Services – Out and About in Sevierville

Wanderlust Salon Open in Downtown Sevierville

December 22, 2019December 22, 2019outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

With one look at the online invitation, I knew that it would be a great idea to see the new location of Wanderlust Salon in downtown Sevierville. I had visited the salon at the previous location so it was very exciting to learn that Wanderlust had opened in downtown Sevierville— so much more convenient now! I was able to attend the Open House a few weeks ago and signed up for some great specials. If you have not yet visited the salon, here is a look around.

The new location of the salon is downtown Sevierville on Bruce Street, just a few doors away from Graze Burgers. Although the sun was going down in the late afternoon, it was bright and cheery inside.

The salon is festive and ready for the holidays, with lots of gift ideas too.

This is my favorite gift idea!

Wanderlust is an Aveda Salon so there are many products for those who appreciate the brand. I have used them for years and like them a lot.

Any traveler will appreciate the sentiment above.

The salon is using the natural brick and wood found in the older building and it is quite warm and charming.

There are comfortable places to linger and wait for your appointment.

Of the most interest for some of us—massage rooms! There are several and each has a nice ambiance. I have already had one treatment and enjoyed the whole experience.

Many will appreciate the bohemian decor as it lends to a relaxing state of mind.

Treats were catered by Courthouse Donuts. The table was so nice!

Delightful!

A special visitor was also ‘out and about’ downtown.

The salon is spacious and the wood floors add a neutral background that loves the light. You will enjoy your time there.

I am including this photo for now to show that the Bruce Street road/utilities work is going on downtown, but you can easily walk from the parking lot at the gazebo directly into the salon. For parking, turn down Court Avenue and take a left on Bruce Street to access the gazebo parking lot. You can easily cross the street to the salon.

There are two barbershops downtown so it is going to be so nice to have a salon as well! The Wanderlust Salon Open House had some well priced specials: consequently, I have already had one massage and will have another in the next couple of weeks. You can find future specials by following them on Facebook. Here is a link. https://www.facebook.com/Wanderlustsalonspa/

There are some exciting things in store for downtown Sevierville and Wanderlust Salon and Spa is a key component to that growth. It is also exciting for clients who appreciate Aveda salon and spa services. Wander over to the area and see this exciting new business when you are out and about in Sevierville.

Salt Room + Massage Therapy To Boost Good Health: A Visit to Sevierville Massage Therapy

February 11, 2018February 11, 2018outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

We have visited the Salt Cave in Asheville to test the health aspects of it all, but when I heard that there was a salt room in Sevierville then I was amazed. Consequently, I knew that I had to visit as soon as possible. With flu and illnesses running rampant, the time to visit was at hand! I made an appointment for a massage and one session in the salt room at Sevierville Massage Therapy last Friday. Here is how it went…

They are open until 8:00 p.m. five days a week. This is exceptional because many people may need to go after work. Other places tend to close by 7:00.

Sevierville Massage Therapy is conveniently located around the corner and behind the Sevier County Teachers’ Credit Union, just off Dolly Parton Parkway. Here is a link to the website:

http://www.seviervillemassage.com

I entered the front door to find a nice check-in area with various products for sale. I didn’t have to wait. Anna immediately gave me the information form due to it being my first visit to the business. The process was quick and done in a minute.

The prices are some of the best to be found anywhere. I chose the 60 minute massage plus a session in the salt cabin. Let them know in advance if you are interested in the hot stones because they require time to heat up. Must do next time!

The room was warm, dim, cozy, and comfortable. Soft lighting, a heated massage table, and a bolster pillow to place under the legs make for a nice hour of relaxation.

Recognize these? This is the first time that I have ever seen charging cords for cell phones available in a spa room. Great idea!

I like the Himalayan salt rocks and may buy some in the future because they are supposed to offer many health benefits. My massage was divine! There were some things that were different. Anna stretched my arms, shoulders, and legs along with the massage.

Here is the salt cabin. They provide information online in regard to the salt room so I was prepared with a magazine and had socks. In fact, I got excited when I saw the antigravity chairs. These are very comfortable and are the exact same chairs that we use in the Asheville Salt Cave.

Notice the floor holds a great deal of, I assume, Himalayan salt. Anna said that they are continuing to work on the salt cabin, but I didn’t know the difference. I asked for the lights to be left on bright so I could read my new Vanity Fair magazine. I always get a blanket because it can get a little cool during the 45 minutes.

Interestingly, I started noticing effects of sitting in the salt cabin. In the Asheville Salt Cave, I don’t really notice a lot except that my hair feels softer. Also, we tend to go in summer and fall when I am not suffering from allergies, etc. I actually reached for a tissue before the end of the session. It seemed to loosen up my congestion for hours. Very good!

