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Visitors can wander the museum's 60-acre village-farm, sing hymns in the log church, browse the craft fair, partake of authentic Southern “vittles,” and enjoy some of the Southeast's finest music, buck dancing and clogging.
The Tennessee Fall Homecoming is a mecca for lovers of old-time music -- mountain tunes, bluegrass, Gospel, folk, and old country.
Some 400 nationally, regionally, and locally known musicians will play on five stages during the four-day festival -- including Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the Grascals, Dailey & Vincent, Grasstowne, Greenbrier, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Mike Snider, Leroy Troy, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio, Dixie Gray, The Muellers, Johnny Bellar, the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, and many other outstanding performers.
Old-time music at the “Welcome Wagon,” introduced this year, will greet visitors at the main parking area.
And it’s much more than music.
The museum’s mission is to preserve the Appalachian heritage for future generations -- hence the demonstrations of old-time skills like molasses-making, rail-splitting, quilting, sheep herding, and much more.
Homecoming includes scores of artisans making authentic Appalachian pottery, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, quilts, artwork, and countless other hand-crafted wares.
Authors and musicians offer their books and CDs, and food vendors serve up tasty Appalachian foods -- from a full meal of cornbread and beans to special treats like fruit cobblers, homemade ice cream, and fried apple pies.
Hours are 9 a.m. to dusk daily, Oct. 9-12, regardless of weather. Ample free parking is available.
Heritage Day for students is Wednesday, Oct. 8, with interactive music and activities geared toward youngsters.
Homecoming attendees may also tour the museum’s authentic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with Appalachian artifacts, and gardens surrounded by split rail fences.
Unique hand-crafted items are available in the gift shop, and a small café provides country meals and desserts.
The museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is located 16 miles north of Knoxville on I-75, exit 122, then one mile east. |
