Drive in from Interstate 40, and you will see almost as many shopping outlets and restaurants as you would see anywhere around, but the town also offers a unique charm that sets it apart from the other two towns.  What was originally known as a town named Forks of the Little Pigeon in the late 1790s has blossomed to a town that has both six-lane highways and a downtown district that resembles that of years ago.

Shopping In Sevierville, TN

There’s plenty to see and do in Sevierville.  If you come to the area in search of bargains, you’ll find them in plenty of places.  From outlet malls such as Tanger Five Oaks (featuring one of my faves, Tommy Hilfiger) and the Vanity Fair Outlet, where you are sure to bring home bargains for the entire family, there’s a little something for everyone.

If traditional stand-alone shops are more you’re style, you can experience the thrill of retail at such places as Belk or Wal-Mart, which is open 24 hours a day.  If you like specialty shops, you need go no further than Smoky Mountain Knife Works, which in spite of its name, sells a lot more than just knives. You will also find some nice antique shopping in the area.

Sevierville Restaurants

OK, shopping is not your thing.  You would rather sample some of the delicious offerings that the mountain area has to offer.  No problem!  There are plenty of restaurants that specialize in…just about everything.  From national chains like Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster to local hot spots like Applewood or Tony Gore’s Mountain BBQ and Grill, you will find something to satisfy those taste buds in Sevierville, TN as well.

Attractions In Sevierville

That sounds good, but what about something for the entire family?  You’re in luck, as Sevierville offers plenty to see and do.  For car enthusiasts, you will be amazed at Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum.  If you want to get into the fast lane yourself, there’s the NASCAR SpeedPark.  You can even take in a round of golf at Ripley’s Old-McDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf, which is one of the more interesting mini-golf spots along the world famous Parkway.  It’s a place well worth checking out!

Hotels In Sevierville

As far as where to stay, there are too many options to mention.  Sevierville offers thousands of rooms in the city, but I will tell you that in my trips to the town, I have always enjoyed my stays at Quality Inn River Suites, which have always satisfied whatever my overnight needs.

At the end of the day, I think you will be satisfied with your stay in the town where Dolly Parton grew up.  You just might see the Country Music Hall Of Fame member—if not in person, the statue of her on Sevierville’s courthouse lawn is worth getting a picture of.  It’s proof that dreams do come true in Sevierville.  Maybe yours will too!

The General Store is, without a doubt, one of the most-visited shops in the Smokies. There’s a reason for this—you can find one of the best selections of gifts for the entire family right here.

What’s interesting is how the store and the complex came to be.  The barn was originally built in 1910 by the Mullendore family.  After being sold in the mid 1970s, there was more of an emphasis placed on the apples that grew on the land around the barn.  Close to thirty years, the barn opened to the public, and the apples began selling…and selling…and selling.

In fact, the venture proved to be so successful that more items were added, and now, you can get a wide variety of country-themed products…and yes, you can still get apples at the Apple Barn.  The barn now has three floors, and chances are that when you visit, you will see plenty of customers looking for that unique present from the Smoky Mountains.  You can even see the apples turned into cider in the popular cider room.

OK, I’ve got to mention that’s one of my favorite subjects to do with the Apple Barn—the cider.  You can take it home by the gallon, or simply delight in a refreshing cup of Fall Harvest at the Barn’s Cider Bar.

But wait…there’s more!

You will find some of the most delicious Fried Apple Pies this side of the Pearly Gates at the Apple Barn, as well as their delicious Apple Dumplings.  If you get something to eat at the Cider Bar, make sure that you top it off with a scoop (or two!) of their delicious ice cream.  There has been many a box of pies and gallons of cider that has made it from the Apple Barn all the way back home, and I have a feeling that trend will continue for many years to come!

If you are a connoisseur of wine, be sure to stop by The Apple Barn Winery.  They call it “Award-Winning” for a reason!  Flavors such as Apple-Raspberry, Apple-Peach, and Apple-Strawberry continue to bring back customers year after year.

What if your tastes go beyond Apple?  Well, you’re still in luck, with classic blends like Merlot and Muscadine.

And I didn’t even mention the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, which is one of the anchors of the complex.  To be honest, I can tell you I have never tried their lunch or dinners—I can’t get past their breakfasts!  Go for their Apple Fritters (words can’t begin to tell you!) and stay for their Country Ham—the best I’ve ever had!

The only thing about visiting the Apple Barn is that you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all they have to offer, and by the way, did I mention those fritters?

Need More Info?

The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store
230 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN
800-421-4606 / http://www.applebarncidermill.com/

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As soon as you walk in the door at Corky’s, the smoky scent of charcoal creates a mouth watering sensation that lets you know what you’re here for: you’re here to eat! And eat you will for the prices are fair and the portions are generous.