If you forget to bring reading material then you can read one of the books on the shelf, if you like. I noticed crayons and paper for children. The third shelf had slip on covers for feet if someone forgets socks. We use them in the Asheville Salt Cave too.

The building size is deceptive because once you walk in, you can tell that it is about twice as big as you would expect. There are at least 3 massage treatment rooms, a nice bathroom, and the salt cabin.

At the end of my time at Sevierville Salt Therapy, this motto had become true. Go to Sevierville Massage Therapy to relax, renew, and restore. It is close to downtown and many businesses on Dolly Parton Parkway. You will certainly find a new place to stay healthy this winter when you have to go out into the cold while out and about in Sevierville.

A Pet Vacation at Dumplin Creek Critter Care

January 28, 2018January 28, 2018outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

Sevierville is blessed with several pet boarding services—and I like them all. However, this one is a little special. Come with me as I boarded my dog for a few days at Dumplin Creek Critter Care. This is a great pet vacation place!

To begin, Dumplin Creek Critter Care is convenient to the interstate, only half mile or so from I-40 and Exit 407. Located at 315 East Mount Road in Kodak, this location is convenient to locals and visitors alike. The phone number is (865) 414-3979.

Diedra Williams is the owner and operator of Dumplin Creek Critter Care. She is a Sevier County native. She always had a dream of working with animals. She worked worked for 11 years helping in kennels, then as a vet-tech, then as an assistant. In 2016, Diedra realized that she was ready to start her own venture. She wanted to open her own business. In this capacity, she can continue working with animals by providing a safe, fun, supervised environment for pets while owners are away.

Diedra has given me permission to use some pictures in this story that come from her business Facebook page. Here is a link to her page https://www.facebook.com/Dumplincreekcrittercare/

She boards dogs, cats, and ‘other critters’ such as birds, snakes, rabbits, and more. Contact her with questions about other family pets that don’t fit in those categories.

There are several things that make Dumplin Creek Critter Care special, in my opinion. First, pets have access to a fenced in back yard with grass and natural ground. Other places tend to have concrete because of cleaning necessities, etc. This is good for dogs who need to romp and exercise with a blue sky over their heads.

Another nice thing about this business is that the owner may have fewer animals so she can spend more time with them. It is obvious that she loves animals and enjoys being with them. The pictures above are my dog, Little Dolly.

When I pick up my dog from Dumplin Creek Critter Care, I notice that she is not as ‘stressed’ from the noise of other dogs and probably gets some extra attention during the day due to the smaller numbers of animals requiring care. My dog is 13 years old so that is becoming more important to us. The love and care is obvious in Diedra’s pictures.

I have noticed a really nice room for cats too in this business. Take a peek if you visit.

Finally, Diedra has a very active Facebook page during the day—and it is enchanting. I started following her Facebook page long before I boarded my dog because I just loved looking at her pictures. She will post photos during her day. You can see dogs exercising or getting groomed and it is fun. You will start noticing animal facial expressions.

With Diedra’s photo captions, you start noticing the personalities of the animals, particularly the dogs. Also, their personality quirks. What fun!

I am convinced that she makes some the best animal /human selfies on the internet. Love them!

Some dogs are clowns and some are athletes. There is always something fun going on at Dumplin Creek Critter Care.

Best pet Christmas photos ever!

Are these photos not enchanting? How did she get them to smile?

A happy chihuahua (and owner) after vacationing at Dumplin Creek Critter Care.

If you need pet boarding services, this is one of the great places in Sevierville. My dog gives her highest recommendation. Two paws up!

It is Time for a Reality Break! Try Reality Break Massage Therapy

January 7, 2018December 29, 2018outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

It was only the third day of the new year and I was ready for a reality break! An ad for Reality Break Massage Therapy appeared on my social media a few weeks ago and I noticed the name of the owner/therapist. I immediately made plans to visit at the first opportunity. I had an appointment on Wednesday and couldn’t wait until the day arrived. Here is what you should know about Reality Break Massage Therapy.

First, you should know that the owner/therapist is Nikki Grooms. I met her years ago at Oak Haven Spa when she gave me my first therapeutic massage—and it was fabulous! In fact, I never forgot it and always judged massages by the one that I received from Nikki Grooms. She gave me her business card and I never forgot her name. Over the years, I lost track of her, but found her again due to the social media ad and a Facebook ‘share’ from another client, local artist Bev Gwinn Jones.

