sevierville insider – Page 13 – Inside Sevierville

Top 10 Sevierville, TN Attractions

Preview of the top 10 attractions in Sevierville as well as Kodak, TN.

What is there to do in Sevierville? What isn’t there to do in Sevierville? Indoor water parks, helicopter rides, minor league baseball – those are just a few of the many things that bring people to Sevierville during the year. Stop and take a look for yourself next time before speeding off to Dollywood, Gatlinburg, or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’d be surprised at the things you’ve missed.

Maybe it’s that you don’t quite know what to look for. Well, how about a Top 10 list? They’re always popular, so how about that? A Top 10 list of things to do/see in Sevierville, TN – Sevierville attractions.

A lot of people think Sevierville begins when you get off Interstate 40, that’s actually Kodak, TN. Kodak does tend to merge into Sevierville so we’ll include places listed in Kodak as well. So, lets get started.

Top 10 Sevierville, TN attractions:

Wilderness at the Smokies – The Wilderness property not only features an indoor water park, it also contains the Sevierville Events Center and two 18-hole golf courses, all on 700 pristine acres.
Five Oaks Tanger Outlet Mall – At Tanger Five Oaks, you can shop it you drop. The Sevierville outlet mall features stores from such national name brands as Nike, Nautica, Under Armour, Coach, Gap, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Oakley, Starbucks, and much more. Chop House restaurant and Joe’s Crab Shack are also located on the Tanger property.
Bass Pro Shop – Located just off Interstate 40 in Kodak, Bass Pro Shop has been equipping outdoorsmen and women for years. Find all your hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor needs in one place at Bass Pro Shop in Kodak.
Smoky Mountain Knife Works – With over 80,000 square feet in retail space, just think of the number of pocket knives you could fit in a building that large. If you can’t find a good knife here, you might be out of luck. Knife Works is also home to numerous celebrity and knife events throughout the year.
Dolly Parton statue – A true attraction in all sense of the word, Sevierville’s Courthouse Square is home to a larger-than-life Dolly Parton statue. Parton, who was born in Sevier County, still participates in the yearly Dolly Parade and has been involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives in the area during her lifetime. Continue reading “Top 10 Sevierville, TN Attractions”

Del’s Pizza in Kodak

Del’s Pizza in Kodak, Tn is some of the best authentic Italian pizza in the Smokies.

If you’re like most people around here, you love pizza. There is so much pizza love in the area, that besides the big chains, you can probably find around a dozen local establishments that serve their own brand of pizza as well. If you’re looking for some great local pizza let us suggest Del’s Pizza in Kodak, Tn.

Del’s is a sit-down restaurant where you can order take-out or just wait for your pie while it bakes in the oven. And it’s not just pizza pies either. You can choose from hot baked subs, cold cut subs, pitas, calzones, hot dogs, pastas, and salads off their menu. It’s a wonderful Italian eating experience. If you’re asking us, you really can’t go wrong with any of the specialty pizzas. Our favorite is the Chicken Ranch. Others include meat lovers, veggie lovers, Hawaiian, pepperoni lovers, Philly steak, and Del’s (All the way) – which includes pretty much all the meat you can cram on one pizza.

Their hot Italian subs are extremely tasty in their own right. If you like fresh baked bread and some of the finest in Italian meats, stick to this category. Del’s menu consists of such Italian favorites as Chicago Italian beef, Italian beef marinara, meatball parmesan, eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and sausage parmesan. And as far as hot dogs go, it’s hard to beat Del’s selection – the Chicago Style with mustard, relish, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, a Kosher pickle and peppers piled into a poppy seed bun, the New Yorker, the Texan, the Tennessean with chili, cole slaw and a Kosher pickle all on a poppy seed bun, and the Wisconsin.

Del’s also has a great set of side items that can also double as a meal in some cases, starting with buffalo wings. Order 12 buffalo wings in either mild, hot, honey mustard or BBQ. You can also choose from garlic knots, cinnamon sticks, bread sticks, and cheese bread. Whatever you choose, you won’t come back hungry that’s for sure.

