2011 Sevierville Calendar of Events

Sevierville’s 2011 Calendar of Events

January

Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest (Jan. 1 – Feb. 28) – See millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout the Great Smoky Mountains area. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE or www.VisitSevierville.com

Martin Luther King Day Celebration (Jan. 17) – Choirs, speakers, and more at the First Baptist Church, Sevierville. 865-428-2212

Smoky Mountain Unlimited Championship (Jan. 22) – Cheerleading competition at Sevierville Events Center. 1-888-737-2221

February

Smoky Mountain Home Show (Feb. 3-5) – Sevierville Events Center. Open to the public. For more information call Sandy Smith at 865-453-4712 or go to www.SmokyMountainHomeShow.com

Smoky Mtn. Gymnastic V. Classic (Feb. 25-27) – Gymnastics competition at Sevierville Events Center 608-359-5266

Rose Glen Literary Festival (Feb. 26) – 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 Continue reading “2011 Sevierville Calendar of Events”

Santa Sightings in Sevierville – He’s Out There!

Santa is sure to found around Sevierville before Christmas!

Catching a glimpse of Jolly Old St. Nick isn’t the easiest task, especially around Christmas Eve, but for those of us out and about this month, Sevierville offers more than few chances to meet and greet Mr. Claus himself.

Here’s a listing of places you’re liable to spot Santa before he comes calling in a few weeks:

Bass Pro Outdoor World – Address: 3629 Outdoor Sportsmans Place Kodak, TN 37764, Hours: Weeknights Now through Dec. 10 5-8pm; Weekdays Dec. 13-23 10am-8pm; Saturdays through Dec. 19 10am-8pm; Sundays through Dec. 19 Noon – 5pm; Dec. 24 10am-5pm, Santa Photo Fee: No Charge for 4×6 photo; Additional photo packages available for purchase. Bonus: Santa’s Wonderland games and activities are open every day until December 24 during regular business hours.

Wilderness at the Smokies – Address: 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy Sevierville, TN 37876, Hours: Dec. 3rd & 4th 3-7pm; Dec. 10th 6-8:30pm; Dec. 11th 1:30-4:30pm; Dec. 17th 6-8:30pm; Dec. 18th 1:30-4:30pm; Dec. 21st, 22nd & 23rd 6-8pm; Dec. 24th 11am-1pm. Santa Photo Fee: Call for more information – 877-325-WILD (9453). Bonus: Catch carolers performing Christmas tunes in the lobbies of River Lodge and Stone Hill Resort on Friday Dec. 3rd 6-8pm, Friday December 10th and 17th 4-8pm and Friday December 24th from 11am-1pm

Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium – Address: 3540 Line Drive Kodak, TN 37764, Hours: 6-10pm daily, Santa Photo Fee: $10 per photo. Lights: Drive your vehicle through a maze filled with hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing in perfect synchronization with Christmas music on your radio. Light tour prices vary Bonus: Enjoy additional activities in Santa’s Village including a free petting zoo, camel & pony rides ($5), great food (between $1-$3) and a Christmas tree lot (prices vary based on tree size).

Dollywood – Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Get a great photo with Santa in Santa’s Workshop now through Dec. 24 during park operating hours. Santa Photo Fee: Prices vary based on package / Guests must purchase a park admission to enter. Dollywood Lights: See four million twinkling Winterfest lights throughout Dollywood. Bonus: A Classic Coca-Cola Santa also spends the day at Dollywood’s Aunt Granny’s Restaurant where guests are welcome to snap a quick photo with the Jolly Old Elf himself.

We’ve Got Everything You Need on Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Too!

Visit our sister sites – Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge

Plan Your Pigeon Forge Vacation Get Gatlinburg Vacation Tips

Coming to the Sevierville area this winter and wanting to make it over to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg too? Our sister sites, Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge, will help you sort out that end of your trip once you get there, and let you in on coupons and discounts available for area attractions.

