Entertainment / Education
From mountain music and festivals to museums and nature, there are many attractions to enhance your experience here in Blount County. Just call the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-525-6834, and we will help you arrange those extras to make your meeting, conference, or gathering special.
Mountain Music And Storytelling
Tap your foot to a bluegrass band, plan a square dance and BBQ for a social evening, bring in a local storyteller, or have your southern style dinner serenaded by a dulcimer player. Call the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-525-6834) for contacts of talented musicians to add authentic tunes and tales to your gathering.
Arts and Crafts
Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival & Old Timers Day
Bluegrass music. Clogging. Storytelling. Wildflower walks. Old-fashioned kids’ games. Arts and crafts demonstrations. BBQ and other good food. And much more. Discover the fun at the Townsend Visitors Center the first Friday and Saturday in May. No admission fee. Find out more at www.smokymountainfestivals.org.
Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival
An all-pottery juried show, the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival features exceptional creations by renowned studio potters. Explore a wide variety of beautiful styles and exciting techniques ad you enjoy hands-on demonstrations, see Raku firings, and visit with the artisans. This is an opportunity to obtain one-of-a-kind, exclusive works of art. The first Friday and Saturday in June.
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day
Bluegrass music. Clogging. Storytelling. Antique tractor and engine show. Old-fashioned kids’ games. Arts and crafts demonstrations. And much more. Discover some fun at the Townsend Visitors Center the last Friday and Saturday in September. No admission fee.
Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies
Enjoy this celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are guest speakers, guided tours, music and dance, and hikes. At several locations around Townsend the first weekend in February. See smokymountains.org/winter-heritage
Herb and Wildflower Day
Greet spring with wildflower walks and programs on gardening giving by local experts. Always the first Saturday in April. See smokymountains.org/info/herb_wildflower
Arts and Crafts in the Townsend Visitors Center
Enjoy the exhibits and demonstrations of talented local artisans when you stop by the Townsend Visitors Center. Talk with the craftspeople and purchase baskets, paintings, stained glass, quilts, and more. From April through December. All 800-525-5834 and
History / Mountain Culture / Museums
Today, visitors to the Townsend area immerse themselves in rich Appalachian culture. Museums, historic sites and special trails connect us with the past. Thankfully, in Townsend it has not been forgotten. The best place to begin a journey into the history of this back porch to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Townsend Visitors Center. For more information, call 865- 448-6134 or 1-800-525-6834.
Some of the places you won't want to miss include:
- Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
- Shadows of the Past Historic Bike Trail
- Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum
- Tuckaleechee Caverns
- Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Cades Cove
- The Maryville/Alcoa Greenbelt
- Walker Sisters Homestead