Attractions, History, Parks

Things to do in Sevier County on a budget

Patriot Park

You can visit Patriot Park along Old Mill Square. The park is dedicated to veterans from Sevier County that served during wartime. The park offers a walking path, which takes you along the Little Pigeon River where you’ll see flags from the 50 states and from branches of the armed forces. The central point of Patriot Park is a Patriot Missile, which was made famous during the first Gulf War.

Walk Along Sevierville’s Greenways

Sevierville is home to multiple greenways, which are either situated along bodies of water or between commercial centers. These undeveloped tracts of land are exclusively meant for recreational enjoyment. The West Prong Greenway is especially beautiful, as it runs parallel to the West Prong Little Pigeon River. Enjoy a casual stroll along the river as you observe ducks, geese, and if you’re lucky, herons. If you’re in the mood for an extended journey, you’re welcome to hit up the Veteran’s Park Greenway, which will take you all the way to Pigeon Forge.

Trolley

The parking area for Patriot Park is also the hub for Pigeon Forge Mass Transit trolleys, which offer a convenient and affordable way to get around town.

Goof Off at the Mt. Ton of Fun Inclusive Playground

Kids and kids at heart adore the Mt. Ton of Fun Playground, which helps visitors move their muscles while also addressing their cognitive, emotional, and social needs. The playground’s accessible climbing structures are bound to keep young children entertained, while nearby exercise equipment takes the boredom out of fitness for adults. Designed to be fully inclusive, this playground brings the community together while promoting the spirit of lighthearted fun for which Sevierville is known.

Old Mill

You can tour The Old Mill. Guided Tours of our Historic Old Mill takes you back to 1830. Still operating today, very much as it did in 1830, the gristmill is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and is also a stop on the Tennessee Civil War Trail. The tour guide, Emmitt, has been around the mill for more than 50 years, having played in the millpond as a kid and then became a miller’s assistant as a teenager. He regales visitors with stories, rumors, and quite a few facts, about how the mill has been in continuous operation since it opened almost 200 years ago. This is a family-friendly tour that guests of all ages will enjoy! $8.00 per adult.

Tour Historic Downtown Sevierville

Stop in at the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce to learn about local attractions and to pick up a free guide. Nearby, you’ll find several impressive structures worth viewing as you stroll through the historic district. During your walk, you’ll observe the architectural highlights of multiple historic periods represented in a variety of beautifully preserved structures. Top destinations include the Ashley W. Trotter House, the Goddard-Teague House, the Davis Hotel, and First Presbyterian Church. Visit just a few of these historic spots or build a full hour into your itinerary to check them all out. Some of the tour’s finest structures are private residences, so be sure to show your respect and enjoy from afar.

Moonshine Tasting

There are several free places to sample moonshine in Pigeon Forge. My favorite is Tennessee Legends Distillery. My husband loves Tennessee Shine Company which is across Vetersans Blvd from Patriot Park.

Discover Sevierville’s History at the Sevier County Heritage Museum

The Sevier County Heritage Museum may be tiny, but it’s definitely worth visiting. This free museum features a variety of rotating exhibits that are designed to enlighten guests on the region’s fascinating history. The museum maintains limited hours on weekdays but is also open for appointments. The volunteers that staff the museum are kind and clearly passionate about history. They love to share facts and stories with visitors, who emerge with a greater appreciation of the heritage that makes Sevierville so special.

Wine Tasting

There are also several places you can sample wine in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for free.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There is no admission to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are countless trails and unbelievable views waiting for you to explore. There are scenic drives for those who cannot hike. Foothills Parkway entrance is on Wears Vally Road. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is located in Gatlinburg. Cades Cove is in Townsend and is a must every time we visit the area.

Explore the Area

There area covered bridges and swinging bridges in the area.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

The Island offers free admission, and you can enjoy the fountain, live bluegrass music, and window shopping without spending a dime. There is a fountain show every half an hour.

Watch a Movie at the Sevierville Commons

During the summer, free movie showings take over the Sevierville Commons on the 2nd Friday of each month. Stop by with loved ones for a family-friendly event that is nothing short of magical. While the movie may be the main attraction, the summer series also includes free pre-show activities such as crafts and dance parties. Concessions are typically available, with proceeds benefiting local non-profits. In the event of inclement weather, the movies shift to an indoor location, to be determined the day of the showing.

Downtown Gatlinburg

We enjoy walking around downtown Gatlinburg and doing some window shopping. Or you can spend hours walking around the Arts and Craft community of Gatlinburg to see some local artists.

Enjoy Some Peace And Quiet at the King Family Library

As the flagship for the Sevier County Public Library System, the King Family Library boasts a vast collection of books, magazines, DVDs, and more. Ample resources are available for visitors of all ages, including kids and teens. The structure is stunning both inside and out, with large windows offering plenty of natural light for those relaxing indoors. Don’t forget to stop by the third floor, where you’ll find an impressive history center dedicated to genealogy.

Sections taken from SmokyMountains.com blog

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Amusement, Attractions, Entertainment, Pigeon Forge

Indoor Skydiving in Pigeon Forge TN

Have you ever wanted to go skydiving? Are you afraid to jump out of the plane? Are you afraid of heights? This indoor skydiving may be just the compromise.

Flyaway is a vertical wind tunnel where you can test your skills in the sport of bodyflight. After a quick class, an instructors will help you leave the ground and learn how to fly! This may be your once in a lifetime “bucket list” experience. Flyaway is America’s first windtunnel.