Inside Gatlinburg and Inside Pigeon Forge, like Inside Sevierville, feature reviews, tips, discounts, and other information about Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. You’ll find articles featuring some great tips for planning a fall visit to catch the leaves in their peak color, or a winter trip to ski at Ober Gatlinburg. If you plan to visit Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to check out these sites for the latest vacation tips!

The University of Tennessee Volunteers’ 2010 Football Schedule

The University of Tennessee Volunteers play football in Knoxville, Tn – just west of Sevierville, TN.

The 2010 University of Tennessee football season is bound to be a year to remember with new head coach, Derek Dooley, defensive coordinator, Justin Wilcox, and the rest of the all-star coaching staff Dooley has assembled from the pros and college ranks. Below you will find the complete 2010 University of Tennessee football schedule that lists all of the dates, who the Vols play, kickoff time, televised games, and more! Some of the times and channels will become available as the Volunteers football season progresses, so bookmark this page, share it with your friends, and enjoy the 2010 UT Vols football season! If you’re into UT football, then you love hearing “It’s football time in Tennessee”!

If you’re looking to buy Tennessee football tickets to the games, click here!

If you’re going to be staying in Pigeon Forge, TN or Gatlinburg, TN, then be sure to check out the following guides:

Click Here to Buy Tennessee Volunteers Football Tickets

2010 University of Tennessee Football Schedule
Date Opponent Time/TV Schedule
9/04/10 Tennessee-Martin TBA
9/11/10 Oregon TBA
9/18/10 Florida TBA
9/25/10 UAB TBA
10/02/10 at LSU TBA
10/09/10 at Georgia TBA
10/23/10 Alabama TBA
10/30/10 at South Carolina TBA
11/06/10 at Memphis TBA
11/13/10 Mississippi TBA
11/20/10 at Vanderbilt TBA
11/27/10 Kentucky TBA
12/04/10 SEC Championship TBA
All Times Eastern
Click Here to Buy Tennessee Volunteers Football Tickets

The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest

The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest starts on September 23 in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In East Tennessee, you’re about as likely to see a car show on the weekend as you are to see footballs flying through the air on a fall Friday night. Simply put, people around these parts love their classic cars and like showing them off even more.

Sevierville and The Diner Rats Car Club will get into the act later this month (September 23, 24, and 25) with their annual Great Smoky Mountain Autofest, held yearly at Smokies Stadium, just off Interstate 40. It’s a great show for those of you who don’t want to battle the crowds at the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs, but still want to take in a car show that reflects the vast genres seen at the yearly Rod Runs and Shades of the Past car shows. Autofest registration is open to the first 800 cars and by the looks of things last year, the lot fills up quick.

As in years past, this is an open event to all years, makes and models from classics, antiques, street rods, customs, originals and special interests. There will also be cars for sale, car vendors promoting their products, a swap meet, a craft sale, food, as well as shopping opportunities – basically something for everyone. Continue reading “The Great Smoky Mountain Autofest”

A Brief History of Sevierville

According to early history records, by the 18th century, the Cherokee Indian tribe were the only native people living permanently in Tennessee. The Cherokee had claimed all the eastern, as well as central portions of the state as their hunting grounds in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were also said to refer to themselves the “Principal People.” Many still believe that they were a detached Iroquoian tribe. Included in this tribe were some of the Native Americans John Sevier fought in order to protect European settlers in and around Sevierville.

A well known Tennessean, Sequoyah (Sequoia) was born in 1776 to a Cherokee mother and a father who was a Virginia fur trader.  Sequoyah went on to develop the Cherokee alphabet in 1821 and by the early 19th century the Cherokee had become the first and only literate Native American tribe in existence. Today, the Cherokee language is the second most widely used Native American language.

Sevierville (Severe ville) is named after John Sevier, one of the most famous figures in the history of Tennessee. Sevier was a frontiersman, soldier, war hero and politician who served under George Washington in the American Revolution and became renowned for his role in the battle of King’s Mountain.

