Situated on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is a nature-lover's paradise. The campus itself consists of 13,000 acres and is bordered by over twenty miles of hiking trails, many of which traverse the Plateau's bluff line. These trails lead to stunning waterfalls, caves, natural bridges, and many other areas of natural beauty. That being said, there are plenty of viewpoints that are accessible by car, notably the Cross, Morgan's Steep, and Green's View.
The "town" of Sewanee consists of a few restaurants and shops, each with its own unique personality and local flavor.
Below you will find some suggestions for activities and restaurants. Since Sewanee is a quirky place, we have also compiled a list of local terminology that may be helpful when asking for directions or speaking with students and members of the community. With a little luck, the weather will be beautiful and the fall colors in full swing - hopefully you'll begin to understand why we love this place and consider it to be our home.
Finally, here's a campus map and a trail map.
Activities
Hiking
The Perimeter Trail, or "PT" for short, borders Sewanee's campus and offers a great opportunity to explore the area. There are many access points, so you can easily complete short or long hikes. The Sewanee Outing Program (located in the Bishop's Common at 204 Georgia Avenue) offers free trail maps. You may also purchase the "Go Take A Hike" guide from the University bookstore. Here are a few of our favorite hikes:
Morgan's Steep to the Cross: This mile-long portion of the PT will give you a good sense of the natural beauty offered by this area of the world. Start at Morgan's Steep, one of the best overlooks on campus, and go left (down the stairs) to the trail, which will wind through the cove. Eventually, you will come upon Proctor's Hall, a natural rock formation with a large tunnel where former Sewanee Proctors (like RAs at other universities) have carved their initials. Some of the carvings date to the late 1800s. Climb through Proctor's Hall and continue on the trail until you come upon the Cross, a war memorial that offers another overlook of the Tennessee Valley.
Shakerag Hollow: Another portion of the PT that winds down into Shakerag Hollow and heads toward Green's View (another overlook that offers fantastic views of Roark's Cove). The best place to start is from the parking lot just inside the University gates. If you keep your eyes open, you will find evidence of the coal mining industry in the form of old mine shafts that run beneath the Domain. This trail is more strenuous and is about 1.4 miles one way.
Abbo's Alley: This is a very "Sewanee" walk to take. It is located on central campus and meanders through land cleared by former English professor, Abbott Martin. You can either enter through the wrought-iron gates on Texas Avenue (just west of the Fowler Center) or from University Avenue, directly across from All Saints' Chapel. This walk is quite level and is suitable for all ages.
Piney Point: Our favorite. Technically, this is its own trail, though you start on the PT. Once again, park just inside of the University gates and walk down the PT trail until there's an opportunity to go right and follow the signs for Piney Point. You will briefly emerge by the St. Andrew's Sewanee tennis courts, but just walk along them until you find the next portion of the trail. This is one of the easiest hikes on campus, but you are rewarded with incredible, secluded views of Roark's Cove and Shakerag Hollow. Roughly two miles round trip.
Sewanee Natural Bridge: Another easy walk that features a 27-foot-high natural sandstone bridge. To get there, take University Avenue toward the "town" of Sewanee. When the road joins 41A, go right, then turn left onto TN Highway 56 (Sherwood Road) and follow the signs for about 3.5 miles. Well worth the short drive.
Fiery Gizzard: Off the Domain, but widely considered to be one of the best trails in the country. To get to the Grundy Forest trailhead, take 41A toward Monteagle, then turn left on Highway 41 to Tracy City. Follow the brown signs to Fiery Gizzard. Sycamore Falls are about 1.3 miles into the trail and are worth the short hike. Please note, this trail may be closed, as a private landowner has decided to restrict access. There are rumors of plans to reroute the trail around the landowner's property, but we are currently unsure of the outcome. If we hear more, we will update this post accordingly. Hopefully it will be open, as it is a remarkable trail.
Golf
The Course at the Sewanee Inn: Recently renovated and designed by Gil Hanse (designing the course for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics), the Course was named as one of Golf Magazine's best renovations in 2013. It is a nine-hole course, but can be extended to 18 via a different set of tees. Tee times are made through the Golf Shop, which can be reached at 931-598-1104.
William Ralston Music Listening LIbrary
Located in DuPont Library, the Ralston Music Library has been described as "perhaps unique in the world." It features an extensive collection of records and CDs and has the best available listening equipment. Anyone should be able to visit, but if you need help, just ask one of us and we can arrange access for you.
Excursions
Tennessee Aquarium: Located about 40 minutes from Sewanee in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium is worth the trip. It is situated on the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga has some great restaurants. Even though it is in a landlocked state, it's one of the better aquariums we've visited.
Jack Daniels Distillery: Ironically situated in a dry county, the Jack Daniels Distillery is a fun day trip. They offer tours of their facilities, including a sampling tour.
Nashville: While a little farther afield (over an hour), Nashville is a great city with booming music and restaurant scenes. If you are interested in having lunch, stop at Bella Nashville for artisanal pizza. Our friend and groomsman, Chris Jackson, runs the pizzeria, which has been mentioned in the New York Times.
Restaurants
Shenanigans
12595 Sollace M Freeman Highway, Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-5774
Our local bar and grill. It's a great place to grab a beer and sandwich. Try the Skinny Bob Meat Melt or the Spicy Turkey Melt, though you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Shenanigans was recently listed on Thrillists' list of the best college sandwich shops in America.
Blue Chair Bakery, Cafe, and Tavern
41 University Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-5434
Blue Chair is a great place for breakfast and has a nice patio if the weather is good. Their tavern now serves beer and bar food.
Stirling's Coffee House
241 Georgia Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-1963
Stirling's is Sewanee's on-campus coffee shop. They also serve pastries and some sandwiches.
Mountain Goat Market
109 E Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
931-924-2727
Another new addition to the area. Great for breakfast or lunch.
High Point
224 E Main Street, Monteagle, TN 37356
931-924-4600
High Point is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its role as a safe house for Al Capone. Today, the house is a higher end restaurant that is great for dinner. We'd suggest making reservations.
Ivy Wild
36 Ball Park Road, Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-9000
Ivy Wild is a relatively new addition to the Sewanee community, but it has already received rave reviews from numerous magazines and newspapers. They are open Thursday-Sunday and reservations are a must, as the dining room is quite small. Please note: the rehearsal dinner will be occurring here on Friday, so the entire restaurant will likely be closed.
Pearl's Foggy Mountain Cafe
15344 Sewanee HWy, Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-5770
Widely considered to be the best place for brunch on the Mountain, Pearl's also serves dinner. Like High Point, it's more on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it is very good. We'd suggest making reservations.