Stock Up & Gear Up: Everything You Need, Close to the Treehouse

Stocking Up the Cabin Provisions

You've turned off the highway, the trees have closed in around you, and Puckett Point Road is leading you somewhere genuinely wonderful. The last thing you want is to realize you forgot coffee, a bottle of wine, or something for the grill. Good news: Smithville has you covered before you ever arrive at the dock.

Your first stop should be Food Lion on South Congress Boulevard, just minutes from downtown Smithville. It's well-stocked, consistently tidy, and the staff are reliably friendly — exactly what you need when you're in relaxation mode and don't want big-city grocery chaos. Grab your produce, proteins, breakfast staples, and a few lake-night snacks. Their bakery and deli are worth a look if you'd rather skip cooking on night one.

For a one-stop-shop approach — especially if you forgot something for the grill, need charcoal, ice, or even a forgotten phone charger — Walmart Supercenter on West Broad Street is your workhorse. Locals appreciate that it's cleaner and more manageable than the big-city version, with friendly staff and solid stock across groceries, household needs, and a surprisingly useful sporting goods section.

If you're rolling in late afternoon and just need to grab quick essentials — ice, drinks, snacks, or morning fuel — Village Market up on North Congress is a convenient local stop with gas and a little bit of everything.

And don't underestimate the Dollar General on Magness Road — it's your closest neighbor for those mid-stay moments when you just need coffee filters, a bag of ice, or something for the s'mores. A lifesaver when you don't want to break the lake-day spell.

Pro tip: stock up before you head down Puckett Point Road. Once you're settled in on the water, you won't want to leave.

Gearing Up for Adventure Activities

Center Hill Lake is one of Tennessee's most beautiful reservoirs — 415 miles of shoreline, crystal-clear water, and fishing that will make you wonder why you ever left. Whether you're casting a line at sunrise, paddling a quiet cove, or hiking ridge trails through the cedar bluffs, having the right gear makes all the difference.

The crown jewel for outdoor adventurers near the lake is Caney Fork Outdoors in Silver Point — less than 20 minutes from the treehouse. This family-owned operation is the real deal: a full tackle shop stocked for serious anglers, plus kayak rentals and sales, paddling shuttle services, and a team that genuinely loves this stretch of water. Whether you need live bait, fishing rigs, or your first kayak, they'll sort you out. They even offer shuttle service so you can run the Caney Fork River one-way and have your vehicle waiting at the takeout — one of the best ways to experience the area.

For those who want a broader outdoor outfitter experience — hiking boots, apparel, camping gear, and expert trail advice — head about 45 minutes east to Outdoor Experience in Cookeville. It's a standout local shop staffed by people who actually know the terrain. They've helped guests rig kayaks onto family vehicles, pointed hikers toward secret viewpoints, and stocked serious outdoor brands. It's the kind of store that earns loyalty.

Don't overlook Walmart for activity basics, either. Fishing licenses (required in Tennessee — grab yours before you cast), tackle, sunscreen, life jackets for the kids, and basic water toys are all available in-store and online for in-store pickup. It's an easy box to check on your way in.

A few Tennessee reminders: you'll need a valid fishing license for anyone 13 and older — pick one up at Walmart, the Caney Fork Tackle Shop, or online at tnlicense.com before you hit the water. And if you're boating, be sure life jackets are on board for every passenger.