In 1785, he became the first governor of the State of Franklin – a new state that had been carved out of the land around Watauga. Later, Franklin became part of North Carolina and John Sevier was accused of treason for resisting the annexation.

When the State of Tennessee was formed in 1796, Sevier became its first governor, serving from 1796 until 1801 and again from 1803 until 1809. Later, he served as a state senator from 1809 until 1811 and was a member of the US House of Representatives in 1811.
Nicknamed “Nolichucky Jack” for his exploits along the Nolichucky River, Sevier died in Georgia during a boundary negotiation with Creek Indians in 1815.

Sevierville is located in an area that known by many as the true birthplace of country music. But now, many authorities consider the songs of the southern mountaineers to be the only true folk music ever produced by the European immigrants to America and they hearken back to the British ballads of the 18th century pioneers.

English Musicologist, Cecil Sharp, said in Smoky Mountain Country by North Callahan that he was tremendously taken with the [Southern Mountaineers] themselves, their strong character, their individuality, the isolation and its affects upon them and their music. The mountain people were sheltered by rugged mountains from the rest of the world and by this very condition, he concluded, they had retained in all its purity the most lyrical folk music in the world.

Even today, music inspired by the Smoky Mountains is recognized the world over. The most prolific and well known musician to come from Sevierville is country music legend and philanthropist Dolly Parton. One of 12 children born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly has remained faithful to her mountain roots, even as her international fame continued to grow. After opening her Dollywood theme park, which helps preserve mountain music and crafts while creating jobs for area residents, she also began the Dollywood Foundation, which funds many charities in the region including the Books from Birth program.

Sugar Maple Cabins

Sugar Maple Cabins offers luxurious cabins with endless amenities outside downtown Sevierville.

If you’re looking for luxury log cabins in the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg, Tn area, look no further than Sugar Maple Cabins.

The best vacation in the Smokies is at your fingertips at Sugar Maple. Stay in one of the luxurious Sugar Maple cabins and enjoy unsurpassed amenities. Starting with location, Sugar Maple is within a stones throw of the parkway in Pigeon Forge and such noted local attractions as Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests may choose from a romantic secluded or semi secluded cabin. All cabin rentals are available in Sugar Maple Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge TNSevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including Ski Mountain. Spectacular city views or mountain views set the background for a perfect Smoky Mountain Vacation in Luxury.

Sugar Maple Cabins offers cabins that sleep anywhere from 2-50 people. So, if you are searching for that perfect couples retreat, or planning a Smoky Mountain Family Reunion, reserving one of our cabins is easy with one quick call to Sugar Maple Cabins customer services lines – open 7 days a week.

All Sugar Maple cabins have a hot tub, washer, dryer and a fully-equipped kitchen. What sets Sugar Maple Cabins Luxury Cabins apart from the rest of the local properties are the upscale amenities like, high definition flat-screen TVs, DVD Players, and Internet access. Still not impressed? How about letting your family spend all day watching movies in an expansive theatre room? Sugar Maple cabins define luxury.

Sugar Maple offers nearly 200 cabins from a beautiful lodge that sleeps 50 to the perfect romantic retreat for two. Your choice is simple: You can stay in an ordinary cabin or you can stay in extraordinary luxury with Sugar Maple Cabins.

Visit the website and book online at:
http://www.sugarmaplecabins.com

Wilderness at the Smokies

Wilderness at the Smokies offers some of the area’s newest attractions outside downtown Sevierville

Not only has Sevierville’s Wilderness at the Smokies resort brought an exciting new attraction to the area, it’s now redoing the way convention, conference and meeting planners view and utilize the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. The area’s newest resort is drawing year-round events to its 700-acre Sevierville, Tn. property.

Wilderness at the Smokies offers 234 mountain modern guest rooms and 472 multi-room suites in addition to condominiums at the Wyndham Resort on the Wilderness property. All this, and it’s conveniently located next to the 200,000 square-foot Sevierville Event Center. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s two outdoor waterparks, a nearly four-acre indoor waterpark and 36-holes of championship golf during their stay.

