Smoky Mountain Highland Games and Festival

Arriving in Tennessee for the Smoky Mountain Highland Games and Festival, one can feel the difference of being in Tennessee.  Tall green grass, lush flowers, trees fully leafed…nature’s perfect picture.  Across from the Tennessee Welcome Center… A huge guitar sign advertising a music store.  You start thinking of Nashville, Grand Ole Opry, Pigeon Forge (Dolly Parton), Davey Crockett (yes, Davey) Knoxville and Chattanooga… all these places that seemed so far away!

The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is hosted at the fields of Maryville College…named after the wife of the first governor of Blount County.  A beautiful campus evoking the beginning history of of our country being formed.  Samuel Houston signed up for the military in the town of Maryville.   The Games are nestled in the Smoky Mountains…such beautiful mountains.  So many events were at the Games…in addition to the usual Games there were Sheepdog demonstrations, Women’s Haggis Hurling, Children’s Stone Throwing Contest (honestly!), Parades of the Tartans and Soldiers/Veterans who have served our country plus a beautiful tribute to the Vietnam War Veterans… to highlight a few events.

The southern hospitality was ever present and manners and behaviors made the Festival a perfect place to bring your family.  For me,  the special highlight of the Festival was meeting two couples, JUST married, coming to the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games for their Honeymoon.  How sweet is that? www.smokymountaingames.org   Check it out for next year!