Taste the Mountains: A Journey to Tennessee’s Hidden Gem Farm
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where morning mist clings to the valleys like a soft blanket, there’s a little slice of heaven that combines two of life’s greatest pleasures—artisanal cheese and adorable farm animals. As someone who’s spent years exploring the hidden corners of East Tennessee, I can tell you this place is truly something special.
A Mountain Farm Experience Like No Other
I remember the first time I ventured down the winding country road that leads to this charming farm. The Smokies rose majestically in the background, their blue haze creating that iconic landscape we Tennessee folks never tire of seeing. But what awaited at the end of that road was even more magical than the journey itself.
This isn’t just any farm—it’s a working cheese-making operation where visitors can sample freshly made cheeses and then meet the very sheep whose milk made that delicious bite possible. Talk about farm-to-table!
The Cheese: A Taste of Tennessee Terroir
Let me tell you about the cheese first, because it’s honestly what will bring you in the door. The farm specializes in small-batch, handcrafted sheep’s milk cheeses that reflect the unique terroir of the Tennessee mountains.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to sample several varieties:
- Fresh sheep’s milk feta – Crumbly, tangy, and nothing like what you find in supermarkets
- Smoky Mountain tomme – Aged to perfection in the farm’s own cheese cave
- Herbed chèvre-style – Infused with herbs grown right on the property
What makes these cheeses special isn’t just their flavor (though that would be enough)—it’s knowing exactly where they come from and how they’re made. The owners are happy to explain the entire process, from milking to aging, with a passion that’s downright infectious.
Meet Your Cheesemakers (The Four-Legged Kind)
After you’ve savored the flavors, it’s time for what might be the most heartwarming part of the experience—meeting the animals! The farm’s flock of East Friesian and Lacaune sheep are the stars of the show. These heritage breeds are known for producing milk that’s perfect for cheesemaking, with a rich, sweet quality that translates beautifully into the final product.
The sheep are remarkably friendly—several will come right up to greet you, especially if you have a handful of their favorite treats (available for purchase at the farm store). There’s something profoundly satisfying about connecting the delicious cheese you just enjoyed with these gentle, curious animals.
Beyond the Sheep: A Full Farm Experience
While the sheep might be the cheese celebrities, they’re not the only animals you’ll meet during your visit. The farm is home to a delightful cast of characters including:
- A small herd of friendly Nigerian Dwarf goats who love to climb and play
- Free-range chickens producing the most vibrant orange-yolked eggs you’ve ever seen
- Several gentle draft horses who help with farm work
- A pair of Great Pyrenees dogs who guard the flock (while happily accepting pets from visitors)
For families with children, this interactive experience is pure gold. There’s nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up when they pet a sheep for the first time or feed a carrot to an eager goat.
The Perfect Smoky Mountain Day Trip
Having explored the Smokies for years, I can confidently say this farm makes for an ideal addition to any Tennessee mountain itinerary. Located just a short drive from popular destinations like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it offers a peaceful counterpoint to the more touristy attractions.
The setting alone is worth the trip—the farm sits in a picturesque valley with 360-degree mountain views that showcase the changing seasons. Visit in spring to see newborn lambs frolicking in fields dotted with wildflowers, or come in autumn when the surrounding forests explode in a riot of red and gold.
| Season | Farm Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring | Lambing season, wildflowers, fresh spring cheeses |
| Summer | Peak milk production, garden tours, cheese-making demonstrations |
| Fall | Mountain foliage, autumn harvest festivals, aged cheese release |
| Winter | Cozy farm store, hot cheese tastings, quieter animal interactions |
Planning Your Visit
The farm welcomes visitors year-round, though hours vary seasonally. Cheese tastings are available daily, while guided farm tours run several times a week. For the full experience, I recommend booking a “Cheese & Meet” tour, which includes a guided tasting followed by a farm tour where you’ll meet all the animals.
Bring a cooler! You’ll want to take home some of that incredible cheese, and the farm store also offers other local products like honey, jams, and handcrafted soaps made with sheep’s milk.
A Taste of Authentic Tennessee
In a region known for its natural beauty, this working farm offers something increasingly rare—an authentic connection to the land, the animals, and the food they produce. It’s a reminder of what makes the Smoky Mountains so special beyond just the views (though those are pretty spectacular too).
Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply someone seeking a meaningful experience in Tennessee’s mountains, this farm delivers something memorable. There’s a certain magic in tasting that first bite of fresh cheese and then, moments later, thanking the animals who made it possible.
So next time you’re winding your way through the Smokies, take a detour to this hidden gem. Sample some extraordinary cheese, make some four-legged friends, and take home both products and memories that truly capture the spirit of Tennessee’s mountains.