University of the South

Location: University of the South. 181 Georgia Ave, Sewanee TN which takes you to street parking on Georgia Ave.

Begin your walking tour and explore buildings that you find most captivating. My top 3 favorites are: All Saints Chapel, McClurg Dining Hall and the Chapel of the Apostles are incredibly amazing and you don't want to miss them.

The University of the South, also known as Sewanee University is a private liberal arts college and School of Theology owned by 28 Episcopal Church districts. The campus is from another era and showcases European creativity. The various styles of architecture and perfect attention to detail are incredible - a sure winner for a Harry Potter and Hogwarts movie sequel. What's also amazing is that construction began in 1860.

Exploring the Sewanee area is perfect for a weekend getaway.

For more adventure, try: Thrilling Spook-tacular Caves.

In 1857/1859 the Sewanee Mining company donated 10,000 acres, giving them a total of 13,000 making University of the South one of the largest campuses by acreage in the USA. The stones used for many of the buildings were cut from the Cumberland Plateau mountain they sit on. In 1860 the first stones were laid, however construction soon halted due to the looming Civil War. Finally their opening day - in 1868 with 3 buildings, 4 faculty and 9 students.

Over time, the elements have weathered the structures making them look even more aged and authentic to their time period. Most of the buildings at Sewanee University (University of the South) are massive with every cut & carved detail a perfect replica of the historical architectural styles. * Win a Prize = Be the first to find the hallway & door, photo below left. Email a photo of yourself beside the door with a view of this hallway.

Location = Chapel of the Saints. 735 University Ave, Sewanee.

The All Saints Chapel is magnificent & my second favorite of all the buildings, photo below on the left & right. The bottom photo in this section is the Guerry Auditorium. I'm totally not an expert - but my research suggests the architecture style is heavily influenced by the Medieval Era 500-1500 AD and Gothic era 1160-1600 AD. Possibly a sprinkling of Baroque 1584-1750 AD. The stained glass windows depict the saints doing various things. It's unbelievable. Check out Convocation Hall where you'll find another gorgeous stained glass.

Immersed in this period of history - minus the traffic of course - my imagination runs wild and I envision knights & fair maidens busy about their business, with a dragon lurking in a dungeon basement somewhere. It would have been as much a romantic time as it was brutal & harsh. You Dungeon & Dragon enthusiasts would love this place.

As I fill in more details of a Medieval life, I realize that layers of clothing as was fitting back then would surely cause fainting spells in Tennessee's heat & humidity.

And, would I really want to live my life without indoor plumbing, refrigerators, or the women's right to make my own choices? OK..... hard pass! Back to the NOW.

Location = McClurg Dining. 634 University Ave, Sewanee.

The dining hall I believe is my absolute fave, whether it's called McClurg Hall or Hogwarts. It's just as awe-inspiring on the inside as the out. Just like the movies filmed within the castles of Europe, this is truly a unique and gorgeously designed campus. Since we're in the dining hall, we might as well sit & enjoy a quick snack and soak up the atmosphere.

Close your eyes and picture this..... You're the King or Queen of Castle McClurg, Scotland 1646. The flags in the dining Hall represent the Lords and their territories that you rule. Your mission is to find a Knight, both strong & brave to defend the lands from the Dragon.

Who better to fight a dragon, than another dragon?

Toothless might help provided his new tail fin is working - oops, sorry wrong movie!

Location = Chapel of the Apostles. 355 Tennessee Ave, Sewanee. The Chapel of the Apostles is another building you don't want to miss even thought it's a modern design. It is stunning and appears to be constructed entirely from wood, glass, and stone. The woodwork is intertwined with glass windows on the ceiling & walls - simply a masterpiece.

P.S. Since it is a 'Chapel', you might want to use your hush-hush inside voice. We thought were the only ones there until 2 men in robes appeared out of somewhere.

Location = The Cross. No address, west end of Tennessee Ave, Sewanee.

The Cross is a Memoria cross, built in 1922 to honor war-time veterans. It's about 60 feet tall set on a base with several steps up to the Cross. The views are really nice from here as well. To get a size perspective, you can barely see the person at the base of the Cross?

The Cross to Morgans Steep Trail

Morgans Steep Trail is almost 2.5 mile roundtrip, and one of the most popular hikes. You'll see Morgan Falls, and then on to the spectacular viewpoint at Morgans Steep.

Take the Perimeter Trail on the north side of The Cross. At one mile, you'll see Morgans Falls. From here, a short distance further, take the side trail to the right putting you on Morgan's Steep Rd. Go right a short distance to Morgans Steep.

FYI: There's lots of other hiking & mountain biking trails in the area.

Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Bridal Veil Falls is a 2 tier waterfall that cascades over the rock ledges. It's somewhere in between a flow and a trickle - which I think give it a charming character. Starting from Clara's Point Rd going south, it's 1.8 miles roundtrip.

Shortly after starting, when you get to a fork of trails stay in the middle on Bridal Veil Falls Trail. About the last 1/10 mile at the "T" intersection, go left to the the Falls.

Location = Natural Bridge. 591 Natural Bridge Rd, Sewanee.

The Sewanee Natural Bridge is not the biggest or most beautiful site, but it's interesting, and only takes an hour. The Natural Bridge is 25 feet high and spans 50 feet across. The width of the Bridge however is maybe 4 feet - and NO hand rails in site.

If you haven't guessed..... I have a fear of heights. And while the Natural Bridge is not horrendously high, I would have to stare at my feet to get across, which means seeing the nothingness below me if I lost my balance. Had there been a hand rail, I would've attempted to cross.

I mean, with legs shaking uncontrollably, one could shake themselves right over the edge. OK.... I dramatize!

Those that can walk across get a scenic view of Lost Cove Cave, complete with historical artifacts. Natural Bridge was formed from a giant sinkhole that's partially eroded away, see photo left.

Behind the bridge there's a spring that's visible during the wet season, as well as the rock house. Thru the arch, you can hike either left or right, but I'm not sure how far you can go before it becomes private property.

More Fun Things to Do

• Hiking - Sewanee University campus property has 50 miles of trails to explore.

• Lake Cheston - fishing, swimming, and paddling. No motorized boats.

• Biking - rent a bike and hit the 12 mile Mountain Goat Trail.

• Sewanee Village - shops & restaurants for exploring at a more leisurely pace.

• Photo right - view of Morgan's Steep from the road.

Vacation Travel Tips

• Average temps high/low = Summer 85/65 degrees F. Winter 45/28.

• TN ranks 7th for humidity. Expect snow in mountain regions.

• Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.

• Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, warm clothing.

• Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.

• Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & snow covered - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.

• Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.

• Trash - Pack out what you pack in.

• Rivers/lakes – river shoes are very helpful. Heavy winter rains mean deep, ice-cold & fast moving water in spring.

• Poison oak & ivy - always know before you touch. The common Oak has 3 leaflets per stem but can have more. Ivy always has 3 leaflets.

• Poisonous Snakes - 4 types, found on land, water, and trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans, usually biting only if threatened.

• Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.

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