Posted on May 31, 2017 by Lauren Wilkerson Posted in Outdoor Adventures	.
With so many other fun and exciting things to do in and around Sevierville, a large majority of the visitors that come here every year are interested in one thing only: soaking up as much of the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park as possible. Hiking is one of the most common activities to enjoy in the area, and there’s no question why. The Smokies encompass some of the most stunning forested lands in the country. For a perfect example of some of that beauty condensed in short day hike, we recommend the four-mile climb to Hen Wallow Falls.
At the top, Hen Wallow Falls doesn’t look like much. Only two-feet across, the creek is barely big enough to be stepped over. Yet when it flows down the 90-foot drop that makes up the falls, this humble creek becomes a thing of beauty. When you hike to the bottom of the falls, you’ll be treated to the stunning sight of a 20-foot wide waterfall.
In the warmer weather, Hen Wallow Falls is perfect for wading. The area just beneath the falls is also often home to salamanders and other wildlife, so be sure to bring your camera! In colder weather, the waterfall often freezes, which can be just as gorgeous a view.
Hen Wallow Falls isn’t the only amazing thing you will see along the away. The lush trail, marked by signs, takes you through rhododendron and hemlock forest, some of the Smokies’ famous greenery surrounding you as you climb. This is a roughly three- to four-hour climb, one way (4.4 miles to the Falls), with moderate difficulty. There may be some areas where footing is not very stable, and the sides on either side of the trail are very steep. Pets and bicycles are not allowed, and carrying in drinking water is necessary.
While the view is amazing, and it’s tempting to want to drink in even more of it, please do not climb the rocks around the waterfall. These have caused serious injuries and deaths in the past. Mist and algae from the waterfall make these rocks much more slick than they first appear. With that being said, responsible hikers will find that this is one of the most rewarding trails in the Sevierville area.
Hiking through the Smokies is something that everyone should experience once. When you’ve come back from exploring the beauty of the mountains, Sevierville is ready to welcome you with relaxing entertainment, fine dining, secluded cabin getaways, and more. You can also plan your hiking excursions in the area with the National Park Service’s Smokies Trip Planner. After you’ve seen Hen Wallow Falls, we know you’ll want to take in as many of the lovely waterfalls as you can in the area. Fall in love with Sevierville’s hiking this year!
Posted on May 25, 2017 by Lauren Wilkerson Posted in Shopping	.
Sevierville offers plenty of outdoor fun and nearby nightlife – but if your idea of a great time involves a day of great deals and amazing buys, we have plenty to offer you, too! Our specialty shops include something to please everyone, even the shop-o-phobic in your group. While Sevierville boasts a wide range of specialty shops, from chocolate makers and hand-spun yarn, to scrapbooking materials and a shop dedicated to Christmas all year, here are four that we think should be on your list.
Showcasing much of our unique mountain heritage, this marketplace is absolutely one of a kind. When you show up, you’ll find a farm yard that looks more like a county fair than a store! The collectible equipment that decorates the yard is broken up by unique storage buildings where you’ll find more than 30 shops selling antiques, crafts, pottery, food, and more. Enjoy live music as you shop, picnic tables to enjoy your snacks or lunch, and more. The inventory and shops change frequently, so this is a great place to visit again on your second, third, or fourth trip to Sevierville!
Connected to an operational farm and restaurant, The Apple Barn is a fantastic place to go if you’d like a taste of Sevierville. Selling plenty of apple products such as apple butter and apple jam, as well as homemade candy and plenty of other Sevierville favorites, The Apple Barn is perfect for grabbing souvenirs to take home. Stop here before your hike in the National Park to grab some local snacks like dried apples, perfect for munching on when you stop for lunch.
Hunting is a way of life in Tennessee, so it’s hard to go anywhere without running into the local favorite gun shop. In Sevierville, Bud’s offers a roomy shopping experience, plenty of expertise to help you with your purchase, and a range where you can hone your skills or test your buy. The store is known for hosting gun safety and review experts, as well as for hosting events to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund. This is the largest gun store and shooting range in the entire state, and you won’t find a more helpful staff.
Want to head home with something you can remember us by forever? The Cherry Pit Quilt Shop is a quaint boutique in Sevierville offering supplies, fabric, patterns, books, and more. Come in to learn from the experienced staff, or to browse the lovely selection of quilting supplies available. The store also offers classes if you’d like to learn a traditional craft from local experts.
From farm-to-table goods to handcrafted souvenirs, Sevierville has plenty to offer shoppers looking for a homey mountain experience. No matter what you are interested in, our famous shopping is a must for any vacation itinerary. Find more unique specialty shops in Sevierville to add to your list!
Posted on May 18, 2017 by Lauren Wilkerson Posted in Food & Wine	.
