Tag: dandridge

Dandridge, TN

“Tennessee’s Second Oldest City”

Dandridge is the second oldest city in the state of Tennessee.  And though the Smokies do cast a shadow on this town, the Lake brings the sun out during the summer and brings in people from all over the area to fish, boat, ski and take advantage of one of the best man-made lakes in the area.

Dandridge, as a town was incorporated in 1793.  It is the county seat of Jefferson County and was named after Martha Dandridge Washington.  In 1942 when Douglas Dam flooded most of the farmland to the southeast of present day Dandridge, the town was almost lost due to the flooding – as it sits below the flood level of the dam.  The TVA built a saddle dam to protect the town at the urging of then First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.  The town fathers of Dandridge petitioned her stating they were the only town named after the first, First Lady.

Over time, Dandridge has welcomed the business brought in by tourist to the Smokies that want to get out of the mountains and play in the water.  Dandridge has a huge history including 5 of the oldest pubs in East Tennessee.  The downtown area is a walk through a small town from the turn of the 20th century and before.  Exploring Dandridge, TN makes you feel like you have gone to Mayberry for the day.

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  • Dandridge, TN - “Tennessee’s Second Oldest City” Dandridge is the second oldest city in the state of Tennessee.  And though the Smokies do cast a shadow on this town, the Lake brings the sun out during the summer and brings in people from all over the area to fish, boat, ski and take advantage of one of the … Continue reading "Dandridge, TN"
  • Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival - The Scots-Irish Music Festival in Dandridge is a yearly event that celebrates the Celtic heritage of the people that founded this area of Tennessee.  Bringing lots of music and entertainment to the mountain town of Dandridge, TN, this festival is a celebration of all things Celtic.  This is a free event mixes music, art, craft, … Continue reading "Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival"

Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival

sidandridge1The Scots-Irish Music Festival in Dandridge is a yearly event that celebrates the Celtic heritage of the people that founded this area of Tennessee.  Bringing lots of music and entertainment to the mountain town of Dandridge, TN, this festival is a celebration of all things Celtic.  This is a free event mixes music, art, craft, history and a lot of fun into an all day festival of fun for the whole family.

Primarily, the Dandridge Scots-Irish festival is a celebration of the people and culture of the people that founded the towns in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.  The Scottish and Irish peopl that immigrated to the area and settled in the mountains found a land that was very similar to the land they left, especially for the people that lived in the highlands of Scotland, the Dandridge area looked like home.  These people brought with them a history and culture that still influences the area to this day.  At the Scots-Irish Festival, the history of the Celtic people comes to life.  Scottish clans from around the area come and setup booths to help people learn more about their heritage and the places they came from.

sidandridge2And then there is the music.  Live entertainment is scheduled for the entire weekend.  From pipe and drum bands to bands specializing in Celtic rock and roll, there is something for everybody and a stage to entertain both the young and the old.  Along with the musical acts, the Scots-Irish Festival also brings in dancing.  Some of the best Highland dancers from around the region come to strut their stuff on various stages around the festival.   Here is a brief list of just some of the entertainers that were in attendance at the 2012 event in September:

  • Champion Highland ancer Claire MacMillan
  • Champion Irish Dancer Katie Carver
  • The Celtic Martins
  • Knoxville Pipes & Drums
  • Nashville Pipes and Drums
  • The O’Kennessee Strings
  • Thistletown Tinkers

Add to all of this action a craft and art show and you have a Saturday of fun in beautiful downtown Dandridge.  Great music, plenty of entertainment and all kinds of dancing a history abound at the Scots-Irish Festival.  Make sure that you plan to be there for the whole event and while they have not announced the date for next year yet, you can check their website and they will have that date up soon.  Stay in beautiful Dandridge, TN or maybe in one of the adjoining cities and have a great time will you enjoy the Scots-Irish Festival.