The Bull and Thistle

I have a passion for community and economic development work. This is one aspect of my work with the Cooperative Extension Service that is relatively new to me within the past four years. I am still learning the "ins and outs" of CED work, but I want to see communities thrive, work together on common goals, and be successful in meeting their challenges, dreams, and aspirations. I love to see communities at work improving things for the well being of their citizens. Fired up communities create jobs and expand into new markets and industries. They are willing to change and be forward thinking. I love seeing communities alive and bursting with energy and excitement. When community stakeholders, government, and local citizens see their own local potential within themselves the possibilities I believe are endless! I enjoy helping and serving in whatever capacity necessary to help play my part in the process too. What about you?

I believe here in Tompkinsville we have a lot of great things going for us right now. Change is slowly happening downtown and around the county, but it is going to take time and more investments. It is time we all get fired up about the now and the future, not the past and how it has always been done before. Dreams turn into goals which when carried out develop communities and change our future. I hope that we can locally here in Tompkinsville keep this momentum going and possibly create more of a buzz. Are you willing to help? We need your help! If it takes a village to raise a child...then it is going to take an entire county plus many others to invest in our communities future. In a few weeks there is going to be a "Community Forum" on April 18th at 6:30 p.m. If you want to help be a part of the envisioning process & hear about the possibilities of our future please make plans on attending the Community Forum on April 18th. We want you there! We need you there! My future...your future...your children's future...and our communities future depend on your input and investment in Monroe County.     

Now that I'm all fired up, let me tell you the real reason why I got all excited about community and economic development today. Yesterday I got the privilege to have a family date night with my awesome parents. My mama mentioned that the "new" restaurant finally opened in Gainesboro and I just had to go. She had been giving me updates on this "new" restaurant for the past year or so...so needless to say I was excited about going. We packed up and traveled there for dinner last night and boy were we in for a treat!    

We got the opportunity to visit a community where one family had a vision and a dream to help be a part of reviving a suffering community in order put it back on the map. This community is Gainesboro, Tennessee.  The town is now hustling and bustling with new life. One whole corner of the town square just recently went through a multi-million dollar complete remodel. Gainesboro now is the home of two newly renovated buildings with a third one on its way soon. The Vault Boutique opened its doors last year and offers ladies jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, and home décor. The Bull and Thistle, an Celtic/Irish pub & restaurant, opened its doors a few weeks ago with a five star chef from Ireland. This restaurant is one you must go check out! (This is the reason we went to Gainesboro!) And word on the street is that a bakery is in the works for the near future.

I urge you to make the drive from wherever you live and travel to Gainesboro, Tennessee. You will not be disappointed. I would recommend you call ahead and make reservations if you plan on eating at The Bull and Thistle before making the drive though. 

Here are a few photos that I took while we visited yesterday.

The main reason we traveled to Gainesboro, TN...to eat at The Bull & Thistle! Yummy! They have an awesome chef.

 

 

They have lots of antique shops around the square in downtown Gainesboro, TN. We couldn't help but stop at a few along the way!

 

 

 

Cool signage around Gainesboro, TN.

 

 

 Mama and I at dinner! We both got ready at our own houses...and we matched without ever talking about it. LOL. Like mother...like daughter.

 

 

The cool original ceiling they restored.

 

The awesome surroundings of the newly renovated restaurant. These photos do not do the building justice!

 

 

Ploughman's Lunch. This is what mama ate...she said it was good, but not exactly what she expected. I think next time when she comes she plans on her and daddy sharing the 22 oz. T-Bone Beef Entrée Special. My mama is a planner!  

 

 

Dad was a little skeptical when his "Traditional Fish and Chips" came all wrapped up in newspaper. He really enjoyed them, but this Southern Boy never had had his fish arrive in newspaper before! We were proud to see them wrapped in a local newspaper with an ad from Celina (our hometown).

 

 

I got the Bangers and Mash...it was a perfect comfort food for the Savage Girl!  

We could not leave without trying one of their delicious sounding desserts "Steamed Chocolate Fondant Pudding with hot chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream". It was heavenly!

 

 

In closing, I hope that everyone makes a drive to Gainesboro, TN to check out what's new in their town and if you are a Monroe Countian please come to "town" and attend the Community Forum on April 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Monroe County High School Gym. Let me know if you have any questions about either of these above mentioned topics. 

Cool link to information about this downtown renovation & community and economic development project in Gainesboro, TN.