Rose Glen Historic Site

Rose Glen is on the Register of Historic Places in Sevier County. Located just outside of Sevierville, this home has been called the most significant antebellum structure in Sevier County. A former plantation this once working farm now gives you an idea of the living and working conditions in Sevier County before the 1860s. This house was once part of the Bush Farm and after many years it became one of the most valued farms and plantations in Sevier County.

Rose Glen was the home of Robert Hodsden and his second wife, Mary Brabson-Shields. At this point, Mary’s father built the home – which became known as Rose Glenn – and the couple started to expand the land around Rose Glen and turn it into a profitable farm. In 1860, it is known that Rose Glen – the plantation – was made up of 2,377 acres. They were a farm and ranch. They had hundreds of animals living on the farm and they produced tons of hay, butter, wool and many more crops each year. These crops were sold to people in Knoxville and the surrounding communities.

Rose Glen is known not only for the fact that it was a huge plantation and a huge piece of the East Tennessee economy during the mid-19^th century but it also is known for the architecture and design of the home itself. This Greek Revival structure has a two story central block with one story wings. The opulence of the house is a testament to the wealth that the people that ran the home brought to the area. The two-story central block has a porch at the front and the back. The house was large for the area but not as sprawling as plantation homes in the deep south. Still, this home boasted three cellars and outbuildings, including a loom house and an office for former doctor and now owner Robert Hodsden.

Though Rose Glen is not open to the public, it is easy to find. In Sevierville, get on Dolly Parton Parkway and head toward Newport. About 4 miles outside of town you will come to Pittman Center Road. Take a right on Pittman Center and find the campus of Walter State Community College. Right across from the campus you will see a fence enclosed property. The home is in a slight state of disrepair but you can still see what it once looked like. Take some pictures and get an idea of the past in Sevier County. Look at the countryside as it looks now and see what it might have looked like in days past.

Santa Hustle Smokies Half Marathon

Inaugural Santa Hustle Half-Marathon and 5K Run and Walk at Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort in Sevierville, TN. The race will take place on Sunday, December 9 at 8 am.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to compete in a marathon wearing a Santa hat and beard? This year, Adrenaline Sports Management presents the Inaugural Santa Hustle Half-Marathon and 5K Run and Walk at Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort in Sevierville, TN. The race will take place on Sunday, December 9 at 8 am.

This great, winter-themed Half-Marathon and 5K, will provide every participant with a FREE SANTA HAT, BEARD & CUSTOMIZED SHIRT to wear while running either 13.1 or 3.1 miles. Everyone will love the Holiday decorations, the Christmas music, and an After Party offering a buffet of food and plenty to drink.

Customized Long Sleeve Shirt & Goody Bag
All 5K Participants will receive a customized Santa Claus Long Sleeve Shirt & Special Goody Bag. All Half-Marathon Participants will recieve a customized Santa Claus Long Sleeve Dri-Fit Shirt and special Goody Bag.

Event Information

Entry Fees:
Half Marathon – $55.00 ($65.00 on 12/3)
5K – $35.00 ($40.00 on 12/3)

* All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable Continue reading “Santa Hustle Smokies Half Marathon”

50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade

The 50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade is back this year with a number of favorites as well as new, unique entries.

The 50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade (Dec. 1) has it all this year – baton twirlers, marching bands, pageant winners and all kinds of floats. Of course, this is all leading up to the appearance of the parade’s Grand Marshal – Santa Claus!

This year, the parade will begin at 11 am. For those looking for a premium spot, the parade can best be viewed by finding a spot along Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in historic downtown Sevierville.

Other entries include a 1949 Dodge wrecker that looks like “Tow Mater” from the Disney movie “Cars,” the General Lee showcar from the “Dukes of Hazzard,” Slugger & Diamond mascots from the Smokies, Bloomie the Pig, WIVK the Frog and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe.

The Sevierville Christmas Parade will wind through downtown Sevierville and feature a number of unique entries including the Lumberjack Feud – a float demonstrating the woodcutting skills of your everyday lumberjack. The Lumberjack Feud is a Smoky Mountain dinner show that pits two lumberjacking families against each other for the right to stay in the Smokies. Continue reading “50th Annual Sevierville Christmas Parade”

Sevierville’s Harvest Festival & Halloween Happenings

The annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is just one of a handful of events happening in October as Sevierville celebrates fall and the oncoming Halloween holiday.

