The average person isn't even aware that Sewanee exists. When anyone asks, "So where are you from?", your answer is something like, "Well, I live in this little town called Sewanee, it's halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga in Tennessee." Doesn't make it sound too special, does it? But it is, in a way that's hard to comprehend if you're not a local.
There's a few things you come to realize after moving to Sewanee:
The people here can be incredibly curious. I know more than a few people who've been somewhat taken aback by it for their first few weeks here. But luckily the 2nd thing you learn after moving here is that everyone genuinely cares about each other. (The reason for the nosiness!) There's a certain closeness that can only come from living in such a small town, filled with such wonderful people. Whether your hangout spot of choice is The Blue Chair on a Saturday morning, Greensview at sunset, or Stirlings on a busy school day, there's something that speaks to everyone in this seemingly tiny (and actually tiny) town.
Things locals will understand:
• We've all (miraculously) lived through the gray, foggy winter that is November through February.
• Hiking (gasping) the entire Perimeter trail is not a task to be underestimated! Don't forget your trail map.
• Shopping at The Pig might be hit or miss, but at least we don't have to drive 30 minutes to Walmart. (And you'll likely run into someone you know!)
• The heat and pure humidity that is Sewanee from May-September.
• Getting lost in the woods is not how it looks in the movies.
• Chinese food options are definitely questionable, but we eat there anyway.
• Mi Casa. You love it or hate it... Pick a side!
But with all these things come things we love. Like grabbing a drink and chatting with a local artist at the Tavern, tapping the roof of your car when you drive through the Gates (Sewanee Angels y'all!) while you blast your favorite music, or midnight runs to the Market... To satisfy that late night pizza craving of course. Some of us are lucky enough to have experienced the splendor that is Lessons in Carols, but if not, we'll be satisfied with the laid back Friday night concerts in Angel Park. On nights when we don't feel like getting eaten alive by bugs, we go to the SUT to watch good movies and eat cheap snacks in the smallest (and most amazing!) movie theater ever. Anyone who's not a student stays far away from any frats or sororities on Shake Day and during Spring Party, but might later venture out of their houses to survey the damage.
There are so many reasons to love the little college town called Sewanee, that sits on top of a foggy mountain in the middle of nowhere, where locals are friendly, and there are all of 8 dining options.
Did you recognize everything in this article? Congrats, you're definitely a local!
