Author: outandaboutinsevierville

Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception For Boys and Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains: Prelude to the Gatlinburg Festival of Trees

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There was a lot a lot of holiday cheer Tuesday evening at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg because the proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Christmas regalia was everywhere. Holiday treats were around. Here is what it was like at the event last night.

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Brooke and Kevin Ownby pose for a festive photo.

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A special friend met us at the entrance for a special photo.

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Mignonne and Logan Coykendall have been planning for the event since last January. Well done!

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Jay and Brenda Adams in festive holiday colors for the event.

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Blake Maples, Anne Hewitt, Jody Ramsey, and David Moore from Citizens National Bank, a Silver Sponsor for the event.

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Mark Ross, on the left. He is Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Smoky Mountains.

This was my favorite tree. If you notice, it is upside down! Purple ornaments too.

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My HIIT class friend is Anne Barry, on the left. On the right, Marci Claude, Public Relations Manager for the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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Corrine Hampton and Steve Hartford.

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Becky Loomis and Lessie Koopman dressed in festive attire. Our group has known them for years. In addition, Lessie owns 3D Fitness in Sevierville.

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An elf on the shelf got caught in this tree!

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I love this picture of Mignonne with her mother, Carol.

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Marguerite and Darren Schmidt. Pictured right, Chad Will.

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The best little tree!

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I wandered over and met Mrs. Lorraine Hendrix. We were having a wonderful chat when I noticed someone special nearby so I asked if I could get her picture with Santa. This one is my favorite photo of the evening! She is delightful and I can’t wait to meet her again.

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This Santa was very special. He even had a little bear on his sleeve. It was almost a European kind of suit. He was witty and fun!

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Take a close look at the ornaments on the Paula Deen tree. Very clever!

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We ran into another S.C.H.S. alumni, Davy Thomas, now Chief Operating Officer for Hospitality Solutions.

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Mixx 105.5 morning radio personalities Jay Adams and Steve Hartford hosting and encouraging the crowd to support the Boys and Girls Club during the evening.

Introduction of Mike McCroskey, President of the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

Pretty things to buy or to bid on during the evening.

Mike McCroskey introducing Logan Coykendall and telling of his work for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

Logan Coykendall speaks about the Boys and Girls Club and the work to benefit the clubs. He and Mignonne were a driving force for this event last night.

 This was a great event to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, which serves over 1,600 children in our county. You could not ask for a better place to take pictures with a Christmas theme. I was excited to get to get a preview before it was open to the public. Bravo to the Coykendalls , Mary Ellen Rader, the Convention Center, and all the volunteers who made it happen.

My friends and I had a wonderful time and will go back again and again. The Festival of Trees is open from November 23-26 from 10:00-7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 10:00- 5:00 p.m. Admission is free! There is an interactive Santa’s Workshop area for children too.

In conclusion, you can’t find a more festive way to get out and about in Sevier County than the Festival of Trees. Look for the donation box on the way in and if you feel so inclined, make a small donation to the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains.

To see more pictures of Candy Canes and Cocktails reception and more Festival of Trees, go to my Facebook page for blog pictures. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Dairy Queen Week 2 Promotion: Free Combo Meals for a Year, November 22, 2016

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At the first Dairy Queen promotion last week (for free Blizzards for a year) we learned of another one for this week: free combo meals for a year. The requirement was to be one of the first 100 people to buy a cake at 6:00 a.m. Were there many people in line? Here is what I saw when I arrived at 5:58 a.m.

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The first people in line appeared to be a family and were in great spirits having had little sleep during the evening. I barely got there in time to ask their arrival time in line because the door would open in two minutes. They said that they arrived at 3:15 a.m. to be first at the door. In addition, each one bought a cake; thus each member receives two combo meals per month for a year. This was a good way to maximize waiting time together. I asked if they had a big freezer to which the father responded that he had organized it the night before and there was plenty of room for 4 cakes. Well done!

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I looked at the line and decided that I may make the first 100 cut so I jumped in and was soon this far by 6:05 a.m.

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No one was behind me for several minutes.

