SEC Fans Love Sevierville, Tennessee
If you’re traveling to Tennessee to cheer on your favorite Southeastern Conference football team this fall, make your trip even more enjoyable with a stay in Sevierville. Just a short jaunt from Knoxville, Dolly Parton’s hometown is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. With spectacular views, friendly fellow fans, and oodles of budget-friendly places to have fun, eat, and sleep, Sevierville wins weekends however your team scores. Here are just a few ideas inspired by a range of gameday moods.
Inspired by watching players? The whole family can feel like athletes racing around a wide-open track at NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains, jumping on 60 different trampolines at Sevier Air Trampoline & Ninja Warrior Park, shooting pool at the new East Tennessee Billiards, throwing axes at the new Axe House Sevierville, putting the 18-hole course at Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Mini-Golf, zip-lining hundreds of feet above the ground at Adventureworks Climb-Zip-Swing, or rafting with Foxfire Mountain Adventures.
Feeling sympathy pains? Treat yourself to muscle therapy with a deep-tissue massage at any of the pampering spas in Sevierville, including Oak Haven Spa and Quiet Reflections Massage, or Vera Massage & Spa.
Stock up on all the gear you need to show support for your favorite team at Palmetto Moon at Tanger Outlets Sevierville. The SEC Collegiate Headquarters for fans, the store is where to stock up on clothing (sized from newborn through XXXL), hats, car flags, coolers, jewelry, tailgating chairs, decals, tents, grill accessories, and so much more to ensure there’s something for everyone. The Sevierville location has lots of orange for Tennessee fans, of course, as well as gear for several other area teams (plus you can find even more online).
Want to talk football? Mingle with fellow fans at Quaker Steak & Lube, a family-friendly sports bar where the indoor/outdoor brickyard has a vibrant energy. The menu serves gameday fare including “the best wings in the Smoky Mountains” with a choice of over 25 different sauces, burgers, nachos, loaded fries, ribs, and so much more. Other options include the Sevierville locations of national favorites Dave & Buster’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Too worked up to sit still? Head to Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ, and unwind while enjoying their massive selection of regional beers available from a pour-your-own tap system. Then dig into a platter of fresh smoked, locally sourced pulled pork.
Cheer a win over craft beer at the family-friendly pub The Casual Pint, with Italian-style wines made using Tennessee grapes at Hillside Winery, sweet dessert wines at Apple Barn Winery, or with a tasting flight of craft spirits at Old Tennessee Distilling Co., Tennessee Shine Co., or Tennessee Legend.
Taste victory—or at least award-winning food—at Sevierville’s top-rated restaurants. Head to Graze Burgers for grass-fed beef patties (plus TVs to watch a game), Tony Gore’s for scrumptious barbecue, Applewood Farmhouse for hearty Southern fare, China 1 to dine at one of the nation’s Top 100 Chinese restaurants, or The Appalachian for dishes so fresh that Chef/Partner David Rule’s menu changes daily. If victory tastes especially sweet, indulge in fresh-churned soft-serve at Cruze Farm Dairy; candied apples, apple pies, and other treats at The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store; and cookies, brownies, and more at Adina’s Sweet Shop. Whatever you crave to eat, restaurant options abound.
Console a loss with a hike on trails through the Sevierville Greenways or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Walking in the woods and alongside gurgling waterways is a soothing reminder that nature prevails and the sun will rise again!
Stay where it’s easy to hop on and off the highway for travel between Sevierville and Neyland Stadium. Clarion Inn Willow River boasts indoor and outdoor pools plus a soothing hot tub. Two Rivers Landing RV Park, a luxury resort near the French Broad River, is a dog-friendly option with amenities like free WiFi, cable TV, and great views. Riverside RV Park, a laid-back, dog-friendly resort along the Little Pigeon River, offers shaded campsites, free cable and WiFi, an on-site arcade, plus a general store.
Start planning your SEC Tennessee trip!