Founded in Memphis, Corky’s menu exemplifies southern barbecue at its tastiest.  There’s barbecue wings, barbecue chicken, steak, sausage, brisket, pulled pork, and of course finger lickin‘ ribs with all the fixin’s. Said fixin’s include corn on the cob, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, french fries, and baked apples…mmm mmm! Oh, and I just dare you to try and leave room for the peach pie dessert!

So, if you’re more interested in stuffing your face than a stuffy atmosphere, make sure to have dinner at Corky’s while your visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The decor may be unsensational, but their tangy-sweet signature barbecue sauce is spectacular. Take a bottle home with you, too, to serve as the most delicious souvenir of your entire trip.

It doesn’t take long to realize that these mountains are filled with talent.  Many professional singers, musicians, and artists call The Smokies home.

One such man is Tony Gore.  Tony Gore has traveled the gospel music concert circuit for over twenty years.  Tony started traveling with The Wilburns and then enjoyed a successful career with his own group, Tony Gore and Majesty.

Following those years, Tony traveled as a soloist until he settled in Sevierville and opened Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill on Highway 66.  I have known Tony for several years.  I have even eaten his cooking at different places along our travels, but I have never experienced his “real cookin’” until he opened his restaurant.  The best ribs in the world!  For real.

But the point of this article is that Tony has started a two month long concert series that features his good food and his gospel music friends.  Tony has placed a huge tent beside his restaurant complete with a stage, sound system, banquet tables, and chairs and a buffet.  Everyday (except Sundays) in September and October, Tony has scheduled a Singing and Dinner on the Grounds.

People can come and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather, wonderful southern food, and good ol’ Southern Gospel Music.  Tony has scheduled artists like The Nelons, The Hoppers, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Lu Lu Roman, The Talley Trio, and many others.

I am fortunate to be one of the guests on his line up this month.  I was there last week to do some emcee work for one of the concerts and there were people from Norway and South America.  It was so interesting to talk to these people who have literally traveled around the world for our food and our music.

They said they saw the advertisement on Tony’s website and decided to make the trip.  Another couple told me they heard it on the radio earlier in the day and decided to attend the concert.  There were even some locals who had attended for 6 shows straight in a row.  With all this said, you can tell it’s worth going!

The buffet for the concert series includes smoked pork and chicken, mashed potatoes, friend okra, green beans, corn, sliced tomatoes, coleslaw, fruit salad, and a slew of desserts.  All of this is homemade too!

One of my wife’s favorite parts of Tony’s is the variety of bar-b-que sauces.  These sauces are all homemade by Tony and include some of his family recipes.  Sauces include Hot Mustard, Fire Water, Southern Bar-B-Que, and two more that I can’t remember!

When you head down Highway 66 into Pigeon Forge you will see a big, really big, white tent beside a little bar-b-que restaurant.  That’s the place!

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For example, one of my favorite restaurants is in my hometown is Parkette.  I love their salad.  They have the best Italian dressing in the world!  I am sure you have those places in your hometown too.

Since so many visitors come to my home place now—The Smoky Mountains—I thought I would share a place with you that has become one of our “normal stops” here:  Clint’s Family Restaurant.

As you travel on Dolly Parton Parkway a while, it turns into Newport Highway.  I am not sure when or why that happens, but it does.  You will see a little restaurant on the left hand side of the road called Clint’s.  There is a gravestone store beside it.  I think Clint may own it too, but I’m not sure.

Anyway, there are little wooden clubhouse type things in the yard, children’s riding toys, and some other country decorations.  In the driveway of the restaurant are a couple carpet cleaning vans with Clint’s on the side of them.  They are Clint’s too.  I know this because his picture is on the side of them and he was voted the best carpet cleaner in our hometown newspaper.

As you go onto the porch, there is a long wooden church pew and a working stop light to catch your interest and usually a poster of an up and coming gospel concert that will take place that week.  When you go into the restaurant, you will be seated by pretty much anyone…could be the bus boy, a server, or Clint himself.

As you take your seat, notice all the stuff on the walls.  From floor to ceiling—stuff.  Most all of it relates to The Smokies or surrounding areas.  There are pictures of the town from several years ago, old cans of Bush Beans, posters from past concerts, and of course, a picture of Dolly Parton behind the register autographed to Clint.

The children receive a coloring page with a pig in bib overalls that they can color and give to Clint and he will post it on the wall.  Their menu is filled with good ole country cookin’.  Chicken and Dumplings, Meat Loaf, Bar B Que, Fruit Cobbler, Corn Bread, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers…well, you get the point.

Each day there is a different special too.  My favorite (at the moment) is the grilled cheese and vegetable soup.  The vegetable soup is soooo good.  It is a meal in itself and pretty reasonably priced too.  My wife likes this too.  We don’t agree on much but we do on what to order at Clint’s.

They have a big selection of cookies, pies, and cakes at the register, so if you are too full for dessert (which I am sure you will be), you can take one home or back to the hotel or cabin you’re staying at.  We do quite often.

