Inaugural Year

This month marks 6 years since Doug and Kalene took a huge leap of faith and purchased the building that houses both Hank’s Corner Grille + The Goat Pen.

It was also approximately 6 months ago that we hit the “PUBLISH” button, officially launching our hosting journey on AirBnB.

Image by: Morrison Visuals

The Hank’s Corner | Goat Pen “compound” sits at the corner of Hwy 41 in Tracy City, TN.

There is a LOT of traffic that passes through this unassuming intersection.

The past few years we have seen an increase in visitors who have chosen to pursue a more authentic experience in lieu of an extremely commercialized mountain town.

Image of Hank’s Corner + Goat Pen BEFORE | AFTER mural artist Megan Lingerfelt created the largest public piece of art to date in Grundy County.

It has taken some time to update and preserve this building in a way that feels authentic to its place and purpose here on the South Cumberland Plateau.

Many hours worth of research and feedback from our local community contributed to the ultimate design decision that pays homage to the region’s coal mining history.

(Endless gratitude to DMA-Events)

Most of the wood and metal used was salvaged from a series of old barns.

Fueled by a steady supply of pizza and beer, friends and family joined in on community work days.

Good things take time and intention.

And sometimes, they even have to be put on pause while life (2020) happens.

However, you can always pick right back up where you left off.

Such is the case for the Goat Pen; a work-in-progress for almost 4 years.

If the first 6 months is any indicator of how things are going to go, the hard work and patience has most certainly paid off.

We are so grateful for a wonderful first year serving as a host on the South Cumberland Plateau.

Endless gratitude to our inaugural guests for choosing to stay and experience some authentic southern hospitality while visiting our humble slice of paradise.