October in the Smokies means a crisp, clean breeze, leaves beginning to change color, and the arts & crafts community really begins to come alive. Fall in the Smokies is a time of year like no other. If you have never experienced the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area during spring or summer, then you don’t know what you’re missing! Get to Sevierville before October 31 and before the colors disappear for another year!

The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is a county-wide celebration that includes Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. The event lasts through Halloween on October 31. It’s a celebration of all things autumn and numerous local businesses in the Smokies participate. Throughout Sevier County you will find an assortment of “fall displays” with scarecrows, stacks of hay, pumpkins, cornstalks, and all sorts of other fall decorations aligning the streets, in business windows and around every corner.

In Sevierville, you will experience traditional Appalachian music along with gospel and bluegrass. Artisans with the local arts and crafts community share their wares and promote their talents which include; basket weaving, candle making, jewelry, quilting, pottery, doll making, leather, stained glass, scrimshaw, fine photography, various art works, and more. This isn’t a month long “made in (insert foreign country here)” tourist trap either… this is genuine, mountain-made, good ‘ole folks crafts and artwork! Here, you’re able to meet and talk to the artists face-to-face as they demonstrate their craft before your own eyes. Numerous visitors come back to the same shops every year to add to their collection of jewelry, pottery, art, etc. Nothing this unique and personal can be found anywhere else. It’s a Smoky Mountain tradition.

If you’re going to be in town closer to Halloween, head on up to BassPro in Kodak for their It’s The Great Pumpkin Halloween Event. From October 19-31, you’ll get a chance to shop for the latest in outdoor equipment while the family enjoys a number of Halloween festivities including: Continue reading “Sevierville’s Harvest Festival & Halloween Happenings”

The Sevierville Golf Club

The Sevierville Golf Club is one of the newest in the area. Featuring two 18-hole championship links courses set against the backdrop of the Smokies.

Looking for a good tee time in the Smoky Mountains? Forget about Knoxville and all its congested courses. Travel on down to Sevierville and play at one of the newest courses in East Tennessee. Set right up against the backdrop of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, The Sevierville Golf Club is a 5-star course complete with the services, amenities, and presentation of a high-quality private club on a daily fee basis.

Did we course? Make that two courses. The Sevierville Golf Club is two 18-hole championship courses: The Highlands – a par 70 that winds around lush rolling hills and fresh water mountain ponds, and The River – a par 72 that plays to the twists and turns of the Little Pigeon River.

You’ll also find a state-of-the-art pro shop at the Sevierville Golf Club, an expansive driving range with grass tees, perfectly manicured putting green, as well as a chipping green to help even further fine tune your game.

Following a day on links, whether you decide to play both courses or just one, sit back and relax in the new clubhouse with your beverage of choice or enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our talented Chef Aaron Ward. We can also customize food and beverage presentations for your group, regardless of the size. At the Sevierville Golf Club, they really are there to serve you and make sure your day is a memorable one, no matter what you shoot.

You won’t find amenities like these at any other gold club in the area. The Sevierville Golf Club believes that its their people that make them the “Best In The Smokies!”. General Manager and Head PGA Professional Mark Wallace heads up a people-first staff, and are there to make sure your round goes as smoothly as the greens.

Below are links to Course Maps and the Club Score Card:

The Highlands Course Map
The River Course Map
The Sevierville Golf Club Score Card

Rates

18 Hole Rates: $59 (50% off juniors ages 15 yrs and under.)
Twilight After 4 pm Rates: $29 (50% off juniors ages 15 yrs and under.)
Senior Rates: $49 (Seniors 60 yrs and over)

Afternoon promotions:
After 12 pm $49 (50% off juniors of 15 yrs and under
After 12 pm $44 (Seniors 60 yrs and over)

Note: Rates include cart fee.

