Month: October 2026

In Dolly’s Footsteps: New Self-Guided Walking Tour in Downtown Sevierville

outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

There is a new, self-guided walking tour in downtown Sevierville that features places where Dolly spent time when she was a child. Created by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce and local historian, Carroll McMahan, this free experience takes you to nine locations that were important hometown spots for Dolly, with stories, photos, and videos that can be uploaded to your cell phone at each location.

Here are the nine stops on the In Dolly’s Footsteps self guided walking tour.

  • Dolly Parton Statue (125 Court Avenue)
  • The original Red’s Cafe (119 Court Avenue)
  • Carr Dry Goods Co. (140 Court Avenue)
  • Temple Milling Company (106 Bruce Street)
  • Raymond’s Shoe Store (110 Bruce Street)
  • Easy Way Five and Dime Store (137 Bruce Street)
  • Kilpatrick’s Drug Store (139/159 Bruce Street)
  • Old Post Office (167 Bruce Street)
  • The Pines Theater (230 Court Avenue) where Dolly had her first paying performance.

First, start at the Sevier County Courthouse and find the Dolly statue. Next, find the granite and bronze square on the sidewalk and find the QR code on a white card in front of you.

Next, open your mobile device and press the yellow box found at the bottom of the QR code box to open the presentation. Then, scroll to read and listen to items that interest you in the tour.
Screenshot of the webpage that opens in your phone.
Screenshot of a video of Dolly herself that you can watch during the tour .

Look for the granite and bronze markers to find the QR codes.

I may not have found the QR code for one of the spots until a lady called it to my attention. Can you see it? I like this location!

I didn’t know all of the locations downtown in Dolly’s early life so I used the addresses above to guide me. It is quite easy to take the tour and go at your own pace. Sundays are a very quiet and peaceful day to do this tour and parking is plentiful

As an appropriate end to the tour, I sure many visitors will return to the statue of Dolly Parton for a final look and photo.

Dolly Parton was a beloved artist and philanthropist in this area so this new experience honors her in a unique way. The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, Carroll McMahan, and all those involved in the Walking in Dolly’s Footsteps self-guided tour have created an extraordinary experience for visitors and locals to learn more about Dolly Parton. I was very impressed and will bring friends to see it as well as recommend it to everyone.

From this tour, you can see where Dolly Parton was out and about in Sevierville.

See you at the statue.

Footsteps to Faith: Meet Local Author of a Hiker’s Prayer Journal for Walking the Camino De Santiago

outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Walking the Camino de Santiago ( The Way of St. James) in Spain is well known as a spiritual pilgrimage. There are physical and mental challenges, highs, lows, astonishing landscapes, and spiritual benefits for those who attempt any part of the trek. I know because I was lucky to walk 171.5 miles in June 2022 with my friend, Lisa Stone. Three years later, Lisa finished the Camino Frances route with her niece, Jessica. From start to finish, the entire route is about 490 miles in all and it is quite an accomplishment to complete it.

Screenshot from Inspiring Maps.com.

As a result, Lisa’s trek inspired her to write a prayer journal for other pilgrims, titled Pilgrimage with the Psalms. Within the book, there are 30 journal days, each with a specific Psalm excerpt, and a spiritual prompt for the day’s journey. The prayer journal accompanies the Camino, but would actually fit any journey you may wish to take.

Earilier this year, April 2026, Lisa presented a session about her journey at the Sevierville Public Library.

At the presentation, Lisa talked about the history and different routes of the Camino in Spain.

Packing information and useful items.

Lisa gave the audience a wide overview of the trek and told of her inspiration to write a prayer journal.

We had the opportunity to buy books and have them signed by the author at the end. Of course, I got one and hope to use it some day!

In addition, Lisa has written a Spanish version of her book for those who want that language option. Excellente!

Exciting news…Now, you have a second chance to meet this author and learn about her book: Pilgrimage With the Psalms.

Come meet local author, Lisa Stone, at the Sevier County Public Library 2026 Literary Showcase on Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the King Family Library, located at 408 High Street in Sevierville.

Screenshot of the event info from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page.
Screenshot of author, Lisa Stone, from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page.
Screenshot from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page. Follow the library Facebook page— I did. Lots of great community activities going on!

Lisa Stone has a new website at Soloadventuringwithlisa.com

The author can be contacted for book information and speaking events at this email address lisamcintyrestone@gmail.com

A QR code to order books below.

See you Saturday at the Literary Showcase.

Buen Camino!