← Farm Journal · 2026-10-08

Carson-Newman Graduation Weekend: Book Early, Celebrate on the Farm

The barndominium buildings of Fairland Ridge at Cedar Pond Farms, booked whole for graduation family gatherings

Commencement is the one weekend everybody comes — both sides of the family, the godparents, the sibling flying in. Jefferson City's hotel rooms disappear the day Carson-Newman posts the date. The families who plan ahead land somewhere better anyway.

One roof for the whole celebration

Cedar Pond Farms rents barndo suites, three-bedroom B suites sleeping fourteen, whole buildings sleeping twenty-two — and for the full family reunion, Fairland Ridge: all three barndominium buildings booked as one property, sixty-six guests on one quiet hilltop. Nobody negotiates hotel-lobby meetups; the party is already assembled.

Minutes to the ceremony, a farm in between

Campus is minutes away, so gowns and grandparents arrive unrushed. Between commencement events the farm does what it does: fresh eggs at sunrise, the two-acre catch-and-release catfish pond for uncles who need a project, Highland cattle grazing past the fence for everyone's camera roll.

Mark it properly

Graduation gift with a story: the Premium Highland Cow Experience for the graduate and their crew — two hours in the pasture with the herd, brushing and photographing the shaggiest celebrants in Tennessee. Cap-and-gown photos with a Highland cow have a 100% grandparent-approval rating.

The honest advice: book at acceptance

Our guests can reserve further ahead than any listing site allows — families now book graduation stays years out, the week their student commits. Hold your weekend before this year's freshmen think of it.

If you would like more information about Cedar Pond Farms on pricing or want to schedule a tour please fill out our inquiry form here.

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Phone: 865-630-0107

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Our Location: 1369 Collins Road New Market, TN 37820