The Blowing Cave Mill isn’t exactly advertised everywhere you go. If you swing by, you won’t find a laundry list of facts about the residence home and attached grist mill, but what you will find is a bit of mystery wrapped up in American history.
The reason why people rave about this place is that it’s both off the beaten trail and evocative of a very different time in Sevierville. The mill is said to have been build in the late 1800s for wheat and corn. Located at the foot of English Mountain, the flour and cornmeal were sold to the local people.
Some come to study the architecture of the structure and the mechanics of the mill. Others stop for a few quick photos before moving on. Professional photographers will showcase the mill from every angle, light, and filter. But no matter why you visit the Blowing Cave Mill, it’s worth a pause.
Stand in a Preserved Spot
In a world that’s obsessed with what’s new and now, there’s a lot to be said for the things that have managed to persevere from our past. Part of the nostalgia of our country is the Americana that’s survived the fate of demolition.
Take a road trip nearly anywhere, and you’re bound to stumble across a dusty abandoned gas station or shuttered shop. Just the sight of these unexpected treasures can make you want to stop and pull over — even if you’re not quite sure why.
This mill is one of the more unusual and beautiful buildings in Tenessee that will instantly spark that feeling in passerby. It will also inevitably raise questions in those who investigate it. Who were the original owners? What happened to the people who inherited it?
The home was said to have been used as a residence up until about a decade ago, but the details are sparse. It’s not your stereotypical tourist attraction, but that only adds to its mystique.
Under Construction
Of course, when something is this interesting (and everyone wants to post a picture of it), it’s hard to keep it a secret anymore. The mill is now under construction and appears to be attaching a store to the original house. It has its own official Facebook page where people post updates about what’s happening to it. Those on the page have stated that it should be opened by the summer and selling mixes to locals and tourists alike.
No matter what the mill looks like in the next few months, it will continue to be beloved by those who love the mountains. This home and mill is a tribute to the land and stunning use of power and energy. It’s worth going out of your way to see it the next time you’re in the area.
Insider Tips:
– This can be a great spot if you’re looking for a little solitude, as it’s not generally packed with crowds.
– The Blowing Cave Mill doesn’t have a real parking lot, so guests find their own makeshift spots.
– Amateur and professional photographers alike are amazed at the visual keepsakes they take from Blowing Cave.
– The mill has been undergoing renovations and is said to be opened in the summer with an attached new store