Things to Do in Downtown Sevierville, TN

Dolly Statue – Sevierville’s tribute to hometown girl Dolly Parton is one of the area’s most iconic works of art. Completed in 1987 by renowned regional artist Jim Gray, the statue stands at six and a half feet and depicts a young, barefoot Dolly as she looked before making a name for herself in Nashville.

Located at 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville , the Dolly Parton statue is a favorite photo spot for visitors.

Dolly has referred to the statue as the honor that’s dearest to her heart – because it was bestowed by her friends and neighbors and meant the world to her father.

Sevier County Courthouse - Built in 1896, the Sevier County Courthouse is the fifth and final courthouse constructed in Sevierville since the county’s initial incorporation in 1796. An excellent example of Victorian architecture, the building’s elegant tower features a four-sided Seth Thomas clock.

Also located at 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, the building provides a picturesque backdrop for the Dolly Parton statue as well as significant monuments honoring veterans, law enforcement, and others on the lawn.

“Train Tracks” on Bruce Street - The rails running the length of Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville serve as a tribute to the Knoxville, Sevierville & Eastern Railway that once serviced the town. Running down Bruce Street from 1916 until 1961, the notoriously slow train (nicknamed the Old Slow and Easy ) delivered goods and travelers.

Today, pieces of the original railroad can still be seen if you know where to look. In downtown Sevierville, find two additional nods to the area’s famous railway – the Tracks of Time sculpture located at 136 Bruce Street, Sevierville, and an interpretive history marker and section of original railway located outside the Sevier County Heritage Museum at 167 Bruce Street, Sevierville.

Wings of Wander Mural - Be sure to snap a selfie at the “Wings of Wander” mural by Pinkie Mistry, located just behind the “Tracks of Time” sculpture. The mural has quickly become one of Sevierville’s most popular backdrops for selfies and Instagram poses. Stand between the monarch butterfly wings and it looks like you’ve sprouted a colorful way to fly.

The Old Jail Bar Storm Drain - To the right of The Appalachian Restaurant, near the Red’s Café Mural , is a storm drain forged more than 150 years ago from salvaged prison bars – remnants of the community jail after a horrific fire ravaged downtown Sevierville in 1856. This devastating fire destroyed 41 homes, the new courthouse, jail, and most downtown businesses.

Venture to 129 Bruce Street, Sevierville to locate this historic drain and learn more about Sevierville’s 1856 fire.

The Pines Theater – Originally opened in 1944, The Pines Theater seated over 700 people, showed motion pictures, and hosted live performances by some of the biggest celebrities of the day. There, eventgoers saw acts like Chet Atkins, Charlie Acuff, Archie Campbell, and the Carter Family. The Pines Theater also bears the honor of being where Dolly Parton played her first paying gig at the age of 10. Many of the famous faces who graced the stage here are honored on a colorful mural located on the outside of the building and Dolly has a special mural inside The Pines as well.

Today The Pines Downtown, located at 103 Joy Street, Sevierville, is an entertainment venue with great food, drink, and games the whole family will enjoy.

Murphy College Originally opened in 1892, Murphy College served to educate students from primary grades through college and was operated as an auspice of the Methodist-Episcopal Church. The college moved to a new site in 1923 and its last class graduated in 1935. Today the building, at 226 Cedar Street, is the headquarters of the Sevier County Board of Education.

The Appalachian – Traditional Appalachian cooking methods and old recipes with a modern twist are the hallmarks of this chef-driven restaurant in the heart of downtown Sevierville. Visit at 131 Bruce Street, Sevierville

Red’s Soda Fountain – This charming 1940s-inspired soda fountain pays homage to Red’s Cafe, which previously operated in the building across the street from the current establishment. For ice cream connoisseurs and Dolly fans alike, Red’s Cafe is often connected with Dolly Parton, who frequented the cafe as a small child. Today, Red’s Soda Fountain offers delicious hand-dipped scoops in 14 flavors of locally made ice cream plus hand-mixed sodas, phosphates, milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and more. Be sure to also pick up one of their delicious grab & go food offerings made daily from the nearby restaurant, Seasons 101.

Seasons 101 – Indulge in seasonally-driven foods at this affordably-priced, elegant eatery in downtown Sevierville and is located on the ground floor of the Historic Central Hotel at 101 East Main Street, Sevierville.

The Central Hotel is a reincarnation of the original hotel that once sat on the same corner and welcomed visitors to Sevierville. Built in a renovated 1960s bank building (which was the former Sevier County Bank headquarters), the hotel boasts two- and three-bedroom units with excellent views of downtown Sevierville and the surrounding mountains.

Buffalo Breakfast Co. – Serving up Southern-crafted dishes with a modern twist, guests can start their day with a classic country craving or try a bold new flavor. Pecan waffles served with fried chicken drizzled in hot honey, grits topped with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and blackened shrimp, lemon ricotta pancakes served with blueberry tarragon-infused syrup, and more await at Sevierville’s newest breakfast spot. Visit at 127 Bruce Street, Sevierville.

Graze Burgers – Dig into craft burgers at Graze, located in Sevierville’s first official post office building. Built in the early 1900s, the original post office featured a wide alleyway built to accommodate turn-of-the-century horse-drawn mail wagons. Today diners can enjoy a cold beverage from the open bar window that postal workers once hurled mail bags through. Visit at 125 Bruce Street, Sevierville

Pinchy’s Lobster & Beer Company – Find fresh, New England seafood in the Smokies at Pinchy’s Lobster & Beer Company. The downtown restaurant is located in a portion of what was once Rawlings Funeral Home, and brings a lively indoor and outdoor dining experience to the heart of downtown. Visit at 212 Court Avenue, Sevierville.

DŌ Scratch Made Pizza and Pasta - Pronounced “dough”, this Italian eatery takes a craft approach to the quintessential Italian fares by serving authentic, stone-fired pizza and fresh, handmade pasta. Located across from the iconic Sevier County Courthouse Lawn, stop in for a slice of pizza, a plate of pasta, or a few scoops of decadent gelato next time you visit the Dolly Statue. Visit at 160 Court Avenue, Sevierville.

Sweet Pea’s & Ivy – Shop for locally crafted items, home décor and more in this early 20th century home located on Sevierville’s main Parkway. Visit at 113 Parkway, Sevierville

Ronel Raicsics Design – Whether you’re looking for custom-designed pieces, redesigns, or want to select whatever catches your eye in the display case, visit this bespoke jewelry store for rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, pendants, and pretty surprises. For nearly 40 years Ronel has been handcrafting original fine jewelry and custom sentimental pieces, working with high-quality precious metals and gemstones to create unique treasures.

D’Garden Floratique – Home décor, gifts and eccentric finds abound at D’ Garden Floratique. Located in the old Sevierville Hardware, the shopkeepers have done an excellent job maintaining the historic integrity of the building. Stop by the shop to browse and see the original watermarks from two of Sevierville’s most significant 20th century floods. Visit at 128 Court Avenue, Sevierville.