December 2017 – Out and About in Sevierville

A Year in Review: Out and About Sevierville 2017

December 30, 2017January 5, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

It is time to take one last look back at 2017. According to Google Analytics, the second year of this blog found 67 stories and 6,732 views. It was seen by people in 52 countries. The top five after the United States: Canada, China, Mexico, Philippines, and Ireland. With all that production, it is appropriate to take one quick look back over the shoulder before stepping into 2018. Here is a look at 2017. Our little town was pretty busy!

If I were to give awards to story topics, then this is how it would follow…

MY Favorite Stories

My favorite stories? There was a 3- way- tie. These three stories were fun because they were especially creative and involved collaboration with D.B. Photography, and others. If you missed them, click the link and take a look.

The Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Downtown Sevierville https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/10/08/the-most-instagram-worthy-spots-in-downtown-sevierville/

2. I am dreaming of… a Mural in Downtown Sevierville https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/11/26/i-am-dreaming-of-a-mural-in-downtown-sevierville/

3. Formal Treasures, From the Heart https://outandaboutinsevierville.com/2017/02/20/formal-treasures-from-the-heart/

This is the info for the blog photographer.

As for other stories during the year…

Biggest surprise: the immensity of the Sheriff’s Office Spooktacular Event for Halloween. There must have been thousands of people there!

Fun, but the most out of my comfort zone were Sims Barbershop, the SCHS Turkey Chase 5 K, and flying high at Sevier Air.

My favorite new event: the United Way Progressive Dinner.

Most relaxing story: Oak Haven Spa.

Best sources of consistent blog stories

1 Sevierville Commons Arts Council

2. Sevierville Commons Farmers Market

‘I am rooting for you’ award

Bloomingtails Thrift Boutique. Go visit this wonderful little place full of treasures. Proceeds go to Pets Without Parents.

Unique fun for ladies

Ladies Derby Hat Social

I would like to spend more time

at Charlotte’s Creative on Bruce Street

Celebrity Surprise

Running into Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund at the Dolly Statue

And so many more things. I leave 2017 here with pictures that best capture the year while out and about in Sevierville. The photos start from last January and end with this month.

( View on desktop for better view of mosaic photo presentation.)

See you in 2018!

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The Top 10 Stories of 2017

December 27, 2017December 28, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

A lot has happened in Sevierville this year so I tried to capture some moments with this blog/website. I used Google Analytics to create the list for the most popular posts of 2017 for the blog Out and About in Sevierville. The analytics track each story by readers and then maintain a running total. Here is the list of the most read stories on the blog this year from number 10 to 1. Will your favorite make the list?

#10

SCHS Foundation 5K : Turkey Chase 2017

It was cold and it was fun! We will do it every year. Thanks to the SCHS Foundation and Nancy Trundle Hewitt.

United Way Progressive Dinner, November 2017

This was a new event and one of the best of 2017. Can’t wait until next year.

Sevierville Commons Arts Council Launches Blast Off Event

This July event helped to launch the Sevierville Commons Arts Council in the new space downtown. We can’t wait to see what they do there in the future.

An Early Visit to a Sevierville Tradition: Sims Barbershop

It was so early, but I knew that I was going to a special place. Jayson Nave served as my navigator. Sims Barbershop is so full of history! Walk in just to say hello to this friendly Sevierville barber.

Downtown Sevierville Spooktacular Event: The Bruce Street Area

I had never been to this event before and didn’t realize what a wonderful family outing it would be. For that, I am not surprised to see it show up at number six on the list by Google Analytics. This blog story was part 1, near the Bruce Street area and the gazebo.

First Downtown Sevierville Farmer’s Market of the Season, May 26th, 2017

The opening of the Sevierville Commons Farmer’s Market signals that summer is near. Music, food, produce, soaps, jewelry, treasures—you can find it all here.

Shopping at Bloomingtales Boutique in Downtown Sevierville

I love this little thrift boutique just across the street from downtown Sevierville. Proceeds benefit Pets Without Parents. Go visit the resident cat, Maddie, and find something special.

I Am Dreaming of a Mural in Downtown Sevierville

Murals can be economic boosters for downtowns and promote the arts at the same time. We found the perfect spot for one here in Sevierville. Go to this blog story to see more.

