Category: Things to Do

Things to do in Sevierville TN and the surrounding Sevier County area.

Deer Farm

For all you nature lovers out, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with some of nature’s furry inhabitants. With that, any trip to the Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without a quick jaunt over to Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo & Riding Stables in Sevierville.

This great stop just outside the Great Smoky Mountains is 143 acres worth of fun. Pony rides are a favorite as their fenced off trail affords kids a gentle ride with a one of Deer Farm’s sweet, caring ponies. You’ll never forget those photos as a child riding around on ponies and having the time of your life. Deer Park also offers horse rides for our bigger kids and adults. Trot along on Deer Park’s well-maintained trails with the help of an experienced trail guide. Pony rides run $6.99 and carry a 100 pound weight limit. Reservations are required for horse rides. It’s $17.95 for 30 minutes, $20.95 for a 45 minute horse ride, and $23.95 for a 60 minute ride.

After taking a horse ride, or a pony ride, or if you don’t want to take a ride at all and just visit Deer Park’s petting zoo, be our guest. Deer Park’s petting zoo features a range of animals from reindeer – perfect this time of year, deer, goats, camels, zebra, exotic cows, sheep, and much much more. The petting zoo is open year round from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Admission price for adults is $10.99, children ages 3-12 $6.99, children 1-2 $0.99, and infants $0.09.

Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo & Riding Stables is a barnyard experience like no other in the Smokies. It’s great fun for both kids and adults of all ages and makes for a great trip for large groups, church and business retreats, or just a quick getaway.

Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo & Riding Stables
478 Happy Hollow Lane
Sevierville, TN 37876
865-428-DEER

The Knoxville RV Super Show in Sevierville

This year’s Knoxville RV Super Show in Sevierville is packed with star power, and we’re not just talking about all the brand spankin’ new RVs and campers on the floor at the convention center. Event-goers will have a chance to meet and talk with Greg Remsburg of the Discovery Channel’s popular show “Gold Rush”, and Paul Bedard from the Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys”.

This year’s show is going to be something special. Though it’s called The Knoxville RV Show, it’s actually put on in Sevierville, TN at the state-of-the-art Sevierville Events Center. Top dealers in Tennessee will be on hand with RVs stretching over a mile long, all under one roof. And when we’re talking about RVs, we’re talking about travel trailers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, toy haulers and so much more. Everything you’re looking for if you’re in the market for a new RV will be in one location for 3 entire days. There’s no need to go anywhere else. All the new 2013 models will be on display and all the 2012 models will be marked down to some of the best prices you’re likely to find on the retail market.

Not looking for an RV, but some accessories? The Knoxville RV Super Show leaves no stone unturned. All the brand name vendors will be there from camp grounds to generators to parts. And don’t forget about Paul Bedard from Animal Planets “Gator Boys” as well as Greg Remsburg from Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush”, they’ll be serving as celebrity hosts as well.

As part of the show’s theme, there will be a NASCAR Experience for all the event-goers to participate in. This FREE interactive feature complete with a full size NASCAR Vehicle, racing simulator, dueling dragster simulator and full size tire changing station, will be set up all weekend so that everyone can get a feel for how the big boys work in the show. There’s not much they don’t cover at the 2013 Knoxville RV Show.

If you’re looking for suggestions, start in the middle aisle and work your way out. Also, over $5,000 in retail prizes will be given away during the show. You have to register to win at the show and be present to collect your prize. Prizes are given away every hour on the hour after the show begins each day. Only one entry per day and no duplicates entries are allowed.

So come on out of the wintery weather and into the 2013 Knoxville RV Show, January 11–13, at the Sevierville Events Center in Sevierville, TN. There is plenty of food, beer, and entertainment as well as RVs as far as the eye can see inside.

2013 Sevierville Calendar of Events

January

Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest (January 1 – February 28) – See millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout the Great Smoky Mountains area.

Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium (January 1 – 6) – Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium –The Winterfest attraction features hundreds of thousands of synchronized LED lights dancing to music in a drive-through attraction one and a half miles long. This Sevierville Winterfest attraction will last through January 6.

Knoxville RV Super Show (January 11-13) – The Knoxville RV Show will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (January 23) – Choirs, speakers and more at the First Baptist Church, Sevierville. (865) 428-2212.

February

Rose Glen Literary Festival (February 25) – Lectures and book signings from Sevier County authors and those who have written books about Sevier County during this day-long event held at Walters State Community College. (865) 453-6411.

March

Southeastern Select Alpaca Show (March 2-3) – The Southeastern Select Alpaca Show will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Smoky Mountain Springfest (Mid March-June 7) – Enjoy spring decorations, mountain wildflowers and plenty of great events during Smoky Mountain Springfest.

