In 1981, Don and Sandy Headrick decided they would build a motel in Townsend. It was not the first time they had traveled down that road. In 1971, after working for a good company (Alcoa), Don knew he wanted to work for himself. Don and Sandy purchased a beautiful old lumber company era house on what was then State Highway 73, now US Highway 321 (East Lamar Alexander Parkway) in the center of Townsend. Don and Sandy would have loved to have saved the old house, but really needed a business to provide for their growing family, not a home. Townsend Grocery opened its doors in 1972 providing a full line of groceries for Townsend residents. The store is now operated by their son Stephen and is called Parkway Grocery.
Not long after opening the store, Don decided that building was so much fun he wanted to do more so he formed Don Headrick Construction Company and began doing residential and light commercial building construction. Don worked the successful construction business and Sandy worked in the grocery store. Most kids grow up playing with blocks; Stephen and Emily (their two children) grew up playing with the snuff cans and stacking them and other grocery items in the store. Everyone was happy.
Then, one day, when taking a long look at where they lived, they pondered what they might like to do with more of their lives. Considering several points of fact, Don suggested, and Sandy agreed, that they should build a motel. That’s when it started. They drew plans, figured out financing, and in 1981 purchased the property for their inn.