The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spring family fun in Sevierville
Tennessee town located just a few hours from Atlanta.
There’s no better way to welcome spring than with a getaway the whole family will genuinely enjoy.
Set out for Sevierville, Tennessee, to find that rare combination of thrills and chilling out that kids and adults can look forward to.
Dolly Parton’s hometown, Sevierville, is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and complete with family-friendly entertainment, dining and shopping.
Spring ushers in water activities, hiking, wildflowers and mountain views. It’s also when the town’s festival calendar really gets going, starting with the Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival in May, where pit masters compete for the title of “Tennessee State Champion” in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off — alongside a series of free Bluegrass and Americana concerts on the Swaggerty’s Farm Main Stage.
Here’s what awaits families traveling to Sevierville this spring.
Family adventures
For the thrill-seekers in the group, Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park boasts America’s longest swinging bridge, five of the fastest zip lines in the U.S. and a Gorilla climbing wall.
NASCAR Speedpark has go-karting for beginners on up to experienced speedsters. For all ages groups, the same park also offers rides for small fries and mini golf. And virtual reality aficionados (tweens, teens, parents) can fight zombies or partake in a snowball fight in the Hologate VR experience.
For another adventure, get a pilot’s-eye view of flying at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation. Climb inside an A-4 Skyhawk Cockpit and explore hundreds of historic artifacts of human flight. Make history come to life with the excitement of seeing rare aircraft like the P-47 Thunderbolt or the Douglas A1-H Skyraider.
Shopping galore
High-end outlets, boutiques, flea markets and specialty shops let the family shop for the practical, fashionable and downright frivolous.
Boot Factory Outlet-Sevierville has a dizzying array
of boots, while you can find anything from jewelry and antiques to vintage glass and old DVDs at Flea Traders Paradise.
Lodge cast iron is produced nearby. The Sevierville Lodge Factory Store specializes in
cast iron and camp-cooking accessories you never knew you needed, but now know you can’t live without.
For clothes shoppers, Loralei’s sells jewelry, boutique clothing and baby gifts, while casual retailer Palmetto Moon
does a brisk trade in collegiate gear, apparel, footwear and accessories as an anchor at Tanger Outlets.
Fun and fabulous food
There are dozens of notable eateries in Sevierville, featuring Appalachian “from the heart” cooking.
One of the most popular options is the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill, part of the barn and cidery tended by the Kilpatrick family since the 1970s. They take a farm-to-table approach for hearty meals with entrees including fried chicken or meatloaf and homestyle vegetable side dishes.
Not to be missed are the lavish breakfasts. The Applewood’s signature is the basket of apple fritters, apple butter and nonalcoholic “julep” served at the start of every meal. Come hungry — because you will definitely leave full.
Enjoy the spring weather at one of several restaurants with outdoor seating. Take in historic views of downtown at The Appalachian, which features a menu that changes seasonally. Or take a bite out of a juicy burger and hand-cut fries at Holston’s Kitchen, where bay doors open up to a wraparound corner patio.
Lodging with captivating views
Mountains and rivers surround this destination and creeks run through it, providing many of its accommodations with stunning views — or moving water nearby for fishing and wading.
Sevierville cabins with scenic views of mountains, streams and rivers are available from a number of rental agencies, including Old Mill Lodging, which offers cottages, cabins and mountain homes.
Ripplin’ Waters RV Park sits on the Little Pigeon River and patrons can walk a few steps from the sites to fish or gaze at the water. The Ridge Outdoor Resort is a camping and glamping experience with a view of the peaks and plenty of flora and fauna. It also offers tiny home camping cabins.
Spots for unwinding
If R&R is on the itinerary, you can catch a breath for a few minutes or spend a whole day just relaxing in Sevierville. The Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum Greenway is a prime spot for strolling and musing, with its 2.22-mile paved route that takes you along the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Be sure to bring the brochure for the self-guided tree walk, which covers 73 species.
Another soothing option is to go fishing or bring a kayak to the Douglas Headwater Campground on the 550 miles of shoreline that make up Douglas Lake. You can also rent a kayak there. It’s romantic, too.
And would puttering around Sevierville be complete without pausing for a selfie with the statue of young Dolly Parton, who grew up here? The statue is in the center of historic downtown Sevierville on the courthouse lawn.
With so many options to explore, it’s no wonder why Sevierville should be your go-to spring destination.