April

Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Entry Postmark Deadline (April 12) – Sing one of the 3,000 songs written by Sevierville’s hometown girl, Dolly Parton in your own style. Entry deadline is April 12, 2013. Go to www.BloominBBQ.com for complete details!

May

TuTu Glitz’s on Tour (May 11) – TuTu Glitz’s on Tour will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival (May 17-18) – The largest event in Sevierville! BLUEGRASS ALBUM BAND REUNION PERFORMANCE Saturday May 18! Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, FREE bluegrass concerts from rising stars and bluegreass legends, kids games, great food and authentic mountain crafts. Admission is FREE. ******* FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR! For more information contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce 1-888-889-7415 or visit www.BloominBBQ.com

Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals (May 18) – Vocal competition honoring the songwriting of Sevierville’s hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Finalists sing one of 3,000 songs written by Parton in the style of their choosing (rock, rap, country, pop, ect.) Entry deadline is April 12, 2013. www.BloominBBQ.com

June

Parker’s Greatest Knife Show (June 13-15) – Large-scale collectable knife show at the Sevierville Convention Center. Open to the public call (453) 892-0448 or go to www.bulldogknives.org

House-Hasson Hardware Dealer Market (June 21-22) – House-Hasson Hardware Dealer Market will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Rising Star Talent Competition (June 25-28) – Rising Star Talent Competition will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

July

Anime Southeast Convention (July 12-14) – The Anime Southeast Convention will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center, for more information go to www.animesoutheast.com

August

Mickey Gilley in Concert (August 24) – Located at the Country Tonite Theater. Call (865) 453-2003 or visit www.firstclassconcerts.com for more information.

September

Sevier County Fair (September 4-9)

October

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (October 1-31) – Enjoy the sites, sounds and smells of a Smoky Mountain Harvest. Leaf looking, special events, shows, shopping and attractions make this a great time of year to visit Sevierville.

November

International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (November 5-9) – The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Smoky Mountain Winterfest (November 12-February 28, 2014) – Enjoy millions of twinkling lights throughout the Great Smoky Mountain area.

Winterfest in 3D, Glasses Available (November 12-February 28, 2014) – Winterfest in 3D glasses are available at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 for $1 while supplies last. These glasses help you see Winterfest in a whole new light as every point of light shifts into a snowflake.

Sevierville’s Winterfest Kick Off Music, Lights & Magic (November 12) – Free food, local entertainment, kids’ games and fireworks make this event fun for everyone! The evening wraps up with “flipping the switch” on the area’s first Winterfest lights.

December

Sevierville’s 51st Annual Christmas Parade (December 7) – A traditional hometown parade with baton twirlers, pageant winners, marching bands and floats leading up to the appearance of Santa Claus! Parade begins at 11 am and can best be viewed on Forks of the River Parkway and Court Ave. in historic downtown Sevierville, TN.

Parker’s Greatest Knife Show (December 12-14) – Large-scale collectable knife show at the Sevierville Convention Center. Event open to the public. (423) 892-0448 or go to www.bulldogknives.com

Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K (December 15)

The Appalachian Trail

There might be no backcountry spot, no trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as hiked or sought after as the Appalachian Trail. In all, just a hair over 71 miles run through the Great Smoky Mountains. That’s just a fraction of its total: 2,143 miles. It’s a destination for many coming in to Sevierville every year and a point of emphasis for local nature lovers, of which there are many.

You’ll find the trail’s highest peak located in the national park, Clingman’s Dome (6,643 feet). There are just so many marvels of the Smokies to be found along the AT. Tree species are in high count for those naturalists in all of us. Rock facings that will leave even the most well-traveled of geologists in awe and wildflowers the likes of which are seen on magazine covers and books.

If you’re looking for a spot a little less crowded than most of the trail, head over to the northern side before venturing to sections like that between Newfound Gap and Charlies Bunion.

The Appalachian Trail is the only trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’s marked by white blazes on trees or rocks, just look for the white streaks of paint and you’ve found one. Therefore, you’ve come to a portion of the AT.

For safety purposes, plan out your trip on AT before setting out, and keep a few other things in mind while planning, like preparing yourself mentally for the trip, making sure someone knows your route and where you’re going, caring a trail map and using it, taking a cellphone for precautionary measures, and being aware of those on the trail around you. Those suggestions, and some common sense can go a long ways in making sure your trip is a memorable one.

