I have been dreading this day, but I am also excited. I just dropped my daughter off at The University of Tennessee for her to begin her college career. Being from Memphis, my husband and I decided to stay in the east Tennessee area for a few days to learn about her new home away from home.
After an online search, we found Farragut, an area that’s just a few miles from The University of Tennessee but still has plenty of options. We wanted to be away from the hustle and bustle but still have things to do and places to eat. Farragut seemed convenient, safe, and pretty.
First, we checked into Hampton Inn and Suites. The staff was friendly and helpful, and our room was clean and comfortable. The location of the Hampton Inn is perfect with close proximity to shopping and dining in the Turkey Creek area.
After leaving our luggage at The Hampton Inn and Suites and after a recommendation from the staff, we head for lunch at Sam and Andy’s. At Sam and Andy’s, we knew it’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other. We really appreciated all the Vol memorabilia. It felt like a true, downhome establishment, and I highly suggest the Vol Burger. I understand why this restaurant is a local favorite.
After lunch, we spent the afternoon at Topgolf. I am not a golfer, but it is true everyone can have fun at Topgolf. We played Angry Birds and Quick 9, and I am happy to report I beat my husband! We ended the day by watching the basketball game on the big screen TV and enjoying appetizers and drinks in Topgolf’s bar and dining area.
As we begin Day Two in East Tennessee, we grab a coffee at Summer Moon. Made with beans roasted over an open flame, this coffee is delicious. We take our coffee to Founders Park to casually walk the Community Heritage Trail there. Along the way, we educate ourselves on the history of the area by reading the historical markers throughout the park. We learn about the former Concord area and David Farragut, the Navy’s first admiral. The bronze art statues in the park were a real treat too, and our favorite was the trio of animals. The other walkers in the park were extremely friendly and hospitable.
After our walk, we had a lunch of garlic spicy tenders at CM Chicken. This meal was satisfying, and we were not disappointed. Following lunch, we go to The Cove at Concord Park. This place is beautiful! We rented a paddleboard and paddled around Fort Loudoun Lake. This is an ideal way to spend the afternoon. We also walked the loop at the Cove, and we fell more in love with East Tennessee.
For dinner, we went to 35 North. I had the avocado tacos and my husband had the shrimp and grits, and we would definitely recommend this hip restaurant. As a bonus, a local band was playing cover songs, and it seemed like they knew all our favorites. This was a great day exploring Farragut.
On Day Three, after checking out of our pleasant stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites, we go to VG’s Bakery for cinnamon rolls for breakfast. They actually melt in your mouth! So good! We then visited The Shoppes at Homespun for antique shopping, and I was blown away by the selection in this store. I could have stayed for hours. There was so much to see and explore. I found the perfect entry table that I can’t wait to take back to Memphis. It’s a wonderful complement to my existing furniture but it will also serve as a reminder of my time here.
Lunch took us to Applecake Tea Room, and there is no doubt this place is special. We had chicken salad sandwiches and fruit medley salad, and we left this cabin of a restaurant feeling full and happy. We stopped at several of our favorite stores in Turkey Creek including Marshalls and Belk. I convinced my husband we needed all the things I found on sale!
At the suggestion of a local, we headed to Euphoric Cheese Shop for jams and mementos of Farragut, and the cheesemongers were happy to suggest exotic cheeses to take home. Next door, we had a glass of merlot on a couch at Sparrow Wine Bar. Sparrow is thoughtful and sophisticated, and we loved how cozy it is.
I know my daughter will love her time at UT. Whenever we visit, we plan to stay in Farragut. We thoroughly enjoyed this charming southern town.
