Fall in East Tennessee practically begs us to get outside. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, mountain music and community festivals make this one of the best times of year to explore — and some of the best experiences don’t require an admission ticket.
A new survey of 3,011 families by financial media company MarketBeat ranked two Tennessee festivals as the state’s best free fall activities: the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival and Pikeville Fall Festival. The survey also found that 65% of respondents believe financial pressures are making traditional fall activities unaffordable, while 57% expect to spend less on seasonal activities this year.
For those of us in East Tennessee, the No. 1 choice is especially close to home.
The Townsend Fall Heritage Festival, Sept. 25-26, celebrates the traditions that make our corner of Tennessee special. Bluegrass and mountain music, clogging, square dancing, arts and crafts, Appalachian demonstrations and old-fashioned children’s games fill the Greater Smokies Event Grounds at 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway. Admission is free.
Crafts and demonstrations are scheduled from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, with music beginning at 11 a.m. Parking is $10 per day, with proceeds benefiting the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department. A free shuttle also makes stops around Townsend.
The survey suggests families are willing to seek out these affordable adventures. Nearly half — 48% — said they have searched for free fall activities because of the cost of living, and 67% said free admission is extremely or very important when deciding where to go.
Maybe that is a good reminder that memorable doesn’t have to mean expensive. Sometimes it is simply a drive through the foothills, the sound of a fiddle and an afternoon spent together.
That’s pretty close to home — and far from ordinary.
This column will explore adventures that are ‘Close to Home, Far from Ordinary,’ and if you have some to share, please send them to news@knoxtntoday.com.
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