‘Sunday Diversions’ Begin

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival (SSMF) introduces a new activity to Sunday afternoons in Sewanee. “Sunday Diversions” are six free local tours and events to enjoy prior to the Sunday student orchestral concerts each week. Tours start at 1 p.m. at the designated location–look for the purple balloons. There are events scheduled each week indoors and outdoors—June 26, July 10 and July 17. Tours will finish in time for participants to attend the Cumberland Orchestra Concert at 3 p.m. followed by the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra at 4 p.m. Further details are available on the website <ssmf.sewanee.edu> or by calling 598-1903.
Meet at 1 p.m. at the gazebo near the intersection of South Carolina and Florida Avenues for an hour’s walk through Abbo’s Alley with Mary Priestley or Yolande Gottfried. The ravine has a sparkling creek bordered by ferns, wildflowers, native shrubs and hardwood trees. Tennis or hiking shoes are recommended. (In the event of rain, please refer to Sewanee Herbarium option at the end.)
Woody himself will take you on a bicycle tour of the campus. Meet at Woody’s Bicycles, Reed Lane and Highway 41A (just behind Shenanigan’s Restaurant), at 1 p.m. to rent a bike and helmet, or bring your own.
John Bordley, Ray Gotko or a student musician will lead you up 124 steps to Shapard Tower Carillon to visit the 56 bells and how they are played. Gather at the tower on the south lawn near the entrance to All Saints’ Chapel (as you face the chapel from University Avenue, the tower entrance is on the right side of the building). The tour finishes in time to enjoy the 2:15 p.m. carillon concert outdoors. Note: the carillon tour takes place regardless of weather.
For the avid indoorsman (or in case of uncooperative weather), there are several tours available.
Meet Waring McCrady just inside the front door of All Saints’ Chapel on University Avenue at 1 p.m. for a tour of the windows and sculpture. McCrady was involved in the design of many of the stained glass windows, and with his wife and daughter created many of the small statues and sculptures throughout the chapel.
Meet Gail Watson or another bell ringer at  1 p.m. just inside Breslin Tower (connected to Convocation Hall on University Avenue at Georgia Ave.) to climb stairs up to the Bentley Bells. You’ll find out why change-ringing is offered as a P.E. class at the University.
University professor Tam Carlson or a student assistant will provide a guided tour of duPont Library’s extraordinary Ralston Listening Library. Meet in the lobby of the library at 1 p.m.
If the weather discourages walking through Abbo’s Alley, Mary Priestley or Yolande Gottfried will introduce you to all the plants and trees on Sewanee’s 13,000 acre domain. Meet across from duPont Library at the east entrance to Snowden Hall to discover the Sewanee Herbarium. Note: this tour is only offered if weather prevents Abbo’s Alley walk.