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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!

Sewanee
Caver's Paradise
Caver's Paradise

Campground for cavers only with 11 RV hookups, shaded tent camping and direct hiking access to a nearby cave

Sewanee Inn
Sewanee Inn

43-room hotel on University campus with restaurant, bar, golfing & event space

The Grove Airstream Campground
The Grove Airstream Campground

3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground

Abbo's Alley

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

Blue Chair Cafe, Bakery & Tavern

Breakfasts featuring baked goods, lunches & dinners featuring burgers, sandwiches and beer

Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage

Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage

Pilates, yoga, fitness & massage

Buggytop Cave

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

Fine Arts at the Mountain

Full line musical instrument store and music school

Frame Gallery

Frame Gallery

Framework, original art, exhibits, classes and Sewanee souvenirs

Green's View Grill

Green's View Grill

Burgers, hot dogs & gourmet salads adjacent to golf pro shop

LUNCH

LUNCH

Farm-to-table restaurant with a daily rotating menu of pastries, frittatas, sandwiches and plates

La Bella Pearl

La Bella Pearl

Organic Mediterranean fine dining in a villa-style atmosphere

Lemon Fair

Lemon Fair

Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items

Mountain Goat Trail

Easy

Mountain Goat Trail

A real-life version of “The Little Engine that Could”, and now a great paved trail

Mountain Mobile Massage

Mountain Mobile Massage

Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations

Sarah Sulfridge, LMT

Sarah Sulfridge, LMT

Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.

Sewanee Natural Bridge

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

Shenanigans

Sandwiches & pizza with a full bar

Sherwood Loop Trail

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

South Cumberland Farmer's Mkt

Order online by Sunday evening and pick up your order Tuesday afternoon

Stirling's Coffee House

Stirling's Coffee House

Campus coffee shop with sandwiches & salads

Sublime Haven

Sublime Haven

Somatic practitioner featuring waxing, massage and skin care

Taylor's Mercantile

Taylor's Mercantile

Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items

The Course at Sewanee

The Course at Sewanee

Recently renovated golf course with gorgeous bluff views

University of the South

University of the South

History Awaits at the University of the South

University of the South Archives & Museum

University of the South Archives & Museum

University Archives and Special Collections

University of the South Ralston Listening Library

University of the South Ralston Listening Library

Million-dollar listening room with world-class collection of recordings

War Memorial Cross

Easy

War Memorial Cross

Scenic overlook and favorite spot for picnics and sunsets

Woody's Bicycles

Woody's Bicycles

Full service bicycle sales, rental and repair

Word of Mouth Provisions

Word of Mouth Provisions

Provisioning packages and concierge services

Things to do in Sewanee

Lodging in Sewanee

Sewanee
Sewanee
Amish Hippie

Monteagle

Amish Hippie

One of the quirkiest vintage shops in Tennessee

Cove Creek Farm

Monteagle

Cove Creek Farm

Working farm with indoor & outdoor playgrounds and guided tours

ECO E-bikes

Monteagle

ECO E-bikes

E-bike rental, sales & repair right on the Mountain Goat Trail

High Point Restaurant

Monteagle

High Point Restaurant

Fine dining in a mansion once financed by Al Capone and listed on the National Register of Historic Places

High Vibes Healing

Monteagle

High Vibes Healing

Yoga, sound healing, pilates and infrared sauna -- your sanctuary for self-care

Highlander Folk School

Monteagle

Highlander Folk School

An historic site on America's journey toward a more just and inclusive society. (Closed for Restoration)

May Justus Memorial Library

Monteagle

May Justus Memorial Library

Local library, named for a noted author and teacher who encouraged literacy among area citizens.

Meadow Trail

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 Sunday School Assembly

Monteagle

Monteagle Sunday School Assembly

One of Nine Surviving Chautauquas

Mooney's Market & Emporium

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

Mountain Goat Market

Monteagle

Mountain Goat Market

Sandwiches, salads, pizza & treats, plus an eclectic gift shop

Mountain Outfitters

Monteagle

Mountain Outfitters

Outdoor equipment and apparel store with rock wall inside with permanent 50%-off outlet upstairs

Mountain Top Meal Prep & Catering

Monteagle

Mountain Top Meal Prep & Catering

Gourmet style clean eating cafe with prepared meals to go and catering options

Music on the Mountain at The Smoke House Patio Grill

Monteagle

Music on the Mountain at The Smoke House Patio Grill

Barbecue grill with live singer/songwriters Friday & Saturday nights

Oakes & Oliver's Modern Mercantile

Monteagle

Oakes & Oliver's Modern Mercantile

Cool vintage items, unique home decor and local handcrafted goods

Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse

Monteagle

Papa Ron's Pizza & Italian Steakhouse

Pastas, steaks, pizza & sandwiches

Smoke House Patio Grill

Monteagle

Smoke House Patio Grill

Barbeque and other casual options with cold beer and live music weekend nights

South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center

Monteagle

South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center

Park info, gift shop, mini-museum and trailhead for a kid-friendly "storybook trail"

The Depot Cafe

Monteagle

The Depot Cafe

Home cooked Southern food, including burgers, Philly cheese steaks & desserts

The Hotel, The Eagle & College Hijinks

Monteagle

The Hotel, The Eagle & College Hijinks

An Epic Tale of Fire, Abduction, Guilt and Repatriation

The Mabee Homeplace

Monteagle

The Mabee Homeplace

A Storied Home with Connections to Al Capone

The Whimsy Willow

Monteagle

The Whimsy Willow

Clothing, gifts and home goods boutique with a little something for everyone

Werner Military Museum

Monteagle

Werner Military Museum

Unique Military Equipment from a Unique Collector

Wrenn's Nest

Monteagle

Wrenn's Nest

A place to escape summer heat and yellow fever

Explore nearby communities

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