By Stephanie Edwards

The town of Rugby has been offering small town hospitality since its dedication on Oct. 5, 1880.

Town founder Thomas Hughes, a British author and social reformer, hoped to make the town a wonderful place to live.

During his opening address, Hughes said, “For we are about to open a new town here ... a new centre of human life, human thought, human activities ... in this strangely beautiful solitude.”

This concept of creating a peaceful place to live is still celebrated in Rugby today.

More than 60,000 visitors come to the town each year to experience its many charms.

Guests can take guided tours or just walk around the quaint town, soaking up its charm. Tours start with a short film at the Schoolhouse Visitor Centre.

The original schoolhouse building burned in 1906, but a year later the current building was completed. Classes were offered in the building until 1950. Schoolhouse furnishings and photographs of early Rugby residents are on display.

Visitors are also led through the following buildings:

•Thomas Hughes Free Library has remained the same since its opening in 1882. It houses a 7,000-volume collection. Most of the books were donated  in honor of Hughes.  
•Kingstone Lisle was home to the Hughes family. The house was based on an 'English Rural Style' cottage. It was designed by American landscape and architectural designer Andrew Jackson Downing.
Many furnishings used by early Rugby residents are on display in the home.
•Christ Church Episcopal was constructed from the virgin pine, walnut and poplar which covered the Plateau in the 1880s.

The church is painted it's original colors and contains all its early furnishings, light fixtures and a rosewood organ.  

It has been used continuously for public worship since 1887. Visitors are welcome to attend worship services at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

During special events, guests can also walk through the Rugby Printing Works. This building was moved from  Deer Lodge, a nearby village, in the 1970s. The printshop was built by Abner Ross, the first proprietor of Rugby's Tabard Inn Hotel.

Guided tours are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children in grades K-12.

After touring the town, visitors should take the time to grab a bite at the Harrow Road Cafe, which reflects the town’s British culture. Fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie are just a few of the items offered on the cafe’s menu.

If you’re planning an extended stay in Historic Rugby, there are several elegant, but relaxed lodging options, including the Newbury House Bed and Breakfast. Several cottages are available for rent, as well.

Rugby is about an hour from North Knoxville.  Take I-75 North from Knoxville to exit 141.   Proceed west on Highway 63 for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto Highway 27 and continue for eight miles to Elgin.   At Elgin, turn right onto Highway 52 and proceed for seven miles to Rugby.

For more information,  call (888) 214-3400 visit  ww.historicrugby.org.