The Sevierville Golf Club

1444 Old Knoxville Highway
Sevierville, TN 37876
Local: (865) 429-4223 or Toll Free: (888) 710-1388

Winterfest in 3D

Get your special 3D glasses and enjoy Sevierville’s Winterfest in an all new way – in 3D!

How about seeing Winterfest in Sevierville in 3D? Seeing millions of Christmas lights and snowflakes like they’re coming right at you. That’s something that will get the kids excited and looking forward to November in Sevierville.

Not only is the 3D Winterfest experience a great way to get in the holiday spirit, it’s great fun! Before coming to Winterfest in Sevierville, stop by the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 (1.5 miles from I-40 Exit 407). It’s there that you can purchase a pair of Winterfest in 3D glasses while supplies last for only $1. The glasses shift each point of light into a snowflake, and when you think of all the Christmas lights that went into making Sevierville Winterfest, that’s a lot of snowflakes.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – one of busiest events of the season, is the perfect place to put the 3D glasses to the test. This one-mile drive through LED light experience is made up solely of Christmas lights. This year, Shadrack’s features even more opportunities for the kids. Get out of the car and enjoy an on-site petting zoo, camel as well as pony rides, a chance to get your photo taken with Santa Claus himself and a Christmas tree lot (after Thanksgiving) if you haven’t already picked out that perfect tree for your home.

Winterfest brings more people to Sevierville every year. And not only for the lights, but to do some Christmas shopping at the Tanger Outlet, take in one of the many area shows and visit their favorite attractions. The Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall will not only be decorated in its holiday best, sales and deals aplenty will flow through its nearly 150 name brand stores that include everything from Polo Ralph Lauren to Starbucks.

This year, Winterfest in Sevierville can also be brought home with you…. And we’re not talking about the 3D glasses. Stores like Country Christmas and Christmas Done Bright will sell Winterfest-style lighting displays and other custom displays. Come to Sevierville for Winterfest! It’s something you have to see – literally, to believe!

Sevierville Convention Center

Tradeshows, Expositions, Competitive Arts Events and Much More!

When the city of Sevierville decided to build a convention center, they picked the perfect location and they are bringing thousands of visitors to the area each and every year. This state of the art facility is being used by groups to have tradeshows, conventions, sporting events and much more each year. Located right off Winfield Dunn Parkway, the Convention Center is easy to get to and keeps you from having to get into the really bad traffic of Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg

As you travel into town, the easiest way to spot the Sevierville Convention Center is to look for the Wilderness in the Smokies on your right, as you head toward Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. The Wilderness is easy to spot, their indoor water park lights up Hwy 66 in the evening as the sun goes down and even during the day it has become a landmark. Take a right and head across the bridge over the Little Pigeon River. You will come to a second stoplight, go through this light and start up the hill, you will see the Convention Center on the right at the top of the hill.

The Convention Center is a full service convention center. They bring in everything from sporting events and championships to religious conferences to collector events. Below is a selection of just some of the events that might happen at the Sevierville Convention Center:

Anime Southeast Convention
Bible Bee Conference
Celebrator’s Conference
Christian Camp Leaders
Fall Corvette Expo
Freedom Fest Gymnastics Competition
GROSouth Fall Dealer Trade Show
House-Hasson Hardware Company
International Gift Show in the Smokies
Parker’s Knife Collections
Smoky Mountain Bible Conference
Smoky Mountain Gymnastic Vacation Classic
Southern Select Alpaca Show
Student Celebration
Tennessee Association for Administrators in Special Education
TuTu Glitz’s on Tour
UCA Smoky Mountain Christmas Championship
Wilderness at the Smokies / K2 Volleyball
Women of Joy Conference

This is only a small selection of what is going on everyday at the Sevierville Convention Center. Check out their website to see exactly what they have to offer when you are in town.

If you are looking at bringing an event to the Smokies, let the convention enter help you plan that event. If you are going to have hundreds of people in town or if you are planning a tradeshow in the Smokies you are going to need the help of a professional. You are going to need someone to help you get all of your ‘T’s crossed and your ‘I’s dotted. Rely on the professional staff at the Severiville Convention Center to help you plan your event and make it a huge success.

Sevierville Convention Center
202 Gists Creek Road
Sevierville, TN
865-453-0001
Web

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”

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