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving | Indoor Skydiving – Pigeon Forge, TN

info@flyawayindoorskydiving.com

3106 Parkway

865-453-7777

Attractions, Great Smoky Mountains, Parks, photos, Z00

Mini Sabbatical

A lot of us are working from home which gives us the opportunity to take a mini sabbatical.

Now that your garage has been cleaned out, cars are all vacuumed and everything else that you have been putting off is taken care of, you may want to take a mini sabbatical to a relaxing and inspiring place.

Sevierville has it all.  There is history, beauty and fun all in one area.  Imagine having your coffee on the deck every morning while waiting for the sun to come up.  Sunrise

All our cabins have high speed internet for your “work from home” sabbatical.   Geppettos Restaurant is on Wears Valley Road and is one of our most favorite Italian Restaurants in Sevierville.  They will deliver to our cabin “Kiss the Clouds”.  Enjoy your lunch on the deck while overlooking those amazing smoky Mountain Views.  framed_view_1_1920x1080

My cousin came with us on one of our trips and it worked out perfectly.  She got off work at 4 PM and I had dinner ready for us.  Then, we would go out and explore the area.  One night we went to Cades Cove and saw a lot of bears.  VID_20200526_174050_exported_21009_1598034565155

My daughter was missing prom season this past year, so we brought her old prom dresses and dressed up and took some pictures.  IMG_20200424_154100

One night we went to an exotic petting zoo.  It is off of Dolly Parton Highway.  We wanted to do something that was off the beaten path.  We didn’t want to be around a lot of other people.  We were very pleasantly surprised with the place.  It was a really nice place to spend some time and enjoy the different animals.  My daughter held a baby goat.  We got to feed the animals.  We pet an Elk and he was very soft.  IMG_20200601_150955

I have blogged about things you can do in the area that are less crowded.

If you haven’t been out in a while and want to take a nice “social distancing” vacation, consider Great Smoky Vacations for your next getaway.

Attractions, Pigeon Forge, Wheelchair accessible

Wheel Chair Access Attractions in Pigeon Forge

Most of Pigeon Forge is wheelchair accessible.  Most dinner shows and shopping places have elevators or are on one level.  Highlighted below are also some attractions that are accessible by wheelchair.

Titanic Museum

The exhibits and self-guided tour are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for use.

SeaJack #6 017

WonderWorks Museum

Interactive exhibits of the unusual and unexplained.

Elevators give access to the upper level. Service animals are welcome, as well. For hearing-impaired guests, there is signage with instructions and explanations of exhibits.SeaJack #6 014

Those with visual impairments are able to participate at exhibits that rely on the sense of touch.

Dollywood

Theme park offering entertainment, attractions, rides and dining. Wheelchair and Electric Convenience Vehicles are available for rental while visiting. Most of the park is on level ground, with some gentle, rolling pathways for ease of accessibility. Featured Image -- 802Rides and attractions are marked with special entrances for wheelchairs. Rides that require transfer from a wheelchair are indicated by signs. Service animals are welcome, and assisted listening devices are available.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The park offers scenic drives through the mountains, programs and information at the visitors’ centers, and some accessible mountain trials. Cades Cove Loop offers an 11-mile scenic loop road. The Cades Cove Visitor Center has handicapped parking, accessible restrooms and drinking fountains, and a ramp into the one-story building. Cable Mill Historic Area at Cades Cove has two historic buildings that are accessible, but the rest are not. 010515_Gatlinburg'15(edits)_033The area is reached by walking over a gravel trail which might not be possible for some individuals. Sugarlands Visitor Center is completely accessible, with wheelchairs available for use. The center has ranger-led programs and a movie about the plants and animals of the Smokies that is close-captioned. The Sugarlands Valley Trail is a half-mile paved walking trail that is accessible. The All-Access Nature Trail at New Found Gap Road is designed for the disabled, as well as young children and senior citizens. Several picnic sites in the park, located at Cades Cove, Chimneys, Cosby and Metcalf Bottoms, have handicapped-accessible facilities.  The view from Clingman’s Dome parking area is just as impressive as the view from the tower.  Mingus mill is just a little further beyond Clingman’s Dome.  Oconaluftee Visitor enter is just a little further and has a little town set up out back.

http://www.yoursmokies.com/handicappedaccessible.html

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a pretty popular kid friendly Smoky Mountain hiking trail. This looped trail is 0.5 mile long, making it short and sweet. Your kids will enjoy being out in nature, and they’ll burn some energy walking along the trail. This trail is close to Gatlinburg and runs alongside a creek, where your family can explore and possibly see some wildlife. This trail is paved, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Fun Time Trolley

These wheelchair-accessible trolleys travel throughout Pigeon Forge.PigeonForgeArea-14Trolley

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Diverse selection of activities – The Island is showcased by a 200-foot Observation Wheel and the Island Show Fountains, which are programmed to perform to light and music year-round. Our oasis in the Smokies is open 365 days a year with free parking and free admission. PigeonForgeArea-82TheIslandPaulaDeens The Island features flat, rolling sidewalks and easy access to every store, restaurant, and attraction. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is wheelchair accessible and rotates 200 feet over Pigeon Forge, giving you some tremendous views.

Amusement, Entertainment, Pigeon Forge, Show

“Moonshine Murders”

Take dinner and theater to the next level during an interactive play where you and fellow guests help solve the mystery at hand. No seat is a bad one in the small theater, which offers an intimate experience and plenty of opportunity to interact with the actors. During the show, enjoy a three–course meal complete with your choice of soup and dessert.

ticket-moonshine-2019 murder

2682 Teaster Ln. Pigeon Forge, TN. 37863