When arriving in Sevierville, TN, you will immediately sense all the city has to offer a traveling family. There are restaurants, shopping galore, and lots of fun to be had. Being there just for the weekend, we decided to focus on a few attractions that we could spend more time at without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The ones we chose came highly recommended, and we left with enough lasting memories to ensure the trip was a success.
Rainforest Adventures
Following a delicious Sevierville breakfast, we headed to Rainforest Adventures to see just what species call this small zoo home. They have a variety of rainforest creatures, along with more domestic animals such as goats, sheep, and a donkey. With over 600 tropical and temperate animals, for a small zoo, there’s plenty to see.
The lemurs, birds, and tamarins fascinated my 4 year old. New to the zoo, these adorable little primates are some of the rarest monkeys on Earth, featuring brilliant golden lion-like coats. There were also plenty of snakes, spiders, frogs, and creepy crawly things, perfect for the boys. There is a show during the high season where you can even pet a porcupine!
Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf
Mini golf is one activity my whole family loves, and whenever we’re in the area, we make sure to stop at Old McDonald’s Golf. Owned by Ripley’s Believe it or Not, you know you’re in for a good time. The three farm-themed courses features some funny obstacles and sights, including bathing pigs, fishing farmers, flying pigs, and a whole lot more. Once you are done playing putt putt, you can enjoy games in the arcade or shopping in the nearby Tanger Outlet Mall.
Cades Cove
It wouldn’t be a trip to Sevierville without seeing Smoky Mountain National Park. The area is very close to the city, and a beautiful way to round out a long weekend. An 11-mile drive through the Cades Cove Loop lets you take in nature and get some stunning photographs along the way.
A former Cherokee Indian hunting ground, it offers you some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, along with black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and more.
Perfect for a fall road trip, the drive offers color changing leaves and lots of historic churches and homesteads. It’s like being transported back to the 1800s. You can also take hayrides in October, or rent a bike to do the loop on two-wheels, if you’re so inclined.
Along the way, you will pass Oliver’s cabin, the first one built in the Smokies. Our favorite stop on the route is the Cable homestead, which features an old mill that operates from April-October, a blacksmith shop (that sometimes has live demonstrations), and a couple of barns. There is also a visitor’s center and restroom, so you don’t want to miss that!
Sponsored in partnership with Sevierville.