A cyclists crosses the street in downtown Sewanee, Tennessee. Sewanee is home to The University of the South – the city’s largest employer – a private institution known by those familiar with the university as “Sewanee.” The university has had 26 Rhodes Scholars along with 32 NCAA Postgraduate Fellows, 45 Watson Fellows and dozens of Fulbright Scholars.
The school has often been compared to the University of Oxford in England due to its elegant Old English style. Sewanee boasts one of the U.S.’ most beautiful campuses, featuring buildings in classic Gothic-style architecture and more than 13,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau.
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*AT A GLANCEPopulation: 2,385Date founded: 1857Real estate: The market has boomed with the average house/condo jumping $114,656 from 2000, when a home could be purchased for about $173,100.Geographic features: Popular overlooks of the Cumberland Plateau, including Green’s View, Morgan’s Steep and the University View (“The Cross”)*Source: City-Data.com
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*TRAILING ALONG*Whether you’re looking for a vigorous cardio workout or simply an easy hike to see some stunning views of the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee has an appropriate trail.Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike featuring a view of Bridal Veil Falls that descends about 50 feet down the side of a mountain.Mountain Goat Trail adopts the path of a former coal and passenger railroad dating back to 1856 and links Sewanee to Monteagle with a 5-mile paved path perfect for running, walking or biking. The trail begins in downtown Sewanee and is accessible from Highway 41A at Hawkins Lane. The trail will eventually be expanded to stretch 35 miles and connect seven towns.Perimeter Trail is a series of connecting paths that surround The University of the South for a total of 20 miles. Running alongside the western bluff of the Cumberland Plateau, this trail comes across two lakes and features overlooks such as Green’s View. Access the trail at the Memorial Cross or at Lake Cheston.
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WHERE TO STAYGet the full “England in the South” experience with a stay at Sewanee Inn, right on The University of the South’s campus, at 1235 University Ave. The inn features a nine-hole golf course, ideal for seasoned golfers. Call 931-598-3568 to learn more.You may have seen the “tiny home” craze on HGTV’s “Tiny House Hunters,” but now you can experience a tiny cabin yourself. Cabin 111, located just blocks from The University of the South, at 289 University Ave., is suited for a couple or individual guests and features a mini kitchen, bathroom and queen-size bed. For bookings, call 931-224-2726.
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WHERE TO DINEDoubling as a popular breakfast spot in the morning and a tavern by night, The Blue Chair Cafe and Tavern has quickly become known for its pimiento cheese sandwich, and after 4 p.m., the tavern features Jackalope beer on tap, great burgers and fried mushrooms. (35 University Ave.; 931-598-5434.)At IvyWild, you’ll be treated to upscale dining which features tender beef fillet and cherry-glazed duck along with smoked Caesar salad, foie gras butter, salmon and duck breast pastrami. (36 Ball Park Road; 931-598-9000.)Tourist tip! The restaurant is BYO wine.
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*FOR MUSIC LOVERSThe popular Festival of Lessons and Carols was featured in Southern Living magazine and calls Southerners from all around to the All Saints’ Chapel for traditional carols and scripture readings each December.The Summer Music Festival concert series, typically held in June and July, features part of the orchestra, chamber music and piano training camp for young, talented musicians from around the world at The University of the South.
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DID YOU KNOW?The University of the South was one of the original members of the Southeastern Conference and still uses the oldest college football field in the South. Football historians still marvel at the 1899 team whose 12-0 season was anchored by a whirlwind five-game road trip in six days that included shutout wins over Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Tulane and Ole Miss.During World War II, the university served as a V-12 Navy training site.