The next time you’re in Kodak, don’t just blow by on your way to get to I-40, or the Smokies, stop by Del’s and get an authentic Italian pizza pie and stay awhile.

Del’s Pizza
2946 Winfield Dunn Parkway Suite 110 (Bryan Crossing)
Kodak, TN 37764-4309
(865) 933-0900

Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak

Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak where there’s something for everyone. From produce, clothing, to collectibles and pet products, it’s all here.

Ever been traveling east bound down Interstate 40 on your way to Sevierville and notice the large warehouse surrounded by clusters of smaller buildings? If you’ve ever wondered about that place and what it is, well, it’s none other than the Great Smokies Flea Market. Located in Kodak, TN, the Great Smokies Flea Market is one of the largest in the Southeast. Sometimes it can be easy to miss speeding by at 70 mph on your way to the Smokies, or Asheville, NC.

If you’ve already found out about the Great Smokies Flea Market, you’ve probably already found some good bargains. In all, the building is over 200,000 square feet of heated and cooled indoor space, and there’s even more space outdoors where over 1,000 vendors rotate. From things you need to others that you want and a least a few things that you can’t live without, you’re sure to find something at the Great Smokies Flea Market. Over the years, the average daily attendance is anywhere from 2000-5000. And it goes all the way up to 15,000 on the weekends.

Situated at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the flea market is located just off interstate 40 at exit 407. The market is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm year round. There’s plenty of free parking, restrooms and food. If you’re like a number of people, you’ve already found out about such things as the great lemonade located in the outdoors area. Get you one before going inside, they’re very refreshing after walking amongst the various vendors outdoors.

So, what should you expect to see if you decide to go? Well, all kinds of products and services, from animals to electronics. There’s literally something for everyone. On a recent trip the following was spotted:

Fresh produce
Jellies, jams, and relishes
Locally grown honey and homemade candy
Rocks, crystals, and minerals
Cowboy boots
Pet supplies
Sports collectibles
Clothing, handbags, and jewelry
Kitchen products
Leather goods
Collectible coins and notes
Books

One more tip – bring cash. Most of the dealers only deal in cash, though there are those that will take credit cards and checks, but why take a chance. Come early, stay late, buy local, and have a lot of fun!

Great Smokies Flea Market
220 W. Dumplin Valley Road
Kodak, TN

A Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival features tons of holiday events over a two-month period leading up to Christmas.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas has become an area event stretching over the course of two months and thousands of visitors to the Sevierville and Smoky Mountain region. It along with the various Winterfest events occurring throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, make it one of the south’s largest holiday celebrations when you factor in the sheer amount of Christmas lighting and live shows that make up the two Smoky Mountains Christmas productions each year.

We’re talking Dollywood draped in over 4 million Christmas lights, which is really hard to fathom if you’ve never seen that many lights in one place. You’ll find that the Christmasy glow of 4 million lights is rather unique and inviting. Dolly Parton’s favorite show Christmas in the Smokies is back again this year. I mean, what would Dollywood be like if Christmas in the Smokies wasn’t included? Bring the kids, your family, and anyone else who wants to be awed by the Christmas season. The tunes are catchy and you’ll be singing them back to your car before you even know it.

If you’re in the mood for an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree, head on over to Santa’s workshop at some point and take in the tree as well as all the life size toys. From the dollhouse to what looks like an actual sailboat due to it’s sheer size, there’s something for every good little boy and girl sitting under this tree. You’ll also get to witness Santa and his helpers readying the last of the gifts as they prepare for their big night. Still, if you somehow miss Santa, you can also catch him in the Parade of Lights as he sits atop one of the main floats in the parade

Be sure to catch the following exciting events as well during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas: Continue reading “A Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood”

Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House

Judgement House is back at Sevierville Baptist Church this October.

Sevierville’s First Baptist Church Judgement House is back again this October to minister to the Smoky Mountain community. It’s a ministry that has changed hundreds of lives since Sevierville Baptist began the annual event in 2002.

This walk-through drama provides people with a yearly opportunity to view performers making serious life choices and see the consequences that take place because of those choices. It’s an eye-opening experience whether you’ve been before or this is your first time. Each year the performances change, so if you came last year, this year will be a totally different experience.

