Month: February 2017

Art Happening Downtown Sevierville: February 23, 2017

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The Sevierville Commons Arts Council is off to great start in 2017 with Art Happenings downtown. They presented the first Art Happening of 2017 on Thursday evening and it was full of attendees from Sevier County, Maryville, and beyond. I arrived a few minutes late, but was in time to enjoy a nice event. Here is what I saw…

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I walked in to see quite a crowd. In fact, the biggest crowd so far for an Art Happening in downtown Sevierville. The featured artist this month was Mary Ruden, an artist who is inspired by the natural world, particularly butterflies, orchids, and other flowers. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the American Botanical Society. She creates paintings, photography, and sculpture. This creation below was so beautiful that I had to touch it. Don’t tell.

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I was impressed with her banners that once hung in downtown Knoxville in the Arts District.

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Every table was full of attendees. I saw quite a few people that I knew so it was quite a lively evening.

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Music was provided by Munson and Wear. When I walked in, they were singing a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. One of my favorite groups! It was great and their music provided a nice ‘vibe.’

Art Council board member, Jill Green, pictured left. Mary Phillips, center, is a local artist and book author/illustrator. Arts Council Board member, Laurel Kiewitt, pictured right.

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Randy and Karen Bable pictured with Jim McGill.

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I am taking a picture of Jeff Ferrell, of the Mountain Press, who is taking a picture of the Art Happening featured artist. A picture of a picture.

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I like this painting called “Little Justice.”

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Patsy Wallace, pictured right, came to hear her friend, Charlotte Wear. We enjoyed the musical entertainment and hope to hear them again very soon. More Tom Petty too!

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Susan and Richard Gehring will be moving here from Florida.

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Art Happening Featured Artist for February 2017, Mary Ruden.

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She designed this for the event coming in April. Here is a link. http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org

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Artists talk about their work and it is always interesting. I always learn something new.

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The evening was so nice that the front doors were open to the breeze.

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I love the big windows in Dyers Downtown that face the courthouse.

You can see the reflection in the window above!

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As I walked down the street to my car, I couldn’t resist taking just one more picture of the  courthouse…

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…and the Dolly Parton statue.

There were no tourists around so I snapped a picture in peace; however, passersby probably thought that I was the tourist.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council will install the next artist’s work next month and the next Happening is tentatively scheduled for April. Stay tuned to learn more!

Here is a link to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CommonsArtsCouncil/

and their website.  https://www.seviervillecommonsartscouncil.org

See more of my pictures on the Facebook page just for my blog pictures. Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

It is an enjoyable event and I always look forward to the Art Happenings. See you at the next one when we are out and about in Sevierville. 

Formal Treasures, From the Heart

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Proms, weddings, cruises, Derby parties, debutante events, and more…Treasures From the Heart has a dress for you. Located at 230 Court Avenue, Treasures From the Heart is only a block or so from the Sevier County courthouse and very walkable from downtown. In fact, it was quite busy on Saturday. Here is the story about our photo shoot to highlight the beautiful dresses at this special store.

I made my first visit to Treasures From the Heart last August at the behest of my friend Elaine, a volunteer on Fridays. She told me that it is the only thrift store in town from which all funds benefit citizens in Sevier County. The store was extremely nice and I was impressed with it all. One thing caught my attention though—the collection of beautiful special occasion dresses! I had seen an article in the Mountain Press last year about these special dresses and remembered it immediately. Elaine said that some ladies in town would come to buy a dress for a cruise there because the prices were so good and they may only wear it one time. Most prices that I saw were under $30.

Now that spring approaches, there will be all kinds of special occasions to attend so you need to know about the ‘formal treasures, from the heart’ at this store. I asked a  friend, Danyelle Bledsoe, who is also a local photographer, if she could help me. Owner of DB Photography, Danyelle donated her time and expertise to benefit Treasures From the Heart, capturing the beauty of the special occasion dresses on Saturday. Many thanks to her for donating her time and expertise.

Here is a link to her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/dbphotographysevier/

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We had a great time. Here is what we found last Saturday.

First, it became quickly obvious that there were a lot more nice dresses than I was expecting so we improvised with three models from three age ranges: teenager, young adult, mature lady with style. The two dressing rooms are very good so we were able to set up quickly. Danyelle styled and posed all the shots and it was so much fun. She is truly talented!

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You need to try things on that are not your size because there were a lot of surprises. Most ladies know that sizes are ‘relative.’ Different sizes depending on the maker and designer. For example, the dress above is actually a 14 and several sizes above what I wear now, but the jacket tied and made it fit almost perfectly. I didn’t want to take it off! Shoes by Capezio. So experiment with sizes. You will be surprised.

