The inaugural Appalachian Homecoming event will be hosted August 4-6, 2023, by Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, Tennessee. Presented in conjunction with Lodge Cast Iron, the immersive three-day celebration will explore the rich cultural and culinary history of the East Tennessee Mountain Region, welcoming industry leaders like author and James Beard Award Winner Chef Sean Brock, entrepreneur and Blackberry Farm’s Chief Fermentation Officer Roy Milner, and the smokehouse legend Allan Benton of Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams.

On Saturday, August 5th, guests will engage in various workshops led by renowned leaders and chefs in the Appalachian culinary community. Each workshop will explore a different topic at the foundation of Appalachian culture, past, present and future. On Saturday evening, the Bacon at the Bear Dinner Event will benefit New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit providing assistance to local children in crisis. This dinner event will feature guest chef stations, curated cocktails, live music and bacon-centric dishes.

Concluding the festival on Sunday will be a Farewell Bluegrass Brunch prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Carter and his culinary team.