Tag: Sevierville information

The Battle of Fair Garden

Recently, a new sign commemorating the Battle of Fair Garden was dedicated as part of Sevierville’s annual Arbor Day celebration. For many, the Battle of Fair Garden brings about puzzled looks and questions like, “What is the Battle of Fair Garden?”.

While the marker was placed for the Civil War Trails program, which promote awareness of Civil War sites with driving tours, the site is one of the more unknown battles in terms of popularity. A multi-state program, Civil War Trails highlights over 200 sites in Tennessee. If you’d like a list of these trail sites, maps can usually be found at the various welcome centers across the state.

“With interesting connections to nationally known figures such as Colonel Eli Lilly, who fought in battle and later formed the world renowned Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company, and General Sturgis, for whom the town of Sturgis, S.D., was named, the Battle of Fair Garden Marker is sure to attract a large number of visitors,” said officials in attendance at the marker dedication.

As for the battle itself, it has become known primarily for being the largest skirmish between the Blue and the Grey in Sevier County. History tells us that Confederate Gen. James Longstreet commanded Gen. William Martin to drive the Union calvary from an area south of the French Broad River on Jan. 25, 1864. This was an area that stretched 8 miles from Dandridge to the Little Pigeon River and encompassed three Sevier County farms – Rose Glen, the Stuart Dickey Farm, and the McNutt Farm.

General Samuel Sturgis led the Union forces in advance of the approaching Confederate army at Rose Glen. Three days later, the Union had lost 65 lives and 100 Confederate soldiers had perished at the Battle of Fair Garden.

The Battle of Fair Garden will celebrate an anniversary in January, a 150th anniversary to be exact.

An interesting story about the times. Most Sevier Countians were Union sympathizers during the Civil War, living in a Confederate state. Then, no one really knew who to trust, many point to those issues as reasons the Battle of Fair Garden is just now being recognized after so many years.

Historic Downtown Sevierville

Sevierville’s historic town square is just one of the reasons people make it a destination whenever they travel to the Smoky Mountains. Not only do you have the picturesque square with the Dolly Parton statue on courthouse lawn, there are a number of historic buildings located in direct vicinity of the courthouse.

Some of those specific buildings had nothing to do with local government. Places like Temple’s Feed Store where former County Commissioner Jimmie Temple married over 15,000 couples next to feed sacks and various household plants used to align the downtown area. Though the feed store is no longer there, people like Temple continue to conduct marriage ceremonies downtown. A variety of wedding chapels call historic downtown home and so does the town’s bus station which is located in Taulbee’s Restaurant.

Sevierville’s 108-year-old courthouse, located in the heart of downtown, is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1895-96 for $22,000 and renovated in 1970-74 for $577,000, the courthouse is a direct reflection of the care and pride residents put into keeping the hometown feeling alive in downtown Sevierville. The latest addition cost $500,000 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse stands proud with 13-inch thick brick walls and a foundation made of limestone hauled from the old McCown place, the site where Vulcan Materials Company now stands. The Seth Thomas Clock in the courthouse tower originally cost $1,353 plus $42.55 freight.

These are just a few of the historic structures located downtown. Others, like the Harrisburg Covered Bridge can be found within a short drive from downtown. Just ask any of the locals that might be hanging around for directions…. They can point you to most places your looking for.

Sevierville Rates High in Citizen Survey

As if it didn’t know that it was a great place already, Sevierville was awarded high marks recently in public survey gauging the thoughts of its citizens.

Titled the National Citizen Survey, Sevierville rated highly in this initiative conducted by the city this past fall. High markings were given to Sevierville for the city’s overall appearance as well as several public works functions, such as street lighting, sidewalk maintenance, garbage collection, and snow removal.  Fire and police services ratings also came in above average in comparison to other cities who participated in the same municipality survey.

Sevierville got overwhelming marks for quality of life with most respondents giving the Smoky Mountains city reviews that showed them, 80% and above, very happy with Sevierville. In all, overall quality of life in Sevierville received a rating of ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ by 85 percent of residents taking part in the survey. More residents also expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the value and quality of city services they receive, as well as the overall direction the city is taking when it comes to those aforementioned areas.

The survey showed that Sevierville residents are more civic-minded, noting that residents commonly participate in religious activities and try to help out their neighbors – two encouraging statistics for people looking to move to the Sevierville area. The Sevierville Community Center is also used more often than like centers by the average citizen nationwide.

Traffic flow was identified as the area of greatest concern among respondents to the survey. Sevierville is continually working to make immediate adjustments and systematic internal improvements to the traffic flow system within the city limits, and is also working cooperatively with the state and neighboring cities to improve traffic flow as travelers move throughout the area, knowing that it is a popular tourist area throughout the year.