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Loved this one! We called it the ‘show stopper!’ It won’t be there long so act quickly!

img_3572This dress was so comfortable. Some lady will feel like a queen in this one.

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A dropped waist, elegant black gown. Looks like an Instagram fashion blogger shot.

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We fell in love with this gown. Danyelle said that it looks vintage. Divine!

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And there are more! There were too many to try on in one day. Go try them yourself. You will have a great time looking at everything. I advise bringing friends to help.

Before we left, we looked at the wedding dresses and were amazed. They are in pristine condition. One was only $98 compared to thousands that some people will pay.

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This one is so regal!

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The train on this dress is several feet long. We discussed how it could be a dress on “The Bold and the Beautiful” or “Young and the Restless” on daytime TV.

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Jewelry! This was lovely.

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And shoes.

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You can find formal and special attire all here at Treasures From the Heart.

Great things happen when you collaborate. Danyelle took wonderful photos, styled them, and came up with the name for this blog story as well. The photoshoot was great fun so I can only imagine the excitement when DB Photography does a photo shoot at an outdoor setting, such as the covered bridge or the Smoky Mountains. She is very relaxed and comfortable to work with. I will hire her some day for real. Here is her contact info again.

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Check my Facebook picture page for more photos of special occasion dresses waiting for you at Treasures of the Heart. Here is the link to the picture page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

When shopping out and about in Sevierville, don’t forget Treasures From the Heart at 230 Court Avenue,  the former location of Carl Hatcher’s store. It is full of surprises and well worth the trip! Treasures from the heart.

 

Out and About this Saturday in Downtown Sevierville: February 18, 2017

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With some people having a 3 day weekend, it is a great time to visit downtown Sevierville this Saturday. Such good things within only 3 blocks of each other. Here are my recommendations for this Saturday!

First, Coffee and Cabi. Ladies can start with a Cabi fashion experience after 10:00 a.m. Clothes, shoes, jewelry. This is the first Cabi presentation in Sevierville so join us at Courthouse Donuts for this event. Coffee, treats, and you can try on clothes, if you like. Stylist, Amy Quincy Whaley, can answer your questions about this clothing line. The event is 10:00-11:30 at Courthouse Donuts, 160 Court Avenue, Sevierville.

I want to order the top on the right for my reunion this fall! A ‘cold shoulder’ look.


Next, exit Courthouse Donuts to the left and visit the Bees Knees. Open until 5:00, according to online sources.

Have lunch at Bistro 109. Open from 11:00-9:00. Check my blog from last week to see this restaurant highlighted. I love the small plates and orange cranberry chicken salad! The daily specials—everything.

Continue down the street to 230 Court Avenue to the Treasures of the Heart thrift store. This is the only store in town that benefits Sevierville and SMARM. We are going to go there in the early afternoon to work on a upcoming blog story featuring the party dresses there. A photographer will be donating her time for that story and will be taking pictures for that story. Stay tuned!

Finally, stop at Bloomingtails Boutique at 202 Parkway, Sevierville on your way home. You can find jewelry for as little as $3-$5. Other treasures as well. Look what I found a couple of weeks ago.


A silver plated (?) tea service!


Volunteer, Dennis Chambers, shows me a lamp from 1961? Still works perfectly. I can envision it by a child’s bedside table.


A Sunday School lesson book from 1898!


And my friend, Maddie the cat. Love her! She likes to be petted. I always stay a longer because of her. All proceeds benefit Pets Without Parents. Hours this Saturday are 10:00 -2:00 so get there quickly and browse!

There are some great things going on Saturday downtown so get out and about in Sevierville. 

Don’t forget Coffee and Cabi! 


Coffee and Cabi: A fashion experience this Saturday, Feb.18, 2017

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Attention ladies! There will be a Cabi fashion experience this Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at Courthouse Donuts/Dyers Downtown in  Sevierville. I am hosting this event and you are welcome to come and see the Spring 2017 line. We hope you can join us. Bring a friend!

Courthouse Donuts is closed on Saturdays during the winter, but they will be open Saturday for our event, Coffee and Cabi. There will be coffee and treats. Here is a link to their webpage. There will be plenty of easy parking downtown.

http://www.courthousedonuts.com

I have used screenshots here to show a few of my favorite things that you can try on Saturday. It is important to try things on to see exactly which size works best for you in this line.

