The Most Criminally Overlooked Town In Tennessee And Why You Need To Visit
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Meghan Kraft
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Sewanee, Tennessee. We’d say it’s the most overlooked little spot in Tennessee, a census-designated place in Franklin County that is home to the University of the South. Located just beside the popular Monteagle, this is a rural town saturated in history and stunning architecture. The university appears other-worldly, the sweet bungalow homes hide young academics and old, well-studied professors. Care to take a peek?
As of 2000, there were only 2,361 folks living in Sewanee. The streets may be windy but the trees are tall and old, the rural town has been infused with education and outdoorsy folk that take full advantage of their middle Tennessee location.
The Sewanee Perimeter Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area, bringing in hikers from near and far. With 20 miles of mixed-use trail, it is maintained by the local university and has proven to be quite the - ahem - mountain to climb. It is mainly used for trail running, mountain biking and hiking.
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Founded by the Episcopal church, the University of the South is colloquially known as, "Sewanee." Established in 1857, it has come to be known for its stunning architecture and thoroughly rural location.
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Interesting fact? Of the 12,000 alumni from the University of the South, there have been 26 Rhodes Scholars and three of the last five presiding Bishops came from the school.
The school is graced by a moss-covered graveyard and is connected by easily walkable paths and bikeways, making the rural area much easier to traverse for both students and visitors. We'd recommend a graveyard walk - it's stunning.
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The school also hosts the the Sewanee Writers' Conference every summer, and the month-long Sewanee Summer Music Festival hosts young musicians on an annual basis. Its literary magazine, the Sewanee Review, has been published continually since 1892.
Interesting fact? St. Andrew's-Sewanee School is one of the oldest boarding schools in the south, still hosting 150 daytime students and 100 with board.
Sewanee also has a thriving small business community, hosting a tiny downtown complete with The Lemon Fair (pictured), a local art gallery.
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Getting thirsty? Stirling's Coffee House is quite literally in a house, and is run by students of the university. You can pop in for a cheap cup of joe or stay for lunch, the darling space is full of light and welcoming for visitors.
Don’t stop exploring now – this Voodoo Village out near Memphis is pretty insane..
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