The Appalachian Trail is managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, state agencies too numerous to list and volunteers that number in the thousands. Annually, over 6,000 volunteers contribute more than 195,000 hours toward protecting, helping maintain, and marketing the Appalachian Trail. The AT is calling, happy hiking!

Robert Tino Gallery

The Robert Tino Gallery is located in Sevierville, Tennessee. One of the best parts about visiting the gallery is that it’s located in an antique home. The home was built in 1844 and is on the Register of Historic Places. Built by John Andes in the 1800s, the home has had two owners, the Andes family and the Denton family.  Robert Tino’s wife, Mary John Denton Tino is the granddaughter of the Denton that bought the home.  In the 1990s, the home was converted into a gallery, housing original Robert Tino artwork and, of course, limited edition Robert Tino prints.  Now, the gallery stands as a monument to a time gone by and one of the premier water-colorists in the Smoky Mountains area.

About Robert Tino’s Work

Robert Tino has been conveying his love for the Smoky Mountains for more then 20 years.  Starting out in watercolor and moving on to oils, he was a student of the University of Tennessee and has used countless techniques including one called gouache, an opaque technique used with the transparency of watercolors to create his signature watercolors that express the various moods of the mountains. Branching out into oils, Robert found another way to bring his impressions of the mountains to his ever-growing audience.  And in recent years, the realist painter has branched out into abstraction. His abstract works, with brilliant hues of primary colors, have opened up a new audience to this amazing painter and have broadened his appeal to his existing audience and collectors of his works.

Robert Tino’s Community Service

Robert A. Tino and his wife Mary John love the Smoky Mountains. They not only love the area and the people that flock to it year after year, but they also give back to their community. Over the years they have given part of the proceeds from the sell of Robert’s works of art to East Tennessee Children Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains. Stop by their gallery and spend some time with an amazing artist by viewing Robert Tino prints and his original artwork. Plus, you’ll get to spend some time in history itself in a structure that is more then 150 years old! This art gallery will have you falling in love with the Smoky Mountains all over again.

To visit, or to contact about purchasing Robert Tino art or Robert Tino prints:

Robert Tino Gallery
812 Old Douglas Dam Road
Sevierville, TN
865-453-6315
www.robertatinogallery.com

Harrisburg Covered Bridge

The Harrisburg Covered Bridge in Sevier County, located just off Old State Highway 35, spans the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River.

The Harrisburg community has maintained a bridge at this locale since the mid-1800s. Once known as the McNutts Bridge before washing away in 1875, and committee was formed by the county and local citizens contributed to its replacement. The Harrisburg community provided the wood and labor for the replacement structure. The county donated $25 and $50 was raised privately.

Elbert Stephenson Early was hired by the county to build a covered bridge as several members of his family moved to the Harrisburg area of Sevier County in the 1870s. Many of them were skilled carpenters, millwrights, and engineers. They built Murphy Chapel and several residences in the area. In 1877, Elbert Early purchased half interest in the Newport Mill, adjacent to the Harrisburg Covered Bridge.

In the late 1800s, the Harrisburg community grew, and with its several mills, blacksmith shops, a school, a doctor, and a post office, prospered. However, in 1915 the county built a new road that bypassed Harrisburg and the community disappeared.

Over the years, Sevier County has actively maintained the bridge, keeping it open for traffic as many other covered bridges were replaced. In 1952, Bill Baker and a county road crew stabilized the bridge which included the placement of a concrete pier at the center of the truss. As a result, this span functioned as two timber stringers. By the 1970s, the bridge was deteriorated and facing possible demolition when the Great Smokies Chapter and the Spencer Clack Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) raised funds to repair and maintain the bridge as well as seeking listing for it on the National Register of Historic Places. The Harrisburg Covered Bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 for its significance as a rare surviving example of a covered timber truss bridge.

In 1983, the bridge had deteriorated and faced closure, but the county renovated the bridge with new flooring and replaced some of the timber beams, allowing the bridge to remain open but posted it with a 3-ton weight limit.

Through a grant from the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program, Sevier County rehabilitated the Harrisburg Covered Bridge, extensively repairing the bridge in 2004. It was reopened for traffic, with a 15-ton weight limit later that same year.

Sevier County Family Resouce Center makes Christmas better for area teens, but still needs donations.

What’s better during the Christmas season than giving back to those in need? Not much. It’s the true meaning of Christmas and places like the Sevier County Family Resource Center are a testament to that. Not only do they specialize in helping others, this holiday season they’ve pinpointed one group in particular: teenagers.

Instead of focusing on children 12 and other like many other worthwhile charitable organizations, the Sevier County Family Resource Center is lifting up teenagers this Christmas, a group than can sometimes get passed over during the holidays.