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Stylist Amy Quincy Whaley will show the Spring 2017 line then you will have time to try on sample items, if you like. I know that I will! After running your errands, come join us and enjoy coffee and Cabi next Saturday morning! 

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If possible, message me to RSVP. Come and enjoy the fun! Stop by, grab a coffee and treat, and have a look at the Spring 2017 line. 

Saturday, February 18

 10-11:30

at Courthouse Donuts

160 Court Avenue

(across from the Courthouse)

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Here is a link to the Cabi website to see the new Spring 2017 line.

https://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/

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Experience a new way to shop. Shop in a comfortable setting with a stylist who can help you find for what is right for you and your style. Enjoy an hour with your friends, treats, coffee and Cabi.

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It will be a new fashion experience in Sevierville so drop by and join the fun.

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It is a new way of shopping for fashion with a subtle, updated look. Come experience Coffee and Cabi this Saturday in historic downtown Sevierville at Courthouse Donuts /Dyers Downtown. Get ready for spring and summer 2017 when you are out and about in Sevierville this Saturday…

A Favorite Downtown Sevierville Restaurant: Bistro 109 !

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Whatever the occasion, I always enjoy going to Bistro 109! To prove it, this story has pictures from at least three different visits: summer, fall, and winter. It is quite a delightful experience. In addition, it won the Diner’s Choice in 2015. Let me tell you more about my favorite restaurant in downtown Sevierville.

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Bistro 109 is located at 109 Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville. Hence, the name. Here is a link to the Facebook page   https://www.facebook.com/bistro109/   . In addition, they have a very nice website at http://bistro109.com . The webpage has additional photos and a copy of the menu. Really nice photos!

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Schools were out for flu on Thursday so that presented a rare opportunity to have lunch downtown. I enjoy looking at the specials of the day posted in the window. Tiramisu! Chocolate! Parking is always easy. Usually a space is located in front of the restaurant or not far up the street.

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As you walk in the door, you will see a beautiful Baby Grand (?) piano. Come on Friday and Saturday evenings to hear American standards and other songs played by Brian Whitcomb and Bobby Aiken.

Can you name that tune? This is from last May.

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My favorite part of the restaurant, by far, is the long copper bar. I always find my eyes drifting in that direction. So beautiful.

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Unfortunately, I am a failed blogger as I forgot to take pictures of our lunch yesterday. I ordered the Orange Cranberry Chicken Salad sandwich. It was gone by the time I remembered my camera. I had seen Andrea Wilson at the bar waiting for her lunch order. She recommended the fried okra and told that they serve it year round. I got it for a side with my sandwich and was not disappointed.

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My friends and I enjoyed our December dinner at Bistro 109. One of us ordered a vegetable plate and we all wished that we had ordered it too.

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Breaded fried goat cheese was a delectable appetizer with tomato jam. Will order again and again.

 

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I often order a Cobb salad. The presentation is so nice!

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Karen ordered a pesto pasta dish and some extra cheese. She loved it!

Bread and dipping oil with Italian seasonings. Wonderful.

Bistro 109 offers on and off-site catering. We noticed that  the room was set up and apparently something special was scheduled  for after our visit. Maybe a wedding reception? I’ll bet it was grand.

Here is the back dining room in holiday festive decoration.

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This is one of my favorite places to frequent in Sevierville due to several factors. First, I love the decor and the ambiance because I feel that I have entered a special place. The building is in a historic area of downtown and has great character. Second, the menu offers ‘small plates,’ where you can order some items in a large or a smaller quantity. I rarely see small plates offered on menus so this quite special. Third, the piano music on weekends! Oh my, what a nice touch. Make a request and the talented musicians will surely know the tune you want to hear. Leave a small gratuity to show your appreciation for such artistry. Fourth, it feels like such a special place; yet, you can dress casually if you like. Fifth, the general manager and wait staff are the most professional that I have seen in Sevierville. You won’t find better food and beverage service in the county. Zach is observant, friendly, and has a good sense of humor. He keeps things flowing well. Finally, the owner, Dustin Manning, has kept downtown Sevierville alive in the evenings for years with his restaurant. Dustin is friendly and wants to make sure all customers are happy with their experience. His many talents are evident throughout the restaurant. It is a pleasure to all the senses. You can also see Dustin at his other business, D Garden, in downtown Sevierville. That must be a future blog post this spring!

Here is a link to that business. https://www.facebook.com/DGardenfloratique/

The webpage can be found here for D Garden. Nice!   http://www.mydgarden.com

If you are out and about in Sevierville then follow the sound of piano music and walk into one of the best experiences downtown. You will enjoy your experience at Bistro 109.