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The line movement forward slowed down after a while because they had to bring more cakes from the kitchen. I noticed that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup cakes were very popular.

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I chose a cake for my work colleagues called Chocolate Extreme.

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Cake in the break room ready for lunch! (Sorry 10:00 -11:00 friends. I couldn’t get in there in time. Owe you one!)

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However, next time I’ll have to remember to bring little bowls for serving.

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If you want to know what the ticket looks like then here is a picture of it. Who will be my friend in January? I’ll be ready to go!

It wasn’t a bad way to spend 38 minutes out and about in Sevierville. 

 

Sevierville Downtown Streetscapes Meeting: November 17, 2016

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There was a gathering last Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at Courthouse Donuts to present ideas for developing downtown Sevierville. I went to see what was going on and what the future may hold for our downtown. There are a lot of good ideas.

“Every city is judged by its downtown.”  Jack Neely, “Subterranean Knoxville: The Buried Narrative of a Distracted City,” lecture at McClung Museum, Oct. 25, 2016. 

I entered Courthouse Donuts around 4:45pm and saw various picture boards around the room illustrating possible renovations to our downtown business district. Right now, there is a tight focus on a couple of blocks of Court Avenue and Bruce Street.

The picture above shows Court Avenue looking toward Main Street. On the left you can see the Courthouse, with Courthouse Donuts on the right. Eliminating 4 parking spaces and adding landscaping makes it more walkable and possible to host more events in that area.

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The picture board above shows Bruce Street looking toward the community center. The picture shows parking on both sides of the street , similar to what we have now.

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An overhead view.

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Two other options would allow parking on only one side of the street or no parking on the street. The nice thing about no street parking would be that sidewalks could be enlarged allowing outdoor cafe seating at restaurants, ice cream shops, coffee shops, etc. I rather like the idea of those kinds of places in downtown Sevierville!

The goals for renovating downtown are to make it more walkable and more useable. Other good ideas are ‘way finding’ signage to direct visitors historic things, the Dolly Parton statue, parking, etc.

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I had a chance to speak with Andrew and James Temple about their preferences in this renovation, particularly parking and the landscaping options.

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Pinkie Mistry and Stefanie Johnson are interested in downtown renovation and shared some of their ideas as well.

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Charlie and Alex Johnson also are interested in a revitalized downtown. I spent at least 15 minutes chatting with Charlie and think that he has a good vision for this project, as well as the others there. On a side note: Alex told me a funny story about running into his high school Latin teacher (and my good friend, Laura Lindsey Long) at the baggage area of the Rome airport. She was leading a trip with students and he was traveling on his own. It is a small world!

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I could not partake of any snacks because I was heading to a HIIT class…but it looked fabulous!

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I always admire this platter!

I think that renovating downtown Sevierville will be a big job, but feel confident in the ones ‘leading the charge.’ It is exciting to see something take shape from the beginning stage. Click on this link to see more, sign up for project updates, and share your input. The opening page of the website shows a wonderful illustration of what our downtown may become one day. Go see it!

http://www.DowntownStreetscape.com

The completed project is sure to make it even more fun to get out and about in Sevierville. 

Small Business Saturday

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This Saturday is a good time to shop locally and with small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy. Although I have some appointments on Saturday, here are places I want to visit this week, and through the holidays. I’ll use screenshots here from their Facebook posts. Excellent pics and info.


I want this from Loralei’s!

Jewelry!

A trip to Treasures From the Heart to look for holiday finery.


Then a dinner at Bistro 109.



Have a great weekend! Get out and about in Sevierville.

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Babalu Tapas and Tacos Cooking Class at KaTom

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Babalu Tapas and Tacos Executive Chef Warren Weiss conducted a cooking class at KaTom yesterday afternoon. I have visited the restaurant several times with friends and knew that this demonstration was not to be missed so I booked the class several weeks ago. Here is what I saw…

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The KaTom store and complex is already decorated beautifully for the holidays, inside and out. I was happy to enter the store to see my friends Harriet and Sarah Berrier. We had a front table with a great view. I went up to meet Chef Weiss and his restaurant assistants, Teagan and Sara. Babalu Tapas and Tacos is located in Knoxville on Gay St., just a few doors down from the Downtown Brewery. It is a fun, lively place to eat so go there soon! Click this link to go their website. Nice!

https://knoxville.eatbabalu.com

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They were excited to be there and cook for an audience of ‘foodies’ in a state of the art demo kitchen. I enjoyed talking to them a few minutes before the class began. Chef Weiss trained in a culinary school in Hyde Park, New York.

