Thank you to Sevierville and Hidden Mountain Resort for inviting us to stay in Tennessee!
A few years back, I had the opportunity to sneak away for a girls' weekend in Sevierville, Tennessee. I had such a wonderful time, it made me want to take my family back for an adventure in the Smoky Mountains. This summer our family finally made the journey.
There is so very much to see in the area. I am positive we could return multiple times and enjoy something new with every trip. Here are a few hidden treasures we found on our summer adventure!
1. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill
This restaurant was recommended to us at the resort we stayed at and I'm glad they mentioned it. We went to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant multiple times.
I've got to warn you, there is always a waiting list. It also means you get to slow down and enjoy hanging out on their gigantic front porch or in their gazebo. So, make sure you plan ahead and go to the restaurant BEFORE your family is starving so you can enjoy their slow pace.
I love the restaurant's motto...
Life is short, eat fritters first.
You immediately get a batch of fresh apple fritters when you are seated and they are ahhh-mazing. It is worth it to eat here just to try these alone.
MORE INFO:
- Visit the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill website
- Look over the restaurants' menus online
- Check out the latest happenings on Facebook
2. Foxfire Mountain Adventure
Foxfire Mountain has some of the best zip lines in the Smoky Mountains. If you are interested in this action adventure, skip the stuff on the main strip and get into the mountains. It is so beautiful. After a short training session, we did the seven-line Scenic Canopy Tour that will takes you zippin’ over a waterfall at a height of nearly 250 feet.
Read: 7 Zip Lining Life Lessons
Foxfire Mountain is also home to the longest swinging bridge in America, the Bridge to Prosperity. On the other side you'll find beautiful cairns...
Cairns, or artistically stacked stone sculptures, date back to the Scots-Irish who settled East Tennessee and Firefox Mountain in the early 1700’s. Cairns were built to mark trails, religious sites, monuments to important people or places, to bestow good luck on the builder, or just as an artistic expression.
Foxfire Mountain is an exciting (and relaxing) place to spend the day with your family.
MORE INFO:
- Visit the Firefox Mountain website
- See the Zip Line Adventures
- Check out the latest happenings on Facebook
3. Hidden Mountain Resort
During our vacation we were invited to stay at the Hidden Mountain Resort. The properties are perfect because they are close to all the attractions, but tucked up into the mountains so you feel like you're in the country. Some of my favorite memories from our vacation were just hanging out at the Hidden Mountain Resort.
Every time I opened the doors to our cabin I smiled. So pretty!
MORE INFO:
- Visit the Hidden Mountain Resort website
- Check out the latest happenings on Facebook
4. Grist Mill at Dollywood
We were invited to spend the day at Dollywood and it was awesome. While Dollywood was a blast, it isn't exactly a "hidden" treasure. However, the freshly baked cinnamon bread at Grist Mill in Dollywood is, and -- Oh my word! We ate some of this treat while we were there and then bought more to bring back to our cabin before we left. You've got to try this!
Read: 7 Things You Must-See (or Eat!) at Dollywood
MORE INFO:
- Visit the Dollywood website
- Learn more about Grist Mill
- Check out the latest happenings on Facebook
5. The Diner
The atmosphere at The Diner in Sevierville is priceless. How cool is the checkerboard floor and the red stools? You're also likely to see a few vintage cars in the parking lot.
You've got to check out the beef, buffalo and elk burgers on their menu. The restaurant is a bit on the outskirts, but right off one of the main highways coming and going from the area. It is a great way to celebrate your arrival or to say goodbye to the area after a fun vacation.
*Thanks to Jill of Baby Rabies for that bottom right photo!
MORE INFO:
- Visit The Diner website
- Look over the restaurant's menu online
- Check out the latest happenings on Facebook
6. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind. See our Instagram video here. It was pretty amazing. We also had a wonderful time spotting salamanders on the way up Trillium Gap to the falls! Here are a few tips to help you and your family find them as well!
7. GIGANTIC Snow Cones
After a long hike up to Grotto Falls be sure to stop and get yourself a snow cone ... Tennessee style.
Have you been to the Smoky Mountains? We'd love to hear about your favorite places. Let's chat in the comments!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
