The Derosia Team

Home Grown What's better than locally raised, farm fresh produce? One of the best things about summer is the variety of delicious fruits and veggies available. Luckily, in Sevier County there are 4 Farmer's Markets to help you find the perfect items to complement your meal. Even better, you might even find a locally made gift for a friend or loved one. Read on to find out more about each of our wonderful Farmer's Markets.  Gatlinburg Farmer's Market is held on Saturdays at the Covered Bridge on Galdes Road from 8:30-12:00. Stop by to find fruits, nuts, berries, honey, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Also, find plants, baked goods, and health products. Every second Saturday includes live music, and every fourth Saturday features kid's activities. Check out their webpage for even more information:  Gatlinburg Farmer's Market Sevierville Farmer's Market is held on Fridays at the Bruce Street Gazebo from 9-1:30. Stop by to fresh bagels, breads, a...

Photo Creds: Sheila Hoskins Callahan What's one of the best things about living in the Smokies?  Why the Black Bears of course! Photo Creds: Craig Johnston The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to about 1,500 Black Bears. It is one of the largest, protected habitats for black bears in the world. During the summer a typical male bear will weigh 250 pounds and female around 100 pounds. However, in the fall their weight increases dramatically as they prepare for winter. Bears over 600 pounds have been reported. A typical bear lives for around 15 years, but sadly those that have become accustomed to people food may only live half that time. Bears are like people. They like both plants and animals. The majority of their diet comes from plants, but they do enjoy some tasty insects! Did you know that bears can swim? They are excellent swimmers, tree climbers, and runners. Also, their sense of smell is great and they see in color. The bears are the most active in...

It's summer time! Are the kids driving you crazy? Need a quick getaway? Check out this blog for some family friendly, weekend getaways close to East TN.  Chatanooga, TN: Kids and even grownups would love to stay in one of the restored train cars at the Chatanooga Choo Choo Hotel. For even more fun, kids can take a ride on the Chatanooga Choo Choo Trolley. Enjoy walking the gardens or taking a dip in the pool. They have on site restaurants offering a breakfast buffet and delicious quick meals. You wouldn't even have to leave the property! Looking for more fun for the weekend? Check out the Aquarium, Rock City, Imax Theater, and Children's Museum! Abingdon, VA: Want to immerse your kids in history? Downtown Abingdon is a Virginia Historic Landmark. Visit Abingdon Muster Grounds is an epicenter for Colonial Backcountry History from the American Revolutionary Period. Visit the Old Mollie Steam Engine on the Virginia Creeper trail. This same type of engine...

Is it really already summer? Do you live in Sevier County? Coming to this area for vacation? Whatever brings you here, check out our latest posting for some fun things to do with the family to kick the boredom that seems to hit almost immediately.  Swimming....what's summer without a little fun in the water? There's plenty of places to get your splash on! Check out Dolly's Splash Country for lots of water and rides that will thrill all ages! Pigeon Forge Community Center has a great outdoor pool complete with a water slide and diving board!  Sevierville Recreation Department's outdoor pool boasts a splash pad, water slides, and diving board! Want to go swimming and enjoy a great meal? Check out Honeysuckle Meadows Pool...It is located on Happy Hollow Road in Wears Valley. For only $5 you get access to the pool and the catch and release pond and there deli has amazing home cooked food! Looking for a free place to swim...check out Metcalf Bottoms ...

WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN YOUR OWN VACATION HOME?    Do you love to visit a particular area? Tired of having to find a place to rent when you visit? Sick of paying more for a week than you do for your monthly mortgage? If you said yes to any of these, than consider buying a vacation home as an investment. Relieve the stress of going on vacation, by being able to stay at your own home when you go out of town. Even better, you can rent out your home while you're not visiting to cover your cost. Sounds amazing! Check out this list of things to consider before buying a vacation home! Gross Income Most vacation destinations are seasonal. For example, the season for the Great Smoky Mountains runs from about mid-March to December. January and February are typically slower months. However, there is always so much going on that people generally visit this area year round. You just have to remember that you won't have a renter every day of the year. You need to plan according...

A MUSICAL WEEKEND The first weekend in May brings a weekend long celebration of music heritage. It begins on May 4th at 6 p.m. with the Music in the Mountains spring parade. This parade for decades was known as the Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade. However, she has stepped down. Cal Ripken, Jr. will be the Grand Marshall. The parade will be on the parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN. The focus of this event is the rich musical heritage of our area. There will be more high school marching bands and dance groups then in the past. Also, local theaters will be able to give spectators a glimpse of the entertainment they provide. New this year will be several cold-air balloons. Featured will be the Pajaminals, Daniel the Tiger, and Yogi Bear. These larger-than-life balloons will be sure to be a big hit with the youngest spectators. Also, keep an eye out for a 10-feet baseball representing the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge.  The Music in the Mountains weekend would not be complete wit...

EARTH DAY In Gatlinburg, TN Earth Day is a time for celebration! The Earth Day event will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2018. All festivities will be held downtown Gatlinburg. Check out this post for info on all the fun activities! Bring the family from 11:00 am-5 pm for free music, crafts, activities, face painting, demonstrations, and more. This is a great day to learn about easy green practices. The entire family will be able to play activities and games, as well as make Earth friendly crafts. There will also be food for sale. Area businesses and organizations will be onsite with information and activities. T-shirts will also be sold. All sales benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This foundation provides local scholarships and donations to local schools.  Gatlinburg will also be hosting an Earth Day 5K Run/Walk. This event takes place on Friday, April 27th. It begins and ends at NOC. Registration is $20-$30. The race is scheduled to start...