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We were delighted to see 4 courses on the menu. Plus, complete recipes on the following pages.

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Great view of kitchen techniques from the KaTom overhead TV. No bad seat in the house.

At the restaurant, they use two avocados to make each tableside guacamole. The most guacamole sold in one day at the restaurant: 300 orders.

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Extra Babalu Guacamole served with  chips.

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Guacamole on grilled country toast points with radish and micro cilantro.

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It was fabulous! A secret to their guac is that they use sundries tomatoes rather than salsa, pico de gallo, or chopped tomatoes. It is creamy beyond belief.

I forgot to take a picture of the tuna ceviche. It was excellent—and I don’t usually do ceviche. Above, you can see the chopped salad. We all agreed that the lime vinaigrette was sublime! The Anaheim peppers gave it a little spicy ‘kick’ and complexity. I get tired of my own salads at home, but could eat this one every day.

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A nice version of paella!

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Mexican Fudge with pepitas. Looks like pistachios, but they are crushed and toasted pumpkin seeds. Delightful!

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A crowd pleaser that concluded the class with applause.

I enjoy all the cooking classes at KaTom, of course, but enjoyed this presentation very much due to the relaxed and informative delivery provided by Chef Weiss. He told us interesting things about the Babalu Restaurant. There are several locations: Jackson, MS; Charlotte, N.C.; Overton Square in Memphis, TN.; Atlanta, GA, and Knoxville.

Chef Weiss answered questions from the audience throughout the demonstration. For example, his favorite food is macaroni and cheese. His favorite restaurants in Knoxvegas are the Northshore Brasserie, Stock and Barrel (best hamburgers), and Jig and Reel (fish and chips). He enjoys living and working downtown.

Chef Weiss gave us cooking tips for chopping onions and putting them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting them to prevent eye irritation. Put avocados in a paper bag for a few days if you need to ripen them. Trader Joe’s sells frozen cubes of garlic that are great value and taste for cooking.

The next cooking class will be on Tuesday, December 6th with a chef from Blackberry Farm. There were only a few seats left for that class so you need to call and book today if you want to get in on that one. Harriet, Sarah, and I already have our spots reserved. Melinda should be joining us too. There isn’t a better way to spend a couple of hours learning new recipes and dining with friends while you are out and about in Sevierville. 

Save me a seat at the table!

For more pictures, click this link to go to the blog Facebook page for photos.

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

Big Kickoff for New Sevierville Dairy Queen, November 2016

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There has been much anticipation for the new Sevierville Dairy Queen and the wait is over. It opened this morning at 6:00 a.m. with a big promotion: free Blizzards all year (2 per month) to the first 100 people in line to buy a breakfast platter. Did I make the cut? Read on to see what happened this morning.

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If there is another promotion like this then you may have to park in the Walmart Marketplace parking lot and walk over some curbs, dirt, and grass.

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I could see the line wrap around the back of the building. I didn’t feel good about my chances to be in the first 100 people.

I walked up to the first guy in line (after assuring everyone that I wasn’t cutting line) and asked him what time he arrived to maintain first place. He replied that he arrived  at 8:00 the night before and set up camp, which you can see above. He said that he had camped out once before for a Krispy Kreme promotion and won doughnuts for a year. The next guy in line arrived at 3:15 a.m. to take second place.

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Since I was already there, I counted people in line and found myself to be in the 70s, which made me eligible for free Blizzards for a year. So I thought, “why not?” I jumped in line at 6:00 a.m. and was in the door by 6:35a.m. img_8547

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Will Connell, marketing manager from Murfreesboro, greeted customers and handed out a flyer for a new promotion next week. I’ll show you at the end of this blog. He said they have opened Dairy Queens in Seymour, Sevierville, and White House, Tennessee. There are 10% discounts for military, seniors, and students.

