Back-to-School: Weekend Adventures for Families

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

On the Peaceful Side, the start of the school year doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun. Your family won’t want to miss out on these exciting weekend adventures planned for August and September.

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Celebrate the start of the school year with the sixth-annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Townsend Visitor Center. Enjoy a stunning display of colorful hot air balloons set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.

For just $25 per person, your family (ages five and up) can experience a private tethered balloon ride. On the ground, explore a variety of craft and food vendors, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Stick around until dark to catch a spectacular laser show.

General admission is $7 online and $10 at the gate, with free entry for kids 10 and under. Learn more on the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival website.

Some of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and the Townsend Elementary School.

Miles for Maryville

In honor of National Wellness Month, kick off the school year with some fit fun at the Miles for Maryville Race on Saturday, Aug. 24. Choose from a 10K, 5K or one-mile fun run/walk.

If long-distance running isn’t your thing, the one-mile fun run/walk offers a great chance to create memories with your family. Tickets for the fun run are $25 per person. Register by noon on Aug. 14 to receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Proceeds will benefit the Maryville City Schools Foundation, which supports educational programs for students in Maryville City Schools.

Music at Montvale

On the evening of Aug. 24, experience Music at Montvale from 5-10 p.m. at the historic Montvale Springs in Maryville. The night will open with a performance by David Childers, a North Carolina singer-songwriter and banjo player, followed by Scott Miller, a rock singer-songwriter recently inducted into the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame.

Relax under the stars while enjoying Miller’s Appalachia-inspired performance and savoring food from local vendors. Tickets are available online for $30 per person, with free entry for kids 12 and under.

Proceeds from the event will support the preservation of Montvale Springs, as well as therapeutic programming for kids and families that takes place on the property.

“Gotta Tri” Kids Triathlon

Get your kids moving at the “Gotta Tri” Kids Triathlon hosted by Parks & Rec on Sept. 8 from 2-4 p.m. “Tiny Tots” (ages three to six) and “True Troopers” (ages seven to nine) will run, bike and splash (not swim) their way to the finish line.

Register by the Friday before the event for $17 or $20 the day of the event. Pre-registered participants are guaranteed a t-shirt and medal, while same-day registrants will receive these items while supplies last.

Railroad Days Heritage Festival

Celebrate local history at the Railroad Days Heritage Festival in Townsend on Sept. 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride the hand pump car, check out the reproduction Elkmont Observation Car and delve into the history of Tuckaleechee cove through special exhibits and artifacts.

There will be local food vendors and craftsmen, as well as live music. Your kids will love operating the garden railroad and sampling “Steam Cream” homemade ice cream.

The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged to support the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company nonprofit museum.

Will your family be attending any of these events? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.