Guest Author - Karon Warren

Nothing beats a little girl time, and Sevierville, Tenn., offers one of the best places to grab some. Every aspect of a memorable girls’ getaway can be found here: shopping, playing, pampering and, of course, eating!

Shopping
To get you started, head to Tanger Five Oaks Outlets for a day of perusing the racks. With more than 100 stores featuring such brand names as Tommy Hilfiger, Chico’s, Liz Claiborne and Gap, you’re sure to find a few things you can’t live without. A second Tanger Outlet center is located minutes away, where you will find OshKosh, Nautica, Harry & David, and more.

For additional bargains, head to Belz Outlet World, and search for deals at such stores as Bon Worth, Van Heusen, Etienne Aigner and Rue 21.

Playing
When you’re ready for a break from bargain hunting, head to Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf for 18 holes of fun in the sun. Make a good shot, and revel in the cheers of the farm’s eclectic residents. Just remember to watch where you step!

If a few rounds of golf whet your appetite for more adventure, then make your way to Dollywood. Situated on 130 acres, this amusement park includes more than 40 rides and attractions, live entertainment, and on-site crafters showcasing such skills as blacksmithing, candle-making and crafting leather.

Be sure to catch a ride on the Mystery Mine, new to the park this year. During your journey, you’ll strive to survive a 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop! If you love roller coasters, you don’t want to miss this one.

Of course, a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park also should be on your itinerary. Hiking, biking and horseback riding all provide great ways to explore the beautiful scenery of the Smokies. To plan your excursion, stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

More entertainment can be found at Sevierville’s many theaters. For example, if you want variety, grab a seat at The Smoky Mountain Palace Theater for “Cirque de Chine,” a fast-paced show featuring more than 60 performers, including acrobats, dancers and the Thunder Drums corps.

Always a popular destination, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede offers visitors a dinner show full of excitement. With nonstop action provided by stunt riders on horseback, musical performances and audience participation, this 90-minute show is a great way to kick your heels up.

Pampering
With treatments ranging from massage therapy and nail services to hydrotherapy and facials, The Spa at Oak Haven is the place to spend quality time with the girls. After all, no girls’ getaway is complete without a little pampering.

Of course, you can’t have too much pampering, so be sure and book some time at Utopia Day Spa as well. Specializing in traditional spa treatments plus holistic healing, Utopia lives up to its name with such delights as hot stone manicure and pedicures, ear candling, and seaweed and clay body wraps. However, the ultimate indulgence is the nature massage, which takes place outside on the deck adjacent to the spa’s pond. Who wouldn’t want to relax to the sounds of nature surrounded by fresh air?

Eating
When your appetite rumbles for attention, head to one of Sevierville’s many eateries. For breakfast, check out Flapjacks Pancake Cabin, where you can sink your teeth into scrumptious homemade pancakes topped off with blueberries or other fruit. Or, for mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, stop in at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant.

For lunch, order up an old-fashioned patty melt and chocolate malt at The Diner, where you can spend a little time with nostalgia. Later in the evening, try the scallops Rockefeller and chops at The Chop House for dinner.

Taking a break
When searching for a place to stay, forego the usual hotel route and book a rental cabin instead. Tucked away in the mountains, these accommodations offer all the amenities of home and then some: Pool tables, hot tubs and flat-panel TVs are just a few of the extras available at these lush retreats. Throw in the gorgeous mountain views, and you’ll find a place that truly feels like a world away from your normal hustle and bustle.

A prime example of these cabins can be found at Oak Haven Resort. Featuring two-, three- and four-bedroom log homes nestled on a wooded mountain, Oak Haven Resort is the perfect place to retreat in between activities.

Yes, Sevierville provides the ideal location to get away with the girls. In fact, you may enjoy it so much, you’ll make it an annual event!

To help you plan your escape, visit www.visitsevierville.com.