If you are looking for something fun to do for the holidays, the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee definitely offer a lot. Going on right now in Sevierville is the Winterfest. The town is currently decked out in tons Christmas lights and decorations. We recommend checking out the lights about town and then visiting Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, which is a nice, drive through, Christmas light show that is great for the entire family. Also go see Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventure in nearby Pigeon Forge while you are in the area. But Sevierville has great stuff to do all year round and I am sharing many of them with you below. Did we miss something? If you have more to add to the list, please do so in the comment section.
Things To See In Sevierville: Attractions
Dolly Parton Statue – As I said, Sevierville is the home of Dolly Parton. So, a visit to Sevierville is not complete without checking out the Dolly Parton statue that was built in 1987 and is located in front of the Sevier County Courthouse in town.
Sevier County Courthouse – While checking out the Dolly Parton Statue, be sure to also visit the Sevier County Courthouse which was built in 1896 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
National Parks Service Passport Stamps – On your way into Sevierville, be sure to stop by the National Parks Office and get your Sevierville stamp for your National Parks Service Passport book.
Tanger Outlets – You need to come home with souvenirs, right? Once place I always like to visit while in Sevierville is Tanger Outlets. I particularly love the Disney Outlet and picked up a Star Wars tshirt last time I was there for like $12. I just love a good deal. 😉
Things To Do In Sevierville: Food
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – A visit to Sevierville is not complete without a visit to Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Make sure you try the Apple Fritters and Applewood Bacon. You know you were going to try the bacon anyway, but still. After breakfast, walk over to the Applebarn Cider Mill and get some fresh apple cider before you leave.
The Diner – I have eaten at The Diner a few times and have always enjoyed it. I particularly love the retro vibe and the cool music memorabilia featured on premises. My personal favorite items on the menu are the Peanut Butter Pie and the Elk Burger. I haven’t tried the Bison Burger yet, so if you do please tell me what you think.
Flapjacks’s Pancake Cabin – I never visit Sevierville without going to Flapjack’s. It’s similar to your typical pancake house except that the food is way better and the ambiance is beautiful and comforting. There are several locations throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and each is a little different. I am partial to the one in Sevierville that has a beautiful fireplace right in the middle of the restaurant.
Healthy Balance Meals – If you are trying to be health conscious while visiting Sevierville, then Healthy Balance Meals is the place for you. I had a Grilled Chicken Wrap there that was almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 😉
Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ – I remember playing Tony Gore’s music when I worked on a Southern Gospel radio station years ago. So it was especially fun to visit Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ. Check out all of the autographed pictures on the walls of music icons! The food is really good but the Macaroni and Cheese is a must.
Walters State Community College Culinary School – A couple of years ago, I got to attend a tasting event at the Culinary School at Walters State Community College that was put together by the students. Here is where I tried Duck Confit for the first time and it was delicious. The students prepare dishes that you might not be accustomed to so that is the perfect reason to go. Try something new. 😀
Courthouse Donuts – Courthouse Donuts is a create your own donut type place. With hundreds of flavor combinations, you can literally enjoy almost any kind of donut that you can dream up. I recommend the Key Lime Pie Donut. Nom. Nom. This experience is especially cool for families with children. Grab a donut and go check out the in town attractions like the Dolly Parton Statue and the Sevier County Courthouse.
Things To Do In Sevierville: Alcohol
Sevier Distilling – I have visited several of the distilleries in Sevierville but Sevier Distilling is my most recent. They offered lots of varieties of alcohol but the one I found most interesting, and purchased, was something called Yenoh [honey, backwards]. It’s alcohol made from honey. Legit. I definitely recommend picking some up if you are looking for something unique to add to your home bar.
Tennessee Legend Distillery – Sample the moonshine. Yum! I recommend the Coffee Moonshine at Tennessee Legend Distillery. I also brought home a Salted Caramel Flavored Candle. Yum. And please say “Hi” to the stuffed raccoon for me when you visit.
Thunder Road Distillery – Sample some more moonshine at Thunder Road Distillery! You gotta trust moonshine from a guy in overalls that looks like Charlie Daniels, right? I have purchased moonshine here, too, though I can’t recall what kind. I do remember the Banana Shine being so very good, though, so I am recommending that one here.
Hillside Winery – Is moonshine not your thing? Do a wine tasting at Hillside Winery. If you are like me and just learning about wine so you are unsure of what types you like, this is a great way to learn. I also really enjoy learning about the process in alcohol production. It’s all really quite intricate.
Need Lodging While In Sevierville?
We recommend either the Appleview River Resort or the Clarion Inn Willow River.
Check out the rest of my pictures from my most recent visit to Sevierville on Flickr.
A lot of eating and a lot of exploring old timey spots sounds like the perfect time to me! I’ll have to make Sevierville our next road trip!
Food, drinks and checking out historic old places? Sounds like a great weekend for our family!
Sevierville sounds like a great place to eat, drink, and check out some cool sites! May have to make a weekend of it.
We did the area in summertime, but I would love to see it all decked out at the holidays. Sevierville really does have a lot to offer visitors. The Smoky Mountains is one of my favorite family vacations that we’ve ever been on.
Three Different Distilleries and a Winery Tour? Sounds like my kind of press trip, YES PLEASE!!!! 🙂
A Tennessee trip sounds like it could be a lot of fun! I think we’d enjoy trying some of the restaurants.
It would be so amazing to go there and explore! I’m also all about the good food and I’d love to try those restaurants! It’s really awesome that you’re sharing this!
We used to go to Sevierville all the time. We loved eating at the Apple Barn restaurant.
I would love to go to Sevierville and experience Winterfest. We are hoping to be in Tennessee next winter. I have been wanting to go see Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventure.
Looks like a great place to road-trip to. Will add it to our bucket list. All that food, would be difficult to decide what to try first.
Sounds like a great place to visit! I would love to do some shopping at the Tanger Outlets, and I need to try the Applewood bacon. Yum! I wouldn’t mind hitting up the distillery too. Sevierville sounds like it has lots to do!
Sevierville looks like a really awesome place to hang out. I love going to Tennessee.
There is a lot more to do in Sevierville than I thought! I have been there a few times, but I really need to experience it!
I have always wanted to visit Tennessee, Sevierville most especially. I have a good friend who did a trip there and she came back with all those wonderful stories about her experience. The food photos you posted here are just so mouth watering. Southern cooking is definitely the best!