Month: October 2019

The Past Came to Life During History and Haunts 2019

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Despite a threat of rain, I went downtown to see the last weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. What a nice event! This was a special event that took place every Saturday in October. Each Saturday offered unique activities and fun. I was particularly looking forward to the last Saturday in October due to the Haunted History walking tour, led by Sevier County Historian Carroll McMahan—and it was amazing.

There were a couple of food vendors parked in front of the courthouse. This one is becoming quite popular.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council never disappoints with their ‘make-it-and-take-it’ art. I got a little souvenir of the season. How cute!

The Sevierville Commons Art Council had an amazing assortment of fall crafts for all ages. I especially enjoyed the pumpkin painting and the homemade masks. In the photo above, Crystal is helping me cut a mask to resemble a cat for my work outfit tomorrow. Thank you!

Fall was in full force downtown.

Music on the courthouse steps created a festive atmosphere. You could actually get a seat because a huge crowd was on the first Haunted History walking tour at 6:00. I was hoping to do the 7:30 tour to enjoy it after dark.

Downtown is lovely right now so go see it if you get a chance.

It was dark and approaching the time for the 7:30 Haunted History walking tour. It was full of tales about past Sevier County citizens, many who met a tragic end. The actors above were members of the Seymour High School Drama and Forensics group. They were excellent!

I checked the radar on my iPhone (as my friends and colleagues know that I do) and saw that showers and thunderstorms were nearby. Because the threat of bad weather, the 7:30 walking history tour took place in front of the courthouse. It was a good call.

Dolly seemed to be listening to the tales along with us.

The students were assigned a person in Sevier County history and given a brief background about the person, but it was the students’ responsibility to create lines and to retell the story in the ‘first person.’ They did a great job! Caroll McMahan, Sevier County Historian, led the tours and introduced the former Sevier County residents.

“Former residents’ summarized their lives…and their untimely ends. I really enjoyed the improvisation and the interaction between the actors and Carroll McMahan, our county historian.

This unfortunate character ended up with an axe in the head.  (The actor said that you can find and axe like this one on Amazon!)

Each character told their story quite cheerfully. The students skillfully performed their lines and roles. Bravo!

At the end, choir members from Northview Academy sang a somber song to close the event. I wish that I could remember the name of the song because it was so pretty.

Because storms were headed our way, I decided to skip the storytellers and to save that for next time. In conclusion, it was such a nice event! I had heard of it before and had always wanted to do it, particularly the Haunted History walking tour with actors. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to experience History and Haunts during October and recommend it for you next year. It was such a nice evening.

See you out and about in Sevierville…

Best Thrills Around at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

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One of the best thrills in Sevier County is located across from Dollywood. I finally got a chance to try Rocky Top Mountain Coaster last night and it was so much fun. In fact, I rode it twice! This place is really special, especially in October. Come and take a ride down the mountain with me (as they say) at the speed of fright.

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster has a Halloween themed experience right now, but don’t be worried if you don’t like that kind of thing. It was very family friendly.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I could see the lights and hear the sound effects from above. I have always wanted to take a coaster ride in the evening for an enhanced experience.

It is easy to find the ticket booth and the facilities.

There is a spacious area for people to relax and observe if they want to just wait and watch loved ones ride the coaster.

Good information here.

I highly recommend the ‘re-ride’ option because you will want to ride again. I rode twice and could have gone one more time. You notice new things each time that you ride and experiment with your speed. So much to see and enjoy!

Let the attendant know if you want ‘the scares’ or not. I opted for the non-scary ride and relaxed knowing that I didn’t have to be so nervous. Also, I enjoyed hearing other riders get the ‘scares.’ I found it amusing and laughed out loud on several occasions. They do a wonderful job!

This is the boarding area. It is pretty straightforward. You get in, put on the seatbelt, and get instructions on braking and how to push levers forward at the top of hills. There were over 52 people in line in front of me; yet, I was on my coaster in under 15 minutes. Don’t worry if there seems to be long line because it will move quickly.

The attendants are in costume, but are nice and put everyone at ease…for the moment.

The couple in front were riding at night for the first time.

