From 1997, Townsend, TN, has been home to ChristyFest™ as the CBS series was filmed in Townsend. It is a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation with family and friends. Townsend, often called "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies," is just that - it offers many opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains, without the hustle and bustle of a huge commercial tourist town. Within Townsend there are great restaurants, museums, unique shops, and activities to suit all types. Below are listed many of the places that can be explored when you visit this memorable mountain area!

Information is provided as a guide only - the links below will provide more information. ChristyFest™ is not responsible for the content of external links.

Townsend and Area Tourism Links

• Blount County Chamber of Commerce
• Townsend Visitors Center
• The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Cocke County, Tennessee

Nearby Attractions:

• Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Musuem - The museum contains many artifacts related to trains and the history of Townsend as a logging community.
• Bike Trail - Townsend has a bicycle trail which runs parallel to Lamar Alexander Parkway (Hwy 321) with road signs denoting beginning and end. Approximately 3 miles long, it is a well paved trail with short hills. Has a scenic view of the beautiful Townsend attractions. Also good for walking and jogging.
• The Little River - Water recreation is abundant and a great way to cool off in the heat and humidity of the summer months. The Little River runs down from the mountains, straight through the center of Townsend. There are a number of outfitters located along Lamar Alexander Parkway that will equip you with what you need for a day of fly-fishing, tubing, or kayaking. Or you can trek into the National park and cool off in one of the many swimming holes, a local favorite being the "Y".
• CAM Cabin - The CAM Craft Cabin is located off Highway 321 in Townsend, and is just one of the ministries of the Coalition For Appalachian Ministries. The Cam cabin provides low-income Appalachian crafters the chance to share their heritage through the sale of handmade items such as dolls, quilts, woodcrafts, candles and woven table linens. Money from the sale of the items is a welcome source of income for the crafters. CAM is dedicated to providing education and volunteer opportunities within the Appalachian region. Directions: From the Townsend Visitor's Center, turn right on Lamar Alexander Parkway/321 and follow it approximately 4.5 miles. The CAM Craft Cabin is located on the left.
• Foothills Parkway/Look Rock - Foothills Parkway is located off Highway 321, just west of Townsend and provides some spectacular views of the Smokies. The parkway extends 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain, and includes numerous scenic pull-offs along the way. The highlight of the parkway is Look Rock, where visitors can trek the one-half mile trail to the observation tower. The trail provides many views of the mountains and various flora. At the top, one is rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view of the mountains and valley. On a clear day, you can see up to 22 miles away to Clingman's dome, the highest dome in the park.
• Cades Cove - is located approximately 8 miles from Townsend in the National Park. Cades Cove is an 11 - mile loop road open to auto, bicycle and foot traffic every day of the year from sunup to sundown. This open-air museum depicts the lifestyle of an early mountain community and its people. Many old homesteads and churches are open to the public. The mountains serve as a picturesque backdrop to this Cove, where wildlife is best seen in the early mornings and evenings. There are plenty of pull offs and hiking trails in which to view wildflowers and waterfalls. See site for more details.
• Tremont Institute - A few miles into the National Park through the Townsend entrance is the Tremont Institute. Operated by the Great Smoky Mountains National Institute, it is a great place to visit for information about the park's natural habitat and wildlife. Tremont provides a wonderful diversity of environmental programs for everyone from young children to elder groups.
• Museum of Appalachia - - Located 16 miles north of Knoxville in Norris, TN. Opened in the late 1960s, this outdoor museum has grown to 65 acres, and includes dozens of authentic log structures, a large Display Building, an extensive Craft and Antique Shop, a small Restaurant, the popular Appalachian Hall of Fame Building, the People's Building, and over a quarter million items. It is committed to the preservation of the Appalachian Heritage and Culture. In 1995, it was the filming site of the Christy episode, Echoes, and still has some memorabilia from the series on display. See website for hours and admission charges.

Other Area Attractions:

• Pigeon Forge - Home of Dollywood, numerous outlet malls, and lots of family amusements and attractions. Directions: From Townsend Visitors Center, take right onto Lamar Alexander Parkway. Take left at Hwy 321 sign. This road will take you all the way into Pigeon Forge.
• Gatlinburg - A popular destination for many travelers. There are numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops to explore. Haunted mansions, museums, and arcades will also keep the younger set busy. Directions: From Townsend Visitors Center, take right onto Lamar Alexander Parkway. Head out of Townsend into National Park. Follow signs to Gatlinburg. It is only a few miles through the Park.