When you go on vacation, burgers are everywhere. As the ultimate in convenient, yet filling, food, it’s easy to get tired of the same old thing. But at The Diner in Sevierville, you may just find the exotic new taste you’ve been missing. An elk burger is just one of the delicacies on the menu that reflect authentic mountain cooking in a modern dish.
Elk is one of the best red meats to eat when it comes to your heart. It is low in fat, high in protein, and low in cholesterol. It’s also extremely tender, needing no marinating or processing at all to melt in your mouth. And in fact, elk tastes very similar to beef – there’s just enough of a new flavor to be rich and interesting, without being too challenging for tried and true beef lovers. In fact, elk rivals chicken as one of the healthiest animal proteins we can eat!
Only elk offers more nutritional value, and The Diner has that too! You can try an elk burger or a bison burger, both made with grass-fed meat, or enjoy a lean angus burger, turkey burger, or veggie burger. All are freshly char-grilled to order, because The Diner doesn’t take short cuts. Real ingredients, food made from scratch, and a dedication to ensuring the best quality meals make The Diner more than just a quick bite.
Why Check Out The Diner?
A throwback to the classic soda shops and burger joints of the 1950s, The Diner is Sevierville’s most entertaining spot for lunch and dinner. Come in to enjoy the classic 50s décor, the staff dressed in poodle skirts, and lots of great atmosphere. It’s a great place to bring the kids, who love the fun and the food. Burgers are definitely The Diner’s specialty, but they cater to many diets. MSG-free, low-salt, and many other types of dishes can be prepared fresh by the talented kitchen staff.
On Fridays, The Diner hosts trivia contests for the whole family! Come in to try either a trivia worksheet with no Google or cell phones allowed, or ease up and try the worksheet with all the help you need. Your family will love having a relaxed activity to enjoy in the great atmosphere of The Diner while the kitchen prepares your meal. This is a great way to cap off your long drive to Sevierville, and get yourself in the spirit before your fun weekend getaway begins!
Once you’ve filled up on the delicious elk burgers at The Diner, or tried one of their other freshly made specialties, you are ready to check out Sevierville’s many other great attractions. Be sure to watch for fun family activities coming up in Sevierville this year. The Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass festival is a great way to try some more authentic mountain fare with the whole family.
Posted on May 11, 2017 by Lauren Wilkerson Posted in Food & Wine	.
The Smoky Mountains have a rich culinary history that combines a little bit of the backgrounds of the many European settlers that landed here centuries ago. In Sevierville, you’ll find Southern comfort food at its finest, with a bit of Smoky Mountain flair. The many mountain cuisine locations around the city offer not just authentic recipes, but also authentic, local ingredients; so the dishes are prepared in the same way the recipes were cooked hundreds of years ago. Come take a look at the dining experiences Sevierville has to offer.
At the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill, you aren’t just sitting in a restaurant – you are surrounded by history. With horse-drawn wagons, tobacco fields, beef being raised on site, and more, it’s a true farmhouse that serves traditional Appalachian fare. Some of the chef’s specialties include fried chicken, dumplings, meatloaf, liver and onions, and of course, all the steak you could ask for. The restaurant serves three meals a day.
Another farmhouse that serves up three square meals is Mama’s, located near Sevierville in Pigeon Forge. This restaurant has not only won multiple TripAdvisor awards from travelers looking for the real mountain taste, but it also won the 2015 International Biscuit Festival. Biscuits are a tried and true part of Southern cuisine, so you know that Mama’s is an excellent choice when you want a real taste of Sevierville culture. The menu is served in “all you can eat” family-style portions, just as if you were at home!
Interested in experiencing truly authentic mountain food in a more artisanal atmosphere? The Old Mill offers guests a view of the river moving the waterwheel at the working mill right next door to the restaurant. The restaurant also owns and operates the pottery house across the street, where they showcase a traditional mountain craft. The menus include rainbow trout, catfish, BBQ ribs, and many other mountain favorites. Both lunch and dinner are available at either The Old Mill, or the café in the pottery house.
Are you heading out for a hike in the National Park? A stop by The Apple Barn is a must for all your picnic needs! Here is where you can grab some of the area’s most distinctive delicacies, such as apple fritters, taffy, and more. Officially affiliated with the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, this is a great choice for guests on the go who still want a taste of Sevierville history.
With so many restaurants serving authentic mountain cuisine around every corner, you won’t go hungry when you visit Sevierville. Find more delicious ideas for your visit with our 5 Days to Dine itinerary suggestions. Check out Dolly Parton’s favorite spot, Frank Allen’s Market, as well as a lunchtime treat where the chef will cook up the trout that you caught yourself! And don’t forget to try an elk or bison burger with fried green tomatoes at The Diner.
Check out more great places to eat in The Travel Voice by Becky’s guide to the 35 Best Things to Do in Sevierville.