The Wilderness at the Smokies resort is quickly becoming one of the region’s most popular conference, convention and meeting destinations. In all, the resort boasts a 108,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 19,000 square-foot ballroom, more than 1,600 parking spaces, 10 covered loading bays, two nearby airports, and all less than a full day’s drive for 75 percent of the U.S. population.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort has hosted conferences, meetings and conventions ranging from family reunions to major national events like the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrate America” conference in October with keynote speaker former President George W. Bush which was attended by nearly 10,000 people – all since opening less than two years ago.

“We work hard to make sure the meetings our guests host are fun and easy,” said Dottie Clabough, director of sales for Wilderness at the Smokies. “Our facility offers multiple meeting room options, six executive suites, and if you need more space, we have the Sevierville Events Center, which is connected to our Events Center Hotel.

“When your guests are done with a busy day in the board room, they, along with their families, will welcome the opportunity to kick back and relax in our fabulous waterparks, on Eagle’s Landing championship golf course, or at our restaurants. We even have a trolley service available to us that goes to many popular shows and attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge. It is perfect for spouse’s programs or evening activities.

“When guests come to our property, they can park their cars and not worry about driving during their stay. Everything they could want or need is all right here.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark adjacent to the Sevierville Event Center. River Lodge and the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added six months later. In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness – the resort’s second outdoor waterpark. Lake Wilderness features the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, Cataloochee Creek Adventure River and poolside cabanas.

Located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wilderness at the Smokies is establishing a new standard for conventions, conferences and meetings in East Tennessee, as well as being one of the area’s premier lodging destinations. With two 18-hole golf courses, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, two outdoor waterparks, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for everyone. For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

Sevierville 2010 Calendar of Events

2010 Sevierville, TN Calendar of Events

For those of us looking for a fun afternoon outside the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you don’t have to look further than Sevierville. Sevierville is packed with family events in 2010 beginning in March with a Smoky Mountain Springfest to the town’s 48th annual Christmas Parade on December 4th. There’s literally something for everyone in 2010!

MARCH 2010

March 6 to  8 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

March 11 to June 7 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Enjoy spring decorations, mountain wildflowers and plenty of great events during Smoky Mountain Springfest. For more information call 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or www.VisitSevierville.com

March 13 – The Diner Rats 2nd Annual Shamrock Saturday Cruisin’ for Food – Bring canned or boxed non-perishable food for Sevier County Food Ministries or Wears Valley Ranch. Cruise begins at noon at Smokies Stadium and proceeds to The Diner, rain or shine. (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

March 20 – Smoky Mountain Thunder Motorcycle & Car Show – Sevier Co. Fairgrounds (865) 654-1851

March 26 & 27 – Corvette Expo & Auction – Sevierville Events Center 865-687-8303 www.corvetteexpo.com

APRIL 2010

April 17 – Master Gardener’s Event – Buy plants and get gardening tips from Sevier County’s master gardeners at Sevier Co. Fairgrounds. (865) 453-3695

April 24 – The Diner’s Spring Fling Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

MAY 2010

May 11 to 13 – Sevierville’s BBQ Boot Camp – Learn BBQing techniques from Champion BBQ Cookers during the three day BBQ Boot Camp in Sevierville, TN. Sign up for 1, 2 or 3 days of cooking. Registration is $50 per day or $125 for all three days. Register at www.BloominBBQ.com.

