If you've ever visited Lynchburg, Tennessee, there's a good chance you've heard of Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Miss Mary's is a treasured historical site and wonderful Southern family-style restaurant—and a centerpiece of my upcoming novel In These Hills (September 8, 2026).
Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House in Lynchburg, TN, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally built in 1867 over a natural spring and used as a traveler's hotel. Back then it was known as the 'Salmon House' and was run by Dr. E.Y. Salmon. When Dr. Salmon retired in the early 1900s, Mary Bobo and her husband purchased the property and changed the name to the Bobo Hotel. Miss Mary operated the boarding house until her death in 1983, just shy of her 102nd birthday.
Miss Mary Bobo, a very primary secondary character in In These Hills
Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House has long served up tradition and Southern hospitality, not to mention good home cooking. Located in the heart of Lynchburg, TN, just off the town square, it possesses a history almost as rich as Miss Mary's Fudge Pie—and was built before Lynchburg became home to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.
Jack Daniel was a regular at Miss Mary's table, dining alongside her boarders and local guests. I can only imagine the stories shared there—and I would have loved a seat among them.
Every week, Miss Mary's publishes their weekly menu on their Facebook page so visitors can plan ahead. It's always wise to make a reservation—the food is legendary, and so are the crowds.
It's family-style seating with a lazy Susan in the center of the table where dishes can be easily passed. And they'll keep refilling those dishes until you're full!
Last September, Miss Mary's shared one of their most requested recipes… Miss Mary Bobo's Fudge Pie, and it is definitely worth making (whether or not you choose to add a splash of Jack is totally up to personal taste).
Miss Mary Bobo's Fudge Pie
- ¼ cup butter (aka: ½ stick)
- 1½ cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
- 1 (9") basic graham cracker pie crust
- Whipped cream
Click here for recipe instructions on Miss Mary Bobo's Facebook page
Have you ever visited Lynchburg, TN? Or pulled up a chair at Miss Mary Bobo's? Or toured Jack Daniel's Distillery? Such rich history—and people—which is partially why I chose to set In These Hills there.
To celebrate our newly updated blog, I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY straight from the shelves of Miss Mary Bobo's gift shop! The winner will receive a Miss Mary Bobo's mug, some candy—plus other little goodies I think you'll love!
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
- Comment below on the original post at Inspired by Life and Fiction
- Follow me on BookBub
- US mailing addresses only please
- Winner announced on my July 7 blog
Blessings on your Tuesday and thanks for being part of our community here,
Tammy
The next Southern Mansion Reader Weekend is in the works! Click to sign up for my newsletter where dates and registration will be announced first!
Tamera blogs every first and third Tuesday at Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction, a group blog she shares with a wonderful community of authors. If you'd like to join the conversation on this post, Tamera would love to see you there!