In years past, Judgement House has centered around the heaven vs. hell theme. People come at Halloween to experience more of the hell portion, though they might be surprised that the focus is just as great on the heavenly portion that Judgement House is about.

Many churches on the area put on Judgement houses, and most start up around Halloween. And for the most part it is part-haunted house, part-sermon, part-choice, part-consequences. What they’re all getting at is the choice of saving one self before it is too late and choosing the path toward righteousness. Judgement house-goers sometimes face questions about their own faith and people are there to help them find answers while encouraging them to accept the Christian way of life.

Judgement houses first came about at New Creation Evangelism in Clearwater, Fla., and were used as an evangelical tool for the church’s congregation. This was almost 30 years ago. Many ideas and practices that went into that first Judgement House have since changed.

Still, it hasn’t kept people from forming opinions on the practice, or from just being downright too scared to attend. Some contend that Judgement houses get a bad reputation as a hellish interpretation of life. Others think they go hand in hand with hell houses that tackle such issues as abortion and murder, often times in a very graphic nature. Not so with Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House. Though many fears become realized through each adaptation, it’s the ending of mercy and redemption being offered that sets the Sevierville First Baptist Church version apart.

Come see for yourself and make your own decision this year. Visit Sevierville First Baptist’s Judgement House and come away with a clearer picture of heaven and hell than you had before.

Seveirville First Baptist Church
317 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: (865) 453-9001

Dunn’s Market

One of the Best Cheeseburgers in Town

I am a fan of the ‘greasy spoon‘ style restaurant. Sevier County has quite a number of convenience stores and gas stations that have diners and lunch counters that serve food to locals throughout the week. A few tourists have found out about these places and are enjoying some very good food along with the locals that happen to be stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dunn’s Market is one of those hidden gems in the food scene of the Smoky Mountains.

Dunn’s Market is located on the corner of Upper Middle Creek Rd and Birds Creek Rd (this is part of the backroads to the Arts and Crafts Community). It is a gas station. It has a lunch counter inside and a few places to sit. You can of course also buy off the racks and shelves inside or grab a few items for a quick picnic in the Smokies. But if you are looking for good, greasy-spoon-style food, step up to the counter, give the menu a gander and pick from one of the many choices that you will see on the wall.

Breakfast
Their breakfast choices, much like the lunch choices are geared to the local stopping in for something fast on their way to work. That being said, the breakfast choices are fantastic. Well cooked and full of flavor, you can’t go wrong with their breakfast options. Their biscuits and gravy are will stick to your ribs and their egg sandwiches are a down-home favorite. Dunn’s Market’s grill is always busy for breakfast, so expect to stand in line for a few minutes.

Lunch and Dinner
Here is where Dunn’s Market shines. As you look at the lunch and dinner choices on the wall at Dunn’s, you will notice that you are seeing items that aren’t usually on the menu in most restaurants: bologna sandwiches, tarter wedges or a simple grilled cheese sandwich. You will also see typical fare for the lunch counter like the hamburger. And the hamburgers at Dunn’s is something altogether wonderful and remarkable. I don’t know if it is because of the way they cook it or the fact that it is cooked on a grill that has been well seasoned by years of use, but their burger is out of this world. Add to that a sack of their fries and you have enough food to stay full all day long. Their fries are seasoned and piping hot every time you order them. At times, they also have specials and one of those you will see in the summer is a BLT made with local, fresh tomatoes. The result of using this locally grown produce is a BLT that drips with the flavor that the Granger County tomato is known for.

If you are looking for that place that the locals eat, Dunn’s Market is one of those places. Part of the fun is standing in line with the guy that drives the cement truck or the maintenance man for the local hotel that is headed to work. While you are in line ask them about other places in the area, I bet you discover someplace new to eat, or some little shop of one of the backroads the next day. Give Dunn’s a shot the next time you are out exploring the areas around the Smokies.

Dunn’s Market
2650 Upper Middle Creek Rd
Sevierville. TN
865-429-5804

Orvis in Sevierville

Stop by Orvis in Sevierville for all your flyfishing needs and get some great Smoky Mountain fishing advice as well.

