Sweetwater: Escape from the big city

The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tenn.
The Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tenn.

From an underground sea to a giant flea market, Sweetwater offers fun for the whole family.

Nestled about 80 miles northeast of Chattanooga, Sweetwater sports a wide variety of activities ranging from farm tours to museums.

The town is easy to get to and sits just off Interstate 75. With a population of just 6,000 people, Sweetwater offers a relaxing escape from bigger cities.

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LOST SEA ADVENTUREIf you’re in Sweetwater, you can’t miss the U.S.’ largest underground lake. The Lost Sea is open year-round and hovers at a balmy 58 degrees no matter the season.The tour takes about an hour and 15 minutes and includes a long walk through underground caverns, as well as a short ride in a glass-bottomed boat on the underground lake.* Where: 140 Lost Sea Road* When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m most months, with hours varying by the season* Pricing: $19.95 per adult and $10.95 for children ages 5-12; children age 4 and under free* More info: thelostsea.comSource: The Lost Sea Adventure

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SWEETWATER HERITAGE MUSEUMThis small museum offers visitors a glimpse into Sweetwater’s past and heritage through memorabilia and photographs.* Where: Corner of North and High streets* When: 2-4 p.m. Sundays and Saturdays* Pricing: Free* More info: 423-337-6979Source: Sweetwater Heritage Museum

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SWEETWATER FLEA MARKETThis massive flea market stretches the length of four football fields and features more than 800 booths offering practically everything — from coins and flowers to Bibles and rugs. (121 County Road 308; 423-337-3532; thesweetwaterfleamarket.com.) Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays year-round.

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SWEETWATER VALLEY FARMWant to take a peek at a real, working dairy farm? Then Sweetwater Valley Farm is a place you can’t miss.* The farm is well-known for using traditional methods to create high-quality cheeses.Walking tours are offered twice a day each Friday and Saturday. The first tour begins at 1 p.m. and the second at 3 p.m. Guests are asked to arrive a half hour before the tour departs.* Where: 17988 W. Lee Highway, Philadelphia, Tenn.* Pricing: $6 per person; children age 2 and younger free* More info: 865-458-9192; sweetwatervalley.comSource: Sweetwater Valley Farm

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