Sewanee traces its roots both to the construction of the Mountain Goat Railroad in the 1840s and to the founding of the University of the South in 1858, after Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church acquired 5,000 acres of land from the Sewanee Mining Company.
Today, the University’s land holdings, known familiarly as “the Domain,” stretch across more than 13,000 acres, making it not only an ideal location for education and research but also for outdoor recreation. The University’s iconic stone All Saints’ Chapel is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and draws visitors from around the world. The historic downtown area of Sewanee contains a number of lovingly maintained, century-old structures, as well as several options for dining and a variety of unique retail shops.
Sewanee’s Domain is an outstanding place for hiking and cycling with 65 miles of hiking trails, including the Bridal Veil Falls Trail and the Shakerag Trail, especially known for its spring wildflower displays in March and April. There are biking trails for every cyclist, from the paved, family friendly Mountain Goat Trail to the challenging 20-mile Perimeter Trail for experienced mountain bikers. Be sure to take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys at the Memorial Cross — itself an iconic point of interest — and at Green’s View, adjacent to an award-winning nine-hole public golf course. And, there are many more great discoveries to be made during your visit to Sewanee. Happy exploring!
Caver's Paradise
Campground for cavers only with 11 RV hookups, shaded tent camping and direct hiking access to a nearby cave
Sewanee Inn
43-room hotel on University campus with restaurant, bar, golfing & event space
The Grove Airstream Campground
3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground
Easy
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.
Blue Chair Cafe, Bakery & Tavern
Breakfasts featuring baked goods, lunches & dinners featuring burgers, sandwiches and beer
Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage
Pilates, yoga, fitness & massage
Difficult
Buggytop Cave
This is a moderately difficult 4-mile roundtrip hike to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee, and the only one from which water normally flows. There are two steep ascent/descent areas; one at each end of this trail. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove West Trailhead.
Fine Arts at the Mountain
Full line musical instrument store and music school
Frame Gallery
Framework, original art, exhibits, classes and Sewanee souvenirs
Green's View Grill
Burgers, hot dogs & gourmet salads adjacent to golf pro shop
LUNCH
Farm-to-table restaurant with a daily rotating menu of pastries, frittatas, sandwiches and plates
La Bella Pearl
Organic Mediterranean fine dining in a villa-style atmosphere
Lemon Fair
Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items
Easy
Mountain Goat Trail
A real-life version of “The Little Engine that Could”, and now a great paved trail
Mountain Mobile Massage
Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations
Sarah Sulfridge, LMT
Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.
Easy
Sewanee Natural Bridge
A remarkable natural sandstone arch, easily accessible via a 400-foot stair-stepped path from the parking lot. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove North Trailhead.
Shenanigans
Sandwiches & pizza with a full bar
Easy
Sherwood Loop Trail
This is an easy 2.9 mile loop trail that includes the Sherwood Natural Bridge and several outstanding overlooks. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove East Trailhead.
South Cumberland Farmer's Mkt
Order online by Sunday evening and pick up your order Tuesday afternoon
Stirling's Coffee House
Campus coffee shop with sandwiches & salads
Sublime Haven
Somatic practitioner featuring waxing, massage and skin care
Taylor's Mercantile
Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items
The Course at Sewanee
Recently renovated golf course with gorgeous bluff views
University of the South
History Awaits at the University of the South
University of the South Archives & Museum
University Archives and Special Collections
University of the South Ralston Listening Library
Million-dollar listening room with world-class collection of recordings
Easy
War Memorial Cross
Scenic overlook and favorite spot for picnics and sunsets
Woody's Bicycles
Full service bicycle sales, rental and repair
Word of Mouth Provisions
Provisioning packages and concierge services
Things to do in Sewanee
Lodging in Sewanee
Monteagle
Amish Hippie
One of the quirkiest vintage shops in Tennessee
Monteagle
Cove Creek Farm
Working farm with indoor & outdoor playgrounds and guided tours
Monteagle
ECO E-bikes
E-bike rental, sales & repair right on the Mountain Goat Trail
Monteagle
High Point Restaurant
Fine dining in a mansion once financed by Al Capone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Monteagle
High Vibes Healing
Yoga, sound healing, pilates and infrared sauna -- your sanctuary for self-care
Monteagle
Highlander Folk School
An historic site on America's journey toward a more just and inclusive society. (Closed for Restoration)
Monteagle
May Justus Memorial Library
Local library, named for a noted author and teacher who encouraged literacy among area citizens.
Monteagle
Meadow Trail
This is a 1-mile easy, round trip walk through a meadow with storyboards from a children's book and a forest playground made of logs and ropes -- a great way to introduce the little ones to the joys of hiking! Access this adventure from the South Cumberland State Park Headquarters on US 41 in Monteagle.
Monteagle
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
One of Nine Surviving Chautauquas
Monteagle
Mooney's Market & Emporium
Gourmet, gluten-free, and organic fresh produce, as well as antiques, vintage books, gifts, yarn shop, hand-knitted items, and more
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Mountain Goat Market
Sandwiches, salads, pizza & treats, plus an eclectic gift shop
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Mountain Outfitters
Outdoor equipment and apparel store with rock wall inside with permanent 50%-off outlet upstairs
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Mountain Top Meal Prep & Catering
Gourmet style clean eating cafe with prepared meals to go and catering options
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Music on the Mountain at The Smoke House Patio Grill
Barbecue grill with live singer/songwriters Friday & Saturday nights
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Oakes & Oliver's Modern Mercantile
Cool vintage items, unique home decor and local handcrafted goods
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Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse
Pastas, steaks, pizza & sandwiches
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Smoke House Patio Grill
Barbeque and other casual options with cold beer and live music weekend nights
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South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center
Park info, gift shop, mini-museum and trailhead for a kid-friendly "storybook trail"
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The Depot Cafe
Home cooked Southern food, including burgers, Philly cheese steaks & desserts
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The Hotel, The Eagle & College Hijinks
An Epic Tale of Fire, Abduction, Guilt and Repatriation
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The Mabee Homeplace
A Storied Home with Connections to Al Capone
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The Whimsy Willow
Clothing, gifts and home goods boutique with a little something for everyone
Monteagle
Werner Military Museum
Unique Military Equipment from a Unique Collector
Monteagle
Wrenn's Nest
A place to escape summer heat and yellow fever