Sevier County Sherriff’s Office Spooktacular Event: Courthouse Area

This outing caught me by surprise. It was the most epic event of the year. This story was the second part of my evening visit, near the courthouse area. Good fun!

A Grand Event: Night at the Derby 2017

Night at the Derby must be the best fund raiser of the year; in addition, it is a favorite party of the year for many. You can’t have more fun than this while helping 16 local agencies. The United Way has served our county since 1983. Don’t miss it next year!

These are the top 10 stories of 2017 for Out and About in Sevierville.

What will 2018 bring?

What would you like to see as a story on the blog?

Stay tuned as the 2018 New Year arrives and we go out and about in Sevierville.

Glassware Makes a Huge Difference: Tasting Experience at KaTom

December 26, 2017December 28, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

A few weeks ago, Sophia and I decided to go to the Glass Expose event at KaTom because we wanted to learn more about the topic—plus, I love glassware. What we learned at that event completely shifted my thinking on the topic. I never realized what a difference better glassware can make in regard to taste and temperature of beverages.

It was dark when we arrived at KaTom so Christmas lights beckoned us inside. What we didn’t know was that within 20 minutes, we would discover that a top grade serving glass is essential to food service. Here is what we learned.

KaTom is on Inc. Magazine‘s list of the fastest growing companies in the country so any event there is going to be an exciting learning experience. Sophia and I just thought that it would be an interesting event, but it proved to be much more informative that we would have ever guessed.

The tasting event was hosted by Libbey Glass presenter, Matthew Rutowski, Sr. V.P. and Brand Director of Spiegelau, USA.

I had never seen such a large set-up in on the KaTom showroom floor. Each place had glassware set up and ready for attendees. At this point, Sophia and I knew that the presentation was going to be rather special.

Multi-media presentation was in place to begin the event.

The gist of the presentation asserts that it is not just the design of the glass that improves the tasting experience, but the materials that make the glass as well.

The Spiegelau Company is located in Germany. The factory has a long tradition of manufacturing glass products since the 16th century. http://www.spiegelau.com/info/

The presentation showed how they mine the special glass material, which makes it lighter and better suited to specific brews. It also showed how the company has collaborated with some of America’s master brewers to design the best glass for their brews.

I would have never really believed there was difference—until they led us through an experiment and we decided for ourselves. It was amazing how a regular pint glass could not compare to the Spiegelau glass in keeping the beverage cold and maintaining the taste. After only a few minutes, we tried it again and the IPA in the pint glass was warm and tasteless. The Spiegelau glass was still very cool and flavorful. It was a completely different experience.

There are specific glasses for specific brews.

At the end of the presentation, Mr. Rutowski always asks attendees to raise a glass if they agreed that the Spiegelau glasses gave a better experience and enjoyment to the tastings. Everyone overwhelmingly agreed.

Amanda and Adam just opened Barley Waters in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee. They came to the presentation to learn more and to buy glasses for their new business. If you visit Johnson City, their place is next to Freiberg’s restaurant. (Oddly enough, I ate lunch there with family last May.) Barley Waters has been open over a month. It has 32 taps and over 206 beers in all. Their customers will certainly benefit from Spiegelau glasses they bought that evening. Adam attended the Brewing Science program at South College and worked for a few years at Blackberry Farm before starting Barley Waters.

These attendees were from Knoxville. The gentleman on the left has a Food and Beer blog. The gentleman on the right manages Suttrees, an establishment on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. They overwhelmingly agreed that the presentation changed their minds on the difference that glassware can make in tasting, plus the advantage over a regular pint glass.

The Glass Expose and Tasting event at KaTom seemed like a fun event; however, it ended up shifting my thinking about how important glassware is to dining and how it can enhance one’s experience in a significant way. I will never ask for a regular pint glass again.

Now, we are hoping Spiegelau will return some day for a presentation on whiskey or wine glasses. There is more to know…

You can learn all kinds of things when you are out and about in Sevierville.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Barbara Tenney on Saturday at KaTom

December 20, 2017December 20, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

My favorite cook in East Tennessee is Barbara Tenney. I am a ‘groupie’ and have followed her for years. The Saturday Christmas treat demos at KaTom Chef Supplies are not to be missed. This Saturday will be her last presentation for the holidays so drop by sometime between 11:00-1:00 p.m. to see, taste, and to learn about the last Christmas treat of 2017—almond cookies made with a press.

