Carter Family Fold

As we travel along, we try to think ahead a little bit in order to find out what might be worth a visit.
One of the wedding presents we were given was Lonely Planet for USA.  It's a travel book that doesn't just give you a tourist trap guide, but offers some alternative things to see and discover.
Ruth was reading it last week as we drove along, and found that The Carter Family Fold holds a country music event every Saturday night.

Sitting outside A.P. Carter's general store

For those who are unfamiliar with country music, The Carter Family were instrumental (excuse the pun) in sharing music with the world, and influenced the shaping of country music, gospel, and bluegrass.  Johnny Cash ended up married to June Carter (Cash).  So for me, a visit there would be wonderful.
We got ourselves ready and made our way right out into the countryside, to a place called Hiltons.  It really is in the middle of nowhere, and it was quite isolated.  It was difficult to imagine that such a small place has had such a big influence!
A.P.Carter was the father of them all, and owned a village store.  He brought up 8 children in a wooden shack with one single room, and a kitchen.  An upstairs was added later.

Raising 8 kids in this shack!

It is now a museum dedicated to the Carter family.  Helpful volunteers man the museum and the whole place.

Inside the Carter museum

We toured the tiny museum and then went into the music auditorium.  On a good day they have 800 or so people come for concerts!  Today I would estimate that there were about 500 people there.

In front of the stage.

A group of ladies were line-dancing, which made it just a little bit more amusing.  Nice girls!

Line-dancers!