So you’re off to the Smokies to do a little fly fishing. Well, like thousands of other anglers, you’ve picked just the right spot! And just in case your forgot to pack something – a rod, some line, your favorite fly, Sevierville has you covered! Orvis Sevierville is a short 15 mile drive from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and its abundance of native brook, rainbow and brown trout.

Sevierville Orvis is known for their quality rods, reels, and fly-tying equipment, set up shop in Sevierville and has enjoyed nothing but success ever since. Not only to they carry all the flyfishing gear you’ll need for your next adventure in the stream, they’ll cloth you with a wide assortment of men’s and women’s outdoor, casual, and dress wear. Looking for a new set of travel gear, they’ve got it. They even carry the finest in gear for your dog. Anything from treats, beds to leashes and much more.

Maybe Orvis’ most valuable asset is the staff’s local fly fishing and outdoors knowledge. If you’re looking for some tips on fishing and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some basics on fishing in the Smoky Mountains, as seen by the staff at Sevierville Orvis:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smokies boast over 650 miles of fishable water. To be blunt, if you can’t find a good stream, well, I don’t think it’s our problem. Anyways, brook trout are found in greater numbers in your higher elevations. That is, streams 3000 feet and above in elevation. The lower you get, the more rainbow and brown trout you’re bound to find nipping at your line. No stocking here, these are all wild. For you bass fishermen out there, stick tot he park’s borders, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find. Thank me later.

Types of fish you’ll find: Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as smallmouth at the borders of the park.
Angler Type: Wading
How to get there: Park Roads and various trails.
Type of fly: Large dark mayflies early in the year, becoming lighter mayflies and stoneflies as the season wears on. Carry as many dries and nymphs as you can, or stop by the Sevierville store and pick up a few.
Rod: 7 – 8 and a half foot rod in a 3wt. to 5wt are best. Higher elevation streams sometimes call for shorter rods, visa vi longer rods in lower elevations. Continue reading “Orvis in Sevierville”

Dining Out after Shopping

Where do you want to eat?

You have been shopping all day. Maybe it is even Black Friday and you have been shopping since midnight. It is noon and you and your shopping companions are starving from all the sales you have snapped up. Where do you eat? If you have been shopping at Tanger Five Oaks in Sevierville, you have five great choices.

Red Lobster – Red Lobster is one of America’s most beloved seafood traditions. From their phenomenal Cheddar Bay Biscuits to special events like All You Can Eat Shrimp and Lobster Fest, Red Lobster is always bringing big flavors to the table. Located right across from Tanger Five Oaks, there is a traffic light to help you get across the street to good food and good times.

Olive Garden – Maybe you are looking for some hardy pasta to get through that full day of shopping. Or possibly you want a quick lunch of soup and salad. Olive Garden might be your best choice. They are also located directly across the street from Tanger, at the same stop light as Red Lobster. With events like Never Ending Pasta, Olive Garden has become one of America’s most successful restaurant chains.

Logan’s Roadhouse – There are two steak lover’s restaurants at Tanger Five Oaks. One of those is Logan’s Roadhouse. Great food, great atmosphere. Very casual with tremendous deals on food ever day, Logan’s has become one of the county’s favorite places to go for steaks and comfort food. Their burgers are amazing. Logan’s is located in the same shopping area as Olive Garden so use the stop light to get to their parking lot. This is a peanuts-on-the-floor kind of place.

Longhorn Steak House – A little more refined choice for the carnivore in your group is Longhorn Steakhouse. Longhorn makes an amazing steak. Great selections that bring an eclectic flare to the table. Longhorn’s is located closer to the main entrance of Tanger. After you pass that entrance, Longhorn will be on the right hand side of the road. They have a crab stuffed filet that is do die for.

Joe’s Crab Shack – This is the newest dining option at Tanger Five Oaks. This is Joe’s first foray into the East Tennessee area. Amazing seafood choices blow the minds of all the people that walk through the door. Crab Leg’s, shrimp, fish – all of it brought in fresh and cooked to order. If you want to have a great meal after a day of shopping you will not be disappointed at Joe’s Crab Shack. Joe’s is located on the same side of the road as Tanger – in fact you could walk to it if you don’t want to move your vehicle.

