As many locals already know, Robertson County is a hidden gem of southern hospitality and culture with its rolling hills and network of 11 charming cities and towns.

In celebration of this, the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, alongside the county’s Economic Development Board, will host their annual Experience Robertson County this Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience Robertson County is a day-long, self-guided tour during which visitors explore 304,460 acres of farmland and historic towns rich with heritage. In the past, this event has drawn between 800 and 900 participants, while this year’s event is expected to attract even more.

It’s not a race; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Participants are encouraged to take their time and truly experience each stop on the tour, appreciating all that Robertson County has to offer. Locations including the Bell Witch Cave, Honeysuckle Hill Farm, Highland Chapel Union Church, and Cedar Hill City Hall and Museum will offer activities, or “experiences,” that are free of charge and will be located at each stop along the route. Additionally, many destinations will offer the chance to purchase food and products made by local vendors.

This year, the Experience Robertson County app (https://bit.ly/3KhKblb for Android, https://apple.co/44CvtgO for Apple/iOS), provides a digital component to the tour that offers the chance for participants to view each stop on the route. The app is complete with location details and the ability to map from stop to stop regardless of the route taken.

Additionally, participants who check in at tour locations on the app will be entered into drawings for five cash prizes, ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Sarah Warren, the county’s Assistant Director for Tourism and Economic Development, gives an example of what visitors will experience at one of the towns along the route.

“In Cross Plains, they're going to be at the barn and cemetery property, working with the Historical Society and giving talks on site about the history,” says Sarah. “One of the barns is over 100 years old, and they’ll be showcasing that as well as a brand new, “Welcome to Cross Plains” sign that will be a photo opportunity for those taking the tour. From there, they’ll head up into the Kilgore/Villines Cemetery and talk about the history of Thomas Kilgore, who has a marker there and was our county’s first settler.”

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Beyond the historical aspect of the tour, Experience Robertson County has a little something for everyone. For example, Greenbrier’s stop is Oak Hills Golf Course, which will offer a free golf activity, access to golf pros, and free admission to the driving range.

But that’s not all. In addition to vendors, food, and activities, participants will be able to fill keepsake passports with stickers specific to each location. Check-in tables will be stationed at every stop along the way to distribute passports and stickers, in addition to providing QR codes for visitors to scan in the app.

Scanning the code provides access to a form which, when filled out and submitted, serves as entry to a drawing for the cash prizes. Each time a participant checks in at a new location and fills out the form, it is submitted as a new additional entry. More stops equals more entries.

“Tourism is a driver in enriching our local economy, and we see such an economic impact from highlighting businesses and attractions that our community might not be aware of,” Sarah explains. “Time and time again on the tour, folks said they didn't realize these places existed. There’s such an opportunity for residents to learn about history as well as the different businesses, nonprofits, and industry partners that are here, because the stops on the tour change from year to year.”

For more information on this year’s Experience Robertson County event, please visit the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceRobertsonCounty?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.experiencerobertson.com/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ

https://www.facebook.com/reel/826163812397414

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