The Derosia Team

Sevier County is an ever changing area of attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shops. It seems as if there is something new and exciting every day! Check out this blog post for some places of long ago that used to be a favorite for many! Porpoise Island: The area that is now the Island was the home of a popular show straight out of Hawaii. In the 70s and 80s visitors could enjoy hula dancers, seal and porpoise shows, trained parrots and more.  Rebel Railroad: Before Dollywood days, visitors could enjoy Rebel Railroad. This confederate-themed attraction included a steam train ride through the mountain countryside. Rebel Railroad was in operation from 1961 through 1970. It later became Goldrush Junction, then Goldrush, and finally Silver Dollar City before becoming Dollywood.  Ogle's Waterpark: The area of Walden's Landing was once home to a popular summer attraction. Until 2003, those looking for a way to escape the heat could enjoy multiple water slides, a wave...

Colder weather is quickly approaching! It's time to dig out the scarves, coats, and gloves. You know how to get yourself ready for colder weather, but do you know how to prepare your home. Check out this blog post for some tips on winterizing your home. A little time and effort now, will you save you money later! Filters: Replace or clean furnace filters once a month! Dirty filters decrease air flow and increase energy demand. Ceiling fans: Run them in reverse. Most of them have a switch located on the base to change the direction they circulate air. Counterclockwise direction provides cooling air while clockwise makes it warmer. Hot Water Heater: Turn down the hot water heater setting. Most are set at 140 degree Fahrenheit. If you lower it to 120 degrees, you could reduce water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent.  Drafts: Avoid losing 4 to 30% of your energy use by blocking areas with drafts. Simply place a rolled towel along drafty doors to he...

THANKSGIVING FEAST Visiting our area from out of town? No family in the area? Don't want to go grocery shopping? Don't want to dirty your kitchen? Whatever the reasons, if you don't want to cook a Thanksgiving meal, the multitude of restaurants in our area offering a traditional feast will surely not disappoint! Read below for some great choices, but be warned just reading this post will make your stomach growl and your mouth water! Check out this link for locations and hours of all restaurants in Sevier County open on Thanksgiving Day! http://www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/gatlinburg/dining-gatlinburg/smoky-mountains-restaurants-open-thanksgiving/ Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant Let them do the cooking for you and order a scrumptious feast for $99. Includes turkey, all the sides, sweet tea, and some delicious pumpkin pie. You can also dine in from 10:30 am to 9 pm. Ober Gatlinburg Open 11-6 and offering all the traditional Thanksgiving classi...

WINTERFEST CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTY! Sevier County always kicks off the Winter Season in a big way. Each city has their own unique celebration to get the entire family excited about the festivities and magic of winter time! The Winterfest Celebrations begin in Sevierville. Sevierville’s Winterfest Kickoff takes place from 3 to 8 pm on November 6th in downtown Sevierville. Enjoy plenty for the kids to do; face painting, arts & crafts, balloon animals, inflatables, and games. There’s tons of food and plenty of stage acts. Enjoy a mascot dance off, performances from local dance teams, lumberjack competitions, and music. The event concludes with a spectacular firework display!   The 28th Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff will be held on  November 7th at Patriot Park! Enjoy old time games and vendors beginning at 4 pm followed by live entertainment at 6pm. The event concludes with a free trolley tour of the lights at 7 pm.   The Winterfest...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN If you are looking for some fun and exciting Halloween activities, there's plenty to be found in Sevier County. Check out this blog post for lots of family fun events! Quaker Steak & Lube Trunk or Treat October 31, 2017 4-7 pm SECOND ANNUAL SHERIFF'S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR BLOCK PARTY October 31, 2017 6-10 pm This “Spooktacular”, provided by Sevier County Sheriff's Office is offered at no cost for Sevier County residents to attend with their entire families. Children will have the opportunity to trick or treat with local fire, police, ems, and other government agencies that work within Sevier County. Hallelujah Party @ Gumstand Baptist Church October 31, 2017 6:00-8:30 pm Bounce Houses, Candy, Games, and Fun Everyone Welcome Gatlinburg's Trick or Treat Kickoff Carnival October 31, 2017 1-5 pm Fun for visiting guests and local residents – contests, costumed characters, candy and a pumpkin contest plus...

Fall Maintenance: Now is the time to get your house ready for winter! Use this checklist to ensure your home is “winter ready” Stow the Mower: Use fuel stabilizer to keep your fuel from degrading over the winter. Top off your mower tank with stabilized gas and let it run for about 5 minutes before stowing away for the winter.  Another method is to let your mower run dry before stowing. Dry the Drip: Remove garden hoses from outdoor spigots and store once dry. Also, turn off the water shutoff valve to any outdoor faucets. Make sure to do this early, so that you won’t be caught by surprise if temperatures take an unexpected drop. Also, make sure that sprinkler systems are shut off and drained. Caulk the Crack: Check the exterior of your home and seal up any cracks around trim and siding, door frames, windows, and pipes with matching exterior caulk to prevent moisture from your house and to prevent air leaks that waste energy. De-Gunk the Gutters: Keep your ...

Fall has officially arrived...even if the temperatures tell another story! Leaves are beginning to change, animals are preparing for the weather, and we are ready for all things Fall! What's not to love about sitting around a bonfire, the crisp cool air, the smell of pumpkin pie, the taste of a hot cup of apple cider, spending time with the family going on a hay ride to find the perfect pumpkin for carving! Check out below for some fun activities and delicious recipes to get your whole family excited about Fall! 2017 Love Loud Corn Maze: Check First Baptist Church of Sevierville's 3rd annual Love Loud Corn Maze. It is their way of giving back to the community and we are loving it. Everything is free and there's something for everyone. Corn maze for the entire family, small corn maze for the little tykes, hay ride, popcorn, pumpkins, games, s'mores, photo opportunities and more. Check it out across from Sevierville City Park October 2,3,4, and 6. It opens at 5:30 ...