The Beauty of the South
Nestled gently in the Tennessee Valley just southwest of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, lies a majestic southern town known as Sweetwater. Sweetwater is located in the County of Monroe, which was formed in 1819 from Indian owned lands. With a population of just under 6000, Sweetwater is the perfect spot for rest and relaxation. If your looking to get away from the regular tourist attractions and step back in time this is the place for you.
Sweetwater being such a small town has made large strides to put it’s place on the map. One of the most outstanding features this southern spot has to offer is The Lost Sea. The Lost Sea is an incredible geological development and is registered as a national landmark. The Lost Sea has the privilege of being recorded as the world’s largest underground lake in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Lost Sea is a part of the Craig-head Caverns, once inside you will see the large cavern rooms as well as some historic cave formations. I hope you will get the distinct pleasure of viewing the wondrous cave-flowers. With the guided tour, you will get to enjoy a ride on a glass bottom boat across the crystal clear lake, which will end at the gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs to remember this fabulous destination. The Lost Sea is open everyday except Christmas and welcomes all kinds of groups from single families to scout troops, bus tours, and church groups. The Lost Sea is an adventurous addition to any vacation.
For the antique lovers Sweetwater again succeeds. With the new downtown renovations, many new businesses have moved in an added a feeling of home to the town’s historic main street. Bobby Todd Antiques, which is located in the center of the district, features many styles of antiques from American, French, to Italian. With furniture, candles and many more accessories to offer, you will find something that will compliment everyone’s taste. For the bird watcher The Robins Nest is just the place for you. With original handmade garden pottery from Guy Wolff, you are guaranteed to find a great gift. The robins Nest also supplies a full line of birdseed as well as feeders to suit all your needs.
For the frugal shopper Sweetwater is also the home to Fleas Unlimited, one of the largest flea markets in the state of Tennessee. Located on more than 25 acres of land with more than 500 vendors you will not leave empty handed. The parking is free as well as the southern hospitality.
After all the shopping is finished, you will need a great place to eat. This again will take you to the beautiful downtown historic district. While Sweetwater is home to many fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Sonic Drive In, you will want to take the time to dine at one of the wonderful cafÃ?©s. Hunters Bakery and CafÃ?© is a perfect spot for any meal. With a vast menu including everything from sandwiches to steaks and seafood. Locally owned and operated you will surely feel at home. Also available is Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Country Store for real southern home cooking. One place I would not recommend is the Dinner Bell. Although a town favorite for most, the food is less than to be desired and the service is sometimes lax.
For the history buffs, visit the Sweetwater Heritage Museum, which is filled with memorabilia and old photographs that will take you on a short trip back in time. Do not forget to take a short drive to Maye’s Avenue to look at the breathtaking historical homes. If all of this is not enough for your relaxing vacation, take the scenic route to the Cherokee National Forest. The National forest is filled with beautiful nature trails and camping spots. Home to the famous Bald River Falls, this will site will leave you in awe. With lots of activities such as, white water rafting, tubing, and fishing. The Cherokee National Forest has something for the young as well as the young at heart.
Even though Sweetwater is a small town, it has a lot to offer. Thinking of relocating? Sweetwater is the perfect place to raise a family. The town is small enough to now all your neighbors but large enough to host all of your needs. With four supermarkets located within minutes of each other and many discount stores. With a Big K-mart , the Dollar General store, Fred’s and Family Dollar you can find a place to buy all of your needs. For the die-hard Wal-mart fans, no need to worry it just takes a 15 minute drive to the next town.
Education is important to our little town. The mission statement of the Monroe County School System is “Provide the students with a quality education that will enable them to be contributing member’s in changing society”. With the addition of the new Sweetwater Primary School, over crowded classrooms is no longer an issue. The No Child Left Behind Act is in full force here to make sure all the students are receiving the help they need to stay ahead. Also located at the primary school is the town’s preschool, which unfortunately cannot provide for everyone. The process to get in is based on the needs of the child. There are not enough teachers at the preschool for the number of age appropriate children. Many children do not get to attend for these reasons. In addition, Sweetwater is home to Sweetwater Elementary, Browns Intermediate, the Sweetwater Junior High school, and the famous blue and gold wildcats at the Sweetwater High School.
For your recreation needs, we have the Sweetwater Recreation Park, which includes a swimming pool, football and baseball fields, as well as a basketball court. If there is too much noise for you, take a short walk around the wooded track running beside the Sweetwater Creek, to the quiet Duck Park. With cookout and picnic areas, the Duck Park is the perfect little get together spot. Remember to take some bread along to feed the local waterfowl, oh and watch your step.
Sweetwater is growing with the addition of many new subdivisions, as well as many new employment opportunities. With many new factories moving to town and stores being built work is not hard to find.
Whether on vacation or looking to relocate, Sweetwater Tennessee is the place for anyone looking to relax. With a down-home country style, and the friendliness of the home folk, it is sure to be the perfect spot. Take a step back, get away from the normal hustle and stress of everyday life, and come see us here in Sweetwater Tennessee.
