elected weeks throughout the season feature guest speakers and events of special interest. Each program is optional and, unless noted, there is no additional charge for participation. Lightweight hiking shoes and binoculars are recommended for outdoor events.
For more information regarding any special event, please call 800-789-7672 during Eastern Time Zone business hours (9:00-5:00) or email us.
Read About Upcoming Events By Month:
May | June | July | August | September | October
April
April 26-May 1: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob & Louise Collier)
Dr. Bob Collier — an avid birder for over 25 years and nature columnist for his local weekly newspaper — will offer before-breakfast birdings on the lawn, and either half or full-day nature hikes that feature birds, wildflowers and other interesting facts of local natural history of the Great Smokies. Bob and Louise have traveled extensively and have an outstanding series of slide presentations to share with us each afternoon at five. They have been with The Swag since 2002.
May
May 2-8 : Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
Since 1999, this popular husband and wife team leads daily hikes. Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear. Tamra has a Ph.D. in Science and Environmental Education and has a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats and insects). At day’s end they will present a short slide show featuring Southern Appalachian mammals such as black bear and bats, natural history and ecology.
May 10-15: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob & Louise Collier)
Dr. Bob Collier - an avid birder for over 25 years and nature columnist for his local weekly newspaper - will offer before-breakfast birding on the lawn, and either half or full-day nature hikes that feature birds, wildflowers and other interesting facts of local natural history of the Great Smokies. Bob and Louise have traveled extensively and have an outstanding series of slide presentations to share with us each afternoon at five. They have been with The Swag since 2002.
June
May 30-June 5: Hiking Week (John Smartt & Jane Smartt Stroud)
Since 1987 the “Pied Piper” of hiking has been leading hikes at The Swag. John, and his daughter Jane Stroud, will be returning to The Swag for another three weeks of adventure. John and Jane lead guests on the “greatest hikes” they will ever experience. Hike with them and their enthusiastic followers along the wonderful trails on the Swag property and the adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
June 20-27: Smoky Mountains Nature (Charles Maynard)
Outdoorsman, author and storyteller, Charles Maynard, returns to The Swag for more educational fun than seems possible. Since 1995 Charles has led us on hikes during the day and presentations in the late afternoon, make this a wonderful week for those who seek to expand their knowledge of the Smokies. His stories appeal to folks of all ages.
July
July 4:
Independence Day Celebration
The event begins at 5:00 with live music from the Hill Country Band, then games (egg toss, three legged race, sack race), hors d’ oeuvres, prayers for our country and songs, a huge buffet dinner with a smoked pig done by Holy Smoke, after dinner Dan plays the player piano until it is dark, the night finishes with a grand fireworks show.
July 11-17: Hiking Week (John Smartt & Jane Smartt Stroud)
Since 1987 the “Pied Piper” of hiking has been leading hikes at The Swag. John, and his daughter Jane Stroud, will be returning to The Swag for another three great weeks of adventure. John and Jane lead guests on the “greatest hikes” they will ever experience. Hike with them and their enthusiastic followers along the wonderful trails on the Swag property and the adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
July 18-22: Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
Since 1999, this popular husband and wife team leads daily hikes. Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear. Tamra has a Ph.D. in Science and Environmental Education and has a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats and insects). At day’s end they will present a short slide show featuring Southern Appalachian mammals such as black bear and bats, natural history and ecology.
August
August 1-7: Hiking Week (John Smartt & Jane Smartt Stroud)
Since 1987 the "Pied Piper" of hiking has been leading hikes at The Swag. John, and his daughter Jane Stroud, will be returning to The Swag for another three great weeks of adventure. John and Jane lead guests on the "greatest hikes" they will ever experience. Hike with them and their enthusiastic followers along the wonderful trails on the Swag property and the adjoining Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
August 7-15: Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
Donald Davis hales from Western North Carolina. He is deeply knowledgeable of flora, fauna and mountain folklore. Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and world, Davis is also known as a prolific author, producer of books and tapes, and as a guest host for NPR’s Good Evening. He will take hikes and talk about the uniqueness of the place and the people who have lived in these mountains through stories. Folks love their Dutch Oven cooking during the hors d'oeuvres time in the Dogtrot. Donald and Merle have been a part of The Swag family since 2006.
August 16-21: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob & Louise Collier)
Dr. Bob Collier - an avid birder for over 25 years and nature columnist for his local weekly newspaper - will offer before-breakfast birding on the lawn, and either half or full-day nature hikes that feature birds, wildflowers and other interesting facts of local natural history of the Great Smokies. Bob and Louise have traveled extensively and have an outstanding series of slide presentations to share with us each afternoon at five. They have been with The Swag since 2002.
August 27-September 3: Storytelling (Bill Harley)
Bill Harley's imagination is big - almost as big as his talent for drawing lessons from commonplace events. Considered one of the finest performers for families in the country, Harley has performed his original works throughout the U.S. and authored several children's books. A Storytelling Circle of Excellence Award recipient, his twenty-five recordings for children, families and adults have garnered numerous national awards, including his most recent, a Grammy. Bill and Deb have been with us since 2007.
September
September 13-18: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob & Louise Collier)
Dr. Bob Collier - an avid birder for over 25 years and nature columnist for his local weekly newspaper - will offer before-breakfast birding on the lawn, and either half or full-day nature hikes that feature birds, wildflowers and other interesting facts of local natural history of the Great Smokies. Bob and Louise have traveled extensively and have an outstanding series of slide presentations to share with us each afternoon at five. They have been with The Swag since 2002.
October
October 4-11: Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
Donald Davis hales from Western North Carolina. He is deeply knowledgeable of flora, fauna and mountain folklore. Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and world, Davis is also known as a prolific author, producer of books and tapes, and as a guest host for NPR’s Good Evening. He will take hikes and talk about the uniqueness of the place and the people who have lived in these mountains through stories. Folks love their Dutch Oven cooking during the hors d'oeuvres time in the Dogtrot. Donald and Merle have been a part of The Swag family since 2006.
October 27-November 1: Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
Since 1999, this popular husband and wife team leads daily hikes. Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear. Tamra has a Ph.D. in Science and Environmental Education and has a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats and insects). At day’s end they will present a short slide show featuring Southern Appalachian mammals such as black bear and bats, natural history and ecology.
October 30:
The Swag Celebrates Halloween
A fun and festive evening for our guests. We have a pumpkin carving contest late in the afternoon, a costume contest during hors d’ oeuvres, and dinner is a ghoulish buffet.