May 14 & 15 – Sevierville’s 6th Annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass – The largest event in Sevierville! Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, FREE bluegrass concerts from rising stars and bluegrass legends (2010 includes Audie Blaylock, Tony Rice Unit and Dan Tyminski), kids games, great food and authentic mountain crafts. Admission is FREE. For more information, contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce 1-888-889-7415 or visit www.BloominBBQ.com

May 22 – The Diner’s Loves of Your Life Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

JUNE 2010

June 5 to 7 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center (865) 436-6151

June 10 to 12 – Dumplin Valley June Fest – Top Bluegrass artists in a 3 day festival. (865) 397-7942

June 10 to 12 – Parker’s Greatest Knife Show – Large-scale collectable knife show at Sevierville Events Center (423) 892-0448

June 26 – The Diner’s Cruise In Jam Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz

JULY 2010

July 2 – July 2 Tanya Tucker in Concert at Country Tonite Theatre – 1-800-792-4308

July 24 – Diner’s Hot Nights, Cool Cars Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

AUGUST 2010

August 6 to 8 – TN Tax Free Weekend – Shop tax free on select items throughout Tennessee. www.tntaxholiday.com

August 28 – The Diner’s Back to School Cruise In – Open car show and cruise in – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 6 to 11 – Sevier County Fair – Traditional hometown fair with a midway, carnival rides, games, contests and concerts at Sevier Co. Fairgrounds. (865) 453-0770

September 11 to 13 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

September 11 & 12 – Weekend Tea Party & 9-11 Memorial Events – The Diner (865) 908-1904

September 16 to 18 – Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival – Enjoy three days of music from the nation’s best Bluegrass musicians. (865) 397-7942 www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com

September 17 to October 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – 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. For more information call 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or www.VisitSevierville.com

September 22 to 25 – Great Smoky Mountain Annual Auto Fest at Smokies Stadium – See a wide variety of autos, attend the swap meet and car corral, enjoy cash and prize giveaways, a Thursday night cruise in and downtown block party. Registration is limited to the first 1500 cars. Registration $30, Gate Admission $5 – Gates open 8am-6pm daily (865) 850-4806

OCTOBER 2010

October 1 & 2 – 31st Annual Circle Your Wagens VW Show – Sevier County Fairgrounds 865-654-8009

October 2 & 3 – Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming – Located at the Robert Tino Gallery and Farm off Hwy 66, next to Buddys BarBQ. Smoky Mountain Homecoming unveils Robert Tino’s latest mountain print. This event will feature two days of art, bluegrass music, story telling, mountain crafts and displays, kids games, petting zoo and pony rides, kids art classes, antiques, and a farmers market. Admission is free. (865) 453-6315 or 1-800-675-6961 www.smokymountainhomecoming.com

October 15 & 16 – Corvette Expo and Auction – Sevierville Events Center 865-687-8303 www.corvetteexpo.com

October 23 – The Diner’s 7th Anniversary Cruise In – Open car show and Cruise In – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

NOVEMBER 2010

November 5 & 6 – Genealogy Conference – Historic walking tour of downtown Sevierville, special heritage preservation presentations and a dinner gala. (865) 908-7988

November 6 – The Diner’s Veterans Day Cruise In – Open car show and Cruise In – 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz

November 8 – Sevierville’s Winterfest Kick Off Music, Lights & Magic – 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. Call 1-888-738-4378. www.VisitSevierville.com

November 8 to February 28 – Smoky Mountain Winterfest – Enjoy millions of twinkling lights throughout the Great Smoky Mountains area. 1-888-738-4378

November 8 to February 28 – Smoky Mountain Winterfest in 3D Glasses Available – Winterfest in 3D Glasses are available at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 while supplies last. These glasses help you see Winterfest in a whole new light as every point of light shifts into a snowflake. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378)

November 13 to 15 – Norton’s Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market – Sevierville Events Center 865-436-6151

DECEMBER 2010

December 4 – Sevierville’s 48th Annual Christmas Parade – A traditional hometown parade with baton twirlers, pageant winners, marching bands and floats leading up to the appearance of the Grand Marshal – Santa Claus! Parade begins at 11am and can best be viewed on Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue in historic downtown Sevierville, TN. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378)

December 9 to 11 – Parker’s Greatest Knife Show – Large-scale collectable knife show at Sevierville Events Center (423) 892-0448