Here is some information from her bio: Nikki Grooms has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005. Her resume includes working at Oak Haven Spa, the St. Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville, and Blackberry Farm. In addition, Nikki has worked for several chiropractors. Nikki opened Reality Break Massage in 2016 with a vision to offer quality spa services at quality prices. It is personalized therapy as well.

From downtown Sevierville, you may need 25 minutes to arrive at the spa as it is in the Seymour/Boyds Creek area. It is mainly a two lane road and you will inevitably get behind a slow moving car so leave early enough to arrive on time. You don’t want to miss a minute. It is a lovely drive through the countryside. The sight of rolling hills, cows, and rivers will start melting the stress away. The picture above is actually on the way back home. I couldn’t resist the mountains.

The ad mentioned a Peppermint Bliss treatment so I knew that was the one for me! How cute the bed cover was with the little peppermint sticks.

Look at the numbers the mailboxes to find the house if it is your first visit. It is located in a beautiful neighborhood. I pulled into the driveway and Nikki met me outside. Then, she walked me to the spa entrance. Everything is decorated for the season and so cute. Once in the door, you are close to a restroom, shower, and the spa area.

Everything you could need is there.

The spa room has soft lighting and music to enable relaxation and therapy to begin.

The decor and lighting make it so cozy and comfortable.

There are a variety of oils which will enhance any session or treatment.

Ninety minutes later…Voila! I emerged a new person!

Her bio states that Nikki graduated in 2003 from King College with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Business and Economics. In addition, it says that “her passion for massage and helping others continues to grow as she works on expanding her small business.” This is certainly true and evident during your session.

To book an appointment with Nikki Grooms at Reality Break Massage Therapy, you can go to the website https://realitybreakmassage.amtamembers.com

or click this link to see prices and book online https://squareup.com/appointments/book/C3M98FJ2J5P60/reality-break-massage-therapy-sevierville-tn

Clients can also call or text (865)789-0086 . Texts may be returned quicker than phone calls.

I was so happy to connect with Nikki Grooms again and plan to have another massage soon. In fact, I hope it to become a monthly therapy. After all, people in my field need a break from reality as often as possible! I’ll take mine at Reality Break Massage Therapy.

An Early Visit to a Sevierville Tradition: Sims Barbershop

August 27, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Someone I know gets a haircut at 4:30 a.m. every two weeks. What kind of place is open that early? I have walked by this Bruce Street business often and have even waved at the gentleman inside as I have walked by to the farmer’s market. I wanted to know a little more about Sims barber shop, a Sevierville institution; however, I don’t think that I have ever set foot in a barbershop. It was a place that I had never visited before so I needed a guide. A navigator. Jayson Nave fit the bill. Follow along as I visit a Sevierville tradition and, in the process, meet a huge Tennessee Vols fan. This is a Bruce Street favorite.

I thought that Jayson would be there about 4:45. Here is a shot of the clock on my car showing the early hour. Alas! Jayson was already finished with the cut and waiting for me.

Bruce Street is practically deserted at 4:48 in the morning…except for the light in Sims Barbershop, to the left. You can park right in front of the door at that time too!

Mr. Johnny Sims was so friendly and cheerful at that early hour. What a wonderful feeling when you enter the shop because you walk into a Sevierville time capsule. There was so much history to see. Mr. Sims graduated from the Tri-City Barber College in 1959, then he opened the shop in February 1960. Mr. Sims’ father opened his shop three doors down over 60 years ago.

First, I love the barber chairs! So traditional. Mr. Sims bought the barber chairs in 1959.

Dr. Nave showed me how the barbershop system works.

1. If you are the only customer then you sit in the left chair and get the cut you want. If there is someone in front of you, then take the chair to the right. More people can wait in the chairs along the wall.

2. If you are waiting, find some reading material that interests you.

3. Don’t interrupt the time with the barber and another client. (Sort of like at the beauty shop, or when you work out with a trainer at the gym).

4. Customers are all walk-ins. I don’t think there is a phone there or an appointment book—and I like that. ‘First come, first serve.’

These prices have not changed in a long time. Mr. Sims said that in 1969, a haircut cost 75 cents and a flattop cut was $1.

Thursdays and Saturdays are the busiest days in the barbershop. The most popular cuts are:

Burr cuts
‘High and tight’ military cuts
Regular hair cuts
Flat tops

And Johnny Sims can do ‘fades!’ These seem to be quite popular with athletes too.

I would say that it is a good idea for local congressmen to get a haircut at Sims Barbershop while visiting downtown Sevierville.

