A few of our favorite places to eat, wander, shop, and explore around Monteagle.
Eat + Drink
Mountain Goat Market
One of our favorite stops for sandwiches, salads, pizza, and something sweet. Don’t miss the little market while you’re there! It’s a Monteagle favorite for an easy lunch.
Good to know: Closed Sunday & Monday.
High Point Restaurant
One of our favorites for a special dinner—the historic mansion, cozy atmosphere, and great food make it worth a night out.
Perfect for date night or a special occasion.
Papa Ron’s Italian Steakhouse
A longtime Monteagle favorite for pizza, pasta, steaks, and classic Italian comfort food. A great easy dinner when everyone wants something different.
Hank’s Corner Grille
One of our favorite local finds. It’s casual, unpretentious, and tucked away in tiny Tracy City—the kind of place where you can settle in, eat really well, and feel like a local for the evening.
Judith
A beautiful Sewanee tavern from James Beard Award-nominated chef Julia Sullivan, with a seasonal menu, creative cocktails, and a warm, elevated atmosphere. A great pick for a special night out.
Good to know: Reservations recommended. Current hours: Thursday-Monday, 4- 9 pm.
Shenanigans
A laid-back Sewanee institution serving sandwiches, burgers, and pub favorites in a quirky, casual setting. A fun stop when you want good food without anything fancy.
Coffee
Stirling’s Coffee House
Tucked into a charming house on Sewanee’s campus, Stirling’s is the kind of coffee shop that makes you want to stay awhile. Grab a latte or something sweet and settle in—or take your coffee along for a walk around campus.
Dutch Maid Bakery & Cafe
Coffee is only half the reason to stop. Pair it with an old-fashioned cinnamon roll, pastry, or something fresh from Tennessee’s oldest family-owned bakery. A sweet little Tracy City stop before a day of exploring.
Mountain Goat Market
Already on our food list for good reason, but it’s also an easy Monteagle stop for coffee and something sweet before heading out for the day.
Good to know: Closed Sunday & Monday.
Get Outside
Deer Lick Falls & Private Trails
One of our favorite things about Everly is what’s waiting just outside the door. Wander miles of private community trails through the woods, with easy and intermediate routes to explore—or make your way to beautiful Deer Lick Falls.
Good to know: The trail down to the falls is rated challenging, with a steep descent in places. It’s best suited for sure-footed hikers and may not be appropriate for young children or guests with limited mobility.
Mountain Goat Trail/Trail of Tears
A peaceful, paved trail connecting Monteagle and Sewanee along the route of the historic Mountain Goat Railroad. Portions follow the Bell Route of the Trail of Tears, adding a meaningful layer of history to a beautiful mountain walk. Great for an easy walk, run, or bike ride.
The Great Stone Door
One of the South Cumberland Plateau’s most iconic views—and a place especially close to my heart. I brought my kids here when they were little, and over the years I’ve also come here alone to sit on the bluffs, be still, and take in the view. A relatively short hike leads to a beautiful overlook and the massive rock formation that gives the trail its name. If you only have time for one hike beyond Everly, this is the one I’d choose.
Foster Falls
A spectacular waterfall tucked into a deep gorge, with overlooks and trails for exploring the surrounding forest. Beautiful in every season—and especially worth seeing after a good rain.
Fiery Gizzard Trail
For those ready for a little more adventure. This legendary South Cumberland trail winds through forests, rocky gorges, waterfalls, and overlooks. You don’t have to tackle the whole trail to experience some of its most beautiful scenery.
Sewanee Natural Bridge
A beautiful natural sandstone arch hidden in the woods near Sewanee. It’s an easy stop when you want to see something special without committing to a long hike.
Head of the Crow State Park
One of Tennessee’s newest state parks, Head of the Crow protects more than 4,000 acres of rugged South Cumberland landscape near Sewanee. Explore sandstone formations, wooded trails, caves, and underground waterways—including Sewanee Natural Bridge and the trail to Buggytop Cave.
Good to know: The park includes several separate natural areas and trailheads, so check the park map before heading out.
Wander & Shop
Oakes & Oliver’s Modern Mercantile
A treasure hunt for one-of-a-kind antiques, vintage finds, home decor, and all sorts of things you absolutely did not come looking for. Give yourself time to wander—you never know what you’ll find.
Good to know: Enter at your own risk if you have a weakness for unique old things.
The University of the South
Take some time to wander Sewanee’s beautiful mountaintop campus, with Gothic architecture, wooded paths, overlooks, and plenty of quiet places to explore.
Downtown Sewanee
Spend an afternoon wandering around the University of the South and the little shops and stops nearby. Beautiful architecture, old trees, and plenty of places to slow down and explore.
Mountain Goat Market
Yes, it already made the food and coffee lists—but we love the little market, too. Browse the locally made gifts, fun finds, and things to take home—or pick up something special for your stay at Everly.
Lemon Fair
A longtime Sewanee shop filled with gifts, jewelry, home goods, and plenty of things you didn’t know you needed until you walked in. A fun stop while exploring campus.
The University Bookstore
Books, Sewanee gear, gifts, and a little piece of mountain history to take home. Worth popping into while you’re wandering campus.
Worth the Drive
The Caverns — Pelham
An unforgettable underground music venue tucked inside a cave at the base of the mountain. Check the concert calendar before your stay—you may just find an excuse to plan your whole weekend around a show.
Good to know: Concert nights can make lodging around the mountain fill quickly—if you’re staying at Everly for a show, you’ve picked a pretty great home base.
Greeter Falls — Altamont
A beautiful South Cumberland waterfall adventure with cascades, swimming holes, and dramatic scenery. The hike has some steep sections, but the payoff is gorgeous.
Rock Island State Park — Rock Island
A little farther out, but worth it when you have time for a bigger adventure. Waterfalls, rocky overlooks, hiking trails, and some seriously beautiful Tennessee scenery make this an easy half-day trip.
Fall Creek Falls State Park — Spencer
One of Tennessee’s most spectacular state parks, home to the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls along with overlooks, trails, and plenty to explore. It’s farther from Everly, so save this one for a day when the journey is part of the plan.