According to Center Director Kim Loveday, and sole employee of the Sevier County Family Resource Center, there are a lot of families with teenagers that could use the help this Christmas.

When Loveday first began working at the center, she deemed it more necessary to find people who would purchase things like clothing and personal hygiene items for teens instead of Christmas toys.

According to her, the center receives numerous calls this time of year from parents, grandparents, nurses, guidance counselors and school principals asking for clothing and hygiene items. The need has ballooned so much that whereas she helped 30 teens in her first year, her list has grown to almost 300 this year.

The Sevier County Family Resource Center is reliant solely on community donations and sponsors who feel the need to help during the year. One stat that was offered up about a sole teen is that $75 usually covers the cost of one’s clothing needs.

Loveday said that it’s not just providing them with clothes, it’s providing them with new, clean clothes which in turn improves their self esteem which is at a premium, especially during those formative years.

The Sevier County Family Resource Center is still looking for sponsors for a number of teenagers. If you’re interested in sponsoring one, contact Loveday at the family resource center at 865-428-7999 or by e-mail at sevierfamilyresource@yahoo.com.

Cirque de Chine

The Smoky Mountains area is home to some of the best attractions you’ll find in the Southeast. From the Titanic museum attraction to Dollywood to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and dinner shows like the Dixie Stampede, there’s no lack in entertainment opportunities in the Smokies. One of the more unique venues is Cirque de Chine in Sevierville.

Ever since they came to town in 2007, Cirque de Chine has been electrifying audiences of all ages at Sevierville’s own Smoky Mountain Palace. It’s an incredible show full of skill, grace, romance and illusion, and featuring some of China’s best acrobatic troupes.

Cirque de Chine is 2 full hours of non stop fun and excitement that anyone would enjoy, no matter your age or disposition.

You’ll want to make sure you pay attention when the graceful “Butterfly Lovers” fly through the air. Be amazed with the incredible “Hoop Divers” who take diving to extreme through hoops up to 10-feet high. The “Five Flying Motorcyclsts” race inside a 26-foot steel globe that will leave you breathless watching them race around the cylinder. At Cirque de Chine, it’s almost like the impossible is second nature.

Cirque de Chine’s 6th season – 2012, hasn’t ceased to amaze even the staunchest of critics. This year it’s even more exciting and entertaining than in years past. As far as a theatrical production west of New York and east of Las Vegas, Smoky Mountain Palace’s Cirque de Chine stands out on its own. If you’re in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains, it’s a must see show and one you’ll be telling your friend about for years to come.

Cirque de Chine
179 Collier Drive
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 429-1601

Laurel Falls Trail

Laurel Falls, an 80 foot tall Smoky Mountain waterfall, is named for the mountain laurel which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. Mountain laurel itself is an evergreen shrub. A walkway divides the falls which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer.

Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail

Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and the hike is considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about 2 hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

Carry drinking water with you. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail.

The trail is paved but the pavement is rough and uneven. The trail has short, steep sections which can be slippery in wet weather. Portions of the trail have steep drop-offs. Closely supervise children at all times. Due to the steep grade and roughness of pavement, this trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall. Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland opens at Smokies Stadium on November 11.

Just in time for the Smoky Mountain holiday season, Shadrack Watersports and RV will bring their Christmas Wonderland to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tennessee during the 2012-13 Winterfest Celebration.

The lighting spectacular, which kicks off November 9 and runs through January 6, is one of America’s largest drive-through, fully computerized LED light shows. Hundreds of thousands of lights are included in this perfectly synchronized show filled with holiday tunes done by the Shadrack crew themselves.

Like at other Shadrack Wonderland sites of the past, this will be a drive-through event nearly one mile in length and running approximately 20 minutes. “Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will be a great addition to Sevierville’s Winterfest Celebration this year,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director. “There are already millions of people who come to our area during Winterfest but having a new attraction like Christmas Wonderland will give those visitors something new and exciting for this year as well.”

New this year is Santa’s Village with a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, photos with Santa, a Christmas tree lot, and festive refreshments including hot cocoa, apple cider, funnel cakes, Christmas cookies, pizza, and kettle corn.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium will continue through January 6, 2013. Hours of operation are 6-10 pm daily. Admission is $20 per car (excluding Holidays and Dec. 20-23), $35 per Activity Van / Mini Bus, $75 per tour or school bus. Rates include tax. Proceeds will benefit area charities. For more information, call (423) 652-0120. Located at the Smokies Stadium – 3540 Line Drive – Kodak, TN 37764. www.shadrack.com