I visited the day of the fruitcake cookies and can tell you that they were fabulous.

These cookies are even more special because of the wonderful dried fruit that goes into the recipe. The cookie was not overly sweet either so that it allowed balance with the sweetness of the fruit.

Here is a recipe card for the Fruitcake Cookies.

Festive tables.

I tried the Hot Toddy cookies last week and they were excellent. The shortbread cookie that served as a base for the recipe was wonderfully sweet with a subtle orange flavor that came from the zest of the fruit. There are not just for Ole Miss fans. 😉

I asked about the pan to shape the cookies and Barbara showed me that you could use just a simple one like this one.

This is a ‘cook’s point of view’ from behind the KaTom demonstration counter. You can see what a beautiful store it is! You don’t have to be a chef to shop here. All kinds of shoppers drop by to browse.

Barbara took me into the back showroom and we got a latte. This is my dream machine!

I had never noticed this sale corner and was amazed. I ended up finding several gifts here and some things for my own kitchen. There were a lot of things under $5 in this area. Barbara said that there are new things in this sale area every time that she visits so make sure you check it out.

I always try to get a picture with the chef before I leave KaTom and this one is my favorite: Barbara Tenney. If you get a chance, drop by and see her for a few minutes this Saturday. It is one of my favorite December things to do while out and about in Sevierville.

Save me a seat at the counter!

A Sevierville Treasure and S.C.H.S Legend Celebrates 95 years!

December 17, 2017outandaboutinsevierville6 Comments

She is a Sevierville treasure. She is a Sevier County High School legend. Norma Blair celebrates 95 years this week!

After church, I was preparing to leave when I walked right into an important moment—and a blog story. I heard that our friend, Norma Blair, was celebrating 95 years so I had to give her best wishes. She is certainly a Sevierville treasure.

I loved this poster that family had created for the guest of honor, Norma Blair. Just a few pictures can illustrate a life lived well.

After the Contemporary Service, Norma Blair’s family prepared for the festivities.

Norma Blair was born in 1922 in Morgan County, Tennessee. She earned a teaching degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College. She taught elementary school, then taught English for 2 years at MTSU.

Norma married and moved to Sevier County around 1942.

According to her daughter Brooke, Norma Blair waited until her children were grown before taking an English position at Sevier County High School. She began teaching at SCHS around 1971. I heard that Judge Rex Henry Ogle was in one of her first classes. There are many people who enjoyed working with her or taking her classes.

In her first year at SCHS, Norma taught Senior English and the chorus. She was choir director for two years. Of special note, Norma Blair was able to teach 3 of her grandchildren during her time in the English Department at SCHS.

A crowd gathers to greet the honoree after services at Sevierville First United Methodist Church.

In attendance were three of Norma Blair’s children : Mary, Tina, and Brooke.

Also in attendance were numerous grandchildren and more.

A line of church members greet the honoree.

Norma Blair is one of the most beloved faculty members to have ever walked the halls of Sevier County High School. I know the same is true for the hallways of the Sevierville First United Methodist Church, and more. It was my honor to see her approach her 95th birthday this week. You can tell by her family, friends, and church family that this is a special lady. Happy 95th birthday, Mrs. Norma!

We love you.

You Gotta Hustle! Santa Hustle Smokies 5K and Half Marathon 2017

December 10, 2017December 10, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

If you drove down highway 66 this morning, you were likely to see a couple of thousand Santas running and walking down the road. You weren’t seeing things! It was the Santa Hustle Smokies 5K and Half Marathon races.

A colleague talked me into running again. I have participated in the 5K with my sister, niece and nephews on two occasions, but have not done it in a few years. When the forecast predicted 19 degrees at race time, I had decided to stay home. However, the Lord showed us great favor this morning when I saw that it was actually 28 degrees. I knew that when the sun came up it would get warmer so I suited up and took off for the Sevierville Convention Center parking garage.

