Englewood, Etowah, Benton and Delano
The towns of Englewood, Etowah, Delano and Benton rest on the west side of Starr Mountain less than 60 miles south of Knoxville and north of Chattanooga. In the early 1900's, the L and N Railroad constructed a railroad center in rural McMinn County just beyond the Monroe County line. Economic expansion followed and before long, Etowah became a busting little town.
The old depot and trains remain a draw for tourists which in turn helps to ensure that Etowah has an active downtown area where entrepreneurs and city officials work closely together to preserve the Town's unique history and character. Etowah's Independence Day celebration showcases regional arts and crafts, musical performances and of course an exciting fireworks display with Starr Mountain as the backdrop and, the historic Gem Theater is alive throughout the year with concerts, plays and other performances.
Englewood is a rural community with a small downtown area. Originally founded around the textile trade, the town is a great source for locally produced meat and produce from Philpott Farm and the Mennonite Farm documents and preserves much of its history within the walls of the Englewood Textile Museum. Homes and land are comparatively inexpensive here. If you are looking for local events in Englewood, click here and when your ready for some good old fashioned barbecue, the folks at Halfback Barbecue serve up some of the best burnt ends brisket east of the Mississippi.
In neighboring Delano; a Mennonite community operates a farm market where fresh produce and meats are raised and sold. Just a short distance from Delano where the Ocoee and the Hiwassee Rivers meet, is the Town of Benton. The Unicoi Mountains rise prominently to the east. Benton is home to the Chilhowee Gliderport, the Nancy Ward Grave site and of course; the beautiful Benton Falls. Horse drawn wagons and lively visitors to the annual Etowah Moonshine Festival are always welcome sites.
While land to build and vacation homes are relatively plentiful; first time home buyers and anyone with a knack for restoration and an eye for a good deal may want to consider investing in one of the traditional farm houses or other vintage homes across McMinn, Monroe and Polk Counties. Many of these homes are affordable alternatives to paying a landlord's mortgage or the high cost of suburban and urban living.
