McCoy Farm & Gardens Newsletter

Volume Nine: Issue Tenxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx October 2024

Pictured on the new path leaving the Horse Ring Parking Lot is

Linda Neuhoff, a frequent walker around the property.

There’s a new path to explore on the McCoy property. It removes the need to walk on the driveway keeping you safe as a pedestrian and worry-free as a driver. It spans from the trail near the Puppy Patch to the Horse Ring Parking Lot. The new path meanders beside the main driveway and feels much safer to walk as there is no worry of cars passing by. However, it’s not simply utilitarian but a lovely trail that curves through the woods, far enough from the drive to feel like a walk in nature like our many other paths on the property. 

To find it from near the Puppy Patch, take a few steps onto the main loop around the property as it goes south just beyond the white fence. It splits off to the left in the direction of the main house and connects to the parking lot by the first vehicular entrance. To spot it from the other direction, look for the clearing at the back of the parking lot. 

Thank you to board member Andy Jones for cutting this new pedestrian trail. Volunteer Alyssa Neuhoff says, "I found and walked it a few days ago and it was lovely to explore new areas of the property while avoiding a walk on the often busy main drive. I encourage everyone to use this path to avoid walking on the driveway for your safety as a pedestrian and your convenience as a driver." 

Next time you start to walk down the drive, look instead for this safer and more enjoyable pathway. 

Celebration Tables a Smashing Success

Celebration Tables, an antique and vintage china fundraiser, was held on September 12 to the delight almost 100 guests. 

Board member Anne Leonard and Community Events chairs Mary Catherine O'Kelley and Annette Wildman thought of every detail for Celebration Tables, the lovely luncheon and silent auction of antique and vintage china held recently. Members of the Walden's Ridge Guild graciously served as volunteers for the event. We also appreciate Nancy Adams of Southern Star and Jeremy Rardin of Rent All Store for supporting the event and Pam Reed, executive director of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, who was the keynote speaker.

Many thanks to the donors of china including Leslie Bannier, Christina Colonna, Margha Davis, Maggie Greene, Melanie Lindgren, Edna London, Mariah Prescott, Christine Ryder, Marilyn Black, Linda Davenport, Sally Durand, Susan Knox, Anne Leonard, Diane Mizell, Genie Robbins, Sandy Talbott, and Annette Wildman. 

The event would not have been possible without the creativity of the table designers: Leah Conner, Vanessa Young, Judy Nowlin, Anne Hayes Pearce, Carolene Perry, Rhita Eichhorn, Donna Morrison, Charlotte Witry, Cindy Wilkerson, Diane Ryder, Deane Sprague, Jean Faircloth, Stacy Webb, and Anita Burkett. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Leanna Jones

Bloom from a Love and Peace Rose currently blooming at McCoy  cultivated by volunteer Bob Robbins, McCoy’s rosarian.

What's Coming Up

• Kevin Calhoon, of the TN Aquarium, will lead our Fall Migratory Bird Walk, on Saturday, October 5 at 8:00 am. We will meet in the Horse Ring Parking Lot. All ages are welcome. Bring your binoculars if you have them. No charge.

• Bachman McCoy Open House Sunday, October 13 from 2-4 pm.

• “Into the Trees” Workshop sponsored by Signal Mountain Community Wildlife Habitat. Sunday, October 13, 1:00-3:30 pm. Naturalist Dan DeFigio will be leading this class and hike on trees and their crucial part of ecosystems all over the planet from temperature and water control to many more functions you may have never thought about. You’ll learn to identify local tree species and hear how they interact with other living organisms. The workshop will be part classroom, part fieldwork. Cost is $25/person. Ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by and adult). For more information email signalmountainwildlife@gmail.com.

• Mark your calendars for a Candidate Forum to hear Lizzy Schmidt and Lou Ziebold express their views as candidates for a position on the Walden Town Board. The forum will be held at McCoy Farm & Gardens on Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 pm on the front lawn weather permitting, or if not, at the Pavilion. 

Contact McCoy Farm & Gardens

at katie@mccoywalden.org

to learn more about renting space at McCoy for your next event.

Or mail your check to McCoy Farm & Gardens, P.O. Box 443, Signal Mountain, TN 37377

McCoy Farm & Gardens covers 38 acres and features the Bachman-McCoy home, gardens, and several outbuildings including the Pavilion, Carriage House, Barn, and Blacksmith Workshop. The perimeter walking trail is 1.1 miles.