The Cades Cove Loop Lope is the only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to benefit Friends of the Smokies. All funds raised benefit park projects and programs such as historic preservation, wildlife conservation, native plant and grassland restoration, and much more. There are two course options, a 5K or a USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop. Participation is limited to 750 total runners. For those who can’t make it to the Cove on November 12, there is a virtual option to participate as well! Registration opens on June 1st, 2023. More info at www.looplope.org.

Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in a delightful display of creativity at the Heritage Center for our annual Holiday Handcrafters Festival! This beloved event is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a cherished holiday tradition that perfectly ushers in the spirit of the Christmas season! This year, our Handcrafters Fair is shaping up to be the biggest one yet! Showcasing the talents of more than 30 local artisans from the Smoky Mountain Region and beyond, we are proud to display a cornucopia of unique, handmade and handcrafted goods. Rest assured, there won’t be a single mass-produced item in sight! We eagerly await your presence on Saturday, November 11th. Please remember, while the Fair itself is free to enter, we highly recommend bringing enough funds to indulge in the rich, diverse selection of crafts and goods. It’s an ideal opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, or to treat yourself to something special! Be a part of this vibrant community event and celebrate the unique charm of handcrafted goods with us! FREE Interested vendors click here

Goblins and ghouls and ghosts…Oh my! Spooky season is upon us and we invite you to join us on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 for an Appalachian Bistro Spooktacular featuring professional storyteller Elizabeth Rose, who will be telling spooky stories around Papa Pete’s Fire Pit. Storytelling sessions will be held at 5:45 and 7:00 with limited tickets available for each session. Tickets are for adults only, and include 1 curated cocktail as well as fireside appetizers for you to enjoy during the storytelling. Don’t be scared…You won’t want to miss the bone chilling event! Date: Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 Time: 5:45 and 7:00 Tickets: $25 pp Please note: Your ticket does NOT include dinner. Dinner reservations must be made separately and are encouraged. Please plan your reservation accordingly depending on your storytelling session time.