
Sweetwater Valley Farm
Experience farm-to-table freshness with award-winning cheeses, robotic dairy tours, and delicious cafe treats at Sweetwater Valley Farm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cafe is open for delicious sandwiches

Sweetwater Valley Farm
Best Time
Cafe is open for delicious sandwiches
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience farm-to-table freshness with award-winning cheeses, robotic dairy tours, and delicious cafe treats at Sweetwater Valley Farm.
"It really was extremely educational and informative. A very enjoyable experience."

🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the sampling table in the cheese shop! Try before you commit to buying your favorites.
🥛 Don't Skip the Milkshake!
Locals and visitors rave about the milkshakes. Try unique flavors like Pina Colada or Cake Batter!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Cheeses
Cheese Shop
Sample and purchase a wide variety of delicious, farm-made cheeses, from mild to extra sharp and spicy.

Robotic Milking Tour
Dairy Farm
Witness cutting-edge dairy technology with a tour of their impressive robotic milking facility.

Gooey Grilled Cheese
Cafe
Indulge in the best grilled cheese sandwiches, made with their own farm-fresh cheese.

Farm Fresh Milkshakes
Cafe
Cool down with a variety of delicious milkshakes made with their own dairy products.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Farm-to-Table Freshness
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the sampling table in the cheese shop! Try before you commit to buying your favorites.
🥛 Don't Skip the Milkshake!
Locals and visitors rave about the milkshakes. Try unique flavors like Pina Colada or Cake Batter!
🚜 Book a Farm Tour
The tours, especially the robotic milking, are highly educational and entertaining.
🧀 Cheese Curd Alert!
If you're looking for authentic cheese curds for poutine, Sweetwater Valley Farm is the place to go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Taste Before You Buy
Don't miss the sampling table in the cheese shop! Try before you commit to buying your favorites.
🥛 Don't Skip the Milkshake!
Locals and visitors rave about the milkshakes. Try unique flavors like Pina Colada or Cake Batter!
🚜 Book a Farm Tour
The tours, especially the robotic milking, are highly educational and entertaining.
🧀 Cheese Curd Alert!
If you're looking for authentic cheese curds for poutine, Sweetwater Valley Farm is the place to go.
🚗 Easy Parking
Plenty of parking is available, making your visit hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sweetwater Valley Farm for its delicious, high-quality farmstead cheeses and the unique experience of seeing a working dairy farm. The friendly staff, educational tours (especially the robotic milking), and tasty cafe offerings like grilled cheese and milkshakes are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors might find it hard to choose from the vast cheese selection.
"We really enjoyed visiting and doing the tour to see the robotic milking machine, the cattle and the cheese tasting. David, our tour director was not only outstanding at explaining all the details of the milking operation and details on the cows, his humor was very appreciated! Everyone at the farm was extremely friendly and made us feel most welcome. After tasting most of the 30 different variations available we did end up purchasing 2, smoked habenero and black pepper. We strongly suggest anyone interested in farm life, milk production, cheese making, etc., take the time to visit Sweetwater Valley Farm. It really was extremely educational and informative. A very enjoyable experience."
Billy Ritch
"Great place to visit. Farm fresh cheese and shakes. They have amazing grilled cheese and grilled sandwiches! They also have a cute little shop and a store they sells cheese and meats. They do tours of the dairy farm as well. Parking was easy. I would recommend stopping in if your ever in the area."
Athena Phillips
"First time visiting Sweetwater Valley Farms, they have a huge selection of cheese which are all amazing. They have a little restaurant, which I have to say, they have the Best grilled cheese sandwich!! And we tried the mini shakes which were delicious. We will definitely visit again."
Charlotte Banyard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sweetwater Valley Farm is located at 17988 W. Lee Highway, Philadelphia, TN 37846. It's situated between Philadelphia and Sweetwater on Highway 11, with a beautiful drive up to the farm.
Yes, it's well-marked and accessible from Highway 11. The drive up to the farm is scenic.
Turn off Highway 11 onto a beautiful drive leading up to the farm. The farm is a working dairy operation.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the farm.
From Knoxville, take Highway 11 South towards Philadelphia. The farm will be on your right. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the cheese shop and cafe is generally free. However, tours of the dairy farm may require a ticket or booking in advance. It's best to check their official website or call ahead.
The cheese shop is typically open Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cafe, serving lunch, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Hours can vary, so it's recommended to confirm.
Tour pricing can vary. It's advisable to check the Sweetwater Valley Farm website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour costs and availability.
The cheese shop is typically closed on Sundays, but it's always a good idea to verify their hours directly as they can change seasonally.
No, there is no admission fee to enter the cheese shop. You can browse and sample the cheeses freely before making a purchase.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can sample and buy a wide variety of award-winning cheeses, enjoy delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes at the cafe, and take an educational tour of the dairy farm, including their robotic milking system.
Yes, they offer tours that showcase their dairy operations, including the impressive robotic milking machines and the cattle. These tours are highly recommended.
They offer a large and diverse selection of cheeses, including mild, extra sharp, spicy, smoked habanero, black pepper, and buttermilk varieties. Samples are available.
Yes, there is a cafe that serves lunch, including their famous grilled cheese sandwiches and delicious milkshakes.
As a working dairy farm, you can see their herd of dairy cows, especially if you take a farm tour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, other grilled sandwiches, and a variety of delicious milkshakes.
The grilled cheese sandwiches and the farm-fresh milkshakes are highly recommended. Don't forget to try the smoked habanero cheese!
Yes, their grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular vegetarian option. Many of their cheeses are also vegetarian-friendly.
They offer a rotating lineup of milkshakes, including classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as unique options like Orange Creamsicle, Cake Batter, and Cookies and Cream.
Absolutely! The cheese shop sells a wide array of their farm-made cheeses, as well as homemade bread, jelly, and jams.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic rolling hills, the impressive dairy farm facilities, the cows, and of course, your delicious cheese and milkshake. The cheese shop itself is also photogenic.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the cows and the general farm scenery. For specific areas or close-ups of the milking operations, it's best to be mindful of ongoing work.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the working farm environment and any staff or other visitors.
The golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the farm's landscape.
There's a window to the factory where you can see how things get done, which offers a great photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧀 Cheese Aficionados
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sweetwater Valley Farm Experience: From Seed to Cheese
Visitors consistently praise the award-winning farmstead cheeses, with many recommending trying the smoked habanero and black pepper varieties. The opportunity to sample almost all 30 different variations before purchasing is a major draw, making it hard for many to choose just a couple. Beyond the cheese, the farm's cafe offers a delightful culinary experience, with their grilled cheese sandwiches and farm-fresh milkshakes being standout items that draw rave reviews.
The farm also embraces modern agricultural technology. John Harrison, the owner, was recognized as 'Tennessee Farmer of the Year' in 2022, partly due to his pioneering work with robotic dairy facilities. Taking a tour to see these robotic milking machines in action is a unique and educational experience that many visitors find fascinating and highly informative. This blend of traditional farming values and innovative technology makes Sweetwater Valley Farm a truly special destination.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
When it comes to dining, the cafe's grilled cheese sandwiches and milkshakes are frequently mentioned as highlights. The cafe is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, so plan your visit accordingly. For those seeking specific items, Sweetwater Valley Farm is noted as a place to find authentic cheese curds, a sought-after ingredient for poutine. Parking is generally easy and plentiful, removing a common travel stressor.
Finally, consider taking a farm tour, especially to see the robotic milking process. These tours are described as educational and entertaining, providing valuable insights into modern dairy farming. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to the overall positive experience, making visitors feel right at home.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit