| Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies began in | | | | handmade bowls and utensils. |
| 2007 as a showcase of the history, beauty, and | | | | For the more adventurous, there are guided hikes |
| cultural significance of the Great Smoky Mountains | | | | through some of the park's 800 miles of trails. |
| National Park. In this, the festival's third year, it | | | | Evening activities include the "Owl Prowl" led by |
| has been chosen by the Southeast Tourism | | | | retired park ranger Butch McDade. If dinner and |
| Society as one of the top 20 events for the | | | | dancing is more your style head to the old |
| month of February. | | | | fashioned BBQ supper and barn dance at the Barn |
| The festival brings together locals and tourists | | | | Event Center. |
| alike who share a common interest in the area's | | | | The Little River Railroad Museum offers walking |
| history and culture. Businesses and organizations in | | | | tours of the cities of Tremont, Elkmont, and |
| the Townsend and Cades Cove area host the | | | | Townsend. Get a feel for the history of the |
| annual event, which features exhibits, speakers, | | | | towns and learn about Appalachian culture while |
| historians, guided tours and more. | | | | enjoying a stroll in the crisp winter air. |
| What to Know Before Arriving | | | | History buffs will love to sit and listen to the |
| Most of the activities and presentations are free, | | | | many scheduled speakers. Verna Burchfield Myers |
| so you can enjoy the entire weekend without | | | | discusses family life in the Smoky Mountains. |
| spending a small fortune. However, some activities | | | | Larry Sparks tells of the life of a frontiersman |
| like dinners or guided tours do charge a small fee. | | | | and Butch McDade relates the adventures of |
| Where space is limited it's usually best to make | | | | travel writer and librarian Horace Kephart. |
| reservations ahead of time. When in doubt, | | | | Make time to visit the Mountain Craft Showcase |
| always call ahead. | | | | where you'll find exceptional pottery, baskets and |
| What to Do Once You Get Here | | | | other items made right before your eyes. |
| Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies is all about | | | | Make Plans Now |
| preserving the culture and traditions of the region. | | | | The 2010 Winter Heritage Festival kicks off |
| You'll enjoy demonstrations by local artisans, | | | | Thursday February 4, 2010 at 7:00pm with a |
| performances of traditional Appalachian music, and | | | | concert featuring Mountain Voices and Pistol |
| exhibits highlighting the natural history of the | | | | Creek. A reception with light hors d'oeuvres |
| Smokies. | | | | follows. The festivities conclude on Sunday. |
| Local artisans show off their skills in woodworking, | | | | With the popularity of this event, lodging will book |
| carving, and spinning. You'll gain a new appreciation | | | | up fast so start your search for nearby cabins |
| for the mountain life your ancestors led when you | | | | and chalets now. Winter Heritage Festival is a |
| witness the time it takes to turn wool into thread | | | | family-friendly annual event you and your family |
| for sewing or yarn for knitting. Even the simplest | | | | won't want to miss. |
| of tasks, like cooking for the family, required | | | | |
