Judith
10/10 Dinner spot for seasonal, local food prepared with an incredible amount of intention. A stop at Judith is quite honestly a must if you making the drive. You’ll find an inspired menu that’s equal parts elevated and comforting. Great cocktails, incredible oysters– How lucky are we to have James Beard nominated Chef Julia just a 10 minute drive away.
Tip: Get a dirty martini and the beef tartare and see where the night takes you
Judith’s Website
36 Ball Park Rd
LUNCH
Lunch quickly became a favorite for their rotating trifecta of homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. I love poking around their small market that sells local eggs, jams, and dry goods while waiting for my order. While the space has serious country store level charm, it offers bites so good, your foodie friends will be impressed. You can’t leave without grabbing a pastry or two for morning coffee at the aframe.
Tip: Chef Mallory Grimm hosts a monthly dinner series here that can’t be missed
LUNCH’s Website
24 University Ave
Mooney’s Market & Emporium
Part natural food store, part vintage, part yarn supplies. No trip to Sewanee is complete without getting lost down a niche aisle at Mooney’s. To add to the charm, the ladies who own and operate the store are usually having a little snack and gabbing behind the counter (I live for small town chit chat). Usually my first stop upon arrival when I inevitably realize I forgot my eggs at home and come back with some treasures.
Tip: Mooney’s is vegetarian
Open Daily 10-6
1265 W Main St
Oakes & Oliver ‘s
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, O&O is a fun stop to score something handmade. With over 30 vendors, products range from furniture, glassware, art, and textiles. You may have to hunt a little, but they’ve got some beautiful pieces. Their solid wood furniture (dressers, tables, credenzas) in particular stand out.
335 W Main St.
Tues-Sat 11-5
Foster Falls
This hike takes top spot for several reasons – the falls of course are stunning, and you can get to them quickly upon arrival (~.5 mi from parking). Foster Falls are the end point of Fiery Gizzard, a difficult 12 mi out and back, which means you can tailor how far you go depending on your energy and mood that day. Stop by for a quick dip in the plunge pool (swimming permitted) or go as far as you like on the trail. It’s one of those awe inspiring spots you can just sit and take in the sounds and sights of the natural world around you.
Tip: Getting to the water at the base involves descending down natural stairs that are quite steep
Bridal Veil Falls
Winding through peaceful woods and rocky outcroppings, this hike is a fairly easy 2 mile out and back. The falls are at the half way point, making for a good spot to have a snack and enjoy the view. It takes about an hour and would be good for kids or on leash dogs.
Tip: Check if there’s been rain recently since that largely dictates how much of the falls you’ll see
Mountain Goat Trail
Less of a hike, this paved greenway directly connects guests from the aframe to the small town of Sewanee. Definitely less natural beauty than others listed, but if you’ve got a bike, a stroller, or just prefer paved walking, you can pick up the mountain goat trail right outside our HOA gates.
The Caverns
The Caverns is an epic subterranean venue for live music set in a magical cave system. Pulling in talent from around the world, from Brandi Carlile to Yo-Yo Ma and Tycho to Jelly Roll. The prehistoric setting is under 30 minutes from the aframe and gives an incredible otherworldly vibe.
If a show isn’t catching your eye, they also offer cave tours on weekends for $23 that leave from their giftshop daily starting at 9a.
Sequatchie Cove Farm
A trip to this working, regenerative farm and trading post is a treat in and of itself. Make the drive for local meats and produce that sustain the land and it’s people. Better yet, take a class from Cumberland Folk School, housed on it’s grounds. They offer classes in crafts, traditional skills, and nature-Study. I took a quiche making class last spring where we foraged for eggs and vegetables on the farm and then went inside and learned how to make traditional pie crusts with Chef Mallory Grimm of LUNCH. A super special day! Other classes include learning how to make pasta, quilts, baskets, candles, and mushroom foraging. 10/10 recommend!
All Saint’s Chapel
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the level of detail and care put into the construction of All Saint’s Chapel on the grounds of Sewanee University. Stunning inside and out, but especially on a sunny day the way the light streams through the skylights is absolutely transcendent. Worth a pop in!
Open Daily 8a-4:30p
735 University Ave
Sweeten’s Cove Golf Course
For the uninitiated, this may just seem like a pretty course in middle Tennessee. But savvy golfers know Sweeten’s Cove is an unmatched experience. Your fee for the day covers a “play as many holes as you can” structure so it lends to committing a full day there. Before the shotgun start, all the golfers for the day congregate and take a shot of bourbon together.
The course was designed by a mad scientist type and is modular in a way so the layout is different each time you play. Note: They book reservations in December for the following calendar year and they book up quickly so you really need to plan ahead.
Tip: I’ve had success DMing them on Instagram!
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Bonnaroo is a legendary 3 day music festival set on a 700 acre farm in Manchester, just 20 minutes from Stayframe. The biggest names in music have played “Roo”, From Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John. To The Roots, Lady Gaga, Alabama Shakes, and Kendrick Lamar. It’s typically in late spring, early summer and dates at the aframe book quickly so best to plan ahead.
Ready to plan your trip?
Book directly here