If you don’t want to be scared then you wear a glow necklace so the actors see you coming and leave you alone. It was chilly so I hoped that they could see it over my neck wrap.

The first hill gives you a nice look over the property. It is a relaxing pace and not too fast.

Here is a Time Lapse video of the first part of the mountain coaster ride.

https://tinyurl.com/yxdf8ukf

There are October sound effects and scenes that glow in the dark.

I like the lighting on the track and ominously humorous signs. It is very dark, but you zoom right along following the track lighting.

It is fun to see scenes in the distance and wonder what you will see there.

At this point, you want the coaster to go a little faster until you see what is ahead.

The lights add to the thrilling experience. I just noticed that my sled reflects the lighting as well.

https://tinyurl.com/y5ar2qfg

I usually ‘granny it’ down a hill on rides like this, using the brake with a heavy hand; yet, I found myself going full speed at certain points and using one hand on the brake and one for photos. I felt very safe and in control. I wanted to feel the full speed of it at times. Then, I realized that it is actually a roller coaster without the big drops. Great fun!

It was fun to ride through a barn. On your first ride, you will wonder what awaits you there.

It reminded me of Disney’s Haunted Mansion scenes—Smoky Mountain style.

Nine minutes later, I was off and in the gift shop. There is a place during the ride that takes your picture. I saw the sign, but didn’t notice a flash.

Because I didn’t know there was a camera taking my photo, this is my real facial expression as I took off downhill.

In summary, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will be great fun for all ages and family members. Night rides will offer a special experience enhanced by lights and darkness. The ride lasts over 9 minutes and utilizes 4 hills and descents. This was a long ride, in my opinion, but it will leave you wanting more so consider doing the ‘ride again’ option.

To see up to date information on the schedule and special events, go to the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/rockytopcoaster/

There is a website as well. http://rockytopcoaster.com

I can’t wait to ride this coaster again. In fact, I think that I could ride it frequently and not get tired of it. Let me know when you go because I may want to tag along.

Howl-O-Ween Fun at History and Haunts October 10, 2019

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The Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest was gearing up when I arrived for the second weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. Music and lawn games were already taking place too.

Contestants were preparing for the dog costume contest.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council had a wonderful craft for young and old—masks!

These masks were made by artists and attendees at the event. Free fun for everyone. Don’t ever miss a ‘make-it-and-take it’ event by the Arts Council. So fun! 

Waiting excitedly for the contest.

Several businesses were on hand to share information and prizes. I am pretty sure that I used this one a long time ago when I had a water leak in my apartment across town. I would definitely call them again.

There is a saying: No matter where you go, you can always find a sombrero. I loved this little dog. He is a rescue animal. His owner said that he is so good with people and other animals. My kind of pet!

When you have three dogs, a carriage seems to be a good idea. These pet owners were ready for the event with the cutest little costumes on their fur babies.

I asked this young man about the costume. He said that he found this lobster costume at a TJ Maxx. I need to go shopping there again for my pup next year.

The trophies were serious.

Minions!

I loved Beagle Juice! I think that this pup may have won two awards. The first time that I have seen a dog wig. So funny.

All the winners lined up for the ‘Best of Show’ category.

I believe that one of the contest judges is quite a canine expert.

This vendor was certainly in the right place.

Dressed for the season and the contest. This pup was the best behaved, of course!

This vendor had info and it reminded me that it is time to make an appointment for a facial. The MediSpa has aesthetic and cosmetic treatments. The Sevierville location is 740 Middle Creek Rd, Suite 111.   www.medispaknoxderm.com

It was fun to take home a little MediSpa goodie bag!

The gazebo area downtown is really special when the sun sets and I enjoy being there.  The courthouse is illuminated in the distance. 

I walked to my car to take one last picture of Dolly and the October night sky when …

I noticed a Smoky Mountain storyteller sitting nearby telling tales. I joined them to hear a few stories. Some sounded like real mountain tragedies that happened long ago. The lady held us spellbound with her tales and presentation. It was a perfect end to the History and Haunts second weekend.

But get ready…there is more! 

This Saturday, October 19, will find zombies taking over the downtown area.

