In 1857, the Sewanee Mining Company granted 5,000 acres of land to the University of the South. Two years later in 1859, they donated an additional 5,000 acres to the University instantly made the nascent University of the South one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country by acreage.
Since then dozens of University halls and structures have been built, many with hand-crafted sandstone block exteriors that give the University its signature architectural style. Some of the more notable such buildings include All Saints’ Chapel, the DuPont Library, Spencer Hall and the McLurg Dining Hall, all on the central campus near the intersection of Georgia and University Avenues.
But “Sewanee”, as the University is colloquially known, is also a community, with dozens of historic homes dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. The University has assembled this interactive driving tour of some of the most historic homes.
There is also a lot of history in the “downtown” commercial area of Sewanee, where a variety of small businesses operate in structures that also date back to the early days of the University, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This interactive guide-map will let you click on each business to see the history of that building.
Top 5 Overlooks: Awesome Points of View
Awesome Action Adventures in the Mountains of Adventure
The Land of Adventures in All Four Seasons
Outdoor Adventures
Woody's Bicycles
A full service bicycle shop offering sales, service, and rentals of bicycles and electric bicycles. Woody's is an authorized Trek and Electra dealer and is a great resource for local trails, routes, and amenities
Spa & Fitness
Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage
Pilates mat classes, private and duet sessions as well as yoga and YouFit cardio/weight training classes
Food & Drink
Shenanigans
Restaurant & pub featuring sandwiches, pizza and craft beers with a back room "speakeasy" serving fine cocktails and live performance venue featuring regionally touring bands.
Music & Entertainment
Shenanigans Live Music
Restaurant & pub featuring sandwiches, pizza and craft beers with a back room "speakeasy" serving fine cocktails and live performance venue featuring regionally touring bands.
Spa & Fitness
Sublime Haven
A mountain sanctuary of sacred rituals—massage, facials, Reiki, reflexology, meditation and sound healing—infused with wild botanicals to restore your glow and renew your soul
Food & Drink
Blue Chair Tavern
Appalachian flavors and New Orleans soul, low & slow.
Shopping
Fine Arts at the Mountain
Full line musical instrument store and music school
Shopping, Arts & Crafts
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art
Full-service custom frame shop with an art gallery that showcases work by local and regional artists and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world
Food & Drink
Green's View Grill
Burgers, hot dogs & gourmet salads adjacent to golf pro shop
Food & Drink
Judith
Seasonal menu of creative and approachable dishes including a selection of small, shareable plates perfect for the bar crowd with accessible wines and a cocktail list.
Food & Drink
LUNCH
Farm-to-table restaurant with a rotating breakfast & lunch menu featuring local farmers & provisioners and a market for frozen meals, local meats, cheeses, craft beer, crafts & other gifts.
Food & Drink
La Bella Pearl
Organic Mediterranean fine dining in a villa-style atmosphere
Shopping
Lemon Fair
Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items
Spa & Fitness
Sarah Sulfridge, LMT
Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.
Food & Drink
Shakerag at Sewanee Inn
Located at The Sewanee Inn, Shakerag overlooks a golf course with expansive views of the verdant valley known as Shakerag Hollow.
Food & Drink
Stirling's Coffee House
Campus coffee shop with sandwiches & salads
Shopping
Taylor's Mercantile
Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items
Outdoor Adventures
The Course at Sewanee
This recently renovated golf course, featuring gorgeous bluff views, is open for play at the University of the South.
Outdoor Adventures
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.
Outdoor Adventures
Bridal Veil Falls Loop
2.7-mile out-and-back hike on the University of the South "domain", starting from Lake Cheston out to Bridal Veil Falls, which disappears into an underground stream. Not recommended during dry months.
Outdoor Adventures
Buggytop Cave
This is a moderately difficult 4-mile roundtrip hike at Head of the Crow State Park takes you 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.
Outdoor Adventures
Caldwell Rim Loop
Moderate 2.7-mile hike at the University of the South, from the Sewanee Visitor Center. It leads to a wooded loop featuring views of Lost Cove
Outdoor Adventures
Green's View Overlook
A scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Green’s View is a favorite spot for picnics and sunset views. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Green’s View Road.
Outdoor Adventures
Lake Cheston Loop
This easy half-mile trail at the University of the South circumnavigates Lake Cheston, a popular swimming area for the University.
Nearby...
