The term "cheesehead" may be saved primarily for Wisconsin, but Tennessee doesn't mind getting in on the action every once in a while. In a state that's full of farms and lush land, it's only expected that we have some of the most wonderful product in the south. You can visit small-town dairies like the Hatcher Dairy Farm in College Grove or the massive corporate factories of Purity Dairy. In our opinion? The little town of Philadelphia takes the cheese crown.
The family behind Sweetwater Valley Farm has roots in Tennessee spanning back 200 years, marking a dedicated passion behind the hard work and sweat that goes into the upkeep of this Philadelphia-based farm.
Sweetwater operates as a working dairy farm and farmstead cheese producer. If you're in Nashville, you may have seen their cheeses offered at popular places like the Grilled Cheeserie. These happy, friendly cows provide the area and entirety of the state with delicious and creamy cheeses that will make even the pickiest eaters happy.
Cheeses are made on Mondays and Thursdays, and you can pick up freshly cured product like gouda and smoked gouda, or even this deliciously inventive taco cheese.
These fresh white cheddar cheese curds are ready and raring to go! This fun and quirky snack is a unique way to nosh on some of Tennessee's finest dairy products.
Here's a quick look at those ever-popular cheese curds before they're packaged. Pretty amazing, wouldn't you say?
You can come by and stop at the farm store to experience and view the local cheese operation, and there are even free samples! There's nothing that will get us there faster than the words, "free samples," wouldn't you agree?
Although there are currently no tours available due to renovation constraints, new opportunities will be available beginning in 2019.
You can visit for yourself at 17988 W Lee Highway in Philadelphia, Tennessee, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'd better hurry, though - visiting months range through Labor Day. We'll see you there!
Check out the video below to learn a bit more about this gorgeous farm and its true Tennessee story:
Pretty amazing, wouldn't you say? You can continue to experience the beauty of the state with a visit to this highly underrated natural wonder. It's a true hidden gem!
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