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For parents, finding unique family vacation destinations where the whole clan can relax and simultaneously learn something can be challenging. Let's face it'many kids balk at the notion of going somewhere 'educational', assuming that the term will be synonymous with 'dull'. But for creative moms and dads, Tennessee log cabins are a perfect fit.

Tennessee Log Cabins' History

Tennessee, also known as the 'Volunteer State' thanks to its role in the War of 1812, has a rich history that, when explored, challenges the imaginations of both youngsters and more seasoned travelers. And Tennessee log cabins played a serious role in establishing the society that has come to be known for its country music scene (ever hear of a singer named Elvis Presley?), breathtaking Great Smokey Mountains and consistently high levels of homespun hospitality.

As in most states that were settled by pioneers seeking a life 'out west', cabin life was to be expected as the norm. With abundant forests at their fingertips, industrious men and women spent long days constructing residences in which many were born, lived, and died. (Children often are surprised when they learn that moving to this state during its formative years meant erecting one's own housing, not simply moving into one already there!)

Built by hand using tools that were powered by the brawn of strong arms, shoulders and backs, Tennessee log cabins were lovingly crafted to provide shelter, warmth, safety and functionality for families as large as ten or more. (Again, the size of the average family in the 1700s or 1800s usually comes as a shock to kids.)

Ironically, Tennessee log cabins were much smaller than even some apartments are now'Washington County's Tipton-Haynes Historical Home and Site began as a modest 25 foot by 35 foot room. And that one room probably served as a bedroom, kitchen, living room and dining area.

Some of these tiny monuments to human ingenuity served purposes other than protecting families from animals and the elements. Tennessee log cabins were used as churches, gathering spots, government offices and stores in addition to being homesteads.

Today, many of the Tennessee log cabins that still stand have been turned into landmarks and museums, giving visitors a taste of the simple life that so many called home. Places such as the Mark Twain family cabin in Anderson County and Nashville's 'First Hermitage' Tennessee log cabins that were once inhabited by President Andrew Jackson challenge the notion of our modern expectation of three bedrooms, a separate kitchen and indoor plumbing.

Family Vacations and Tennessee Log Cabins: A Perfect Mixture of Fun and Learning

Though travelers to Tennessee may not be able to stay for a few days or weeks in Tennessee log cabins that are hundreds of years old, there are plenty dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s that offer a cozy sanctuary for families on the go.

And those who are opposed to 'roughing it' needn't be concerned. The vast majority of Tennessee log cabins advertised in vacation guides and on the World Wide Web have been modernized and fitted with everything from Internet access to luxurious outdoor hot tubs.

However, just because the cabins have been updated doesn't mean that their historical significance or impact has been undermined. Quite the contrary, as children can still get a strong understanding of just how day-to-day cabin living differed from that to which they are accustomed in the Internet-driven 21st century.

By giving young people the opportunity to experience the realities which with their forbearers dealt when growing up in such close quarters, they'll have a deeper respect for the spaciousness of modern housing. And chances are good that any youngster will adore pretending he or she is a rough-and-ready pioneer, able to tackle any adventure that comes his or her way.