This screenshot shows new things that participants got this year. Socks and medals are new. The Dri Fit Santa shirt is comfortable and fun to wear to work or the gym. Love these goodies! In the 5K, you run from the Wilderness Resort to Starbucks and Ruby Tuesdays on highway 66, turn around, and come back. The half marathon goes to Pigeon Forge, near Starbucks, then returns.

Participants are encouraged to dress up in a holiday style. I saw her running with this outfit. There was plenty of room inside for her arms and it may have blocked the cold breeze. So fun!

There is a competition for costumes and it is fun to see what runners can race in. This couple looked great!

These tiny ‘reindeer’ were popular with children and adults alike.

So cute!

There is a DJ playing Christmas music and announcing the line up times to race. Very festive!

This photo captures the first seconds of the race. I have tried to embed a video link below for the opening seconds of the half marathon runners.

https://youtu.be/UuK1-pIxj8Q

If you are going to run in freezing temps, it is good to have a few extra things to wear. I went to a local sporting goods store and bought a fleece neck warmer and special gloves.

The neck warmer made a huge difference!

This race provides a lot of good treats post-race to recover energy. My favorite thing was the two toasters warming Thomas English muffins for peanut butter and/or jelly. Nice!

Little Vols are fans of the race too!

Fun to see colleagues at the race. Jennifer and Brittany had a great time today with their families.

Ed and Barbara OBrien have hiked every trail in the Smokies AND do 5K races. They are unstoppable!

Milk and cookies for a post-race Christmas treat.

There are lots of photo opportunities and bragging rights here. Heidi and I broke our personal records!

Every race usually has at least one, cool, ‘chill bump’ moment. The picture above was ‘it’ for me. Heidi and I were waiting to cross the street to go to the parking garage when we stopped to watch some half marathoners coming up the street. They were some of the first to return. The guy above in the yellow-green shirt ran by us so fast and he must have been in his 80s. He was so fast! You can see the young man behind him running who must have been 60 years younger. Respect!

I think that these ladies said that they came from Knoxville and Sevierville for the Santa Hustle.

They make the race fun in every way. Heidi is going to send this pic to her son. He is a college student in Texas right now and will be happy to see his mom having fun and active.

Fun photo with Rudolph.

All finishers got some good souvenirs this year.

See you in 2018 when Santas are running out and about in Sevierville.

Christmas on Bruce Street 2017

December 8, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

Last Saturday morning, I parked behind Sevier County Bank and made my way through the arcade to meet Sheley at Courthouse Donuts for a special event. It was time to get ready for Christmas on Bruce Street, presented by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council. The third annual Christmas on Bruce Street event took place from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. We ran right on time. Come along with us here…

I spied this lady taking a picture of her son with the Dolly statue. She said that they were from Greensboro, North Carolina and wanted to catch the parade before they went to Gatlinburg. Love their matching hats!

Love the festive tree with two Sevierville icons.

Andrea Wilson, local artist and Sevierville Commons Arts Council board member, is sharing information before the parade begins the journey down Court Avenue.

I had to stop and admire the greenery here. Nice!

Kyle Grainger from WVLT Channel 8 was preparing for the parade at his spot at Courthouse Donuts.

Is this the most beautiful Golden Doodle you have ever seen? So sweet too!

I met Sheley at Courthouse Donuts for coffee. It was very busy before the parade.

Next, we had a little time so we went a few doors down to Two Coyotes Studio to shop and to talk to artist, Bev Gwinn Jones. There were so many pretty things to consider. I must go back soon!

We went downstairs to see the parade proceed down Court Avenue. My previous blog covered the parade; however, I include a picture of a tractor here because that turned out to be a favorite thing of Sheley during the event. Who knew?

We stopped by the Arts in Common Gallery on Bruce Street to make a Christmas ornament during their ‘make it and take it’ time. I love mine, pictured above. I could have sat there for hours making more things. Alas, time was moving quickly.

Next, we visited Charlotte’s Creative and our friend, Charlotte Wear. I bought an ornament for a party on Thursday and I may end up keeping it because it is so pretty.

Charlotte had some delightful holiday treats. I love the green Spritz cookies.

Local artist, Charlotte Wear, and my friend, Sheley, enjoying the Christmas feeling on Bruce Street.

