Why This Underrated Tennessee City Is a Must-See for Travelers

The anticipation of getting off the interstate to head to the Great Smoky Mountains is palpable as we see the looming mountains in the distance. Knowing that soon we will have adventures awaiting us in the national park, I can’t wait to get there. After exiting, it used to be a quick ride through Sevierville, then things got exciting in Pigeon Forge; however, things have changed over the years. Now there are so many fun things to do in Sevierville that it deserves a second look. Not only is it known as the gateway to the Smokies, but it has been on the rise and is now a great destination all by itself. 

It's likely that many people will first see Sevierville like we do when you first get off the interstate. That is where you will find one of the first, and rightfully, the best attractions you must experience: Buc-ees! This place is so much more than just a gas station. This was, for a short time (curse you, Texas!), the biggest Buc-ees in the world, and it is huge. Stop to use the cleanest bathrooms, fill up with the cheapest gas in town, and grab some delicious snacks before heading out for your adventures on the town. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a delicious BBQ sandwich. Brisket on the board! If you know you know…

Take to the skies on a private helicopter ride to get a fantastic aerial view of the area and see the distant Smoky Mountains. Scenic Helicopter Tours lifts off all day long, and I was blessed to be able to take a ride with them twice. I would suggest going on the Ridge Runner Tour to loop around a nearby mountain. Seeing the town from the sky is a thrilling experience, and they do an amazing job showcasing the area. This truly is a bucket list item and one that I would say is 100% worth it. 

There are seemingly endless things to do in Sevierville. Spend the day shopping at the outlet mall or browse the wares at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the world's biggest knife store. The quaint downtown is worth a visit as you duck in and out of some unique local shops and restaurants. Downtown is also where you will find the famous Dolly Parton statue, so make sure to snap a picture. For restaurants, you can never go wrong with a visit to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. This is a great choice for some good southern cooking and famous apple fritters.  

If you want to make the most of your stay, book a trip and stay awhile. Even the rental properties have some pretty amazing, unique stays in Sevierville to take advantage of. You can spend the night in a castle, barndominium, treehouse, geodesic dome, or elaborate cabin. If you know the area, then you'll agree that all of these over-the-top and eccentric rentals are perfectly at home in the Smokies. Next time you want to come to the country's most visited national park, consider Sevierville; I am willing to bet you will be pleasantly surprised.  

What I love most about Sevierville is that it’s a year-round destination. Fall is the most popular time to visit Sevierville, but I promise you that you can find beauty in this town at any time of year. From the snowy views of winter to the lush green trails in the summer, there’s always an adventure to be had. It’s one of those places that you find yourself returning to again and again, so you can experience it in every season.

I have learned to find so many fun things to do in Sevierville that it is impossible to deny how much it has grown over the years. What once was just a passage into the Smokies has developed into a destination all by itself. Keep your eyes peeled on this rising star of a town because it’s becoming an amazing place to visit. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Sevierville using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.