Uncategorized – Page 3 – Out and About in Sevierville

Sevierville 10 Day planner: December 6-17, 2016

December 7, 2016December 7, 2016outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

There are several things coming up in Sevierville for the next 10 days amidst the other holiday goings on. Here are some good things that I see in the next 10 days.

Tomorrow, you can drop by Courthouse Donuts from 5:30-8:00 for the December Art Happening. Mingle with artists and enjoy the works of the featured artist of the month, Crystal Lynn Sharp. There will be an Artreprenuer talk at 6:00 p.m. (Art + business)

At the Art Happening, you will have a chance to hear local duo the Pea Pickin’ Hearts. They are one of our favorite local musical groups. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peapickinhearts/

KaTom is hosting Barbara Tenney on Saturday from 11:00-1:00 for a holiday appetizer demonstration. It is free! Just drop in any time, sit at the counter, and watch Barbara work her magic. You will probably get to sample it too. Barbara Tenney is well known in Knoxville for cooking classes, catering, and demonstrations on WBIR TV. She did the Thanksgiving Day demonstration last year on WBIR.

3b549589-9438-42e3-8634-25bf25053f78

I attended Barbara Tenney’s demonstration a couple of weeks ago. It was a Mexican hot chocolate and spicy snack mix. I got to watch, sample, and bring something home. Plus catch up with her because I have attended about ten of her cooking classes over the years. She has taught at Williams Sonoma at West Town Mall and Butler and Bailey Marker in the Rocky Hill area of West Knoxville. We love Barbara Tenney!

45a30402-e5b8-4480-a922-3a849b121922

The Downtown Sevierville Holiday Market has been postponed to next weekend. Plan to attend and support your local downtown artists and small businesses! It will be a great time to pick up last minute gifts for Christmas too. For example, here is a necklace that I bought last weekend from local artist Bev Guinn Jones and her Two Coyotes Studio. Wear the mountains. Find her studio on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/

The flyer for the Holiday Market shows all the things available: pictures with Santa, food, drink, and make-it-and-take- Christmas ornaments.

There are some good things happening in town. See you out and about in Sevierville!

Sevierville’s 54th Annual Christmas Parade: December 3, 2016

December 5, 2016December 5, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

The Sevierville Christmas parade was held on Saturday morning at 11:00a.m. through downtown. After a terrible week with the wildfires in the county, it was cheering to see a sign of normalcy and tradition in the parade. I met friends at Courthouse Donuts downtown for coffee and a big window view of the street to watch for the beginning of the event.

It was cozy inside with the courthouse just in view.

People were lining up for these as we waited so I was able to snap a picture.

A nice crowd was gathering at the intersection and ready to see the parade.

It takes a little while to leave the staging area at FBC, go down the parkway, then turn down Court Avenue, but you get plenty of warning when the procession is heading your way. We were ready to cheer them on.

fullsizerender

First in line were the fire trucks and first responders. Well deserved applause from the crowd.

fullsizerender2

Here is a one minute video clip of the beginning of the parade.

fullsizerender4

Opening banner.

Parade Grand Marshall was Sevierville’s Citizen of the Year, Ellen Wilhoit.

fullsizerender3

Here is a 25 second video clip of the Grand Marshall.

fullsizerender4

Chamber of Commerce and community leaders.

Here is a one minute video clip of community leaders, peanut butter collection, and the Sevier County High School Band.

If it is a parade, then you have to have majorettes!

fullsizerender2

The S.C.H.S band never sounded better!

fullsizerender

Every parade must have beauty queens!

Festive tractors.

A line of festive Benzes.

fullsizerender7

Cory Anderson leading the scouts.

fullsizerender1

More scout friends.

Here is a video of the scouts procession.

If you have a dog with you then you have a good chance of being in this blog.

Festive pup!

fullsizerender

Love the horses with reindeer antlers. So pretty!

We were especially amused by the pest control company float with these two unexpected Christmas guests, pictures above. Love the kid in the middle!

There were a number of church floats reminding us of the reason for the season.

For some reason, my camera didn’t snap the ultimate parade unit—Santa! I have borrowed a photo from artist, Bev Guinn Jones, who owns Two Coyotes Studio on Court Avenue. She took some photos of the parade from her upstairs studio window. She is letting me use the one she took of Santa here. Thanks, Bev!

fullsizerender4

Kids were excited! Mr. Claus was riding in a nice carriage with a beautiful white horse. If you took a good picture of Santa, send it to me and I’ll edit and insert it below.

There were too many pictures to use in this story. To see more of your kids, friends, and neighbors in the parade, go to the blog Facebook page for pictures. Click this link now.

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

Part 2: The Best Thanksgiving 5 K in Tennessee. The Smoky Bear Turkey Chase 2016.

November 28, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

This is part 2 of the story about the Best Thanksgiving 5K in Tennessee —right here in Sevierville ! If you missed part 1, it will be under this post or can be found in archives. This part will begin with a couple of the awards presentations and an adventure sport celebrity racing in our midst. First, here are the overall male and female award winners.

Brandon Mayo was the overall male winner with 17:25.31 time.

Overall female winner was Wesley Daniels with 22:07. 76 time.

There were many winners in the various age groups. Awards went to the top three in each category so you definitely have a shot in your age group.

My friend Kristi won first in her group! Proud of her!

fullsizerender

My friend Kariss Waite won first place in her group too.

Then I won first place in my event! Even set a new personal record, two minutes faster than any race before. I can’t wait to run next year!

There were so many more winners that I couldn’t keep up with them and didn’t have my notebook to write down names, but you can look yourself by taking this link to the SCHS Foundation Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/SevierCountyHighSchoolFoundation/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE

Here is a link to the Facebook page for the SCHS Foundation 5 K.

https://www.facebook.com/SCHS-Foundation-5k-1467641556852735/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf&qsefr=1

As if the race wasn’t enough, there were a lot of cool door prizes. I won the second one, a rafting / zip lining adventure basket. Can’t wait for spring!

Now here comes the next surprise…

I ran into Joel Brannon on the way out of the stadium. We chatted a second, then Joel mentioned that there was a rather famous Spartan racer who had been with us in the race. I asked where he was and found him nearby. Here is the scoop…

This is Jamie McCart from Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to town to spend the holiday with his mother and sister who live here in the county. He also wanted to race in the 5K to keep in training. Interestingly, they couldn’t find the high school and almost were too late to be in the race. Fortunately, they arrived in time, but he said that he had no time to warm up. He literally walked from the car to the starting line then took off with the starting gun. What a story! I just checked the stats and saw that he won his age group, 31-35, with a time of 18:21.35.

Jamie McCart says that he runs 5Ks to stay in shape and limber because he usually likes to compete in 10 miles or more. In fact, he said that he is preparing for a 200 mile race with a team. Each leg is virtually equivalent to a marathon. McCart is in the Hall of Fame at his high school for cross country and track. No doubt!

It should be noted that one of the special things Jamie McCart mentioned about the Smoky Bear Turkey Chase is that it starts and begins on a track. That makes it special because I can’t think of any 5K race that has that asset. I heard McCart ask his mother if that brought back memories of his high school days and she said yes. Lots of good memories. It is a great way to start and end a race! And what a nice track it is!

Jamie McCart pictured in the middle. His mother is on the left and his sister on the right. He is planning to move to Sevier County soon. What fun to have them here! If you are a male from 31-35 years old, your competition in races just got a lot tougher!

To see more about this adventure sport celebrity, just Google his name. Make sure you use a term like ‘Spartan’ or ‘Spartan racer’ so you don’t get the Scottish soccer player instead.

Here are some races and times for McCart.

http://www.race-checker.com/race/results/?searchAthlete=Jamie+Mccart

Here are some pictures of a Battle Frog race and McCart is listed as an elite racer.

BattleFrog: Inaugural Louisville Race – 2016 Recap

And there is a lot more.

What a great way to get out and about in Sevierville on Thanksgiving morning. I’ll be there every year they have it from now on. Go run!

For more pictures, go to the blog Facebook page for pictures only. Click this link to access pictures now.

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

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

November 7, 2016outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

fullsizerender

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.

fullsizerender

Crowds gathering around tables to look at gift ideas.

fullsizerender

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.

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

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

fullsizerender1

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!

Loved looking at all the creative gifts.

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.

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.

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.

fullsizerender

There were free treats for those who needed a refreshment.

fullsizerender

fullsizerender2

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!

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/

Bama’s Million Dollar Band Practices in Sevierville: Saturday, October 15, 2016

October 17, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

About 14 years ago, the band director for the Alabama Crimson Tide Marching Band (the Million Dollar Band) called Doc Ramsey to ask if they could use the football field to practice their halftime show before heading to the UT Knoxville football game. Doc said yes, unlocked the gates for them himself, and a new tradition was born. On home games against Alabama, you can go to the Smoky Bears stadium around 10:30 a.m. to see one of the best bands in the SEC.

I found out about the visit this year from Tabatha and Allison. Here is what I saw…

Eight buses and at least one 18 wheeled equipment truck.

fullsizerender

The percussion section moving equipment down to the field. I counted over 6-8 xylophones.

A view going in from the visitors section. The band covers almost half the field. I heard that there were over 450 band members this year.

Lunch was set up and ready to go from our local Chic-filet. Terry said that band members are extremely polite, eat quickly, and are ready to head over to Neyland Stadium.

There was a lot of crimson and orange in the stands watching pieces of the show.

fullsizerender1

The legendary Doc Ramsey was at the top helping in the press box. He told me the story in the first paragraph above. He was the contact person for the Alabama band director years ago when this started.

Majorettes are in front. Color guard in the back of the end zone.

View from top of Burchfiel Stadium.

View from the very top of the stadium. I see the lunches waiting on the table in the left part of the picture. The mountains are beautiful in the background. Is that Mount Leconte? The bear statue is safe atop the SCHS gym.

On my way out, I had to get a picture on the side of the equipment truck. That is quite a nickname!

Finally, I ran an errand then waited along the parkway to see the famous motorcade that escorts the band out of town to the game. People told me that it is quite a sight. I waited quite a while. A long time. Then, I realized that the band must have left earlier than the. I gave up and drove home. As I got to the last red light on the way home, Allison texted that the band had just left. I was only about 10 seconds from turning off to my street from Chapman Highway when I heard a siren. An officer pulled around me and stopped in the intersection. I looked up into the rear view and saw the motorcade coming quickly toward me. It was a God moment because I had given up on seeing the motorcade. But He put his hand on it and placed me right in the middle. It was an amazing sight!

I jumped out my car with my IPhone (standing close to the car) and started taping the motorcade. Click this video to see what I saw! Exciting! (Keep volume down if you have dogs.)

Someone will probably notice how I jump into the car quickly when the second motorcycle officer comes speeding up behind me. Don’t try that if you find yourself in the middle of a motorcade. This was a fun and very different kind of morning to be out and about in Sevierville!

Sevierville Two Week Events Planner: October 11 – 22, 2016

October 11, 2016October 11, 2016outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Think things are slowing down on the calendar? Think again. Here are some events coming in the next two weeks that could be interesting to do. Finding the time may be the only problem. Here is a two week planner for October 11-22, 2016.

First Baptist Church of Sevierville opens the Love Loud Corn Maze and Hay Ride tomorrow. Look at the flyer above for complete info on dates and times. It is a rite of passage in October for corn mazes so enjoy! It is located across the street from the Sevierville City Park. There will be plenty of parking!

There will be a Culinary Fair on Wednesday, October 12th at the Walters State Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts. Booths will be set up like a city block using the theme “New York Street Fair.” Tickets are $15 for tickets that you can use to buy food from the students. The fair will last for nine hours, until about 7:00 p.m. Check the Sunday edition of the Mountain Press for more information.

dd42d05a-c6e7-46cc-841a-a58ba0b32482

There will be an Art Happening this Thursday downtown Sevierville. The flyer above has times, location, featured artist, and other information. These are casual, relaxing events where you can meet different artists from the area, view samples of their work, listen to music, and more. Courthouse Donuts/Dyers Downtown is such a nice venue for these events. See you there!

FullSizeRender

The last downtown Sevierville Farmers Market for the 2016 season will be this Friday. Some people will be out for fall break so that will be an opportunity to visit this market one more time for the year.

fullsizerender

Wine and Paint Party on October 18, 2016 at Hillside Winery. Support Relay for Life.

fullsizerender1

Stomp Out Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 22nd. See the flyer above for details and support Relay for Life!

fullsizerender2

The first Bruce Street Brewfest will be downtown on Saturday, October 22nd from 1:00-6:00. Buy your tickets at the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bruce-street-brewfest-tickets-26458834085?aff=efbnreg

OK, the next event is more than two weeks away, but people need time to plan!

fullsizerender3

Click this link for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/860812640719134/

You can see there are many opportunities to get out and about in Sevierville this month.

Quite the Treasure: Treasures From the Heart store benefits Sevier County.

September 18, 2016September 18, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

fullsizerender

My friend Elaine volunteers at the Treasures From the Heart store in downtown Sevierville, sponsored by SMARM (Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries). Two weeks ago, she asked us to come visit the store after our get-together at the downtown Farmer’s Market, followed lunch at Courthouse Donuts. If it is a store then we must go!

Treasures From the Heart is close to downtown. It is located on 230 Court Avenue, just a couple of blocks walk from downtown Sevierville. So off we went to investigate further on foot.

Find their website at this link: http://smarm.org/thrift-store/

Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/Treasures-From-The-Heart-130330763709367/

There was a Ladies Night Out event last month to introduce people to this unique store. I was unable to attend; however, the pictures and comments on social media later showed that the event was a great success. I was curious. Now, I can see why it was so popular.

Whoever fashioned these store windows did a fabulous job! Very inviting. Makes me want to run in and look at all the dresses!

I walked into Treasures From the Heart and spent at least 30-45 minutes in there looking around. Here are some things that impressed me…

100% of the profits stay here in Sevier County and benefit our citizens. Elaine said that a large portion of the proceeds directly help children.
The store is very clean and organized. Very pleasant.
I felt like I was in a regular department store.
Someone told me that the building is where Dolly Parton held her first performance. That is a huge reason to visit!
I found quite a few things that I would consider treasures—some things that I have looked for in Knoxville thrift stores, but had never found. Not found until I looked at Treasures of the Heart store in Sevierville.
The price is right. And you never know what you may find.

Here are some of my favorite things…

Special occasion glassware.

Sports fan logo clothing. Go Vols!

Unfortunately, I didn’t see any Gator or Crimson Tide things in there on the day of our visit. : )

Bangles, bracelets and other jewelry. Nicely arranged!

Is this silver? Martha Stewart would buy the whole box and use it for her table settings at her Maine house, not worrying if it matched exactly. I may have to go back and get this…

These dresses were exquisite. I was impressed with this area.

This dress is a showstopper! It had matching shoes too.

This may be a secret…

..but I heard that ladies come here to shop for a dress when they are going on a cruise. They can wear it a time or two, no one knows them so the dress would not have been seen before, plus they do not have to spend a great deal of money to look great. I loved this dress! Yes, I think that I need to go back soon…

fullsizerender

Golf irons and woods to hit the greens.

This jacket was nice! Name brand, better price.

Did I mention that Treasures of the Heart in downtown Sevierville applies 100% profits to our county?

A great selection of beautiful glassware! Almost every kind. I don’t have room in my cabinets, but I may try to make some space.

fullsizerender

Two perfectly good ‘rollators.’ (That is what I call them. My mom had one and I still have it. Very helpful when you need one. For a foot injury, etc. )

A player piano anyone?

This is the only store that donates 100 % of proceeds to our citizens in Sevier County.

A tuxedo jacket!

Costumes. I love these.

A snowsuit.

Did Dolly once use these steps on her way to her performance in this building? I’ll bet she did. Walk in Dolly’s footsteps here.

There was only one of these ‘horn of plenty ‘ holiday silicon baking forms. November is just around the corner.

Belts cost a ridiculous amount of money, even at discount stores. Look what you can find at Treasures of the Heart in Sevierville.

This store donates 100% of the proceeds to Sevier County citizens. Did I mention that already?

I was impressed with this store. It was on par with the one that I love to frequent at Litchfield Beach. Even better. I plan on returning in a couple of weeks. Hope that glassware and the blue dress are still there…

There is so much more to find at Treasures of the Heart store in Sevierville. Find these pictures and more at the Out and About in Sevierville Facebook page.

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

You are sure to find a treasure or two here when you are out and about in Sevierville…

ALDI store open in Sevierville

September 15, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

I have never been in an Aldi store so I took off after work and went there yesterday, opening day. Boy, was it crowded! Lots of people had the same idea on the grand opening day.

I had a quarter ready because I had heard that you used them to get a cart, then got the quarter back when you returned the cart. Thus, reducing a need for employees constantly returning carts. However, for grand opening week, they have quarters in the carts for your shopping convenience. A grace period for carts free of charge.

A great first impression! And just what some of us can use after work—a sample of chocolate! The prices were very good for organic dark chocolate bars.

I liked the German foods and am getting into the mood for fall. Octoberfest on the way.

Lots of unique vino brands.

Good prices on produce. Here is an example.

I can only find a hummus quartet at Costco or Trader Joes, so I’ll definitely go back for this.

And this too.

This is popular on grand opening day.

For my friend Leisa. Strudel!

fullsizerender

Some interesting desserts in the cooler.

Restrooms by the front door. Be warned—it is a single. Just so you know.

I enjoyed seeing the store and will go back when the crowds go down. It was so crowded yesterday that I returned my cart so I could just walk freely without it. Aldi brings some unique products to Sevierville. There is even more to see.

There will be more pictures posted on the Out and About in Sevierville Facebook page today.

Dog Show Tomorrow!

September 9, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

My favorite event at the Sevier County Fair is tomorrow—the Sevier County Humane Society dog show!

I attended last year and was completely delighted. If you or family members love dogs then you need to see this event! It is free and you can park pretty close to the gate because the fair doesn’t open until 3:00.

I park close. I make a donation at the door. Mingle with pet owners and see cute dogs. Sit on the bleachers and watch the show!

The Fair website says 1:00, but the Humane Society website says 12:30 so get there early. You can park near the gate and enter the Cattle Barn free because the Fair does not open for a couple of hours.

From sevierhumane.org

The dogs are so cute and I was inspired to teach my older dog some new tricks. Get out and about in Sevierville tomorrow and see this fun event for the whole family.

The Sevier County Fair is here!

September 8, 2016September 8, 2016outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

fullsizerender

It is our favorite time of year—time for the Sevier County Fair! The lines were a little long within a few minutes of opening on Labor Day 2016.

The previous blog story recommended the Sevierville First United Methodist Church food booth for the best food at the fair. Hope I get to go back before it ends! Remember the Million Dollar pie!

During lunch, there was live music by the Shaun Abbott group. They rocked it. I heard them mention a song released on iTunes and I liked it a lot. Here is a link to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/shaunabbottmusic/

fullsizerender3

Craig Mintz and friends from First Baptist Church giving out free balloons to children at the Sevier County Fair.

A lot of balloons! I am looking forward to the FBC Corn Maze, coming soon. Here is some info below so you can mark the date on your calendar. Love a hayride!

It looks like great fun! Must see if my niece and nephews want to come to town to try the FBC Corn Maze.

A local celebrity was spotted at the fair soon after it opened— Big L ! What a beloved and admired man at SCHS. Anyone was lucky to work with Leroy Helton. His son Darren is a good one too! Pictured here with Mrs. Helton.

fullsizerender

WATE Channel 6 reporter Mona Nair and cameraman preparing a news segment about the Sevier County Fair and safety in general for traveling fairs. In the spirit of things, Mona took advantage of the face painting booth and was ready to report. Here is a link to the first report.

http://wate.com/2016/09/05/sevier-county-fair-to-bring-family-fun-to-sevierville/

fullsizerender1

Check the second video there on the WATE webpage about fair safety because they are reporting from the moving ferris wheel! What a great view of everything!

fullsizerender4

You can see beauty queens on Labor Day at the fair. They were so poised, pretty, and sweet. Next year, must stay later and see the Fairest of the Fair Pageant too.

There are things that are truly Americana!

And then there was a unique food cart that came from Morristown. Very authentic!

Lots of tempting things you can’t find anywhere else…

fullsizerender2

This vendor said that fried Oreos were the most popular. 6 for $5?

There were some vendors as well as some free things in the Main Street Market. You can always use a ‘church fan’ in the south!

On the way out, I ran into Farmer Charlie from Farm Bureau. They had announced on the intercom that he would be there and I ran right into him.

A very friendly guy from nearby Knoxville.

No rides for me—I like to watch the young kids enjoy them.

These were just a few of the things we enjoy at the Sevier County Fair while out and about in Sevierville.

See these pictures and more at the Out and About in Sevierville Facebook page. Here is a link.

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

P.S. Make sure that you go on Saturday at 1:00 to see the Humane Society Dog Show! Too much fun!

	6 Tennessee Smokehou… on Barbecue in the Mountains: Pre…
	Daniel Driscoll on Lunch and a Treat at Red…
	Lunch and a Treat at… on Red’s Cafe: Second Mural…
	Caitlin Daniels on A Wild Wildlife Week
	Must-See Attractions… on First Mural in Downtown Sevier…