I’d gone purely for the music. Each autumn the Museum of Appalachia hopes the three-day Tennessee Fall Homecoming, a festival that showcases bluegrass and old-time - and mountain crafts. After tasting a little donkey-milled sorghum (sweet, odd aftertaste), I headed to the main exhibition barn to look around. It included an extraordinary number of axes, a huge dead hornet’s nest, and the creepy wooden dolls pictured above. I was sold. The Museum’s more than just this indoor collection - it’s a whole village of original mountain cabins (Mark Twain’s included), schoolhouses, outhouses and even a small wooden chapel where services are still held, and shape notes sung, every week. A fascinating and hands-on insight into the life of the pioneer mountain dwellers. Just keep an eye on those dolls.
For a long-term stay in Charleston, you can’t do better than the new Residences at Zero George.
Photo by Ellis Creek Photography
The Ryder draws a cool crowd with a beachy design and rooftop pool.
Courtesy of the Ryder
Enjoy a beach vacation just 30 minutes from downtown Charleston at the Sweetgrass Inn.
Courtesy of Wild Dunes Resort
The first waterfront hotel in the Historic District, the HarbourView Inn just debuted a fresh new look.
Courtesy of HarbourView Inn, a Charlestowne managed property
A former mansion, 20 South Battery references its history with antique furnishings and art.
Courtesy of 20 South Battery Hotel
Stay at Emeline for thoughtful details like record players and Charleston guides in every room.
Courtesy of Emeline by Lindsey Shorter
Housed in a single-family home from 1862, 86 Cannon Inn has a lovely residential feel.
Photo by Modus Photography
Guests at the Spectator have access to a personal butler who can draw baths, make dinner reservations, and more.
Courtesy of the Spectator Hotel, a Charlestowne Hotels managed property
One of Charleston’s most elegant hotels, the French Quarter Inn welcomes guests with champagne.
Courtesy of the French Quarter Inn, a Charlestowne Hotels managed property
When the Loutrel opens, it will feature a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views.
Courtesy of the Loutrel
Enjoy breakfast on the porch facing White Point Gardens at 20 South Battery.
Courtesy of 20 South Battery Hotel
More Recommendations
Encounter unusual crafts at the Museum of Appalachia
I’d gone purely for the music. Each autumn the Museum of Appalachia hopes the three-day Tennessee Fall Homecoming, a festival that showcases bluegrass and old-time - and mountain crafts. After tasting a little donkey-milled sorghum (sweet, odd aftertaste), I headed to the main exhibition barn to look around. It included an extraordinary number of axes, a huge dead hornet’s nest, and the creepy wooden dolls pictured above. I was sold. The Museum’s more than just this indoor collection - it’s a whole village of original mountain cabins (Mark Twain’s included), schoolhouses, outhouses and even a small wooden chapel where services are still held, and shape notes sung, every week. A fascinating and hands-on insight into the life of the pioneer mountain dwellers. Just keep an eye on those dolls.
Taste of Appalachia History
Have you ever heard of a Ham Can Banjo? These Appalachian Folk are some crazy creative people. There’s an entire section of the museum dedicated to nothing but musical instruments. I must’ve spent a good 1.5 hours in this one building reading and seeing everything from medicines to death crowns to quilts to original overalls from castaways living in caves. Another creative and humorous piece is the mustache teacup. I had a good laugh. After touring around the museum, explore the collection of more than 30 Appalachian cabins, schoolhouses, and farm buildings from various places throughout Tennessee. The moonshine bootlegger, Popcorn Sutton’s original whiskey distillery is displayed here as well. The museum store offers lunch and desserts at a very reasonable price. Try the chili with cornbread.
