Warm Friendly Sevierville

Warm, friendly, Sevierville. Yep, that's the way I wanted to start this page about where my family and I call home. Think of a somewhat small country city, nestled into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The main industry of this city is tourism.

Named after John Sevier (1745-1815) Governor of Tennessee for 12 years (1796�1801 and 1803�1809) He played quite a role in the history of East-Tennessee.

Not only was the city of Sevierville named after him but also the entire county. Hence the name "Sevier" county. Remember though, it's pronounced "Sa-Veer" not "See-Veer"...lol. For a more in-depth look at this amazing historic character try this link: John Sevier

Now fast forward a couple hundred years and invision if you will, ohh about 11 million or more visitors passing through here during the peak of every season, on thier way to find fun and adventure with their families at the many attractions and destinations that can be found in the Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area of East-Tennessee.

Did I mention that traffic can be terrible?

Be sure to check out my Sevierville Chamber of Commerce page. They can help you on your visit here.

Another great attraction about the city is that the Tennessee State BBQ Cookoff Championship has started being held here each year. This is fantastic news for BBQ lovers! If you want to learn more just click: Bloomin BBQ

Tourism isn't just a nice addition to the local economic industry, it is the local economic industry! Thanks due mostly to Dolly Parton.

You cannot git2know Sevierville without getting to know Dolly Parton. Period!

I can think of no one personally or no business in town that is not in some way, shape or form sustained or influenced by the tourist trade that was birthed by Dolly. Hey, it sure helped me!

Speaking of Dolly did you know that there is a statue of her on the courthouse lawn? Oh yeah.

Dolly and her parents were there when it was unveiled for the first time in 1987.

Without a doubt it can be said that Dolly Parton is a genuine daughter of the Smokies. Born, bred and raised right here in Sevierville.

This is the courthouse downtown where her statue is.

One thing I can honestly say is that she has never lost the natual ability to be a "down to earth" person. She always gives of her time when she comes to her home town of Sevierville, and stories of her helping people out are common.

Kinda like the stories of her helping local high school students by giving each student $500 if they graduate!

Did you know that Dolly started Imagination Library? Imagination Library is a program setup to inspire the love of reading in children. When you sign up(for free) your child gets a new book each month until the age of four or five I think. Below you see my son James and his MeMaw reading his new monthly book "Raindrop Plop". His current favorite.

Started here in Sevierville, it now has programs in just about every state, helping millions of kids!

Ohh yeah, she started Dollywood, DollySplash Country, Dixie Stampede, and host the Dolly Parade every year in person which goes right in front of where I work. Every year I keep thinking she will come over and say hello but for some reason she hasn't noticed me yet. Lol.

Folks come from all around to come get married in the smokies. Many get married right in Sevierville.

Should you decide to get hitched while you are here you can come to the courthouse and get your marriage licence(for around $100 or less) turn around walk out the door and get married right across the street. Handy ehh?

Then if you are hungry you can run over to Taulbees restaurant(photo below), have an excellent lunch and catch the bus to knoxville. Yeah, it seconds as the local bus station. When I had jury duty a couple years back, we were sequestered and they took us here to eat often since it was right down the street from the courthouse. At that time it was called Virgils.

Below you see a picture of what the local movie theatre looks like. Lots of people ask me where they can go see a movie. This is the only one in the immediate area and it is in Sevierville.

If you are like me one of your favorite things to do while you are out of town is go see a movie. Just go out Hwy. 66 about half a mile on the right, just past Buddy's BBQ. They have a little map on their website that may help you find it. Plus if you would like to know what's currently playing you can also check that out here--Reel Theatres.

This theatre has 6 movie screens. The nearest theatre other than this one is in Knoxville. About 20-30 minutes away.

After the movie maybe you would like to take a peaceful walk down by the Little Pigeon River.

By the River

If a walk down by the river sounds nice you can learn more about where to find it here.

Highway 66 has many attractions you and your family may want to check out. One my favorite places without a doubt would be Smoky Mountain Knife Works on Highway 66 in Sevierville.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works bills itself as "The Worlds Largest Knife Showplace." Smoky Mountain Knife Works Sevierville

And from what I've seen over the years, they totally deliver!

I literally have been going there for years and each time I go back I discover something that I previously missed.

I took this picture from the third floor balconly. Three floors of more knifes than I'm sure you have ever seen anywhere. And if that is not enough they have just recently completed a whole new section! Almost double the size of the old store!

The HUGE sword you see above is about two stories high. Not a pocket knife but very interesting. There is much to learn about the history of knifes here. Knife Works is a place you can easily spend a morning or whole afternoon exploring. Providing you are really into knifes/swords/survival gear that is. All kinds of souvenirs can be found here. Bring money. I have $pent way too much here over the years.

Here are a few more shots.

I can't end this section without a little git2know of Mr.George Fulton.

George is a local native and has worked at Smoky Mountain Knife Works for over 15 years. He says even with the thousands of different kinds of knifes in stock, from time to time people ask for a version or brand that they just do not have. But that does not happen often!

I will be adding more and more of these places of interest to my web-site, I guess it will never really be completely finished.

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