Flipping the “Green” Switch on Winterfest

During the winter months, Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains area sparkle with millions of twinkling lights during Smoky Mountain Winterfest (Nov. 3 – Feb. 28). Best of all a full 75% of the lights are LED lights meaning brighter colors, more variety and lower energy usage.

Now celebrating its 20th year, Smoky Mountain Winterfest has become a holiday tradition for many visitors who return year after year to enjoy the lights, shopping, shows,  luxury lodging and attractions. Viewing Smoky Mountain Winterfest lights with friends and family is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

For added fun while viewing the lights, visitors are encouraged to make a quick stop on their way into town at the Sevierville Visitor Center on Hwy 66 (1.5 miles from I-40 Exit 407). There they can pick up a free pair of Winterfest in 3D glasses while supplies last. The glasses shift each point of light into a snowflake, adding even more interest to the intricate light displays. Winterfest lights are a huge draw, but once visitors arrive in Sevierville they also find incredible shopping, shows and attractions.

Sevierville features nearly 150 name brand outlet stores where shoppers can find everything from fine China and clothing to tools and furniture. Specialty retail shops featuring items like fine art, antiques and collectibles and outdoor items are also popular. Visitors can even take a piece of Winterfest home by visiting stores like Country Christmas and Christmas Done Bright where Winterfest style lighting displays are for sale and custom displays are built to order.

The fun continues through February with holiday shows and year-round attractions. For more information about visiting Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains during Winterfest, contact the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378) or (865) 453-6411

Five Reason to Shop Sevierville This Christmas

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is a shopper’s paradise!

The 12 Days of Christmas can be daunting – especially for overwhelmed holiday shoppers. But popular shopping and vacation destination, Sevierville, Tennessee, can help you make the lords on your Christmas list leap with joy this holiday season. Here are five reasons to shop Sevierville this Christmas season.

1) With over 150 name brand outlet stores, Sevierville is the outlet shopping capital of the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out shopper favorites like Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center (110 stores ranging from Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach and Old Navy to Kirkland’s and The Disney Store). Now through Christmas Eve shop the 25 days of Christmas sales event.

2) Location, location, location – Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is only a day’s drive from over one half the nation’s population. Want an added bonus? It’s right next to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, so your family and friends can enjoy a fun-filled vacation in all three cities.

3) Boutiques and specialty stores abound in historic downtown Sevierville. The Cherry Pit specializes in fabric, patterns and books for quilters and was chosen as one of ten featured shops by Quilt Sampler Magazine. Other downtown gems include gift shops like D Garden and The Common Good.

4) Something old, weird or just plain cool is waiting for you at flea markets like Flea Traders Paradise and the Great Smokies Flea Market. Together, these two flea markets allow you to browse nearly 200,000 square feet of amazing finds.

5) Find the perfect gift for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman on your list at the all-new Bass Pro Outdoor World (one of the largest in the chain) , Orvis Company Store or Smoky Mountain Knifeworks.Smoky Mountain Knifeworks is an 88,000 square foot knife showplace that includes the National Knife Museum.

Nine Attractions Under $15 Prove That Bargains Are Exciting

The folks at the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce have put together a list of nine exciting things you can do in the area that are under $15. For a complete list of area attractions (which are ALL a great value), check out the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce for more information on these low cost activities and many more.

9) Cool off with a float down the river! River Romp (Tube All Day $12.00 per person, ask about group, active military and first responder discounts)

8) Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Petting Zoo – Zebras, Camels & Reindeer, Oh My! website (Adults $9.95; 3-12 $4.95; 0-2 $.05)

7) Tennessee Smokies Baseball – Sevierville’s own AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs managed by Hall-of-Famer Ryne Sandberg opens the season at Smokies Stadium on April 15. Tennessee Smokies (Adults $7-$9; Kids/Seniors $6-$8)

6) Forbidden Caverns – See the largest known wall of rare cave onyx while taking the hour-long walking tour of this spectacular cavern which has been a hideout for Native Americans and Moonshiners. Forbidden Caverns (Adults $13.99; 5-12 $7; 4 and under FREE)

5) Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum – The largest collection of Muscle Cars ever assembled! Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum(Adults $8.95+ tax; 8-12 $3; under 8 Free)

4) Rainforest Adventures – Spectacular snakes, brainy birds and lots of Lemurs (“Madagascar” fans say they like to “Move It! Move It!). Check out the all new Aussie Walkabout as well with a walk-in aviary, kangaroos, and emus. Rainforest Adventures (Adults $11.99; 3-12 $6.99; Seniors $9.99; 3 & Under Free)

3) Tennessee Museum of Aviation – Flyable warbird aircraft fill this museum (and often the sky around it). Check out historically significant pieces (such as the Jimmie Doolittle Medal of Honor) and memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War presented in a patriotic atmosphere. Also interesting: a roadster believed to have been made especially for Amelia Earhart. Tennessee Museum of Aviation (Adults $12.75; 60+ $9.75; 6-12 $6.75; Under 6 free)

2) Scenic Helicopter Tours – Take a quick flight for as little as $10 (longer flights also available – complete price list online) Scenic Helicopter Tours

1) Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf – Putter around at one of three courses where animatronic animals are all too happy to comment on your golf swing! (865) 428-1699 (Adults $9.99; 5-11 $7.99; Under 5 $2.99).

The Fall is Full Activities in Sevierville

Around Sevierville fall brings more than rich golden and red leaves to the Great Smoky Mountains – it also brings the annual Harvest Fest celebration.

Sevierville, a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains located right next door to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN, is celebrating fall with six weeks of events, harvest decorations and fun things to do during Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (Sept. 18-Oct. 31). Many Harvest Festival events celebrate the season as well as popular and mountain culture.

Events like Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest (Sept. 24-26) highlight classic cars while Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming (Oct. 3-4) focuses on the craftsman heritage of these mountains.

The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival (Sept. 17-19) brings out some of the brightest entertainers to be inspired by these mountains.

Nearby Dollywood is also a Harvest Festival must-see with thrill rides, mountain music, craftsmen and harvest foods like pumpkin bread and hot apple cider.

And don’t forget the shopping! Sevierville is famous for its shopping – from high end outlets to treasure filled flea markets and everything in between. Check out Sevierville for a fall Girlfriends Getaway and enjoy shopping, spas and great dining. Of course, while you’re shopping you can still enjoy the beauty of Harvest Festival, since even storefronts are filled with harvest decorations. Businesses throughout Sevierville put out giant scarecrows, overflowing pumpkin displays and colorful floral arrangements…providing plenty of opportunities for fun photos with family and friends.

For even more fun, visit the attractions in Sevierville. From discovering adventure in the great outdoors at attractions like Wahoo Zipline and NASCAR SpeedPark to shopping till you drop at Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center and even enjoying a delicious harvest meal at great restaurants like The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, there is something unique to see around every corner in Sevierville. To experience the events, fun and discovery of Harvest Festival in the Great Smoky Mountains, go to www.VisitSevierville.com or call 1-888-SEVIERVILLE (738-4378).