Hiking in the woods, fireflies in the yard, baseball games, farmers markets and movies under the stars are just a few of our favorite things to enjoy during a small town summer. Of course, we also enjoy Sevierville’s high-end outlet shopping, family fun attractions and outdoor adventures. This summer, discover why Smithsonian Magazine named Dolly’s hometown, Sevierville, TN, one of its “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2015.”
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sevierville is less than 13 miles from the entrance to America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This breathtakingly beautiful park has more than 800 miles of maintained hiking trails and such a tremendous diversity of life that it was named an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976. Hike, fish, ride horse back and picnic alongside a babbling brook. Visit the preserved homes, churches and mills of early settlers; there are more than 90 historic structures within the park. Nature lovers will also enjoy watching fireflies all summer long — or pre-planning a return visit for next June to see the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter and enjoy.
Tennessee Smokies Baseball
From our national park to Sevierville’s ball park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy all-American summer fun in Sevierville. Take a nine-inning vacation with the Tennessee Smokies Baseball team, Sevierville’s very own AA Professional Baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Games are played regularly throughout the spring and summer, but when the Smokies are away, look for concerts and other events at this venue.
Historic Downtown
Every small town must have a great downtown and Sevierville does. A recent addition to Tennessee’s Main Street program, historic downtown Sevierville founded in 1795, is graced by an 1896 Beaux Arts style courthouse, and offers up art events, quaint shops and restaurants —including a design-your-own-donut shop and an award-winning quilt shop. Did we mention the Dolly Parton statue is there too? Snap a selfie or a family photo with the statue of Sevierville’s hometown girl, then check out the Downtown Sevierville Farmer’s Market every Friday morning from 9 a. m. until 1:30 p.m. through September for fresh baked goodies, farm fresh vegetables and plenty of all-natural products.
Movies Under the Stars
Summer is a great time to watch the stars under the stars — especially when you’re surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams. Appleview River Resort opens their river-front lawn to the public for family-friendly outdoor movies on Friday evenings beginning at dusk —through Aug. 5. There is no admission fee, although popcorn and beverages are available for a nominal charge.
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation
One of Sevierville’s hidden gems is The Tennessee Museum of Aviation. As Tennessee’s official repository and archive for aviation history, the museum pays tribute to our nation’s veterans as well as famous Tennessee aviators. The museum’s rare airworthy warbird aircraft, including two WWII era P-47 Thunderbolts, make the museum a must-see. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is also home to the Doolittle Medal of Honor (awarded to Lt. General James Doolittle for his valor and leadership as commander of the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo during WWII), as well as a host of other 20th century warbird aircraft — some of which take to the skies in impromptu flights.
Family Fun & Outdoor Adventure
Sevierville’s great attractions offer something for every member of the family! Visit one of America’s finest small zoos, Rainforest Adventures, to see rare and exotic creatures and learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts. NASCAR fans will have a blast at NASCAR SpeedPark, a family fun park with eight go-kart tracks, carnival style rides and a huge arcade. You can also enjoy some challenging fun on Sevierville’s zip line and ropes challenge courses. Adventure Zip Lines of Sevierville and Adventure Works Climb Zip Swing are two great choices.