If you ever envisioned your own tree fort with ladders, pulleys and a slide, then you’re in luck because Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, is not only a kids’ but a parents’ dream come true too. Their luxury cabins have special touches that inspire guests to explore and play, even teenagers and adults. You can enjoy the outdoors on rope swings or by a crackling fireplace. There’s a drink chute to drop beverages to family below. Each of the different themed cabins features a shower, toilet, fridge and sinks. The one amenity everyone talks about is the heated toilet seats. Talk about a soothing experience!
Sevierville is where the Smoky Mountain Songbird, Dolly Parton, grew up and you can see tributes to her all around the historic downtown. Check out The Pines, the first place Dolly sang a paid gig (at age 10), which recently re-opened as a lounge with duckpin bowling, pizza and gaming. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States, is only 10 minutes away. Sevierville is quaint and outdoorsy without the crowds of nearby Gatlinburg.
Take advantage of sunshine and fresh air by hiking Foxfire Adventure Park. Cross a 400-foot long suspended swing bridge, place a wish in the covered bridge, and hop rocks near waterfalls. Get your adrenaline pumping on some of the fastest and longest ziplines in the country or climb the 60-foot tall rock wall. You can also mine for gems or sip sweet apple cider. Go to Skyland Ranch to glide down the longest mountain coaster in the Southeast. Take a ski lift to the top of the mountain to pet miniature horses, cows and pigs, and enjoy live music, food and scenic views. Coming soon in spring 2025, a new swing tower will open so you can soar 300 feet above the ground, taking in Smoky Mountain views all around.
Wilderness at the Smokies is the largest water park resort in the Smoky Mountains. On rainy or cold days, ride the waves at the Wild WaterDome indoor water park, which was recently expanded and includes a lazy river with dance music and kaleidoscope colors, single tube slides to multi-person raft rides, steep drops, high-speed blasts, and a large, indoor/outdoor hot tub. Outside, you’ll find two outdoor water parks and a rooftop pool.
Satisfy your hunger for country cooking at Five Oaks Farm Kitchen. Meals of fried chicken, pork ribs and chicken pot pie fill your belly after a long day of fun. Pinchy’s Lobster Company is popular in downtown Sevierville, with outdoor seating and games, plus large plates of New England seafood. Don’t miss the pimento cheese grits at Holston’s Kitchen.
