***While our Sevierville experiences were sponsored, all opinions expressed below are my own.***
I haven’t taken in any view for a while. I’m a dad of five kids – between changing diapers, keeping my 5-year-old from slugging his older sister or monitoring the screen time of my two oldest children, there is, simply, too much to worry about.
To say my views are more focused on my children than any picturesque landscapes is, unfortunately, all too true on most days lately.
For three days a few weeks ago, though, my view changed as our family’s minivan pulled into Sevierville, Tennessee.
Nothing could cloud the beautiful vistas of this magnificent, Smoky Mountain destination.
Nothing.
Not antsy toddlers.
Not a “leave me alone, dad” middle-schooler with headphones on in the backseat.
Not the echoed bickering of a long car ride with five kids under 12.
My Sevierville views were just what I needed.
What to Do with the Kids in Sevierville, TN.
Touted as “Tennessee’s Largest Waterpark Resort”, the Wilderness Resort location in Sevierville offers day passes to non-guests. We did not stay at the property, but our day pass allowed my family access to each of the resort’s indoor and outdoor water parks and amenities.
There is plenty to do, no matter the age of your kids.
My older children (9 to 12 years) loved the outdoor slides and the indoor surf-simulator. Everett, my 5-year-old, loved that he could ride most of the Wilderness water-slides with me and splash nearby in the wave pool. My wife and I took turns keeping tabs on my rambunctious 2-year-old, Emersyn, as she splashed in the indoor water park designed for toddlers.
Although an afternoon rain storm nixed our plans to ride its outdoor go-cart tracks, all was not lost in the rain when visiting Sevierville’s Nascar Speedpark.
Our indoor view was, in fact, spectacular – a gigantic arcade with rides dispensing prize tickets, the Spin Zone bumper cars and the rock climbing wall kept my kids occupied for at least two hours.
Nascar Speedpark’s best rides, thought, are outdoors – multiple go-cart tracks for all age groups, mini-golf, carnival-type rides, a carousel and bumper boats.
My kids enjoyed the indoor attractions; however, we must make a trip back for some outdoor racing soon!
SevierAir Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park
My kids earmarked SevierAir as a “must-do” when we came back to Sevierville this year – and, I loved the choice. For me, the huge indoor facility outfitted with trampolines for as far as you can see is a perfect activity for antsy little ones needing to burn off some vacation energy.
From dunking a basketball to jousting their siblings to practicing their gymnastics moves with some added spring, each of my kids worked up a great sweat at SevierAir.
For older children (and adults), be sure to try the Ninja Warrior course – built to replicate the famed obstacle course built for the Ninja Warrior television show and competition. For the record, I only could reach the second (of three) warped walls.
Where We Stayed
When you go to the Smoky Mountains, in my opinion, you must stay in a cabin. No run-of-the-mill, stale, normal hotel rooms for us!
And, if mountain side cabin is your family’s style, the Hidden Mountain Resort will not disappoint.
At Hidden Mountain Resort, my family of 7 stayed comfortably in a two-bedroom cabin equipped with a full kitchen (with pots, pans, plates and utensils provided), cable television, strong wi-fi, a picturesque porch with rocking chairs and a hot tub.
A short walk on a private drive gave us access to Hidden Mountain’s main pool, fitness center and meeting facility. The property offers a fishing pond, walking trails and no shortage of spectacular views.
Hidden Mountain provided seclusion if we wanted a low-key few hours away as well as the ability to get to any of the local attractions quickly from Sevierville’s main drag (Parkway).
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Where to Eat
We certainly sampled many of the local dining establishments during our stay – all family friendly, of course. To us, family friendly means a reasonably priced kids menu, an environment that cares little about voice volumes (my kids are loud) and a wait staff that doesn’t mind mopping up an occasional milk spill.
Flapjacks
The Grizzly bear faced pancake immediately drew my kids’ collective eyes. The menu was as expected for a pancake joint – your standard eggs, omelets, bacon, toast and potato dishes were all very affordable.
The staff was friendly, the drinks came in mason jars and the food was served quick – the key to any family with young ones.
If your plans take you toward Interstate 40 (near the Tennessee Smokies Stadium or Wilderness Resort), The Diner is an old-fashioned stop that took my family back in time.
When we entered, Yosef (age 12), instantly commented, “Dad, this looks like the place in Back to the Future!” He was right – the gleaming chrome fixtures outlined the red booths and seat cushions. The bar at the center of The Diner appeared to be the best spot to grab a quick coffee and pastry.
My family’s trip to Sevierville would not have been complete without visiting The Apple Barn (which is very close to Hidden Mountain Resort). The Apple Barn is best described as cozy.
Whether you eat a meal at The Apple Barn Restaurant or Grill or get the kids an ice cream cone at The Creamery or sample a glass of wine or simple roam the lush grounds of the property, you will not escape the friendly, down-home feel of The Apple Barn.
Quaker Steak and Lube
On the corner of Collier and Parkway is Quaker Steak and Lube – a racecar themed restaurant that my family seems to love.
A few aspects of the Sevierville location stood out.
First, our waitress took us through a quick summary of the area’s history. She took time to note the unique characteristics of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as laying out a plan for taking in the sights of Smoky Mountain National Park.
Lastly, the night we visited Quaker Steak was karaoke night – a lot of fun for my family. No, we did not participate, but I made note of at least two brave patrons who could really sing.
Other Fun
Tennessee Smokies Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball is always a great option for us. And, although rain postponed the Tennessee Smokies game we planned to attend, I’d suggest that baseball fans make a trip to see Smokies Stadium. The view from the seats is marvelous and the team is as well run as any in the minors.
When my overly ambitious wife suggested a 1.3-mile one-way trail walk with our five kids, I thought she was crazy. Well, despite the pain of carrying a 2-year-old nearly a mile, the view of Grotto Falls was breathtaking. The long, jagged trail rewards hikers with what, I’m told, is the only waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies.
Believe me, the hike is worth it!
When a local suggested that we spend a rainy afternoon at Knife Works, I was skeptical. I’m not a weapon enthusiast, not a hunter or avid outdoorsman. That said, I found Knife Works to be a free, Sevierville hidden gem.
The facility is tough to describe – an eclectic combination of merchandise and staged, outdoor scenery. The store is really a smaller, more country version of a Bass Pro Shop.
Outdoor scenes of taxidermied animals are visible everywhere – ranging from otters and mountain lions to polar bears and eskimos. If your family needs a spot for an hour and doesn’t want to feel pressure to spend any money, Knife Works is a respite from the hustle of the Parkway.
No matter your activity, no matter your vantage point, the view from Sevierville is spectacular no matter your angle –
Take in the view from the hustle and tourist-bustle of the Parkway’s many attractions.
Or, slow it down by enjoying the view from the front porch of your mountain side cabin.
Or, as I did, enjoy the view of your kids smiling as they see things they couldn’t have imagined at home.
Feel free to create your own, perfect view. My favorite view: my kids’ smiles.
Plan your own Sevierville adventure, click here!
