Townsend, Tn and nature go hand in hand. With many events and attractions centered around the area’s more natural aspects, it’s no wonder that one of the more popular events is the annual Herb and Wildflower Day, Saturday, April 7. This Spring, Townsend’s Herb and Wildflower Day will be held at the Townsend Visitor Center, 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882, 865-448-6134. Some of the many things to do during the event include illustrated talks about wildflowers, herbs, and area natural history, naturalist-led walks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plus cooking demonstrations and classes centered around herbs, opportunities to purchase plants from area gardeners, as well as fresh baked goods, and pottery.
Townsend Herb and Wildflower Day Schedule:
7am – Bird Walk with Carey Jones, Great Smoky Mountains National Park park ranger. Meet on the back porch of the Townsend Visitors Center.
9am – “Spring Wildflowers of the Smokies”, talk by Tom Harrington, Great Smoky Mountains National Park volunteer guide.
10am – “Forest Communities”, talk by Paul Threadgill with Maryville College.
11:30am – “Cooking with Herbs”, cook and learn with Paula Begley of Little River Outfitters.
12:30-1:30pm – Lunch break. Shop and browse through all the plants, baked goods, and pottery available at the visitors center. Explore town and eat at one of the many great Townsend restaurants.
10am-3pm – Plant sales from Honey Rock Herb Farm, Trillium Cove Home and Garden, and The Lily Barn; pottery from Marge Murphy, and baked goods from Wild Mountain Rose Bakery.
Wildflower rambles and hikes. Advance registration required *. Call 865-448-6134:
1:30-3:00pm – * Chestnut Top Trail, “What’s in Bloom”; easy stroll with Tom Harrington, Volunteer, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Meet at the trailhead at the Townsend “Wye”.
1:30-4:00pm – * White Oak Sinks; moderately strenuous hike with Jim Burbank, Volunteer, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Meet on the porch at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Here is a list of Wildflower Hikes.
If you’re in Townsend, TN for the weekend, check out our recommendations for some of the best Townsend, TN cabins, as well as the full Townsend calendar of events.