There are other places to eat at Tanger – Chop House and KT’s are located inside Tanger itself – but these 5 get you out of the shopping area. They allow you to take a break from looking for that next big deal so that you can breath easy and enjoy not only your meal but the people that you are with.

Winterfest in Sevierville

Winterfest commences in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN on Nov. 7.

Fall in the Smokies is an incredible time of year not only to visit the Smoky Mountains, but to take part in all of the fall events happening not only in Sevierville, but in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg too. The sights, sounds, and smells are so unique this time of the year. They provide a wonderful look into the world of Appalachian life past and present. As fall turns into winter, though, many visitors wonder what there is to do in Sevierville. Well, look no further than Sevierville Winterfest – Nov. 7 through Feb. 29.

This incredible series of events held yearly throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg has received honors from the likes of the American Bus Association as being one of the top events in the entire country, much less the Southeast! But don’t take our word for it, come see it for yourself. Pack up the car and bring the family to Sevierville, TN for the weekend, a week, or even the entire month! You’ll soon see why Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest is an incredibly popular event. Continue reading “Winterfest in Sevierville”

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Come Fly the Scenic Skies

What is the best way to see the Smokies? Well, if you talk to the great people at Scenic Helicopter Tours, the best way to experience the Smokies is in one of their helicopters. Let one of their professional pilots take you above the crowds, the traffic and the bustle of the Smoky Mountains and see the sights from an entirely different point of view.

Scenic Helicopter has been around, flying over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1972. They are one of the oldest and most respected helicopter tours in the area and they fly more flights over the National Park then anyone else. To fly over a national park, your flights have to be approved by both the FAA and the National Park Service. Scenic Helicopter Tours has more approved flights and they fly over more of the GSMNP then anyone else. They will fit their flight times and their flight patterns to fit your needs, to the point of working with you and your group to produce a customized tour that lets you see the sights you want to see and in the time frame that fits your vacation.

Tours:

Lake View Flight – 1,500 feet above the ground you get to take in views of beautiful Douglas Lake with Mt LeConte in the distance. You will also get to see the French Broad River and Douglas Dam.
Bluff Mountain Flight – This tour takes you above historic downtown Sevierville as you wind your way toward Bluff Mountain. This is the best way to see the lowland Sevier County area.
Mountain Valley Flight – This tour takes you away from civilization. You get to explore the undeveloped and the underdeveloped parts of the Tennessee side of the Smokies.
National Park Flight – On your way to the GSMNP you get to pass over Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. This adventure gets you into & above the Smokies.
The Scenic Special Tour – This tour focuses on the Great Smoky Mountains. You will see: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, Mount LeConte, Blanket Mountains, Goshen Ridge and Cove Mountain. You will not believe how miraculous the scenery is until you are soaring over it.
The Grand Tour – This the grand tour of the National Park. You start through the three main cities on the Tennessee side of the mountains: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. From Gatlinburg you will head toward Cades Cove. On the way, you will pass over the Sugarlands area, Elkmont, Blanket Mountain and Tremont. And if you like the 11 mile loop road around Cades Cove imagine the view from the air.
Smoky Mountain Spectacular Tour – This is the end-all-be-all for all of you that love the Great Smoky Mountains. You will take in parts of the National Park that no one ever gets to see. The flight path for this tour takes you over Greenbrier to North Carolina. You will fly along the Appalachian Trail and over Clingman’s Dome. You also get to view picturesque Fontana Lake and then back to Cades Cove. A Once in a lifetime trip!

Remember, with all the tours above, that you are getting a professional pilot that will also act as a tour guide, telling you the story of the people and the history of the area. Experience the Smokies from an entirely different point of view – from the aerial view – from a helicopter! Fly with Scenic Helicopter Tours.

Scenic Helicopter Tours
Book Online!
1949 Winfield Dunn Parkway
Sevierville, TN
865-453-6342
Web
Facebook