Sevierville

It’s all here in Sevierville – but how do you get from here to there, and there to here? Easy. This gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is easier to reach than you might think. Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville from major U.S. hubs, then it’s just a scenic 45-minute drive to Sevierville’s front porch. Prefer to keep it even closer? Regional airports in Asheville and Tri-Cities put you within striking distance too. Once you’re here, getting around is a breeze – hire a car for maximum freedom, hop on local trolleys that connect Sevierville with Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, or simply wander downtown on foot and take in the charm. No covered wagons required – though with the Parkway winding right through, you might just want to slow it down and savour every mountain view along the way.

Meander through downtown Sevierville and learn about the city’s history, culture, and characters. From a dog that made daily banking deposits to the now-defunct railroad that once ran through the centre of town, vibrant murals, and beloved public art – including a bronze statue of their very own Dolly Parton by the 1896 beaux arts-style courthouse, the Wings of Wander mural, and The Tracks of Time sculpture. Interpretive history signage connects you further with the stories that make this community so special. 

Head to The Apple Barn & Cider Mill which has been cared for by the Kilpatrick family since the 1970s. This working apple orchard is where bakers, vintners, and candymakers demonstrate their skills while inviting you to taste the harvest. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant; then sip unique ciders at Apple Barn Hard Cider House, head to the Apple Barn Winery, try some homemade ice cream, and shop for unique apple products in a historic cattle barn.

Keep your eyes peeled for America’s national bird, the bald eagle. Many of these majestic birds make the Sevierville area home and can also be seen in the wild at places such as the award-winning Sevierville Golf Club. For a surer fired opportunity to observe these spectacular creatures; the American Eagle Foundation has recently opened its new headquarters in Sevierville. Guests can reserve a ticket to tour the facility while learning more about bald eagles and other birds of prey. 

Bring home a hand-crafted memory from your Tennessee holiday. Local artists like Robert A. Tino capture the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in the paintings proudly displayed in his historic farmhouse gallery. Explore wood carving and pottery at roadside art shops like Fat Bobs Wood Co. or Ogle Brothers Pottery & General Store. Don your best Smoky Mountain look with Loralei’s Boutique’s Faith Over Fear shirt and Llama Print joggers or western wear from Stages West and French’s Boots and Shoes. 

Take a guided excursion to the area’s best smallmouth bass fishing holes or try a fly-fishing class with expert teachers. Go hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park; an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site. Portions of the Appalachian Trail run through the Smoky Mountains with 800+ miles of maintained hiking trails to explore. Adrenaline junkies can zipline hundreds of feet above the forest floor or fly above the Great Smoky Mountains’ unreachable portions via helicopter. Head to Wildside to enjoy over 11 miles of mountain biking trails, guided UTV tours to incredible views, and America’s longest zipline (at over one mile in length).

Plan a meal at one of downtown Sevierville’s chef-driven restaurants such as Buffalo Breakfast Co., Seasons 101, or Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar. Taste traditional Appalachian dishes prepared with a modern twist with dinner at The Appalachian Restaurant; where mountain foods like frog legs, whiskey, and cornbread fill out a hearty meal. Then enjoy after dinner drinks, snacks, and games at The Pines Downtown – which happens to be in the former Pines Theater building where Dolly played her first paying gig in 1956. Throughout town, enjoy a variety of foods from traditional meat-and-threes to fluffy pancakes, southern fried chicken, and rich banana puddings.

Moonshine is the stuff of legend in the Smoky Mountains. Now legal for nearly 15 years; distilling families are sharing their family stories - and their flavourful corn whiskey recipes - in the light of day at several area distilleries. Get the digital Sevierville Sipping Pass and earn gifts while visiting distilleries, cider houses, wineries, and breweries. Take a tour and learn how moonshine is distilled at Old Tennessee Distilling Co. or pay a visit to Shine Girl - a woman-owned distillery specialising in unexpectedly elevated flavours like lavender and rose. Sevierville’s breweries and wineries also offer opportunities to sample and explore new flavours. 

Experience museums, waterparks, theme parks, and more in Sevierville and the Smoky Mountains. Spend a day or more at Dollywood - the theme park of world-famous singer Dolly Parton – complete with over 50 world-class rides. Then explore national treasures and flyable warbird aircraft including two rare P-47 Thunderbolts at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Let the kids dig at construction theme park Dig ‘N Zone. Relish the views, critters, and music at the mountaintop attraction, SkyLand Ranch. Cool off in the summer with a visit to Soaky Mountain Waterpark or play year-round at the indoor and outdoor waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies.