Loralei’s boutique

Two of My Favorites for ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Sevierville 2018

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IMG_0234There are businesses in town that I really enjoy visiting on any occasion, but I have two favorites when I need to find gifts—or just something for me. Tomorrow is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ a day set aside to recognize and to support small businesses. These are two of my favorites.

Two Coyotes Studio

Located downtown Sevierville, this studio is located almost across the street from the Dolly Parton statue and the courthouse.

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This is the view from near the front door of Two Coyotes Studio.

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The studio entrance is to the left of Southern Fried Hair. Just open the door and go upstairs.

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A delightful art studio is located at the top of the stairs. There are so many gifts and treasures to be found there.

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Artist Bev Gwinn Jones sells handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and many other gift ideas. They are very affordable for anyone. I have bought earrings and necklaces at this store over the years and always enjoy a visit. Christmas jewelry, especially earrings, are now in stock. You can find the perfect ‘conversation piece’ at this unique place.

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When I go to see Bev at Two Coyotes, I always have to walk over and see her picture that was taken with Sting. Lucky! Ask her to tell you the story.

I know that Bev will soon have a ‘sip and shop’ event. Here is her schedule for the next few weeks.

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Follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. Here is a link.

https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/

Loralei’s

My favorite boutique in town is Loralei’s, across from Sevier County High School. The address is 1235 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Suite 7.

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There is plenty of parking and the store is nicely laid out. Merchandise and gifts are beautifully displayed.

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I wrote a blog story about this boutique a couple of years ago and the article has been viewed more than 465 times. It is a very popular place with locals.

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You are warmly greeted every time you enter this unique boutique.

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I have found so many gifts here over the years. Scarves, jewelry, hand creme, shirts, a clear bag so I can attend Vols games, mulling spices for winter beverages, and hand crafted soap. I am sure that there is more!

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The boutique offers something for everyone. Especially in regard to the clothing. I found a graphic t-shirt today during my visit that was very cute.

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It is a relaxing experience to shop at Loralei’s boutique and there is no pressure if you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, although I can’t imagine that.

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Here is a quick look at what you can find tomorrow for the Small Business Saturday event. Follow the boutique on Facebook. Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/

Black Friday has passed, but there is more holiday shopping to be done. Even a small purchase can make a big difference for small businesses in our town. Try to visit these two places tomorrow, or any time that you are able, because you will not be disappointed.

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What is going on in Sevierville during Labor Day weekend 2017

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Someone used search terms  ” what to do in Sevierville on Labor Day weekend” on my website so I decided to list a few things that I know are going on this weekend. Blog traffic picks up on holidays so here are some suggestions for our visitors this weekend. Most activities are in Sevierville, but a couple are nearby. I used some screenshots to get this blog completed quickly. Here are some local Labor Day activities. 


Check out the Sevierville Commons Farmers Market tomorrow. There will be great vendors with many gift ideas and fresh produce. I have been doing some Christmas shopping there already. 


For the first time, our fair will last nine days and two weekends. This is a wonderful small town fair with food and fun for the whole family. The best food from the booth by Sevierville First United Methodist Church. Step right up! 

Do you like Jeeps? Then this may be for you! 


Something new is opening in Gatlinburg and it looks like fun. 


Labor Day weekend means BBQ. Find some at Bass Pro Shops. 


Bring your lawn chair and snacks to the Sevierville downtown gazebo for a free movie. I love the 80s! 


This may be the greatest thing in town this weekend. Go to the Dollywood website for tickets and more information. 


Go just up the road to enjoy this equestrian event. 


I think that my friend Tad Wynn may attend this event. It is just up Chapman Highway from downtown Sevierville. 


Art is downtown Sevierville. Check out several artist gallerys. This is one of my favorites! 


Find a bargain at Bloomingtales Boutique at 202 Parkway in Sevierville. Proceeds go to to Pets Without Parents, a local no-kill animal shelter. 

Also, find more treasures at Treasures From the Heart thrift store at 230 Court Avenue, Sevierville. 


We have one of the best boutiques in Tennessee. Congratulations to Loralei’s! Find it easily at 1235 Dolly Parton Parkway, Suite 7, Sevierville, Tennessee. 


We also have the best doughnuts in East Tennessee. Go to Courthouse Donuts in downtown Sevierville, across from the courthouse. 

Those are some fun things going on this Labor Day weekend if you get out and about in Sevierville. 

Enjoy the weekend! 

For Those About to Rock Neyland Stadium…

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It is the night before the Vols season opener with Appalachian State and Vols fans are getting ready to rock Neyland Stadium.

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A big thanks  to my sister Diane for the tickets!

