When summer arrives in the Smoky Mountains, most visitors head for waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives. While those experiences are unforgettable, there’s another side of the Southern Smokies waiting to be discovered—one where you can spend your vacation learning a new skill, connecting with Appalachian traditions, and creating something you’ll take home forever.
Located in Brasstown, North Carolina, the John C. Campbell Folk School has welcomed lifelong learners for more than a century. Set on a peaceful 270-acre campus, the Folk School offers immersive weeklong and weekend classes in everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to watercolor painting, basket weaving, pottery, photography, cooking, music, gardening, and fiber arts. With more than 800 classes offered each year, there’s something for every interest and experience level.
A Different Kind of Summer Vacation
Instead of simply sightseeing, imagine spending your mornings forging steel in a blacksmith shop, weaving a handmade basket, throwing pottery on a wheel, or learning traditional Appalachian music. By the end of your trip, you’ll leave with more than photos—you’ll have memories and handmade creations that tell the story of your time in the Smokies.
The Folk School’s noncompetitive learning environment welcomes complete beginners alongside experienced makers. Instructors focus on sharing their craft in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, making it easy to try something completely new.
Explore Appalachian Heritage Through Hands-On Learning
The Southern Smokies are known for preserving Appalachian traditions, and few places celebrate that heritage better than the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Summer visitors can explore classes in:
- Pottery and ceramics
- Blacksmithing
- Wood carving and woodworking
- Basket weaving
- Fiber arts and quilting
- Glass arts
- Painting and drawing
- Photography
- Traditional music and dance
- Appalachian cooking and baking
- Gardening and nature studies
Whether you’re looking for a creative getaway or hoping to learn a lifelong hobby, you’ll find opportunities to immerse yourself in mountain culture while building new skills.
Experience the Campus Beyond the Classroom
Even if you aren’t enrolled in a class, the Folk School campus is worth a visit during your Smoky Mountain vacation.
Stroll the beautiful grounds, browse the Craft Shop featuring handmade works from regional artists, enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery, or attend one of the school’s concerts, dances, or community events. Throughout the year—and especially during the summer—the campus comes alive with music, demonstrations, and opportunities to experience Appalachian culture firsthand. The school’s Centennial Sounds celebration also continues through the summer season with special performances and events.
Pair Your Visit with More Southern Smokies Adventures
A visit to Brasstown fits perfectly into a summer road trip through the Southern Smokies.
After spending the morning learning a new craft, consider exploring nearby attractions like:
- Downtown Murphy‘s shops and restaurants
- Scenic mountain drives through Cherokee County
- Hiking and waterfalls throughout the Southern Smokies
- Local farmers markets
- Wineries and breweries across the region
- Lakes and rivers for paddling, fishing, or relaxing
It’s an easy way to combine outdoor adventure with authentic cultural experiences during your mountain getaway.
Plan Your Summer Folk School Experience
Whether you have a free weekend or you’re planning an entire creative retreat, the John C. Campbell Folk School offers an unforgettable way to experience the Smokies.
Classes often fill well in advance during the busy summer season, so early registration is recommended. Visitors can choose from weekend workshops or weeklong classes, making it easy to fit a creative experience into nearly any travel itinerary.
Make This Summer One You’ll Remember
The best vacations leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve returned home. At the John C. Campbell Folk School, you’ll leave with something even better—a new skill, a handmade keepsake, and a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions that make the Southern Smokies unlike anywhere else.
This summer, trade the ordinary for the extraordinary and discover why generations of visitors have found inspiration in the mountains of Brasstown.