This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Highway 127 Corridor Sale, now extending from Hudson, Michigan all the way down to Gadsden, Alabama! The 127 Corridor Sale started in 1987. Originally stretching for 350 miles, the sale route now covers 675 miles. The corridor winds its way up Lookout Mountain Parkway entering Tennessee and continuing along the Cumberland Plateau into the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.

Northward, the sale route passes through the Midwest arriving at its final destination in Southeastern Michigan. Dozens of cities and townships along US Highway 127 participate in the multi-state event, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. The four day sale always begins on the first Thursday in August; this year’s sale runs from Thursday, August 5th through Sunday, August 8th. Over the years, the sale has grown in popularity, attracting visitors from every state and a number of countries. The original intent of the sale was to prove back roads have something to offer, and the interstate system was not the only mode for travel. There are literally hundreds of attractions along the corridor to provide enjoyment for every member of the family. Whether it is majestic hills, breathtaking scenery, river boats, railroads, toe tapping music, arts, crafts, horses, fishing, hiking, bits of Civil War or Native American history, there are many opportunities to enjoy the beauty and culture of the land along the 127 Sale Route. The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, Tennessee has served as headquarters for the 127 Corridor Sale since 1995. Not only is Jamestown centrally located on the sale route, but the sale also originated here over two decades ago by a local community leader. Mike Walker, Fentress County Executive in 1987, developed a plan he felt certain would bring people into his rural community, as well as many others along the scenic United States highway. After much hard work in arranging for the annual event, his idea became a reality. The 127 Sale has proved to be a success and has assisted in creating a sustainable tourism industry for Fentress County and its citizens. Visitors drawn to the area, intrigued by the concept, are delighted by the hospitality they receive and impressed by the beauty of the natural landscape. As the 127 Sale has grown in distinction, it has also grown in distance. A few years after the sale began, the Lookout Mountain Parkway Association requested inclusion into the sale route. From Chattanooga, the Parkway becomes several different state highway numbers before reaching Gadsden. It is no longer Highway 127, but it is still the same great sale! US Highway 127 becomes Highway 27 and then Highway 58 before exiting Tennessee. Highway 157 welcomes yard sellers to Georgia (shortly thereafter, a left turn on 189 and then a right on 136 places you back on 157). To access the Alabama portion of the sale, take (GA Road 48 to) Highway 117 to Mentone. A left turn will place you on County Road 89, which becomes AL Highway 176 and then Tabor Road – destination Gadsden! This additional 100 mile stretch earned the yard sale extravaganza the title of “World’s Longest Yard Sale”. Thousands of vendors participate in the sale each year. People from around the nation, as well as local folks, pedal their wares to those in search for the perfect find. From pre-owned vehicles to vintage china; if you can’t find it at the 127 Corridor Sale, chances are it doesn’t exist. It is just a matter of looking; and there are plenty of places to do just that. A front lawn may be turned into a showcase as items are displayed. Off road parking is essential, and many of the homes have this space. Visitors should honor requests of "No Parking" or "No Trespassing" posted by families not participating in the sale. Over the years, a vacant field (at a good location along the route) has proved to be an excellent place to rent as vendor space. This yields a cluster of sellers at one spot and reduces the stop and park routine of the buyers. Such areas can be spotted from a distance because of the activity. Community parks, such at the South Fentress Park in Clarkrange, Tennessee, are ideal for a grouping of vendors, as good parking and restrooms are available. People come from near and far to view this spectacular event. Some fly in, rent a car, travel the route and ship the newfound treasures back home. Some pull a trailer behind a truck, park the trailer somewhere and run around in the truck seeking items. Pulling a trailer will often limit the places you can visit. A large vehicle may prove to be a problem on this two-lane highway. Traffic congestion is part of the annual phenomenon to be endured, but the chance of finding a treasure lures them on. Many visitors plan their vacations around the sale event, with some traveling the entire length of the route. Others may opt to spend their time in a selected area, and venture off the beaten path to discover the history and charm of the land. Whatever the mode of travel you may choose, please do expect plenty of traffic. The pace may slow to that of snarled rush hour traffic in certain areas. It may be bumper to bumper with everyone stretching their neck to see what is on a seller's table or in the front lawn. Do expect sudden stops to occur without warning, and drive carefully and defensively. Enjoy the spot wherever you are, because down the road a few miles may be a space where fewer vendors are set up and the traffic will move along as usual. Remember, you are here to enjoy the sale and most of the other vehicles are too. When considering places to stay, some book motel rooms a year in advance. A few weeks prior to the sale date, most of the motel rooms are taken. Bed and Breakfast type lodgings do a brisk business during this sale, with most any type of overnight lodging being filled each night. Southern hospitality has lead to couples being taken into private homes because nothing else was available. Some visitors to the sale try to find lodging when and where needed. Some find cancellations, some go up to fifty miles, to the right or left of the sale route, to spend the night. Some even sleep in their car. However, these are considered small inconveniences in light of the excitement of finding the deal of the day and the anticipation of a big shopping spree. A few dislike the hectic traffic associated with the sale; but all must admit, the sale is good for the economy along the corridor route. Locals sell their crafts, accommodations are filled, restaurants are crowded, and those renting vendor spaces also add to the local economy. Those who want to break away from the sale are encouraged to visit the local attractions. For more information regarding the annual Highway 127 Corridor Sale visit our website, www.127sale.com . Brochures can be obtained by calling 1-800-327-3945; however, there is more information on the website than we are able to put in the brochures. We are counting the days until the 2010 Highway 127 Corridor Sale! We invite you to experience this nationally celebrated event. Come stay with us, find a treasure and make wonderful memories in Fentress County, Tennessee – Official Headquarters of the “World’s Longest Yard Sale.” For More Information Contact: Leann Smith Fentress County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1294, Jamestown, TN 38556 leanns@jamestowntn.org Tel: 800-327-3945 Fax: 931-879-6767