Townsend, Tn Fall Itinerary

Fall season on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” might lead one to think that gorgeous views and vistas of fall foliage may be all that Townsend, Tn has to offer during the autumn months. Well, that’s as far from the truth as saying Cades Cove is a “so-so” place to take pictures. From the town’s Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day to the numerous chances to catch local musicians and artisans throughout the area, Townsend, Tn is a hive for fall activity and family fun of all kinds.

So you’re in Townsend for a few days, or a long weekend this fall, well let’s start out with the reason most people come the Smokies each fall – the gorgeous fall colors. Townsend is the perfect place to catch fall in all its splendor whether you’re taking a quick trip around Cades Cove loop road or a longer drive down Rich Mountain Road. Both routes give you a good chance at taking in some picturesque fall scenery. And you can do everything in a day, probably even half a day then get back to town to do something else. If you’re wanting to get a bit further away from town, try driving the Foothills Parkway or the Cherohala Skyway. Both have plenty of magnificent overlooks and historic destinations located along the way.

You’ve got to at least set aside one day just to try the offerings from a few good Townsend restaurants. We suggest a different meal from a different restaurant for each meal. Try camp cooking for at least one meal, or going on a picnic. Some of the area’s best BBQ can be found at such events as the Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Days (Sept. 28 & 29), as well as all kinds of specialty sandwiches, homemade ice cream and desserts, and any other kind local festival-type food you could think of.

Now, while there does seem to be quite a few things to do around town, don’t forget to stray a bit into nature. As mentioned, take a picnic and explore the byways of the Smoky Mountains. Pack a backpack and hike to a beautiful, quiet area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are numerous hikes around Townsend, and especially the Cades Cove area. Find out about biking Townsend, or just stroll over to a nearby stream and throw a line in.

There are musicians and crafts people around town too numerous to even list. The arts and crafts of Townsend come alive in Townsend’s Artisan Guild. Most artists are in their stores daily and love for people to come by and talk with them about their craft…. And purchase a few things too. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So come to Townsend, TN this fall and spend a day or two and get back to the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”.

Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

This is Townsend’s week – the annual Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, May 4 and 5, 2012! It’s that time of year when bluegrass, clogging, arts and crafts, BBQ, storytelling, and wildflower walks, all come together in harmony and at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

On Friday, May 4 at 7:30pm join us for a free concert featuring a young bluegrass band, performing at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Tentative Schedule: (Subject to change.)

Friday, May 4:

9-11am: Wildflower Walk on Chestnut Top Trail with Tom Harrington; limit 15 (call 865-448-6134 to reserve a spot). Meet at the Trailhead at the “Y”.

9am-5pm: Featured Authors and Booksignings

10am: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

1:30-3:30pm: Wildflower Walk on Chestnut Top Trail with Tom Harrington; limit 15 (call 865-448-6134 to reserve a spot) Meet at the Trailhead at the “Y”.

2pm: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

6:30pm: Knoxville Pipes and Drums Concert and Parade: Highland music in celebration of Scottish heritage. Visitors Center

7:30pm Concert: Special entertainment at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Other festival events and goings on:
– Bluegrass Music on the stage from 12:00pm-until 10:00pm, and pickin’ on the porch and in the grove.
– Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field from 10am-6pm
– BBQ vendors, ice cream, specialty sandwiches, hot dog booths, kettle corn, and other good food.
– Cake Raffles and Bake Sale for Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.

Artisan Demonstrations in the Exhibit Room from 9am-5pm
– Basketry: Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
– Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
– Quilting: Maetta Conrad and Marcella Emrick
– Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
– Spinning and Weaving: Sue Mason
– Spinning on the Great Wheel: Dale Liles
– Charcoal/Pencil Art: Andy England

Old Fashioned and Portrait Photos around the grounds with Mary Grace and Bud McCaffery.
Family Art Fair: Arts activities led by Townsend Artisan Guild from 9:00am-5:00pm. Storytelling Tent
Pottery Demonstrations: Hand building and wheel-throwing with Carol Ware. Storytelling Tent

Appalachian Demonstrations around the grounds
Mountain Berry Basket Making and Poetry: Bill Alexander
Bee Keeping and Bee Hive Observation: Tony Holt
Cornmeal Making: Ronald Fowler
Oak shingle-making: Sam White
Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
Appalachian Bear Center activity Booth

 

Saturday, May 5: “Old Timers Day”

Bill Leistner, a festival favorite, dmeonstrates how to drink from a moonshine jug.

10am-5pm: Old Fashioned Kid’s Games. Behind the Visitors Center.

10am: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

11am-7pm: Demonstrations of Cast Iron Cooking by members of Blount County Fire Protection District. Corn bread, biscuits, beans, greens, cobbler.

9am-5pm: Featured Author and Booksigning: Roy Oliver, Last Man from Tremont

2pm: Hedgewood Gardens Tour. Meet at Hedgewood Gardens on Bethel Church Rd.

2-5pm: Young Pickers Talent Contest. Bluegrass music contest for musicians18 years of age and under. Held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Call 865-448-6134 for entry forms.

1-3pm: Storytelling Program.  Lendel Abbott and Mistress of Ceremony Robin Goddard. Storytelling Tent.

3:30-5pm: Old Harp Sing: Shape note music with the East Tennessee Old Harp Singers in the Storytelling Tent.

8pm: Square Dance with caller Don Tipton and music by the Carolina Bluegrass Boys. Stage.

Other festival events and goings on:
Bluegrass Music on the stage from 12:00pm-until 10:00pm, and pickin’ on the porch and in the grove
Arts and Crafts Booths in the back field from 10am-6pm
BBQ vendors, ice cream, specialty sandwiches, hot dog booths, kettle corn, and other good food
Cake Raffles and Bake Sale for Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund

Artisan Demonstrations in the Exhibit Room from 9am-5pm
Basketry: Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
Quilting: Maetta Conrad and Marcella Emrick
Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
Spinning and Weaving: Sue Mason
Spinning on the Great Wheel: Dale Liles
Charcoal/Pencil Art: Andy England

Old Fashioned and Portrait Photos in front of the hearth with Mary Grace and Bud McCaffery
Pottery Demonstrations: Hand building and wheel-throwing with Carol Ware. In the Storytelling Tent from 9:am-12:00noon.

Appalachian Demonstrations around the grounds
Mountain Berry Basket Making and Poetry: Bill Alexander
Bee Keeping and Bee Hive Observation: Tony Holt
Cornmeal Making: Ronald Fowler
Oak shingle-making: Sam White
Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibits
Appalachian Bear Center activity Booth

The Young Pickers Talent Contest
Saturday afternoon May 5

New Location: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center

Young bluegrass musicians: Compete in the Young Pickers Contest May 5!
For information, call the Townsend Visitors Center at 865-448-6134.

The Spring Heritage Festival and Old Timer’s Day is the first of a few Heritage Days held each year in Townsend, TN. For a complete list of goings-on in Townsend, check out the calendar of events, as well as Townsend cabins if you’re gonna be here for the entire weekend.