I was excited to go to the game, but became even more so when I heard about Appalachian State and the history making game with Michigan.

http://www.si.com/longform/appstate/

As for the game tomorrow, don’t forget the new security rule:  about no backpacks and large purses allowed in the stadium.

Neyland Stadium Information & Policies

Just to play it safe, I decided on getting one of the clear purses. The only place I know to get them in town is Loralei’s Boutique.

https://www.facebook.com/LoraleisSevierville

When she posted a Facebook post today that she had some of the clear bags then I was there 20 minutes later to pick one up. A nice little cross body purse so I won’t have to carry it while hiking across campus to the stadium.

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Also, you can use it at UT basketball games and events at the Tennessee Theater. It will come in handy for a lot of events.

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While at Loralei’s Boutique, I saw a lot of good things for Vols and Smoky Bears fans. Even more.

Go to the Facebook page for this blog to see more pictures of things at Loraleis Boutique in Sevierville. Here is the link.

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

Wearing of the orange tomorrow at work. I bought this from a colleague, Allison Cummings. I asked her if she could make one and she did it. You can never have enough orange and white and …bling! (Notice the shiny elements in the white area.)

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My friend Katherine shared this yesterday. She is a huge fan and I can count on her to be ready for the games. She finds the best memes! Getting really excited for the Vols. Can you feel it?

And if you wanted one more thing to get excited about in regard to the Vols, check out the Jalen Hurd treadmill video —if you haven’t already seen it. Fierce!

http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/jalen-hurd-tennessee-volunteers-running-back-sec-heisman-race-051016

I have a gym friend who can do the exercise depicted in the fourth picture down. I saw him doing it today. That is pretty fierce too.

A lot of Sevierville area friends will be rocking Neyland Stadium tomorrow.

Go Vols!

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July 11- 20: Events in the next 10 days

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Even though it is mid-summer, there are many things going on around Sevierville. In fact, team members from the Chattanooga Lookouts entering National Fitness Center this morning reminded me of two events in our area that will appeal to baseball fans. Both events happen tomorrow!

Tuesday, July 12

I have passed by this new baseball complex several times and have wondered about the facilities at the Ripken Experience. A development that cost $22.5 million dollars must be amazing to see in full! A press release states that over 400 teams have come to play there since opening in March.  Even more fascinating is that each field has a design similar to a famous American baseball park. In addition, the press release states that it will have tournaments nine months during the year and host events all year round in a clubhouse that is 14,000 square feet! Fun!

Click the link here for more info on the Ripken complex.

Click to access Ripken%20Experience%20at%20three%20months.pdf

Clearly, this is a great opportunity to have a tour of “The Ripken Experience” in Pigeon Forge while learning more about the Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association. Non-members of the hospitality association (like me!) can pay $20 for the tour, which will include refreshments catered by the Ripken Experience. Some people may even get a chance to run some bases or something so it may be a good idea to dress sportily!

Click this link to learn more, or contact Kenny Maples, Pigeon Forge County Commissioner.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1047609635328170/

https://www.facebook.com/ElectKennyLMaples/?fref=ts

The announcement below is a screenshot from the Facebook invitation. FullSizeRender

 

After visiting the Ripken Experience, you can get more baseball in by hurrying to Smokies Stadium. See a matchup against the Chattanooga  Lookouts while helping Rotary Clubs fight to end polio. The event is called “Pack the Park to End Polio Now.” This is a noble goal by Rotary Clubs internationally to eradicate polio forever. Join the fight tomorrow by packing the park!

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Sevier County has several active Rotary Clubs. An excellent Rotary chapter, Sevierville Sunrise Rotary, meets on Thursday mornings at Courthouse Doughnuts. Contact them for more information on events and how to join the group.   https://www.facebook.com/Sevierville-Sunrise-Rotary-Club-396914223697697/

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Friday, July 15

When you visit the Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market on Friday, there will be something special going on for all ages: a ‘make it and take it’ workshop. This sounds like fun for kids and adults so you have several consecutive Fridays to ‘make and take’ something special home from the market.

The Sevierville Commons Arts Council is an exciting new group with a goal to increase art in our town, particularly downtown. They welcome us to come and enjoy art in a variety of ways. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy art on a personal level than making something with my own hands to take home. We will be able to do that starting this Friday!

Click the link to get more information.

Sevierville Commons Arts Council

(This announcement is taken from the Art Council’s Facebook page.)

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Here is a link to the Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market.

https://www.facebook.com/events/685775481560852/

If you would like to keep up with downtown events, then follow them on this Facebook link.

Sevierville Commons

This is a group devoted to the revitalization of downtown Sevierville. They are doing a great job and getting people downtown. Stay tuned because several exciting events will be coming in the next few months!

I can’t wait!

