TripAdvisor seems to have the market share of “What to do in…?” So I decided to check out what they had to say about Sewanee, Tennessee and help fill in the gaps.
Cabins and mountains
Turns out Monteagle and Sewanee are mountain top places known for summering rather than wintering, but I sure enjoyed the 60-70 degree sunny weather while my northern comrades saw March out like a lion with snow and 30 degree weather.
Through my network, I enjoyed a 2 bedroom cabin in the mountains of Monteagle, TN and the month of March was all about visitors. Family and friends flew or drove down to meet and enjoy some quality time, sunshine, and R&R.
I put up the hammock, enjoyed bathing in the claw-foot tub, good home-cooked meals, laughter and games, and some horrendous reality TV (Botched) thanks to my friend (I had to watch with one eye closed). So other than my cute little cabin life, let’s see what Trip Advisor missed…
Trip Advisor’s Do List
- University of the South
- The Cross
- Mountain Goat trail
- Natural Bridge State Natural Area
- The Lemon Fair
The above list is all you get, so let me add in some helpful details.
1. Best Site Seeing: University of the South
This incredible campus feels like it’s straight out of England. Totally “Ta” Cambridge vibes, or Harry Potter. I’ve been to the real Westminster Abbey and Sewanee’s All Saints Chapel brings us a mini version complete with a robed choir, stained-glass rose window, pipe organ, and all the architectural subtleties you didn’t know you were missing so deeply in your life. My friend and I went for Palm Sunday service.
All Saint’s Chapel: Best way to check it out is to go to a service. I heard a local say for early service they sit nearer the alter in the interior wooden choir benches that face each other.
Look for University Choir performances as well. They were quite impressive during the Palm Sunday service.
Eat lunch or dinner on Campus: $13, all you can eat buffet and a throwback to Uni-life! Open to the public. Dine in the beautiful hall. This was another local’s tip that I’m paying it forward. One weekday, I worked in the University Library (annoying college students talking and not studying) and then enjoyed lunch.
2. Best Sunset Vista: The Cross
A few minutes before sunset, grab your favorite picnic fare, a blanket and a jacket to enjoy a westward view off the mountain.
3. The Mountain Goat [Biking] Trail & Cookies
Very worth while! A long paved trail a top the mountain connecting towns and hiking sites. I got my Citizen fold up bike tuned up at Woody’s for about $50.
BONUS: The Mountain Goat Market, a great deli with hot-pressed sandwiches. And THE BEST COOKIES you’ve had outside your mom or grandma’s kitchen. Ummm…I actually took a picture of these cookies BEFORE I bought them they looked so good. People that know me, know I’ve NEVER taken a picture of a cookie before. And boy, these cookies’ taste and texture sure live up to their pictures.
Note: Watch out for the Mountain Goat Market’s hours. Closed Sunday-Wednesday in the off season and only 11am-6pm Thursday-Saturday.
4. Hiking Trail w/ a Land Bridge—but less busy
The Perimeter Trail is known for it’s Land Bridge as seen on the TripAdvisor list. But my aunt found an alternate trail with a Land Bridge that’s much less popular.
Sherwood Forest Day Loop: My wordpress colleagues over at Woodlands & Waters have a great post about it including reliable directions since Google Maps doesn’t cut it.
5. The Lemon Fair
Let’s cut to the chase on this one–not worth it. Small over-priced gift and clothing shop for women that live in Sewanee. Cutesy- candles, kitchen glassware, etc. and not an antique in sight.
6. More Best Eats
Best Brunch: Pearl’s. The new co-owner told me family and friends meet half-way at Pearl’s for Sunday Brunch. Everything is from scratch here. Conundrum—should I link to their TripAdvisor page or Yelp? 😉
Best Fish & Chips: Blue Chair. No mushy peas but the breading melts in your mouth.
Best Cookies: Mountain Goat Market (see above ALL CAPS 😉
Best Lunch Vibe: Kudos to the vibe at Lunch (farm to table). Some of the dishes didn’t quite live up to the hype the day we dined, but the charcuterie board was brilliant.
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