Out and About in Sevierville

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.

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.)

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

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.

The only limit is your imagination!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

There were some other new vendors at the event downtown.

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

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

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

Signs of fall.

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.