THE LOST SEA

By Bo CaRey

About a hundred years ago, a young boy was playing in the woods located between Sweetwater and Madisonville. He came across a hole in the ground and, being a curious lad, crawled in to see what was below. Discovering a huge cavern beneath the surface, he threw mud balls downward, only to hear splashes below. What he’d found was the largest underground lake in America… and the second largest in the world! There’s over 13 acres of lake surface, but divers and scientists have found numerous connected caverns and rooms flooded with water.

Today it’s The Lost Sea, a tourist attraction to many but also (in my opinion) a very educational and worthwhile visit less than 20 miles from your home. You can take the short walking tour through the cave, where it’s a comfy 58 degrees year-round. Stalactites, stalagmites, alleged ancient jaguar tracks, a vintage moonshine still, and traces of Indian remains are observed along the way (okay, those border on sheer tourist stuff but still entertaining). There are accounts that both Cherokee gatherings and Civil War activities took place in the cave.

Usually, a ride across the lake with your guide is included. Glass bottomed boats allow views of massive rainbow trout with a slightly blind condition due to lack of natural sunlight. During my scoutmaster days, Loudon Troop 215 took advantage of the optional Wild Tour, which follows a guide between narrow rock passages, crawling on your belly through a 2-foot tunnel and spending the night in a dank, dark side cavern - all best suit- album, Even The Sparrow, was named as a finalist for the International Folk Music Awards “Album of the Year.” Music will start around 8:00. Make a reservation for dinner or join us for a drink and a bite from the Pub Menu and just enjoy the music!

Fri. – June 23 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - Jay Clark

Although Jay Clark went to college for 11.5 years and has a PhD in wildlife ecology, he somehow ended up striking a balance between careers in music & science. A staple in the East Tennessee music scene for more than 20 years, Clark has supplemented his career as a scientist with performing his songs across the Southeast and southern Appalachia. Presently, Jay plays with his band, Jay Clark and the Tennessee Beavers. Music will start around 8:00. Make a reservation for dinner or join us for a drink and a bite from the Pub Menu and just enjoy the music!

Fri. – June 30 - Friday on the Wilder Patio - Tyler Ramsey

Tyler Ramsey’s writing has been compared to Neil Young, Gram Parsons, Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens. His songs smartly blend elements of rock, Americana and folk, taking the listener on their own meditative, soulful and rewarding journey. Tyler will be performing with his full band on the Granary Stage Saturday, but this will be an intimate solo show on the Wilder Patio with just Tyler. Music will start around 8:00. Make a reservation for dinner or join us for a drink and a bite from the Pub Menu and just enjoy the music!

Call 865-657-1700 for more details.