Townsend, TN, located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee, is a small town of nearly 250 residents that serves as one of 3 gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Townsend is the least commercially developed entrance to the mountains and park - the others being Gatlinburg and Cherokee, Tennessee - which provides tourists with a low-key and peaceful way to enjoy the offerings within the Great Smoky Mountains.
Festivals and Events of Note in Townsend, Tennessee
Townsend bills itself as the peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains and takes pride in its non-commercial approach to enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Although billed as the peaceful side, there are several goings on that are of note when visiting Townsend, Tennessee on your way into the Great Smoky Mountains. These attractions include the Annual Townsend Spring Festival, held at the end of April and first part of May; the Annual Townsend Heritage Festival and Old Timer's Day held in late September; and the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Pickin' Porch, which are live concerts held throughout the year.
Accommodation Information for Townsend, Tennessee
You can spend some time enjoying these festivals and events when staying at the various Townsend Inn and Townsend Bed and Breakfast locations provided in the attached links. This information includes accommodations, guest rates and availability to allow you to plan accordingly for your stay in Townsend, Tennessee.
Annual Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timer's Day
The annual Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timer's Day is held in late April or early May and features a celebration of the bluegrass heritage for which the Great Smoky Mountain region is world renown. The festival features arts and crafts, barbecues, the various Appalachian skills and the sights and beauty of the mountains.
More information on this festival, including a complete festival schedule, can be found at:
Townsend Visitor Center
7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(865) 448-6134
http://www.smokymountains.org/info/spring_festival/springfestival.html
Annual Townsend Heritage Festival and Old Timer's Day
The annual Heritage Festival and Old Timer's Day takes place at the end of September in Townsend. This festival marks the end of the season and features music, clogging, an antique tractor and engine show, art and crafts made by local artisans and plenty of activities for children and families to enjoy. Some of these activities include beekeeping, making butter and lye soap and blacksmithing. You can learn more about the Heritage Festival and download a festival brochure at:
Townsend Visitor Center
7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(800) 525-6834
http://www.smokymountains.org/info/heritage.html
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Pickin' Porch
The Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Pickin' Porch is a series of year round concerts and performances that are held in Townsend, Tennessee. A schedule of events on a month-to-month calendar along with the names of upcoming acts can be found at:
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
7645 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
P.O. Box 383
Townsend, Tennessee 37882
(865) 448-6647
http://www.clemmerdulcimer.com/pickinporch.asp
These are 3 of the many events that can be found in the Townsend, Tennessee community.