The counter was fast and efficient. They make breakfast to order so I got a number and it was brought out to me within two minutes.

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The coffee is excellent!!! Make sure you get a refillable ‘to go’ cup. You will want one.

Now here is the promotion for next Tuesday…but be aware that this one is different. It could be a little tricky for some people; therefore, I don’t expect the long line that I saw this morning.

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The first 100 customers must buy a DQ cake. Let me repeat…they must buy a cake. See the sizes in the small print above.

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Cake prices vary from $20-30. (I Googled the prices.) However, do the math and you will see that it is worth it. A combo meal varies from $4 to $6.50. You get two per month. For two people, it will be $8 to $13 multiplied by 12 months. That is certainly worth a cake and Thanksgiving is just two days away.

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I think that I will go back next Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. and predict that the primary school break room will have a DQ cake for lunch! It is a little early in the morning, but a fun way to invite a friend and get out and about in Sevierville all year.

See you at the new DQ!

For more pictures, go to the Facebook page for  blog pictures. Here is the link.

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

 

Sevierville 7 Day Planner: November 12 – 19, 2016

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Things start getting busier in Sevierville next week, plus more things approaching the holidays. Here are some fun happenings coming up in Sevierville to mark on your calendar. I am going to use screen shots because the information is excellent.

First, this just popped up on my Facebook feed. Everyone loves the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. While not in Sevierville, it is only minutes away with great food, shopping, and photo opportunities. My favorite store is Sassafras so this looks like a ‘must do’ on Saturday. Red Velvet Fudge? Oh my…

 

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We are (finally) getting a new Dairy Queen across the street from Sevier County High School. Will you be in line early next Tuesday morning? Worth it!

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There is a cooking demo at KaTom next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. presented by the Executive Chef from Babalu Tapas and Tacos in downtown Knoxville. It is a fun place to eat so I can’t miss this class. Call KaTom at 865-225-1545 to RSVP.  Save me a seat near the counter!

Here is a link to the website. https://eatbabalu.com

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This event is more than a week away, but you need time to register and, perhaps, train for it. Get ready for the Thanksgiving Day 5K at Sevier County High School. The race this year, if I remember correctly, stays on the high school campus rather than out on the streets. The campus is quite large and will easily accommodate a 5K. You walk it or you can run it. Proceeds benefit Dr. Suzanne South’s science lab.

Go to the Foundation Facebook page and scroll down to learn more about the race and to see pictures of the science lab. The upgrades from previous fundraising have really made a difference so come and support the school.

https://www.facebook.com/SevierCountyHighSchoolFoundation/

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This is what it looks like when you open Eventbrite to register for the race. Run and be home by 9:30 a.m. to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner! Don’t worry about the buffet lunch after this race.

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(If you have an event that you want for me to share then send me an invitation or announcement via email or Facebook two weeks before the date. A month in advance would be even better.)

I see several fun events coming up at the end of the month and into early December so get ready to get out and about in Sevierville for the holidays!

 

Sevierville’s One-Stop Christmas Shopping last Saturday, November 5, 2016

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It was all hustle and bustle on Saturday morning at the 5th Annual One Stop Christmas Shopping in the Sevierville Civic Center. I had never been before and wanted to take a look since it was the fifth year in a row. I headed over around 10:40 a.m. and this is what I saw.

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Crowds gathering around tables to look at gift ideas.

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Local artist, Millie Derrick, displaying her pottery cups and bird houses in a unique stand!

These creations are so unique! I love looking at them every time that I see them.

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Her creations are so unique. I have never seen this technique in pottery. It is delightful!

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Millie has been selling her art at the Knoxville Farmer’s Markets for several years so her table is perfection!

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I finally had time to talk to my friend and colleague, Larissa, about her product. I’m going to give it a try this week!

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Loved looking at all the creative gifts.

