DAYTON, TENNESSE, USA -- Nestled in the heart of the sleepy little town of Dayton, Tennessee, you'll find the Bailey House Bed and Breakfast, home of Anna Lee's Tearoom. Today, the Bailey House typifies the experience that makes certain people B&B aficionados - a gorgeous antique filled environment that's as warm and welcoming as staying with trusted friends. Of course, there's also wonderful home cooked food. While nearby you'll find all sorts of fun things to do - whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing and hang gliding as well as exploring the fascinating local history and shopping (both antique and outlet) -- the Bailey House's small town setting remains charming, quaint and quiet.

But the scene was not always so serene, especially not in the summer of 1925. The Bailey House was then a boarding house and the residence of John Thomas Scopes, the central figure in the Scopes Evolution Trial or, as it was more popularly known, the Scopes Monkey Trial.

With some of the most prominent men of the age participating - William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution, Clarence Darrow for the defense and an army of over two hundred reporters, including the most prominent journalist of the time, H.L. Mencken -- Dayton became the tabloid mecca of its day. The first national broadcast of an American trial was produced for radio and sixty five cable operators sent more copy about the Scopes Trial to Europe and Australia than had ever been cabled about any other U.S. event. A circus atmosphere prevailed -- trained chimpanzees even came to town to entertain. The trial eventually inspired four motion pictures (Inherit the Wind with Spencer Tracy being the most well known) and countless books and songs.

A short two block walk from the Bailey House sits the Rhea County Courthouse, where the trial actually took place. A small museum in the courthouse basement displays archival material and memorabilia. The actual courtroom still exists looking pretty much like it did in 1925. In fact, it is still in use today. The Courthouse and Museum are open for visitors Monday-Friday from 8AM to 4:30 PM, except holidays.

So controversial were the issues debated in the trial, they still rage on today - the separation of church and state, governmental authority vs. individual rights, free speech vs. parental rights and religion vs. science.

Some things just don't seem to evolve, especially biased journalism and inaccurate reporting. According to Professor Richard Cornelius, a specialist in the Scopes Trial, many misconceptions and inaccuracies about the trial became part of the public consciousness. Even today, blatant errors in fact about the Scopes trial can be found even in encyclopedias and from respected news organizations. The most basic of these errors is at the heart of the trial. Evolution itself was not actually on trial, the main question was whether Scopes had broken a Tennessee statute prohibiting teachers from teaching evolution as fact. Ironically, Scopes was convicted, despite evidence that indicates that he never actually did teach the subject. But what the public often doesn't realize is that the defense purposely intended to lose the case so they could take the issue all the way to the Supreme Court. This option was foiled when a Tennessee court later reversed the Scopes conviction on a legal technicality.

Originally built in 1895, the boarding house where Scopes lived remained in the Bailey family for over 100 years. Current owners Lee and Vicki Morgan bought the house in 1998 and completely renovated it, helping the house in its evolution from boarding house to bed and breakfast inn and tearoom.

Lifelong B&B enthusiasts, it had always been the Morgan's dream to run their own inn. They do so with the doting enthusiasm and loving hands on care that proud grandparents might lavish on their grandchildren.

Even more important than the Bailey Houses's two gorgeously appointed guest rooms is Anna Lee's Tearoom, a restaurant popular with Dayton locals as well as Bailey House guests.

Vicki does all the cooking and food preparation herself, with a little help from Lee. The food is fabulous. Don't miss the chicken salad - a secret recipe that's enhanced by the addition of apples and grapes. Also, Vicki's coconut cake is to die for, although it was hard to choose just one dessert from the mouth watering choices.

Be sure to come thirsty too as the Morgans make their own special tea blends. Always available is Bailey Tea, a refreshing citrus blend, and there usually is another special tea of the day offered.

Lunch at the Bailey House is light - salads, sandwiches, homemade soups and, of course, Vicki's fabulous desserts. Dinner (on Friday nights only) brings heartier fare like chicken and dumplings, pot roast or apple smoked pork loin. At just $8.99 per entrée (as of this writing), it's also a real bargain. The Bailey House is open for lunch from 11AM - 2PM Monday through Friday, and for dinner on Friday nights from 5PM - 8PM and for brunch on Sundays from 11AM - 2PM. Menus vary and no reservations are required. No alcohol is served.

For those wishing to spend some time in the area, rooms at the B&B include a full breakfast as well as desserts. For more information or reservations, call Lee or Vicki at 423-570-7732 or 877-866-9695. The Bailey House is located at 1598 Market Street in Dayton, Tennessee.

Recipes from the Bailey House

• Fire & Ice Tomatoes
• Black Eyed Pea Salad
• Sweet Potato Soufflé

In the Nearby Area:

• Fun Family Dining in Eastern Tennessee
• Spending the Holidays in East Tennssee
• The Ghost of Cleveland, TN
• Rafting the Ocoee River
• You Can Fly! -- A First Time Hang Gliding Adventure
• Moonshine, Music, Mountains & Magic in Southeast Tennessee
• Discovering Dollywood
• RVing in and Around Chattanooga, TN