The Cross is very special to both Allison and David. It was a common destination spot on many of Allison's evening runs and other nights with friends to watch the sunset. It's also where the couple had their "last" date as Sewanee students. The night before officially leaving The Mountain after graduation, they curled up on a picnic blanket with some small bites and wine, and watched their last sunset before saying goodbye.
Green's View is a common lookout spot at Sewanee. Green's View was one of the "selling points" during accepted students weekend that convinced Allison to go to Sewanee. You can see the town below with their many farmlands and homes, as well as the Cumerbland Plateau (which is very luscious this time of year!).
Not only is the Sewanee Golf Course a destination for many golfers, but it's also David's "College Course". David was a Varsity Golfer for Sewanee throughout his 4 years as a student. It wasn't until senior year that David finally convinced Allison to "try to putt, at least once!", and now she is hooked on the game as well. Enjoy a meal, and maybe even a beer, after a tough round on the course at Green's View Grill, inside of the golf shop.
The Perimeter Trail offers students and visitors gorgeous views and excellent terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and running along the bluff of the Cumberland Plateau. The trail can be accessed within a five-minute walk from central campus. It features beautiful overlooks, interesting geological features, two lakes, and plenty of upland deciduous forest. Caving and climbing sites are easily accessed from the trail. While hiking the entire Perimeter Trail (~26 miles) may not be feasible this weekend, we encourage you to hike at least parts of it! Allison and David checked this off of their bucket list just before graduation, when they hiked with Mr. Spears, David's brother, Xander, Alex Willoughby and Sarah Christie (two of Allison's girl friends and sorority sisters), and Zach Abeles (great friend to Allison and David and senior year roommate to David). Visit the link above to download trail maps.
Sewanee is a biking campus! Many students prefer to bike rather than walk to class. David was one of these students. He rode his sweet blue and white Trek bike all over campus. In fact, that was his 21st birthday gift from his parents, bought from this very location! During Parents Weekend, the Michalek and Spears families rented bikes from Woody to participate in his bike tour around campus. I think we all still remember just how sore these tours left us... Woody had us biking up and down hills all morning! Feel free to rent a bike to explore campus. Tell Woody we said "Hi!".
The Blue Chair is home to delicious breakfast (Allison and David's favorites are the Tiger Bowl and a BIG waffle with real blueberries on top) as well as lunch and dinner food. Just next door is the Tavern, home to delightful beers and "bar" type food. Allison and David attended many trivia nights with friends here at the Tavern.
If you're a coffee lover, look no further! Stirling's is within walking distance from the DuPont Library, which explains why it's a perfect study break spot for students needing a caffeine refuel. Allison also recommends the chicken salad... she's been trying to recreate this recipe since graduation, but hasn't quite gotten it down yet. Enjoy your coffee sitting on the porch swing! 10/10 would recommend.
High Point is a classic restaurant getaway for Sewanee students on a "fancy" date night or just a night out with the girls/guys. Allison treated David to a date night here for his 21st birthday. He ordered what is now one of his favorite cocktails, an OId Fashioned. The three-story compound once had escape hatches on the roof and underground tunnels in the basement used by Capone for transferring liquor in the 20s and early 30s. Local legend reveals tales of Capone and John Dillinger lounging outside on the mountain stone patio having drinks and playing numerous hands of cards.
The Lemon Fair is a gift shop in Sewanee, TN. It specializes in Sewanee Angels (very important to Sewanee students - just ask us about them!), local and handmade art, jewelry, toys, and cards. It's fun to leisurely look around for fun trinkets in this store.
Unique to Sewanee's college campus is that it allows its students on the Equestrian Team to board their own horses. This is great for those athletes in particular, but also for the other students who get to walk by and pet them! If you head towards the football stadium and baseball field, drive a little bit further and you'll see a few horses roaming and grazing on the grass. How tranquil!
We are proud of our Sewanee Tigers! The football field may not look like your typical "state school football stadium," but it holds many special memories in our hearts. You could expect the couple to be out with their friends, tailgating before football games on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon.
One of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga is visiting Rock City. Rock City is an amusement located right at the top of Lookout Mountain, just under an hour away from Sewanee. Here you'll find great views and magical rock formations. From the top of Lover's Leap, you can even see 7 states at the same time! Mr. Michalek and Allison had a great time at Rock City, and they highly recommend the trip.