Saturday, July 16

I admire State Senator Doug Overbey for his work on behalf of  Sevier County schools. He worked with the Governor to add $3,000,000 in additional funding for Sevier County Schools—and we really needed it!  In addition, he worked for an extra $261 million for Tennessee public schools without a tax increase, more local control for schools, more options for military veterans interested in higher ed, and expanded HOPE scholarships. Thank you!

Plus he came to Harriet’s retirement party!     Imagine how busy he must be; yet, Senator Overbey came to our school to speak for Harriet’s retirement celebration. He is an exceptional public servant so I hope to attend this rally at the Sevierville Golf Club on Saturday afternoon. (Bring your clubs and hit the driving range before you leave!)

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Wednesday, July 20

Next week, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:00 noon to welcome Lorelei’s boutique to the new 1235 Dolly Parton Parkway location. This celebration will also have refreshments so stop by to see this delightful store next Wednesday.

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The announcement above is from her Facebook page. Click the link for more information about Lorelei’s.

It is my favorite store in Sevierville!

https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/?fref=ts

That is a lot going on around town…

so see you out and about Sevierville! 

Our favorite boutique is back: Loralei’s!

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An old friend is back in town and we are so glad. Lorelei’s is my favorite boutique anywhere. Today is opening day. You can take some friends and drop in from 5:00 – 9:00 this evening for the VIP Diva Night. There will be refreshments and treats from Pink Squirrel Cupcakes. Beverages.

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The new location is 1235 Dolly Parton Parkway in The Shoppes at Bears Landing. This location is across the street from Sevier County High School and beside of Burger King. Parking is easy too.

Also, you can find this store on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Lorie Lea Yount had a Loralei’s store in a different location in Sevierville six years ago, but the building was sold so she had only a few months to make a move, eventually opening a store in Knoxville Center Mall. It is very successful so she is opening a second store here, in her hometown. I have fond memories of a previous Sevierville location, an older white house, because she allowed us to take Tai Chi lessons in an empty upstairs room. How many places can you do that?

 

Lorie is a 1992 graduate of S.C.H.S. so you will always be able to find some purple and white treasures in her boutique. I, personally, own an adjustable band ring with purple and white bear paw design. Love it!

 

There are different sections in the boutique: bath, baby, ladies apparel, jewelry, fragrances, and food. Two featured jewelry companies are Gingersnaps and Endless, a which is a company owned by the originator of Pandora jewelry. I like them because they use interchangeable stones and inserts.

 

Make your own bath salts bar! They smelled divine!

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Who knew that Judge Rader makes honey? I would like to see him making it some time! Here it is: Mojo Bee Co. This is extremely local if you are interested in taking honey to fight off allergies.

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A local lady creates many of the skin care items.

 

Fragrances!

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Lorie says that many of the candles, room sprays, and scents are made in Charleston.

I want to investigate the area pictured below more on my next visit because it offers several products using coconut oil. Very healthy!

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Beautiful presentation and merchandise!

 

The bottom shelf has a unique gift idea. These are puzzles made in Nashville, specializing in scenes from Tennessee. You can work the puzzle, glue it together, and then frame it. A fun, yet consumable gift!

Books, cards, scented labels. All your gift needs.

 

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I hope that some of these bangles will be still be there next week!

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Ladies wear has a plus size section that goes up to 3X. These pieces are so pretty! I like the dress featured below.

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Lorie says that store  primarily sells merchandise from local vendors, 95% made in the U.S.A.

If you like this orange and white Tennessee scarf pictured below then you need to buy it before I return next week!

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Cute dressing rooms.

Next week, I want to go back to look at these cute things. Grab them while you can!

I know that Loralei’s owner, Lorie Yount, has faced some challenges over the years due to a devastating motorcycle accident. She and her husband were hit head on by a drunk driver. She was not expected to live, but she did. She was not expected to walk. Doctors told her to find something that she liked to do to keep busy. Lorie started the store in a wheelchair. Then, she progressed to using a walker. Later, after six months of physical therapy walking in a pool, her movement improved beyond the doctor’s expectations. Lorie was able to walk. She says that she still has a lot of metal in her body, but she has overcome those bad days. Lorie says that she loves her stores and meets a lot of good people. Clearly, she loves them because it is a delight to visit such a lovely place.

I have bought several birthday and Christmas gifts from Loralei’s boutique. In fact, my sister Suzanne still enjoys her orange scarf that I gave her a few years ago. Even though she lives in Morristown, Suz recognizes the store name: Loralei’s. You are guaranteed to find a gift or treasure there every time. So glad this store is back in Sevierville! Welcome home!

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Go see Loralei’s boutique when you are out and about in Sevierville.