Travel Guide To Sevierville, Tennessee

Sevierville, Tennessee, known for their slogan “Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins,” is nestled near the base of the Smoky Mountains, beside Pigeon Forge and only a few miles from Gatlinburg. Originally known as “The Forks of the River”  due to its location between the Little Pigeon River and the French Broad River, Sevierville was renamed in 1794 and declared the county seat of Sevier County.  Today, Sevierville is a bustling town filled with family friendly activities. Located ten miles from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a great place for a family vacation, romantic weekend, or Girlfriend Getaway. Planning a trip to Sevierville? Use this Travel Guide to Sevierville, Tennessee to find activities for everyone.

If you are planning a trip to the area, your first stop should be the Sevierville  Visitors Center, located at 110 Gary Wade Boulevard. You’ll be greeted by Woody the Bear, affectionally known for being one of their hardest workers.  You can pick up brochures and discount coupons for area attractions, plus find maps of the area. While you are there be sure to view the 30: Celebrating Dolly in Bronze exhibit.  You’ll find the bust of Dolly Parton, originally on display on the courthouse lawn, learn more about the creation of the statue and make a fun photo op with the family.

Tennessee Aviation Museum – If you are a fan of history or aviation, the Tennessee Aviation Museum is for you. Located beside the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge airport,  the museum the home of two airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts.  There are only around a dozen of these airplanes left that are capable of flying.  You will begin the tour with a walk through the exhibit hall, which houses a history of the US Military’s Air Experiences. Some of the surprising finds; a tribute to women’s service in the Air Force, gas masks used in WWI and WWII, and a cookbook sent out during the Food Rationing days entitled, “How To Cook Domesticated Rabbit.”

From the exhibit hall, you’ll move on to the 35,000 hanger filled with aircraft, many of which is still operable. Check out the new exhibit that is underway, featuring the use of military aircraft in Hollywood. Be sure to stop and chat with the museum volunteers. You might find yourself allowed to sit in a bomber plane while the volunteer instructs you how to fly the aircraft!  The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 6 PM and on Sunday from 1 PM until 6 PM.  Admission for adults is $12.75, children are $9.75 and children six and under are free.
Tennessee Aviation Museum" width="650" height="455" />
Nascar Speed Park – You can spend an entire day with the family here.  There are so many activities available you might have difficulty deciding where to start. Love mini-golf? There are two courses, one of which is handicapped accessible. Prefer to spend time indoors? Check out the arcade that’s packed with 75 games,  the Rock Climbing Wall, and the Spin Zone Bumper Cars. This attraction, which was new in 2016, allows participants to bump their opponents and send them into uncontrollable 360-degree spins.  Note: Tokens for the games must be purchased separately.

Outdoors you’ll find eight go-kart racing tracks, traditional rides including the Tilt-a-Whirl and Scrambler, and (in-season) Bumper Boats. Have young children? Be sure to visit their rides for the littlest set like the Stockcar Carousel, a cute carousel filled with mini race cars, and the Rockingham Railroad. The hours vary by day and season, so be sure to check the Hours And Info page on their website for the daily hours.  The Unlimited Rides Wristband can be purchased in a day pass for  $24.99 or a seven-day vacation pass for $39.99. With the purchase of the wristband, patrons are allowed exits and re-entry throughout the day of purchase. Tip: Plan to start your day at the Speedway to avoid the lines.

Sevier Air Trampoline Park & Ninja Warrior Park  Have you ever wanted to test your Ninja Skills? Just needed to take a break and have a safe space for the kids to play? You can find that here! There’s over 38,000 of fun with Ninja Warrior Courses, plenty of trampolines and a three story net climbing course suitable for ages two to ten.  Imagine having an entire floor filled with trampoline space. Kids can play basketball, volleyball or just jump on the trampolines. Feeling brave? Take the rope climbing challenge or try your luck on the advanced or regular Ninja Warrior Course. The Ninja Warrior Courses are designed with safety in mind. If you fall, you will land in soft foam. Younger children will  love Miley’s World, a special space with toys designed for infants and toddlers.

Tickets are one hour for $17.99 and two hours for $28.63.  Socks are required.  Sevier Air is open 10 AM until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 12 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ninja Warrior Park" width="650" height="488" />
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo  – A fun adventure for kids and adults, the zoo has over 600 live animals and over 130 species of animals from rainforests around the world.  This interactive zoo features exhibits and facts about the animals and an outdoor petting zoo. You’ll discover facts you probably didn’t know by visiting exhibits like A Rat’s Tail: The Story of Grace O’ Malley, which explains how rats were brought to the New World and  Ferrets of the Carribean, which tells how ferrets traveled on ships to reduce the rodent population.  The outdoor petting zoo includes a bevy of animals, along with the option of purchasing animal food. You can pet Australian sheep, miniature donkeys, pigs, ostriches and more.

Do not miss the animal show during your visit! Hosted by “Mr. Jim,” this approximately one hour show will keep the entire family enthralled. Featuring magic, fun facts, and opportunities to touch the animals, Mr. Jim adds touches of humor and surprises to his show. The Zoo is open from 9:00 AM until 5 PM daily. Admission for adults is $12.99, children ages three through twelve are $7.99, and children under three are free.

This is a Pantagonian Cavy, or Mara, a species of rodent who is a cousin to Guinea Pigs. They are joined by a feathered friend.

