passing through, you'll find friendly folks on the square and a good fishing hole around the bend.
Clubs for DeKalb County
No clubs for DeKalb County yet.
The room
One room for everyone around DeKalb County. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around DeKalb County. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Edgar Evins State Park Gateway to Center Hill Lake with camping, hiking, and a marina
- DeKalb County Courthouse Historic courthouse on the square in Smithville, site of the Jamboree
- DeKalb County Complex Event grounds hosting the Fiddlers' Jamboree and other gatherings
- Appalachian Center for Crafts Craft school and gallery showcasing regional artisans
- Center Hill Dam Massive earthen dam creating Center Hill Lake
- Outdoors Boating and fishing on Center Hill Lake
- Outdoors Hiking at Edgar Evins State Park
- With kids Swim and picnic at Center Hill Lake
- With kids Hike the trails at Edgar Evins State Park
- Evenings Live music at the Fiddlers' Jamboree
- Evenings Sunset cruises on Center Hill Lake
- Locals love Lake coves and boat ramps
- Locals love Country churches
Through the year
- Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival July A legendary old-time and bluegrass music competition on the courthouse square
- DeKalb County Fair August Livestock shows, carnival rides, and local food at the fairgrounds
- Smithville Christmas Parade December Small-town holiday parade down Main Street with floats and fire trucks
- Center Hill Lake July 4th Fireworks July Boat-in fireworks show at the lake, a summer tradition
Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor days – mild temps and low humidity.
Talk like a local
- “The Jamboree”
- The annual fiddlers' competition and festival
- “holler”
- A small valley or hollow
Getaways
- McMinnville Historic downtown and Cumberland Caverns
- Cookeville College town with shopping, dining, and Burgess Falls
- Nashville Big city music and attractions about 90 minutes away
- Grundy County Savage Gulf and Fiery Gizzard trails for serious hikers
Local flavour
Teams
- DeKalb County High School Tigers High School
Also rooting for Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), Tennessee Volunteers (NCAA Division I)
Eat and drink
- Country ham Often served at breakfast with biscuits and gravy
- Biscuits and gravy A staple of local diners and home kitchens
- Sweet tea The default drink in most homes and restaurants
- Meat and three A classic Southern lunch plate with a choice of sides
- BBQ Pulled pork and ribs are popular at community gatherings
Where people go
- Small‑town squares Smithville's courthouse square is the social heart
- Center Hill Lake A major recreation spot for boating, fishing, and camping
- Farmland and rolling hills The landscape is dotted with barns, pastures, and hayfields
- Country churches Often the center of community life, with potlucks and revivals
- Fiddlers' Jamboree grounds Where the annual old‑time music festival takes place
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaMcMinnvilleTennesseeRooted in the hills, blooming with pride.CookevilleTennesseeWhere the hills welcome you home.Grundy CountyTennesseeMountain air, small-town heart.CrossvilleTennesseeHighland lakes, fairways, and apple orchards.TullahomaTennesseeWhere the highland meets the sky.ShelbyvilleTennesseeWhere the walking horse reignsNashvilleTennesseeThe sound of the SouthWinchesterTennesseeWhere the mountain meets the valley
DeKalb County, TN. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.