Sevierville to Host Recycling Event

Got any old computer hardware just sitting around the house and you just don’t know what to do with it? Well, Sevierville will take it. Then they’ll recycle it during a FREE recycling event this Saturday.

Just come by Sevierville City Hall, 120 Gary Wade Blvd, from 8 am -2 pm Saturday, March 23 to take part. Not only will the city be collecting used computer devices, they’ll also be taking any items you’d like to donate as well as paper and any documents that require shredding. The Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation (TDEC) will also be in attendance at the event to collect hazardous materials.

Sevier County, the city of Sevierville City, TDEC, Keep Sevier Beautiful, and Goodwill have all partnered in order to create awareness for recycling items responsibly and the importance of it.

By recycling, especially used computers and old electronics, it saves the environment from pollution and contamination, and helps keep waste out of the local landfills. Most computers contain hazardous materials, such as mercury and lead, so letting professionals take care of the disposal process ensures everyone’s safety.  Here in the Sevierville and Smoky Mountain region, initiatives like the DellReconnect recycling program have generated over one million pounds of recycled computers and accessories in the month of January alone.

Sevier County

Formed on September 18, 1794, Sevier County came about from part of neighboring Jefferson County. The county takes its name from John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee, who played a prominent role during the American Revolution as well as the settling of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Since its establishment in 1795, the county seat has been located in Sevierville, which is also named for John Sevier, and according to records is the eighth-oldest city in the state of Tennessee.

Prior to the late 1930s, Sevier County’s population, economy, and society, most of which revolved around farming and agriculture, was like any other county in the rural South. However, with the designation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the early 1930s, Sevier County’s outward appearance changed drastically. Today, tourism supports the county’s burgeoning economy and looks to be going that way in the future. The Smoky Mountains have become more of a destination in recent years and Sevier County and its towns and cities have all pushed for it whole-heartedly.

The Sevier County Courthouse in downtown Sevierville houses most of the county’s departments and service offices. The county mayor as well as other county officials including circuit court clerk, clerk and master, county clerk, property assessor, register of deeds, highway commissioner and trustee all work out of offices in the building. Services including vehicle tag renewals, property tax, business tax, driver license renewal, marriage applications, notary applications, beer permits, land records, traffic citations, and the like can all be addressed at the downtown courthouse. The count election commission also holds office downtown.

Sevierville Real Estate

A Sevierville real estate professional can make all the difference when searching for your next home or vacation property. Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains region offers plenty of new construction and older homes to choose from. You’ll surely find something that is to your likely, or could be with a little work, in the Smokies. We suggest starting out in Sevierville, a larger and growing town, then branching out larger areas like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and even Knoxville if you’re into a bigger city environment.

The Sevierville area has a lot to offer the home or vacation rental owner. Not only is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park located just down the parkway, area attractions like Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, numerous golf courses, parks, and shopping destinations like the Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Mall dot the area. And again, ad in the majestic mountain backdrop and there is something provocative and attractive to everyone who come searching for a place to call home in the Sevierville area.

In this market, there are typically around 3075 homes listed for sale in the Great Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee at any given time. Between the low home prices and the even lower interest rates, homes are more affordable now than ever. It is definitely a buyer’s market here.

Located about 3 to 3 and a half hours from Nashville, Tn and about 20-45 minutes from Knoxville, Tn, the Sevierville area is a prime locale in East Tennessee. Lying at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, it’s one of the most traveled to parts of the state. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park annually attracts nearly 10 million visitors to the area. Vacation rental companies, tourist attractions like dinner shows and outdoor adventure businesses thrive in this environment with new companies popping up every year.

Real Estate companies in Sevierville:

Burchfiel – Kile Enterprises
803 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local: (865) 453-3315

Century 21 MVP – Clemens Haneke
209 E Main St
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local: (865) 300-6214

Countryside Real Estate, LLC
1016 Dolly Parton Pky Ste. 2
Sevierville, TN 37862
Toll Free: (866) 458-3033
Local: 8654283033

Fannon Real Estate Services
635 Wall St. Suite 3
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local: (865) 429-0130

Great Smoky Mountain Association Of Realtors
1109 Glennhill Ln
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local:(865) 453-1248

R.M. Moore Real Estate Co.
124 Court Ave Ste 200
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local:(865) 868-1600

Remax Prime Properties
316 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Toll Free: (866) 428-1828
Local: (865) 428-1828

Sevier Title, Inc
134 Court Ave
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local: (865) 428-2381

Smoky Mountain Real Estate Appraisers
706 W Main Street
Sevierville, TN 37862
Local: (865) 453-2963

Thompson-Carr & Associates
PO Box 6714
Sevierville, TN 37864

Did we miss out on someone? If so, leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to consider them for our next update. Happy house hunting!

