Entertainment / Education /Relaxation
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.

FESTIVALS, 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 http://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. Find out more at http://www.smokymountainfestivals.org/

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: http://www.smokymountains.org/winter-heritage.html

Herb and Wildflower Day

Greet spring with wildflower walks and programs on gardening giving by local experts.  Always the first Saturday in April.  See: http://www.smokymountains.org/info/herb_wildflower.html

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 see the webpage here: http://www.smokymountains.org/arts/arts-crafts-demos.html

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

    
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center             Model of an early Native American dwelling.

Shadows of the Past Historic Bike Trail

Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Cades Cove

The Maryville/Alcoa Greenbelt

Sam Houston Schoolhouse

Walker Sisters Homestead

More information about these and other attractions is available from the Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau. Direct: 865-448-6134 or 865-983-2241. Fax: 865-984-1386.