From Interstate 81, exit 3

Travel south on Commonwealth Ave.

At the first traffic light, turn right onto Commonwealth Extension, which will take you behind the Wise Snacks potato chip factory.

Continue on Commonwealth Extension; it will become Route 640, Benhams Road.

You will pass under Interstate 81 on a potentially confusing “S” curve, passing Island Road and Campground Road. Be sure to stay on Benhams Road.

After passing Route 633, Reedy Creek Road, wake up, because you will need to turn right onto Route 622, Nordyke Road.

Continue on Route 622/Nordyke for what seems like an interminable amount of time until you come to Route 614, Barnrock Road, just after the bridge crossing the North Fork of the Holston River at a “T” in the road.

Turn left onto Route 614/Barnrock.

You will pass the notable “Barnrock” and Swinging Bridge Road, which are on the left.

Stay on Barnrock Road until you reach Route 802, Mendota Road, at another “T” in the road.

Turn left onto Route 802/Mendota Road and continue until you come to Mendota proper.

Don’t blink.

On your left will be a brick, one-story, ex-government elementary school (Hamilton Elementary), which is now the Mendota Community Center. Turn left into the parking lot, and you are there.

If you pass the Mendota Medical Center, also on your left, turn around, because you just missed your intended destination.