John Sevier

Outside of Dolly Parton, you have to go back quite a ways to find the next most well-known Sevier County native. It isn’t too hard though as his name is found on most official documents and the county and town bear it as well: John Sevier.

Born on September 23, 1745, John Sevier lived until September 24, 1815 and was an American soldier, frontiersman and politician, and is considered one of the founding fathers of the state of Tennessee. He played a leading role, both militarily and politically, in Tennessee’s pre-statehood period, and was elected the state’s first governor in 1796. Sevier served as a colonel in the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780, and commanded the frontier militia in dozens of battles against the Cherokee and Chickamaugas in the 1780s and 1790s.

Sevier arrived on the Tennessee Valley frontier in the 1770s. In 1776, he was elected one of five magistrates of the Watauga Association and helped defend Fort Watauga against an assault by the Cherokee. At the outbreak of the War for American Independence, he was chosen as a member of the Committee of Safety for the association’s successor, the Washington District. Following the Battle of Kings Mountain, he led an invasion that destroyed several Chickamauga towns in northern Georgia. In the 1780s, Sevier served as the only governor of the State of Franklin, an early, unsuccessful, attempt at statehood by the trans-Appalachian settlers. He was brigadier general of the Southwest Territory militia during the early 1790s.

Sevier served six two-year terms as Tennessee’s governor, from 1796 until 1801, and from 1803 to 1809, with term limits preventing a fourth consecutive term in both instances. His political career was marked by a growing rivalry with rising politician Andrew Jackson, which nearly culminated in a duel in 1803. After his last term as governor, Sevier served two terms in the United States House of Representatives, from 1811 until his death in 1815.

Sevierville Auto Dealers

So you’ve decided that it’s time to purchase a new car. Possibly even a brand new car. Well, if you live in Sevierville, there’s no shortage American-made, as well as foreign new and used automobile dealerships in the Sevierville area. Each of these dealerships and their associates will be more than happy to help assist you in finding that new car you’ll love to drive and show off to your friends.

What’s more exciting than a brand new ride? All of these dealerships have a quick turn around – bring in your car, let them check it out and they’ll tell you how much they can offer in trade. Or, if you’re just looking at buying something straight up, they’ll be at the door as soon as you pull into the lot. Take what you like for a test drive and try it out on the road before buying. Then come back and get their best price on a new or used car. You’re the customer, so these dealerships are going to work for youand try to earn your business by offering you their best price. Hey, if you have to go back and forth a few times, don’t worry. A new car at the price you want is worth a few more minutes.

What about service? Most of the larger dealerships also have their own service department. So, say you need an oil change. Just bring it back to the dealership, drop it off and pick it back up in an hour or so. Most times, you can get things like an oil change done over your lunch break. Although, if it’s engine work or something major, they may have to keep the car overnight. Not to worry, many offer loaner cars so as not to inconvenience their customers.

Auto dealers in Sevierville, TN:

Larry Hill Pontiac-GMC
1040 Dolly Parton Pkwy
Sevierville, TN, 37862
Phone: (865) 453-4651

McNelly-Whaley Motor Company
750 Dolly Parton Pkwy
Sevierville, TN, 37862
Phone: (865) 453-2833

Volunteer Chevrolet
Highway 66
Sevierville, TN, 37862
Phone: (865) 428-6655

D and R Auto Sales
709 Old Knoxville Hwy
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 453-7988

P F Auto Sales
1579 Ridge Rd
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 774-3148

Allen Auto Sales
2814 New Center Dr
Sevierville, TN 37876
(865) 428-8175

Parkway Motors
2364 Pittman Center Rd
Sevierville, TN 37876
(865) 453-0727

Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep
325 W Main St
Sevierville, TN 37862
(423) 562-3210

Drive 4 Less Auto
1472 Catlettsburg Rd
Sevierville, TN 37876
(865) 366-7150

Perrys Auto
1137 S Fork Dr
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 908-0805

Lmn Motors
632 W Main St
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 908-8898

Sunset Auto Sales
602 Dolly Parton Pkwy
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 428-5281

Think we’ve missed some? Let us know in the comments section below if we’ve left you out or know of a new business getting ready to come to Sevierville.

Sevierville Trolley Info

Want to have some fun on your Sevierville vacation without having to worry about driving, or trying to find a parking spot in town? Take a trolley!

Sevierville trolleys run from 8:30am until 12 midnight from early March through October. During November and December trolleys run daily 10am – 10pm with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, on which they do not operate.

So where can you pick up a trolley? Some of the more convenient and popular trolley stops are located at Governor’s Crossing, the Sevierville Events Center, River Place Shopping Center, Sevierville Municipal Complex, Sevier County Courthouse, Wal-Mart, Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center and the Apple Barn as well as several other spots along the Parkway.

