It’s one of those hot summer days and I’m thinking of taking a ride down a shady backcountry road to see what I can find. I like the “off the beaten path” kind of destinations that aren’t listed in all the travel guides. There’s a place that I’ve been curious about, a town with a name that has drawn my attention, a place called Tigerville. So today I will wander to Tigerville and see what I discover on this 16-mile car ride.

Travelling down Hwy. 14, one of my first sights is an interesting mailbox. Someone with a wonderful sense of humor has placed a yellow mailbox on a red pole, high above their regular mailbox. The word, “BILLS” is printed on the outside, the owner wistfully hoping that they can avoid “bills” being delivered to this out of reach mailbox.

After passing thru Gowensville, I come to the sign I’ve been looking for, “Campbell’s Covered Bridge” and “Tigerville.” I turn down the road and continue on my way. Campbell’s Covered Bridge is inviting on a hot day.  The shallow water offers a cool dip for hot, tired feet.  I didn’t bring a picnic today, but will return on another sultry afternoon with a book and lunch. Today I continue on the road to Tigerville.

The scenery along the winding road is lush and green. I see that Pauline’s Diner is for sale; I pass a unique driveway gate made from a wagon wheel with a sign that reads, “Last Chanze and Charle 2 Ranch.”

An old, weathered house comes into view and I pull off the road under a shade tree for a few minutes. I’m always attracted to tumbledown, abandoned farmhouses, wondering about the families and the lives that happened there, children who grew up inside the now crumbling walls, the happiness and sorrows, the struggles of life that might have happened there.

As I reach the beginning of the town, Tigerville Baptist Church is along the road with a cemetery across the street.  A cemetery can tell the story of a town so I decide to wander among the gravestones and see what I can learn.  Many of the very old stones are now bare from years of weather. Others have dates in the late 1800s.

I notice a little American flag next to a stone that reads, Andrew McCreary Pvt Continental Line Revolutionary War Nov 27 1761. This intrigues me and I’d like to learn more about Pvt Andrew McCreary.

I’ve arrived at my destination.  The center of Tigerville is North Greenville University, a Southern Baptist University located in a peaceful, tranquil setting. I park my car and amble across the street. A historical marker tells me that Tigerville was settled shortly after the Revolutionary War. Early settlers called bobcats “tygers,” supplying the town with its colorful name. I walk past an old restored brick building built in 1904 and discover that it houses Einstein’s Bagels.

I love southern biscuits, but I have missed bagels since relocating here from Colorado. I treat myself to a cinnamon raisin bagel and enjoy a cool breeze at an umbrella table on their quiet patio.

It’s time to head back and I want to make one more stop. I’ve passed by an inviting garden center in Gowensville and have been wanting to visit. It’s called Motlow Creek Gardens. There are several charming little houses along the walk. I peek in a couple and peruse the pottery and yard art on display. A sign bordering some flowers reads “Purrenial Garden” and pictures a little cat. It’s late in the season for plants as the hot temperatures have arrived, but I know I’ll revisit next spring when planning my summer garden.

It’s been an interesting escape and took me only 16 miles from home.  But I discovered a mailbox with a sense of humor, a Revolutionary War private, a destination when I’m craving a bagel, and I’ve learned that Tigerville was named after the wild “tygers” that roamed these hills and valleys. I hope you enjoyed the trip.

By Linda List