It would make me nervous to cut a congressman’s hair, but not Mr. Sims. He said that he felt no case of nerves cutting hair for political figures or others. Can you imagine?

This is an award winning barber and barbershop. I felt very comfortable there.

Mr. Sims is a fan of Dolly Parton. In fact, he attended Sevier County High School, like her, although his class was 5 years ahead of Dolly’s class.

Everyone is sure to love the big screen TV placed strategically in front of the main barber chair. It couldn’t be more comfortable or convenient.

Mr. Sims is a Vol fan and supports all the teams: Lady Vols, Vol basketball, and, of course, football.

Mr. Sims is a huge Vols fan, as you can tell by the memorabilia on the walls. In fact, he closes his shop on home game Saturdays two hours before game time, no matter what.

He has attended Vol home games for over 45 years, with seats in the horseshoe of Neyland Stadium.

These hours are great for customers. Mr. Sims may be the hardest working barber in East Tennessee! He is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

This is the original barbershop pole that he bought in 1959. It doesn’t work right now, but still is a traditional sign of the service. I wish that someone could go there and fix it for him. How cool would that be?

I enjoyed this visit to Sims barbershop and felt so welcomed that I can imagine how customers feel there. In fact, I told Mr. Sims that if I were a guy then I would certainly get my hair cut there too. It was enjoyable to see and hear things about the shop from so many decades. I appreciated Dr. Jayson Nave introducing me to Johnny Sims, proprietor of Sims Barber Shop. Dr. Nave knew what I needed to see and hear about the owner and the shop for this story. And what a good story it is, because the barbershop has served this town for decades. Clearly, it is a Bruce Street destination.

I’ll be sure to continue to wave each time that I pass there because Mr. Sims is a Sevierville institution. Make sure that you do the same when you are going down Bruce Street. Mr. Sims will certainly smile and wave back.

I’m glad that this blog makes me get out and about in Sevierville.

Downtown at 6:15 in the morning as I headed back home to get ready for the day.

Not stirring yet, but Courthouse Donuts is beautifully lit up from within.

There is a New Nail Salon in Town: Noire the Nail Bar

July 18, 2017July 13, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

I noticed a new nail salon in the shopping center near Buddy’s Bar-B-Que and had to stop in. This place is a little different and has some new things to offer Sevierville. Sit back and look at my trip to Noire the Nail Bar on highway 66 in Sevierville.

The hours are good. I was a ‘walk-in’ about 3:15 in the afternoon.

The salon is new and very posh.

As with other places, the colors were available on the wall display.

However, you select the color from this collection. They want you to relax so you don’t need to ‘lift a finger.’

The area for children was quite amazing. It was like a fairytale come to life.

You definitely would feel like a princess sitting at this station.

It will probably stay exceptionally clean with each station covered in plastic for easy cleaning.

There are several manicure areas and a nice large, flat screen TV on the wall.

It was nice to use a brand new back massage pad. This one really does a good job.

I was busy editing photos on my phone, but they very nicely brought me a couple of magazines to read. Good ones too.

The prices vary. Read the print carefully and note the differences between the verbs and prices. For example, ‘clipping,’ ‘shaping,’ and ‘trimming’ will be different prices. Study the menu of services carefully. It will be important in order to get exactly what you want in the service. I asked for a pedicure that was in the middle of the price range because it was closer to what I usually get in town. It costs more than other places, but the leg massage was twice a long—a bonus.

Above, you can see prices for children under 10 years old.

This is what sets the nail salon apart from most. I didn’t have high expectations for the wine because it is not the focus of the business. However, it was not bad at all. I am not sure what brands they use, but you will have a choice between red and white. I had to go see my father afterward so only a taste for me. Nevertheless, it was a very relaxing experience and one does feel very pampered. It is like a spa feeling.

Many ladies I know have a favorite nail salon and an affordable price is a priority. This place may cost more than others in town. However, if you want to try something new, Noire Nail Bar would be a good place to go. I can imagine people coming here for birthday parties, pre-bridal showers, college friend get-togethers, and more. There is a very nice atmosphere here and you will enjoy that aspect.

As with any new salon that you visit, be alert during any phase of a pedicure that involves cutting implements. I only visited Noire the Nail Bar once and my experience was positive, so I can’t speak for everyone. However, I enjoyed it and will go back again some day.

	Must-See Attractions… on First Mural in Downtown Sevier…
	outandaboutinsevierv… on Bruce Street Brewfest 201…
	Joanie Philippi on Bruce Street Brewfest 201…
	Mary RUden on 10 Realty / Gallery 10 Art Gal…
	Sheley on 10 Realty / Gallery 10 Art Gal…