Plan Your Farm Tour Road Trip to Tennessee

Now is the perfect time to plan a late Spring or Summer road trip to Tennessee.  We love road trips because it’s the most natural way to bond with your family – nobody is going anywhere for hours, so it is the perfect time to talk, play silly road-trip games, and enjoy the natural wonders that only happen when you get off the beaten path. You don’t have to go far to have an unforgettable family vacation filled with beautiful views, great food, and hands-on fun.

Loudon County, Tennessee is just a 7-hour drive from Akron, Ohio, but it seems like a world away! It’s known for its spectacular mountain views, an abundance of pristine lakes and waterways, and an incredible variety of golf communities. This is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies from I-75 and I-40 East, along Highway 321. Have your kids turn off their videos for this ride – or at least limit them so that they can fully experience the wonders of the ride. Be sure to stop at scenic viewpoints to really take in the beauty and stretch your legs!

Whether you are on the way to Knoxville or Chattanooga or passing through on the way to Florida (it’s a great 1/2 way stopping point), Loudon County is a popular destination all its own. The variety of things to do goes beyond its views, there are many recreational opportunities for the whole family, and the charming downtown attractions of Lenoir City and Loudon that are unique to Tennessee. A rich agricultural heritage lives on in Tennessee that you won’t want to miss. Kids LOVE farms, and a road trip to Tennessee is the perfect way to teach kids about farming, visit the animals, and learn all about the beautiful farmland that feeds America.

Loudon County, Tennessee Farm Tour

Sweetwater Valley Farm (17988 West Lee Highway, Philadelphia, Tennessee 37846; 865-458-919) produces a whopping 300,000 pounds of tasty cheese annually. This is a must stop for cheese-lovers – I haven’t met a kid that doesn’t love cheese!  The farm is home to 1,500 dairy cows and produces 30 varieties of cheese. It is located in the heart of Southeast Tennessee’s Sweetwater Valley, known as a progressive farming community. You can even view the cheese-making process while tasting the variety of cheeses for sale. We recommend a farm tours where you can see the latest in dairy technology in operation, including robotic milking processes. If you didn’t grow up on a farm, you probably don’t know how modern farmers get milk either! I’m sure your kids don’t! Not only will kids understand where their milk comes from after this tour but they also will quickly learn that milk is good for all sorts of things – including the cheese available to purchase but also their famous grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh milkshakes at their Seed to Sandwich Café. Kids will look at milk in a new way!

Parents will also enjoy a free tasting when you visit the Tennessee Valley Winery (15606 Hotchkiss Valley Road, Loudon, Tennessee 37774; 865-986 5147), one of the oldest operating family-owned wineries in Tennessee. The winery is situated amid a working vineyard, with lovely views. In business for more than 30 years, the winery has developed more than 20 wine varieties and has earned more than 900 national, regional and local awards. Tennessee Valley hosts several events throughout the year, from special wine pairings to popular annual festivities. Spring and summer bring Music on the Mountain concerts and, in fall, the winery celebrates with its long-standing October Fest.

Nightfall Acres (13100 West Lee Highway, Philadelphia, Tennessee 37846; 423-781-6191) which began in 2009 with Dead Man’s Farm Haunted House is now a is a working, family farm offering even more activities over an extended season. Consider this for a Fall road trip to Tennessee if you have older kids and teens! The farm has family fun all year long, including spring and summer sunflower picking and photo opportunities. In the fall, there is a you-pick pumpkin patch and haunted corn maze.

Another great destination for a Fall road trip to Tennessee is the Deep Well Farm (9567 U.S. 11 East, Lenoir City, Tennessee 37772; 865-333-0043). They offer fun day on a farm that tuse to be a tobacco, corn, sod and hay farm, now Deep Well produces mostly pumpkins and hay. In late Summer/early Fall, there is a challenging corn maze, old-fashioned hayride, pumpkin patch, playground complete with a climbing wall as well as a duck pond, farm animals, picnic area. If you are in the area in April, don’t miss their Easter Egg Hunt.

Another farm popular for special events is the Smokin F BBQ & Barn (1821 Lynn Road Philadelphia, Tennessee 37846; 979-436-3482). The event venue welcomes visitors with smokin’ good barbecue and smokin’ hot musical acts added to its regularly scheduled Barn-B-Que concert line-up. When there’s not a concert on the calendar, they sell their popular barbecue online for pick-up. It’s a great way for visitors to enjoy the tasty goodness during their stay.

These are just the beginning of the ways to explore the outdoors, experience the best of seasonal activities and enjoy the authentic character of Loudon County. And if you decide to take a break from the farm scene and enjoy the view of the outdoors from the road, Loudon County has a route to fit your style. Whether by car or motorcycle, this is the perfect spot to embark on an amazing road trip. Many make this their home base for day trips on the Mountain Survivor Trail, Cherohala Skyway and the famous Tail of the Dragon. Consider combining a visit to Loudon County’s outstanding farm attractions with a Smoky Mountain road trip.

There is also a host of other activities, attractions and exciting events throughout Loudon County, as well. Lodging options include national hotel brands along with numerous camping locations.

Where to Eat in Loudon County, Tennessee

You’ll always have a full plate of delicious local foods on your road trip to Tennessee! Check out these favorite spots for a meal, or just a sweet treat, in Loudon County:

Calhoun’s (4550 City Park Drive, Lenoir City, Tennessee 37772; 865-988-9838) at Fort Loudon Marina is a great option for casual burger lunches or evening meals with atmosphere. Calhoun’s offers dockside dining with views of the marina and Fort Loudoun Lake.

Tommy’s Grill on Grove (502 Grove Street, Loudon, Tennessee 37774) offers the classic meat-and-three meals daily. Catfish, country fried steak and meatloaf are favorites here.

Sons of Smoke (304 Cedar Street, Loudon, Tennessee 37774; 865-657-3332) has a full menu with delicious pulled pork, ribs, piggy potatoes, nachos and much more.

The Carmichael Inn (600 Hackberry Street Loudon, Tennessee 37774; 865-888-6101), located in one of the region’s oldest homes, is the place to go for ambiance and comfort food. Menu favorites are shrimp and grits, fried catfish and outstanding steaks.

Tic Toc Ice Cream Parlor (504 Grove Street, Loudon, Tennessee 37774; 865-408-9867) is a regional attraction known for serving some of the best ice cream in the state. Housed in what was originally the Tic Toc Jewelers building, now folks count down to its spring opening each March.