Downtown Sevierville– Outside of the hustle and bustle of the many attractions, you’ll find Historic Downtown Sevierville. Stroll along the streets and take in the scenery, make a photo of the Dolly Parton statue located outside the courthouse, and browse boutique shops.  If you are a quilter, don’t miss The Cherry Pit Quilt Shop, featuring patterns, quilt fabric, and other needed supplies. Looking for a gift for someone who has everything?  You’ll find shops like The Bees Knees, Sweet Peas & Ivy, and Treasures From the Heart. If you’re hungry, the area offers everything from classic bar-b-que to upscale Southern dining. In season, check out the Farmer’s Market held in the Bruce Street Gazebo area every Friday from 9 AM until 1 PM. Note: Many of the shops are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Historic Downtown Sevierville" width="550" height="752" />
Tanger Outlet Mall Sevierville-is a shoppers paradise! With over 100 stores featuring everything from apparel for the entire family to specialty stores and restaurants. You’ll find brand names like Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Bradley, Michael Kors for adults. Finding kids clothes is a snap too with the Children’s Place, Osh Kosh, Carter’s, Gymboree and more. I always plan a trip to the Disney Outlet Store to find bargains like a pair of 101 Dalmatians Flip Flops I purchased for the baby for $2.25.   If you need a gift for that hard to buy for person, there’s plenty of shops to visit. You’ll find everything from Harry and David to Bath and Body Works to Direct Tools. Tip: Be sure to check their website for information about sales and discount offers before you go! Hours vary by season Winter, Regular, Summer, Fall and Holiday season but you should always find them open between 10 AM and 7 PM.

Apple Barn Village (Plus Applebarn Restaurant!)The Apple Barn Restaurant has been in business for 30 years and one taste of their food will let you know why. It’s classic homestyle Southern cooking, and it’s served in plentiful portions. The meal begins with a plate of freshly prepared, warm apple fritters, served with homemade apple butter and a serving of Apple Julep, a non-alcoholic concoction of apple, lemon, orange and pineapple juices. Throughout 2015, be sure to try their dinner special. It includes soup, salad, an entree of choice served with mashed potatoes, another side item of your choice and dessert, all for $15.99. This dinner could easily have fed two. (Actually it did, as I took half of mine back to our cabin for another meal.) The Apple Barn Grill, which provides some adaptions of old classics, is also located on the property.  The restaurant is open from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM daily.

While visiting the Apple Barn, take advantage of the time to tour some of their shops. Stop by The Winery for free tastings of Apple Barn Wines. Although there are classic wines like Merlot and Pinot Grigio, there are also new twists like Apple Raspberry wine using fresh apples grown on site.  Believe in Christmas all year round? Visit The Christmas Shop for unique ornaments. If you’re hungry but only want a snack stop by The Creamery and Candy Factor for ice cream or sweets.  The General Store offers a chance to purchase mixes to some of the dishes served in the restaurants along with souvenirs.

Homemade Apple Fritters and Apple Butter.
Courthouse Doughnuts– Located in historic downtown, appropriately across from the Courthouse, this doughnut shop has a different twist than traditional doughnut shops. You’re able to design your own doughnut. There are over 300 combinations! First, you receive the base, a fresh homemade cake doughnut. Next, you choose to top the doughnut with either a chocolate, vanilla or original glaze. Then add a topping from their plentiful variety. You’ll find choices like peanuts or pecans, mini M&Ms, crushed Oreos, coconut and more. Finally, you can add a sauce from eight choices, like peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and key lime. They truly live up to their slogan, “The taste is arresting…you be the judge.” If you are feeling hungry, Courthouse Doughnuts also serves a lunch menu of assorted soups, salads, and sandwiches. All sandwiches come with a taste of the homemade donut bread, a tempting concoction of homemade doughnuts and “secret ingredients.” Courthouse Doughnuts is open from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM until 2 PM on Saturday.

This doughnut has a blend of vanilla icing, sprinkles and a topping of Key Lime sauce.

Hidden Mountain Resort– Looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway? Want to be near the action but far enough away to avoid noise and crowds? Hidden Mountain Resort is the place to be. Located approximately 1/2 mile away from the Apple Barn, Hidden Mountain Resort offers a variety of housing options. Here you will find one to fourteen bedroom log cabins,  one to five bedroom Farmhouse style homes, and two to three bedroom mountain villas. There’s also a MotorCoach Park.  We stayed in the one bedroom cabin, The Looking Glass, and will be staying there again in the future. It came complete with everything needed for two people. The cabin featured a screened front porch, perfect for impromptu meals,  and a screened back porch with a hot tub. Inside the cabin was a large room containing a fully furnished kitchen, a comfy living room with a fireplace, and a gaming area with a pool table and video game machine with classic games including Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man and more. The cabin also included a large bedroom and bath.  Extra touches to make the cabin feel homey including a throw placed on the porch for chilly evenings, books, blu-rays and more.

hidden mountain resort cabin" width="650" height="438" />

Looking for activities? You’ll find plenty to do at Hidden Mountain.  There are seasonal swimming pools, a workout room, and fishing ponds. If you want to relax, take a break and spend time by the Fire Pit, in one of the gazebos, or in the Prayer Garden. Hidden Mountain Resorts is perfect for events; offering venues for weddings, family reunions, and retreats.  Hidden Mountain East is located at 475 Apple Valley Road.

hidden mountain resort pool" width="650" height="445" />
Wilderness in the Smokies– is Tennessee’s largest waterpark resort. Included in your stay is the use of both the indoor waterpark and the two outdoor water parks. Also available for an additional fee, is the Adventure Forest, which includes a three story ropes course, laser tag, a mega arcade and more.  Lodging options include traditional rooms, suites, and larger villas.

Have you visited Sevierville? What are your favorite activities?

Step Back in Time at Cades Cove (The Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Parrot Mountain 
Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
The Titanic Museum