Sevierville: A Scenic Start to Fall in Tennessee
Our first Tennessee stop this Fall brought us to Sevierville, just outside Knoxville, a place famous for breathtaking mountain views, major tourist attractions, and—of course—Dolly Parton’s hometown charm. But for us, this stop was all about exploring potential home base areas in the northeast corner of the state, with Greeneville at the top of our list.
Searching for Home
We had high hopes for Greeneville, with its rolling hills and stunning scenery, but as we explored, we quickly realized it just wasn’t the small-town feel we were looking for. The search continued, but that didn’t stop us from making the most of our time in this bustling area.
Tourist Stops & Treats
🦫 Buc-ee’s Madness – A brand-new Buc-ee’s opened in the area, and you know we had to stop for some beaver nuggets and brisket sandwiches. It’s a rite of passage at this point.
🍷 Gatlinburg Wine Tour & Anakeesta Views – A day trip to Gatlinburg led us on a mission to try all the free wine tastings, followed by a visit to Anakeesta. The chair lift ride to the top was nerve-wracking (hello, fear of heights), but the mountain views made it all worth it.
🏍️ Motorcycle Rides & Fall Colors – With the bike in tow, we were ready to hit the mountain roads, but first—Nick had to get a helmet. (He was not thrilled about this, but safety first, right?) The scenic rides through the autumn foliage were absolutely incredible.
Friends, Faith & Unexpected Food Finds
One of the best parts of our travels is connecting with friends, and this stop was no exception.
👋 Reunions with Friends – We met up with our Minnesota-turned-Tennessee crew (Mandy, John, Tommie & Stevie) and even had a chance to visit our Nashville friends, Angie & Jason, for an amazing Italian dinner—from a tiny gas station restaurant. (Proof that the best food is often found in the most unexpected places!)
⛰️ Cumberland Gap National Park – We took in the fall colors while standing at the Kentucky-Virginia border, gazing out from Pinnacle Overlook.
✝️ A Centering Stay – We camped at Riverside RV Park, a Christian-based campground with a beautiful walking path filled with Bible verses, painted rocks, wildflowers, and a peaceful cross. Taking that walk every day was the perfect way to slow down and reflect.
Onward to the Next Stop
While Sevierville didn’t reveal our future home, it gave us memories, connections, and incredible experiences to carry with us. Now, onto the next Tennessee stop—and the continued search for our perfect home base.
