For many travelers of Interstate 24 West, Monteagle is the halfway point – and rest stop – on the drive between Chattanooga and Nashville. But those who stop at the “top of the rock,” aka Monteagle Mountain, will find a small town surrounded by photo-op-worthy vistas and plenty to do, which makes it a short drive for a great weekend getaway.
Monteagle’s eclectic population is a mix of mountain folk who are descendants of early Swiss colonists and Scotch-Irish settlers; artists, young couples and professors from nearby Sewanee: University of the South; and baby boomers retiring to the mountain for its peaceful, scenic beauty.
The twisting turns and steep grade leading interstate drivers up and over Monteagle Mountain have become so famous they are immortalized in a song by the late Johnny Cash. But now travelers are braking at the top of the rock for its artist shops, fine dining at High Point Restaurant and outdoor recreation on the Mountain Goat Trail.
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SERVING TRAVELERS FOR 55 YEARSJim Oliver’s Smoke House Restaurant wouldn’t be marking its 55th anniversary if folks there didn’t do food right. Owned and operated by the Oliver family since 1960, the restaurant serves home-style cooking on its self-service food bars and full-service menu. (850 W. Main St.; 931-924-3442.)“We’re known for our smoked meat, brisket, pork and barbecue sauces,” says Alisha Blake, Smoke House employee. “Three months ago we started a new diabetes buffet that’s $9.95 and offers fresh vegetables and healthy foods. It’s offered on Thursdays and has been very popular.”The all-you-can eat buffet costs $9.95 at lunch, $13.95 for dinner Fridays-Sundays and $15.95 on holidays. The restaurant opens every day at 6:30 a.m. Blake says folks drive up the mountain just to buy a bottle of one of their sauces — Peach BBQ Sauce or “Blazing Rectums” — for $9.99. (They can also be ordered off the general store’s website: store.thesmokehouse.com.)After dinner, stroll on back to your room in the Smoke House Mountain Lodge, newly remodeled with 85 rooms, or one of the lakeside cabins located on the same property. (800-489-2091; thesmokehouse.com.)Source: Alisha Blake; thesmokehouse.com
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*TOP MARKS*Top referrals by TripAdvisor users:Mountain Goat Market: 109 Main St.; 931-924-2727High Point Restaurant: 224 E. Main St.; 931-924-4600Dave’s Modern Tavern: 38 W. Main St.; 931-924-8363Papa Ron’s Italian Steakhouse: 402 W. Main St.; 931-924-3355