If you need a reason to visit Sevierville, TN, you have come to the right place. In this Smoky Mountains vacation guide, we will answer the question of what is Sevierville famous for.
Sevierville, Tennessee is a city of many faces. It’s a place steeped in history and culture, but also one that has been transformed by the growth of tourism over the past two decades.
Commonly referred to as one of the gateways to the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville was once an isolated mountain town with few attractions for visitors.
But as its neighboring towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have grown in popularity over the years, so too has Sevierville.
Today, we will explore what Sevierville is well-known for and provide a list of things to do and see in the city.
What is Sevierville Tennessee famous for?
Sevierville offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking and camping to family-friendly attractions and shopping centers! Here are some of the things that made Sevierville a famous destination in the Smokies;
Shopping
In Sevierville, Tennessee, you can enjoy incredible shopping with over 200 factory outlet stores. You’ll find fantastic discounts on clothing, shoes, souvenirs, gifts, and much more.
Additionally, the town also has many local stores and boutiques that showcase handmade items crafted by artisans from the surrounding region. Don’t forget to check out the Tanger Outlets, the largest outlet mall in the area with over 100 stores!
Dolly Parton’s Hometown
Sevierville is the beloved hometown of international superstar Dolly Parton. Born in 1946 in a humble cabin on Locust Ridge, Dolly quickly rose to fame thanks to her larger-than-life personality and undeniable musical talent.
As a way to honor Dolly’s achievements and contributions to music, a bronze statue of her was unveiled on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn in 1987. Today, visitors can take a picture with the statue for a one-of-a-kind souvenir of their trip to Sevierville.
Food
Sevierville is well-known for its delicious and diverse culinary offerings. The city is home to traditional Southern comfort foods, as well as international favorites. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or an upscale dinner experience, Sevierville has something for everyone!
- Applewood Farmhouse
- Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
- The Appalachian
- Graze Burgers
Head on to our guide to the Best Sevierville, Tennessee Restaurants to learn more.
Family Friendly Attractions
Sevierville, Tennessee, is the perfect destination for family fun! With great attractions like NASCAR Speedpark, Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo, Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf and Forbidden Caverns, your family is sure to have a memorable time.
Sevierville is filled with incredible outdoor adventures that everyone from young kids to experienced adventurers can enjoy.
Why is Sevierville called Sevierville?
Sevierville is named after John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee. He was a Revolutionary War hero who led the Overmountain Men to victory in the Battle of Kings Mountain and afterwards served as brigadier general of the Southwest Territory before being elected governor for six terms (1796 until 1801) and again in1803 to 1809.
How far is Sevierville from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Sevierville is approximately 14 miles from Gatlinburg and 7 miles from Pigeon Forge. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Gatlinburg to Sevierville, and 11 minutes to drive from Sevierville to Pigeon Forge by car via Parkway Drive.
Check out our guide on How far is Sevierville from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge to learn more.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Get This FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist Now!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Are you and your partner going on a trip to Sevierville? If yes, don’t forget to visit one of these romantic restaurants in Sevierville, TN.
For those traveling with their family, be sure to read this post about family travel tips that are super helpful.