For those who are looking for some entertainment also, Clint’s has live performances each week.  Several local bands and musicians frequent this establishment.  Most are of the bluegrass and gospel genres.

A really neat thing too is that Clint will pull a guitar or banjo off the wall and start singing at any time.  When our little girl was a baby, she would scream when Clint would start singing.  So bad that I would take her on the porch until he was done.  It didn’t take long for Clint to realize that she wasn’t his biggest fan, so he stayed clear of our tables.  But after a few months, she is fine and even gives Clint her coloring sheet after she has completed it.

Clint’s is one of our regular places.  It is full of history, good food, and reasonable prices.  I hope you agree with my recommendation and make Clint’s one of your normal stops while in the Smokies!

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While my taste in what brings me to the area might not be the same as yours, I’ll share with you some of my favorite things about the area—things that just might bring you back for more each year.

Shopping

I will tell you that there are shops galore in the Sevierville-Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg area that have treasures untold.  Generally, you can find some great deals at these establishments—even for high end retailers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

There are many outlet malls along Highway 441, with the better ones being in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The Belz Factory Outlet, in Pigeon Forge, is my personal favorite.  You can find everything from Burlington to Old Time Pottery here, and the deals are plenty.

Also, don’t forget to check out some of the specialty shops in the area.  If you’re a big Christmas person, like I am, then there are several stores that offer the best in decorations of the season.  Check them out—if you’re not in the holiday spirit after coming here, your name just might be Scrooge!

Entertainment

Whether you are a fan of miniature golf, theme parks, or museums, you will find something that interests you here.  Mini Golf parks of various themes adorn the area, and then of course, there are all kinds of amusement parks around—from the small to Dollywood.

If you like to revisit history, you’re in luck as well.  From some of the Ripley’s Museums in Gatlinburg  to a celebration of the music and life of “The King” at the Elvis Presley Museum and Gift Shop, there is no doubt that you will find something to captivate your attention here.

Plus, there’s music, and plenty of music.  With many live entertainment venues around, you can enjoy everything from Country to Gospel to old-time rock and roll.  There’s no doubt about it, come to the Smoky Mountains, and you will be entertained!

Food

OK, that might be my favorite subject of any trip I go on…and trust me, there’s some incredible eating options in the area.  From the scrumptious breakfasts at Applewood (part of the Apple Barn complex) ambience of the 50s inspired Mel’s Diner in Pigeon Forge, you will find something for tastes of all kind.  Chinese, Mexican, Italian…it’s all there.  There also many national chains represented in the area, such as Cracker Barrel, Duff’s Smorgasbord, and Denny’s.

And there’s a lot more!  I didn’t mention anything about the many offerings in the area for people who enjoy being out in nature—or the incredible arts and crafts community—you’ll have to see it for yourself!

Photo: jsome1

One of only twenty such restaurants here in the United States, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. features an ambience that visitors who are exhausted from a day of sight-seeing or bargain-hunting will no doubt enjoy.  Photographs and memorabilia from the film adorn the walls on both floors of the restaurant.

Making the visit a pleasure for customers is the main goal of the staff at Bubba Gump’s in Gatlinburg.  I can tell you first-hand that I have never found the service there to be anything more than first-rate.  Guests will be shown two signs to display on their table that will alert the waiters and waitresses if they need anything: one that says “Run Forrest Run,” if they are content at the moment…and one that says “Stop Forrest Stop” if they are in need of service.

So, now that we’re seated…let’s take a look at the menu.  On the appetizer list are such winners as “Bubba’s Far Out Dip,” which in true Gump-style, can include shrimp.  (There are so many ways to enjoy it after all!)  Then there are the Hush Pups—which I found to be delicious—shrimp, fish, and corn, deep fried and served with a special dipping sauce.

On the sandwich slate, some of the highlights include the “Dixie Fishwich,” and the “Shrimp Po’ Boy,” which will leave customers satisfied to no end.  If your appetite yearns for a little more, there’s “Mama’s Southern Fried Chicken,” as well as the “Accidental Fish & Shrimp,” which consists of Broiled Mahi Mahi.

Probably my favorite dish at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is the “Bubba’s After The Storm” platter.  Remember the scene where Forrest and Lt. Dan reeled in their first catch only to come up a little short?  Well, this “bucket of boat trash,” as the restaurant calls it, is a little more appealing to the stomach.  It features shrimp, fish, and lobster claw—all served up, appropriately enough—in a bucket not too much unlike what the Bubba Gump Seafood Company used for that first catch.

If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, and want to experience a taste of one of Hollywood’s finest moments, you need to try Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  Of all the restaurants I have sampled in the city, it’s one that I keep coming back to—time and again.  It’s also one of the only ones I have ever eaten at where the waiters and waitresses ask you trivia questions—all concerning the legendary film.  It’s well worth the time, wait, and money…and that’s all I have to say about that!

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