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When I smell the wonderful aromas from Allison’s room it makes me want some for my home. My friend Crystal will help me out with that tomorrow. If you like Scentsy, tell me your favorite fragrance. I have it narrowed down to seven.

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There were several vendors with wonderful treats. I encouraged them to consider signing up for the Downtown Sevierville Holiday Market on December 2 and 3. It will need lots of Gingerbread Men, especially after the Christmas parade on December 3rd.

If you see this lady then stop and have a chat. Karen has worked with the Barker Lounge for dogs, plus she manages the Bloomingtails Boutique downtown, proceeds go to Pets Without  Parents. img_8199

She has participated in the Sevierville Commons Farmers Market this summer. I bought an orange and white Vols necklace from her for a great price.  An even more cool reason to have a chat? She is from Australia.

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There were free treats for those who needed a refreshment.

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This is located within the Bees Knees store. They are about to add more seating for lunch. Keep it mind!

On the way out of the building, it was fun to see two former students who are now working in city government. One is a Vice-Mayor, and the other, an Alderman. Good job, guys!

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There was a lot to see and shop on Saturday. I know that I’ll go next year too when I am out and about in Sevierville. 

For more pictures, go to my Facebook page for this blog.

Click this link to go directly to the Facebook blog page for pictures.

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

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is now open for business.

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img_8146The new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is open—and it was packed with customers all day. I had to park in the side parking lot to get in. People are excited to see “good stuff cheap.” There were a lot of good deals. This is what I saw.

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The store is located in the former Food Lion space on Main Street, in the lot behind Hardees.

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I lose umbrellas every year so this was a nice sight in the entrance.

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If you own a K-cup coffee machine then you may want to check this out.

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I like the Bertolli brand. It was well within the range of the expiration date. The date was good.

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I know some people who may like this game.

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I want to buy this and tape some sight words on them for practice.

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Lots of beautiful throws and other housewares.

According to the flyer in the newspaper, Ollie’s is a retailer for closeouts, salvage items, and ‘excessive inventory. ‘ There was a wide variety of goods to choose from. There was a huge crowd there this evening so this store should do very well here.

Hours are daily 9:00-9:00. Sundays 10:00-7:00.

I’ll post more pictures on the blog Facebook page for extra photos. Click this link to see more things at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

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

Not your usual hamburger: BURGERFI

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It was later in the evening and we needed to stop somewhere before the movie. After hearing Christie and Katie describing it at lunch, I knew that we had to go to BURGERFI for a quick bite. Just on the left past Tanger Mall, you can get to Governors Crossing Theater in just 5 minutes—even with traffic. It was the first visit for Lisa, Melinda, and I to the restaurant. Here is what we saw..img_8112

I knew that the prices would be more than a typical fast food place, but was glad to see the sign above and so I didn’t mind it so much.

If you like the drink machine at Fire House Subs then BURGERFI drink machines will suit your fancy. I have avoided soft drinks and diet drinks for a while, but had one here in the name of research. If you choose Diet Sprite then you will have at least 8 possible flavors to add to your drink. Caramba!

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Order in the back, get a ‘buzzer,’ then pick up on the left.

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I ordered a simple cheeseburger, but next time will try the CEO if someone will split it with me.  The ladies at lunch today insisted that this one is the best.  In my opinion, the prices are no higher than places in downtown Knoxville.

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The cheeseburger with a brand on the bun!

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There are several kinds of fries. These are the Parmesan kind. You have to share with someone! Trust me.

Wine and beer on tap.

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The biggest ceiling fan in town.

Now, I will try to clear up one point of confusion for some of us. I thought that the ‘FI‘ in the restaurant name indicated Wi-Fi, but it does not. You won’t get a WI-Fi password here. The menu has a slogan like ‘ the burgerfication of the country, one burger at a time;” to wit, the term ‘FI.’

Frank Allen’s Market is voted the Best Burger in Sevier County and I’ll stand by that. However,  if you want one later in the evening, then this is a good one to try.

Go to the Out and About in Sevierville page on Facebook to see more pictures and the menu.

Click here for the link.

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