The city of Sevierville currently offers two trolley routes (North Parkway Route and Court House Route), which originate at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and extend into Sevierville. The routes currently operate from 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week (fall schedule). Trolleys will be scheduled to operate at approximate intervals of 30 minutes. Heavy traffic and rider numbers may affect this schedule.

Each trolley stop location will be marked with a sign (including a black bear at the top) and route map. 

NORTH PARKWAY ROUTE stops in Sevierville are as follows:

  • Wal Mart (1414 Parkway)
  • Oak Tree Lodge (1620 Parkway)
  • Apple Barn (230 Apple Valley Road)
  • McDonalds (1831 Parkway)
  • Tanger Five Oaks (Between Chop House and Conner’s Restaurant)
  • Nascar Speedpark (1545 Parkway, Near Entrance To Mini Golf)
  • Books-A-Million (In Governor’s Crossing)
  • BB&T Bank (Collier Drive in Governor’s Crossing)
  • Fairfield Resorts (320 Collier Drive at end of Governor’s Crossing)
  • Governor’s Palace (179 Collier Drive in Governor’s Crossing)

 

COURTHOUSE ROUTE stops in Sevierville are as follows:

NORTHBOUND:

 

SOUTHBOUND:

  • K-Mart Shopping Center
  • Landmark Inn/Riverview Inn
  • River Place Shopping Center
  • Parkway at South Blvd. Way
  • Wal Mart Supercenter
  • Tanger Five Oaks (Between Chop House and Conner’s Restaurant)

The trolley fare is $0.50/person. Trolley drivers will accept exact fare only.

For additional trolley service information (including maps), please call Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley at 865-453-6444 or click here to link to the Fun Time Trolley website.

A Sevierville Valentine’s

People come to Sevierville to celebrate all kinds of occasions from holidays to family reunions, to even romance. For the month of February, and Valentine’s Day in particular, Sevierville is the place to be for you and your special someone.

Women love chocolate, and in Sevierville there is plenty to be found. We’re talking about specialty chocolate here. Businesses like The Chocolate Ladies is a local, custom chocolate business owned and operated by Rita and Susan Key.

“If you’re looking for a unique gift, you can order our fresh, hand-dipped chocolate strawberries,” Rita Key said. “We get our biggest, most flavorful berries from Florida and the price we pay to get them depends on the weather and the available crop each year. We’ll have the berries available in half-dozen (in a red tin) or a dozen in a glossy box. Prices will likely range between $12 and $20, depending on how many you order.”

The Chocolate Ladies business has over 2,000 different molds in which they can prepare their homemade chocolates. It’s almost like a different style chocolate for each order. Those interested in sending some of their specialty chocolate for Valentine’s Day can visit their web site at www.thechocolateladies.com to view some of their delicious work. With as much chocolate as they can whip up, you’re likely to be eating their treats well after Valentine’s Day has come and gone.

Nothing says romance than a cozy fire overlooking the Smokies in a luxurious Sevierville cabin rental. Places like Sugar Maple Cabins and Majestic Mountain Vacations offer romantic Valentine’s cabins with everything from stone fireplaces to heart-shaped jacuzzis.

Sevierville cabin rental companies like Sugar Maple Cabins and Majestic Mountain Vacations have been the setting for many a romantic Smoky Mountain getaway, especially for couples searching for that perfect Valentine’s Day cabin nestled on a ridge overlooked the stars and the national park.

Visit www.sugarmaplecabins.com or www.majesticmountainvacations.com to make your reservation.

What says romance more than a candlelit meal for two? How bout a little ’60s fun to go along with it? Consider THE DINER’s annual Valentine’s Dinner on February 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Their special menu includes wild-caught fresh Atlantic salmon, prime rib, ribeye steak or beef tips and special shared Valentine desserts for $39 per couple. Enjoy a booth or table with the lights dimmed, Elvis’ Love Me Tender on the jukebox, plus all the ladies receive their own flowers. For reservations, call 865-908-1904 or visit www.thediner.biz.

If that’s not enough, how about a tour of the Rocky Top Wine Trail. The Rocky Top Wine Trail takes it’s passengers on a tour of local wineries where they can enjoy a free tasting of award-winning wines at each stop. Once you finish the trail and get your “passport” stamped, you can receive a free wine glass marking the occasion.

Start off at any of the trail locales: Mountain Valley Winery (Traffic Light No. 1 in Pigeon Forge) , Apple Barn Winery (Traffic Light 12.6 in Sevierville), or Hillside Winery (Collier Drive in Sevierville). (Though not on the trail, you can also visit Sugarland Cellars in Gatlinburg and Eagle Springs Winery at Exit 407.)

Where you start and where you end up are all up to you. Visit www.rockytopwineries.com.