Loudon's Carmichael Inn reopens, serving up more than history

The Carmichael Inn, nestled between the river bank and the heart of downtown Loudon, is certainly an eye catcher.

"Every morning when we come in, we see face prints on the windows, where they've looked in to see if we've opened," says Kim Yamaguchi, Carmichael Inn General Manager.

The view's been beckoning eyes for nearly 2 centuries. You see, the rustic treasure is actually two historic landmarks in one.

"This is the Orme Wilson building," says Gary Ogle, Carmichael Inn Chef and Owner. "It was built around the 1850s, as a glove factory."

The other building, is the original Carmichael Inn, complete with balcony.

"The log structure was built around 1800, but I think it was finished around 1810," says Ogle about the Carmichael Inn. "They were originally located across the river, where they ferried the guests traveling north from Chattanooga by stage coach."

In the 1980s, both buildings were saved and moved across the river to the current location. For nearly a decade, the building functioned as a museum. It's the Carmichael Inn's rich history that first caught Ogle's attention.

From the exposed brick and original woodwork to the arched windows, Ogle jumped at the opportunity to re-open the Carmichael Inn as Lord Lindseys at the Carmichael Inn, a restaurant and event space. Ogle worked with Lord Lindseys in downtown Knoxville for a decade as Chef and Owner.

"It's a couple of hundred years old, and it's built better than some of the houses today," says Ogle about the Carmichael Inn.

In fact, the only changes he's made are converting the Orme Wilson Storehouse into a wine bar and, of course, equipping the kitchen with modern day convenience.

Guests dine in the original inn's main room, enjoying a unique taste with the side of history.

"I'd say American bistro, but it's all home cooked, and people love it," says Yamaguchi.

Lord Lindseys at the Carmichael Inn is adding local flavor to downtown Loudon's rich heritage.

"It's kind of a 24/ 7 museum while we're here as well," says Ogle of people checking out the history of the walls.

"It's just wonderful to be a part of a building that is one of the oldest in Tennessee," says Yamaguchi.

Lord Lindseys at the Carmichael Inn is open for lunch Monday -Sunday and dinner Thursday - Saturday.

For more information, call the restaurant at (865) 657-9920.