“Thriller” music video dance lesson at 5:00 p.m.

Zombie costume contest at 6:00 p.m..

A Zombie Walk downtown at 7:00 p.m. (so you won’t be surprised if you drive by or stop into Graze for dinner).

Zombie flash mob and Thriller dance at 8:00 p.m.

Starting at 5:00, the Sevierville Commons Arts Council will offer a ‘paint your own pumpkin’ activity that will decorate your home quite nicely for the rest of October. This craft will fun for everyone in the family.

A lot will be happening downtown on Saturday evening so come out to join the fun that only happens once a year.

See you out and about in Sevierville!

History and Haunts: October 5, 2019

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I arrived about 5:45 to see the first weekend of History and Haunts in downtown Sevierville. Although it took place at the same time as a Vols home game and the Tino Homecoming, there were quite a few people enjoying the event. And what a nice evening it was!  Here are some pictures from my visit and the Walking History tour that highlighted famous African American brick masons in Sevierville.

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I parked behind Sevier County Bank (my bank) and walked to the back of the gazebo area for the History and Haunts event. Henderson’s Produce was at their usual spot and had some beautiful pumpkins for sale. (I ended up buying several bags of produce on my way out so the bank was a good parking choice.)

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Always glad to see Courthouse Donuts and all their treats. There is no better downtown supporter than this business!

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Next, I found the Sevierville Commons Arts Council table with the ‘make-it-and-take-it’ craft. So fun! Kids of all ages will enjoy the Arts Council crafts.

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The only limit is your imagination!

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I made it in time for the 6:00 Historic Walking Tour of downtown Sevierville, led by Carroll McMahan. The tour would focus on Sevierville citizens who were African American brick masons. Their bricks built most of downtown!

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It was easy to find the tour. Just walk up and enjoy!

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We walked up Court Avenue to hear Carroll McMahan tell us about buildings formed by local brick masons and to hear about some local history. We heard names like Isaac Dockery, Tom McMahan, and Stuart Burden. One of the people taking in the tour was also a descendant of Isaac Dockery. It was fascinating.

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You can see so many brick buildings downtown and most were built by local African American brick masons. They had their own kilns so they could make the bricks on their properties off Allensville Road and Middle Creek Road.

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We wandered by more houses with historic significance. This building was originally a hotel that served early visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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We walked by this building. It has changed ownership since I was here a while ago.

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The old Sevierville Post Office was a stop on the tour. When I moved to Sevierville, it was still open!

At the end of the tour, I wandered around the gazebo area before the sunset. However, I imagine it will be nice after that because the event was open until 9:00.

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This business will be relocating soon downtown. I cannot wait!

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Next, I wandered over to see some of my favorite vendors. This is my favorite soap artist. She has some lovely things for the fall season. I hope she is back next week!

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There were some other new vendors at the event downtown.

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Several games were located by the gazebo. Come and play Jenga or Cornhole!

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It is a great family event. Four legged family members on a leash are welcome too.

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The sun sets on the courthouse with pumpkins ready to be taken home.

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Signs of fall.

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History and Haunts will take place every Saturday in October. Go to www.downtownhistoryandhaunts.com to see more.

Next week, there will be music, games, fall crafts, storytellers, a downtown walking tour, and a Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest. Registration at 6:45 and the contest will take place at 7:00. Bring your fur baby!

A Zombie takeover will take place on October 17, with a costume contest at 6:00 p.m. A Zombie walk follows at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., a flash mob will perform the dance from the famous video “Thriller.” Lessons will take place at 5:00 p.m. for those who want to perfect their dance moves for the flash mob at 8:00.

October 26 will be amazing! Live music, games, fall crafts, and food will accompany the main event: Haunted History walking tours. Sevierville Historian, Carroll McMahan, will lead a Sevierville Walking History tour that will feature actors from Seymour High School’s Drama Club that will bring the past back to life. Tours will take place at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30p.m. I’ll be there for the later one to enjoy the tour after sunset. There is sure to be some seasonal ambiance.

Lots of fun activities will be happening downtown Sevierville on Saturdays in October. Scare up a friend or two and come on down. See you out and about in Sevierville.