Uncover the secrets of Appalachian herbal medicine with this hands-on Fire Cider workshop at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Perfect for health enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no previous experience needed
Wildlife
History
The Smoky Mountains have been a hub of traditional Appalachian herbal medicine for generations, blending Cherokee practices with European folk traditions.
Conservation
The Heritage Center emphasizes sustainable harvesting and local sourcing of herbs, supporting conservation efforts and preserving regional medicinal plant populations.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Uncover the secrets of Appalachian herbal medicine with this hands-on Fire Cider workshop at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Perfect for health enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee preserves and interprets the cultural and natural heritage of East Tennessee. The center operates a museum and village with two indoor galleries and seventeen preserved Appalachian structures, offering visitors exhibits, interactive programs, and live demonstrations that showcase local traditions.
It offers a variety of guided experiences and events including bus tours to Cades Cove (private and public), a special elk bugling bus tour that visits the Oconaluftee/Cherokee area, national park tours with guest hosts, and seasonal sunset concerts featuring bluegrass and traditional music. Tours run on climate-controlled, ADA-accessible buses with experienced drivers and small-group options for private bookings. Additional classes and workshops, such as a folk medicine Fire Cider workshop, expand hands-on learning opportunities.
Annual memberships provide unlimited museum access, free admission to events, complimentary concert tickets, and tiered benefits like discounts, special invitations, and reserved parking. The Heritage Center emphasizes accessible programming and curated cultural interpretation for families, visitors, and researchers interested in Appalachian life. Location in Townsend, Tennessee places the center near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and makes it a convenient base for park tours and regional music events. Visitors can select single experiences like general museum admission or bundled offerings including membership and guided tours to tailor a visit. Programs feature demonstrations, music, interpretation, and year-round educational activities.
Tours Offered
9
Public, private, and specialty bus tours
Location
Townsend, TN
Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains
Village Structures
17 structures
Preserved Appalachian buildings
Memberships
Available
Annual perks and discounts available
Book museum admission, reserve public or private bus tours, sign up for workshops, or join an annual membership to enjoy exhibits, concerts, and regional programming in Townsend, Tennessee.
Join with comfortable clothing
Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for hands-on activities and varying indoor/outdoor settings.
Bring a notebook and container
Take notes and bring a jar or container to take home your personalized Fire Cider.
Arrive early for registration
Ensure your spot by arriving 15 minutes early to register and settle in.
Ask about herbal sources
Inquire about local herbs and sustainable harvesting practices during the workshop.
Apron or old clothes
Protect your clothing from herbal stains and spills during the workshop.
Notebook and pen
Take notes on the process and recipes for future reference.
Glass jar or bottle
Bring your own container if you want to take home extra Fire Cider.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the hands-on class, especially if the room gets warm.