Artist, Mary Phillips, does pastel silhouettes. Love these! She just adopted that dog from an animal shelter so we got to meet him too.

Next, we headed toward the gazebo and the Holiday Market. On the way, we ran into an old friend. I heard what Sheley asked for Christmas, but cannot tell.

We enjoyed the music of the Reunited, featuring Steve Laciak and Kate Phillips. Sheley and I admired her blue velvet coat and wanted to know where she got it. It was fabulous! See more of them on their Facebook page. Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/thereunitedduo/

I enjoy the things that Ursula Stinnett creates with paper, old hymnals, and more. Incredible keepsakes! In fact, three friends will be receiving a gift tomorrow at brunch that I bought from this Sevierville maker.

So many pretty things!

It is fun seeing friends at the market. Catherine and Allison were doing some shopping with their Aunt Pat. A mysterious man dressed in red was walking in the background.

l love shopping with this vendor. Soaps and bath ‘bombs’ with seasonal fragrances are a great gift!

Beautiful music by the handbell choir from First Baptist Church of Sevierville.

I loved so many things by this artist. So much beautiful jewelry by Chris and Summer Webb. Check out their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/organicanvil/

Relay For Life of Sevier County was selling an interesting game called Smoky Mountain-opoly. I think this would be a great gift for Lisa Stone and Cathy Sexton because they love to hike the Smokies. The price is right too!

Volunteers from the Sevierville Senior Center were manning a Make It and Take It tent for natural bird feeders. They gave us a pinecone smothered with peanut butter, then we got to roll it in the big box of bird seed, pictured above. It was fun and I ended up taking two home. I put one on a lower planter last night and ‘something’ carried it away in the night. Wonder what that could have been? Hope it was just a raccoon.

I loved this pallet Christmas tree and considered buying it.

We didn’t wander far when it was time for lunch. This is Sheley’s absolute favorite lunch spot. They also deliver.

The turkey corn chowder is excellent. Sheley likes the cheeseburger grilled as a panini. It looked fabulous!

The weather was good and the crowds were fine. Sheley and I enjoyed the morning and vowed to come back next year to Christmas on Bruce Street. It is the most festive way to get out and about in Sevierville…

Sevierville Christmas Parade 2017

December 3, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

There was great weather and a good crowd for the 55th annual Sevierville Christmas parade on Saturday. I met Sheley and we were able to catch it from the beginning at our spot across from the courthouse. Follow along to see the highlights!

We were shopping upstairs at Two Coyotes Studio when I heard a quick emergency vehicle sound so we ran downstairs just in time to see the honor guard open the parade.

City officials walking the route.

The parade Grand Marshall this year was Albert Atchley. The Grand Marshall’s car was followed by some First Responders from the Sevier County wildfires a year ago.

A four-legged First Responder participates in the Sevierville parade.

Vintage fire truck with festive trim.

A highlight for many was the Sevier County High School band. They set the mood for Christmas!

On the left side of this picture, the Dolly statue seems to look on with approval on her former high school band.

See more pictures of the SCHS band on the blog Facebook page for pictures. Here is the link.

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

Every parade needs majorettes!

Donna brings them and they shine!

Ober Gatlinburg Snow Creature.

Catlettsburg school float.

It looks like fun to ride this float.

My next favorite thing in a parade: horses.

There were church floats.

There were girl scouts.

There were antique cars.

There were festive tractors.

Sophia Conerly drove the car for Relay for Life of Sevier County. Their mission is ‘Save Lives, Celebrate Lives.’

There were beauty queens.

And finally, the most anticipated member of the parade—Santa!

If you want to see a fun ‘behind the scenes’ look at the start of the parade from this float’s perspective then follow this link to their Facebook page for a Facebook Live recording. It was fun to watch because I always stay downtown, but didn’t realize how many people are also on the Parkway to view the parade.

The link was long so I created a smaller one below.

https://tinyurl.com/y8e6be2g

In all, the parade was over in about 47 minutes from our viewing area downtown. You didn’t have to wait a long time and parking was easy downtown. Great job to everyone who was involved with the production. It was a great morning to be downtown and one of our favorite Saturday morning things to do while out and about in Sevierville.

See more pictures on the blog Facebook page for pictures. Here is the link.