Sevierville is the backyard to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. Because Sevierville is much older than its neighboring cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, it has a darling historic town square which set it apart from the others. From aviation history to Hello Dolly, a shopper’s haven to spirit tastings, see what this charming city has to offer today. Here are the top things to do in Sevierville.
Explore Apple Barn Village
The Apple Barn Village is one of the top attraction in Sevierville. It is a huge complex with everything apple, and then some. Enjoy a tasty meal at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, beginning with the complimentary apple fritters that are served to each table. Then, stroll around the Apple Barn property to have a tasting at the Cider Mill or Winery.
Save room for handmade ice cream or freshly baked apple cobbler from The Apple Valley Creamery. Be sure to admire the 4,000 apple trees on the premises and pop in the amazing year-round Christmas store.
Hello Dolly!
Take a selfie with country music superstar Dolly Parton at the statue made in her likeness outside of the 1896 courthouse downtown. The 6 1/2 foot statue honors Sevierville’s most famous native. Dolly is also an actress, author, philanthropist, and so much more. She has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and is best-known for her singles “Jolene”,” I Will Always Love You”, and “Here You Come Again.”
Sample Spirits
When you think of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee landscape, do you think of moonshine? I do! With a visit to the Sevier Distilling Company’s tasting room, you can sample or purchase moonshine made right from this artisan spirit distiller. Enjoy an Appalachian tradition with Sevier Distilling’s Real Deal Shine, Yetti vodka, or Yenoh (pronounced ya-know) made from 100% honey.
Thrill Rides
Experience the thrill of riding in a 1928 Waco Bi-Plane with Sky High Air Tours at the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport. Take a birds-eye view of the beautiful Smoky Mountains with pilot Marc Hightower as you soar amongst the Sevierville and Pigeon Forge skies. You have a choice between three different rides, ranging from eight minutes to thirty. This is an open-cockpit flight so you will truly have an experience of a lifetime. Sky High Air Tours is located at the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge airport.
Find the Hidden Gem
The most astonishing hidden gem in Sevierville is the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, chock full of historic aircraft collections and amazing aviation history. The most rare items at this 50,000 square foot museum are two P-47 Thunderbolts that flew in World War II. They (along with many other planes, military vehicles, aircraft engines, fighters, helicopters, and jets) are in the museum’s massive hangar. This attraction is also located at the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport.
Appreciate Art
Admire the talented artworks and Smoky Mountains interpretation from Sevierville’s local artist Robert A. Tino at his incredible gallery. Whether you fancy acrylic, oils, or watercolor paintings, there is something for everyone in his creative portfolio.
While Robert’s landscape, mountains, and wildlife portraits are truly amazing, I was smitten by the holiday artwork even more. Robert’s wife Mary John handles the interior decor of the warm and friendly gallery, and displays Robert’s work in a beautiful fashion.
Shop Like It’s Black Friday
The Smoky Mountain Knife Works is unbelievable. It is the world’s largest knife store, but so much more. You can find collectibles, firearms, artisan cutlery, gourmet food, apparel, toys, and kitchenwares at this mammoth property. I will have to say that the SM Knife Works name did not interest me in the least, but once I got inside, I fell down the rabbit hole. It has so many cool things to see. Don’t miss The Relic Room, full of historical pieces, and the Game of Thrones pieces.
Another cool place to shop are the Tanger Outlets, with over 100 name brand stores and designer outlets. You will find big bargains at Vera Bradley, ASICS, Alex and Ani, Disney Outlet, Pink by Victoria’s Secret, and so many other stores. Look at the Tanger website before visiting for coupons and special discounts.
Take a Driving Tour
A fall driving tour of Sevierville is second to none in the Great Smoky Mountains. Get your printer-friendly Boyd’s Creek Fall Driving Tour map here and see for yourself the photo-worthy areas that truly celebrate fall. The peak times for an autumn fall color drive are mid-October to mid-November. A few places to interest on the driving tour are the Wade Family Barn, Battle of Boyd’s Creek Memorial, Island View School, Wilderness at the Smokies, Rock City Barn, and St. Paul Episcopal Church.
Eat Your Heart Out
Indulge in a delicious meal from Holston’s Kitchen, Applewood Farmhouse, The Diner, or Monster Mash Burgers. Holston’s Kitchen excels at delicious fajitas, hand-cut steak dinners, seafood, and craft cocktails. Be sure to save room for the Orange Cake, which is out of this world!
Perhaps the most visited attraction in Sevierville is the Apple Barn Village, which is where you’ll find Applewood Farmhouse. They proudly serve home-style Southern fare in an adorable setting. Just look at this spread!
Step inside the retro silver 50’s American dining spot, simply called The Diner, with great burgers, all-day breakfast, thick shakes, homemade pies, and a plethora of homestyle dishes.
Design custom-built burgers with over 100 ingredients to choose from at Monster Mash Burgers. Then, pair your burger or other sandwich creation with a tasty side of onion stranglers, sweet potato fries (with marshmallow creme), cauldron Mac & Cheese, or screeching (cabbage) slaw to name a few.
Have a Fantastic Stay
The Lodge at Five Oaks is a newly remodeled rustic hotel that is in the heart of many fun things to do in Sevierville. You can easily walk to the Tanger Outlets and many restaurants. The Lodge at Five Oaks has beautifully decorated rooms with hickory furnishings, hardwood floors, and a farming history themed lobby Outdoors offers a nice swimming pool with a water slide and kid’s activity area. Guests love the fire pit, the focal point of the outdoor area. A tasty breakfast buffet is included with your stay.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment
The Spa at Oak Haven Resort at the foothills of the Smokies is the perfect place to treat yourself to a “me” day. Indulge in the Almost Heaven Massage, Reflexology, Sugar Scrubs, a variety of facials, or even brow treatments. Enjoy use of the sauna that is complimentary with any spa treatment. Extend your time at Oak Haven Resort by staying in their quaint cabins.
Have a Ball in Sevierville!
Sevierville proved to be one of my favorite Southeastern destinations for a weekend getaway and lots of fresh mountain air. Not only will you be visiting one of the nation’s most family-friendly vacation spots, but also immersing yourself in Appalachia culture at its finest. Have fun in Sevierville, Tennessee!
Thanks to Visit Sevierville for hosting my visit, meals, and lodging. As always, opinions and review are 100% mine and unbiased.
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