I made it out to the 10:00 a.m. walking history tour in downtown Sevierville. We met in front of the Sevier County Heritage Museum although I remember it as a post office when I first moved here.
Local historian, Carroll McMahan, and Laura Martin led our tour.
We saw so many things that I was glad that they gave us a brochure of the tour so I could just concentrate on taking pictures. Of course, there are many interesting things and so many stories. I couldn’t even begin to cover the floods, the fires, the fights, etc. But here are some interesting photos…
Cracks in the road because that is where the old railroad tracks went down Bruce Street.
Sims Barber Shop was open for business despite the crowds.
In 1856, there was a catastrophic fire downtown. Courthouse records were lost. These are salvaged bars from the jail which was also destroyed.
Remember when there was a bus station downtown? Two doors down from this alley. Well, buses used to drive down this narrow alley! Someone commented that they were especially good drivers back then?
Inside D Garden. You can see where it used to be a post office at one time. Beautiful store! I loved the stepping stones in the back aisleway floor.
I think that Andrew Temple was going to lead the 2:00 history tour.
Things that I didn’t realize were downtown until I walked by them.
Back to the museum.
Bill Yett’s baby crib with an interesting history.
I loved this Jim Gray painting of the old court house.
There is a lot of history downtown and artifacts to see in the museum. I hope to take another look sometime soon.
Then it was time to walk around the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival. It turned out to be a good time to beat the crowds and rain showers.
Lots of food to choose from. Rib King from Spartanburg, South Carolina had the longest line when I was there.
These vendors come from Grainger County and only do festivals. Cobblers baked the old fashioned way. Divine!
I settled on a to-go box from this bbq vendor and took a brisket home for lunch before heading back to the Wilderness Wildlife Week.
Here is the best sauce dispenser.
Must do this next year for lunch while we are out and about!
Out and About in Sevierville 