Tag: kodak tn

Dumplin Creek Development

New backing means a new start for the Dumplin Creek Development project off Interstate 40 in Kodak. A group representing Neyland Land Associates recently took ownership of the 200-acre project that has literally sat untouched for a period of time. The City of Sevierville is also involved.

Sevierville’s end of the deal includes application for $4 million in grant money, which would be matched by the city, to be used toward road improvements in the area. Included in those plans are a brand new Sevierville exit along Interstate 40. If everything goes according to plan, work could begin as soon as this fall.

John Turley, the creator behind Turkey Creek in Knoxville, presented the idea 5 years ago to the city. The development was expected to bring shopping, hotels, restaurants, and even a theater to area. Those plans still remain.

Local leaders are adamant that another access point (Exit 408) from the interstate is needed for this area. Not only that, but there have also been talks about widening Bryan Road over to Douglas Dam Road, then widening Douglas Dam Road to State Route 66.

Mark Nagi, spokesman for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, pointed out that a new interchange would only be considered when improvements to the current Exit 407 were completed.

“An Exit 408 interchange was considered when planning was being done for improvements to the Exit 407 interchange,” Nagi said. “We need to wait until the Exit 407 improvements are completed and evaluate its operation to determine what additional measures may be needed, if any. TDOT will look into an interchange at Exit 408 in the future.”

At the moment, plans for the Dumplin Creek development are in the discussion phase. Sevierville has given no money to fund Dumplin Creek as of yet.

Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak

Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak where there’s something for everyone. From produce, clothing, to collectibles and pet products, it’s all here.


Ever been traveling east bound down Interstate 40 on your way to Sevierville and notice the large warehouse surrounded by clusters of smaller buildings? If you’ve ever wondered about that place and what it is, well, it’s none other than the Great Smokies Flea Market. Located in Kodak, TN, the Great Smokies Flea Market is one of the largest in the Southeast. Sometimes it can be easy to miss speeding by at 70 mph on your way to the Smokies, or Asheville, NC.

If you’ve already found out about the Great Smokies Flea Market, you’ve probably already found some good bargains. In all, the building is over 200,000 square feet of heated and cooled indoor space, and there’s even more space outdoors where over 1,000 vendors rotate. From things you need to others that you want and a least a few things that you can’t live without, you’re sure to find something at the Great Smokies Flea Market. Over the years, the average daily attendance is anywhere from 2000-5000. And it goes all the way up to 15,000 on the weekends.

Situated at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the flea market is located just off interstate 40 at exit 407. The market is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm year round. There’s plenty of free parking, restrooms and food. If you’re like a number of people, you’ve already found out about such things as the great lemonade located in the outdoors area. Get you one before going inside, they’re very refreshing after walking amongst the various vendors outdoors.

So, what should you expect to see if you decide to go? Well, all kinds of products and services, from animals to electronics. There’s literally something for everyone. On a recent trip the following was spotted:

  • Fresh produce
  • Jellies, jams, and relishes
  • Locally grown honey and homemade candy
  • Rocks, crystals, and minerals
  • Cowboy boots
  • Pet supplies
  • Sports collectibles
  • Clothing, handbags, and jewelry
  • Kitchen products
  • Leather goods
  • Collectible coins and notes
  • Books

One more tip – bring cash. Most of the dealers only deal in cash, though there are those that will take credit cards and checks, but why take a chance. Come early, stay late, buy local, and have a lot of fun!

Great Smokies Flea Market
220 W. Dumplin Valley Road
Kodak, TN

Smoky Mountain Knife Works events

Smoky Mountain Knife Works hosts numerous events throughout the year from appearances by outdoor celebrities to brand rep events.

Mykel Hawke and his wife Ruth England Hawke at Smoky Mountain Knife Works.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for nature lovers the world over. And over the years, various businesses have set up in the area to address the needs people wanting to get back to nature and explore the vast expanse of the Smokies. One of those businesses, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, has developed quite a following over the years and has become a pre-destination before visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Knife collectors to campers needing that perfect pocket knife flow through the doors on a daily basis to pick out the perfect blade, but it doesn’t stop there. Smoky Mountain Knife Works works hard to get people involved not only in the knife world, but the outdoor world as well with a series of special events held at their Kodak, Tn business each month. To close out 2012, Smoky Mountain Knife Works has three big events planned including:

  1. Rep Weekend (Friday, October 12 at 9 am) – Join Smoky Mountain Knife Works as they welcome a number of national brand name Knife representatives.
  2. Gunny is coming to SMKW! (Saturday, October 20 at 1 pm) – R. Lee Ermey from such renowned films as Full Metal Jacket will be in our retail showroom.
  3. Black Friday event (Friday, November 23 from 10 am to 1 pm) – Details to come.

These three events come on the heels of a year that saw Smoky Mountain Knife Works host such great events as a recent appearance by survival expert Les Stroud, pro Bassmaster fisherman Bill Lowen, Mykel Hawke from the hit television series Man, Woman, Wild and One Man Army on the Discovery Channel, Case Knives, Remington Cutlery, and the Zippo Collector’s Club. If you’re a knife collector, or just a plain outdoorsman, that’s a schedule you can really sink your teeth into. From product knowledge to just general outdoor skills, it’s all there with little left out.

As a company, Smoky Mountain Knife Works is one of the largest retail establishments in the area (more than 80,000 square feet), ranking right up there with Bass Pro and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. And it’s more than just knives, it’s knife accessories and kitchenware, an expansive collection of trophy wildlife, indoor waterfalls, and Native American artifacts.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works also houses the National Knife Museum, located upstairs above the showroom area as you walk through the front doors. The exhibits have been gathered from the knife makers themselves and you will be able to view not only the knives but examples of the original advertising pieces that have become a true part of Americana. The museum covers the progress of the knife from early man using stone tools through the change to steel and beyond.