How would you like to go back to school? Before you answer, you should probably know that the courses you’ll be taking aren’t calculus or chemistry.
The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina offers stimulating and fun classes for adults, including cooking, gardening, writing, nature studies, music, dance, art, craft and photography. Whether you stay for a week, weekend or a day, a trip to the Folk School enriches any vacation in the scenic Smoky Mountains.
An Inspiring History
The John C. Campbell Folk School was founded by Olive Dame Campbell, wife of the late John C. Campbell, and her friend Marguerite Butler in 1925. Campbell and Butler were inspired by the Danish folkehojskole (folk school), an alternative to higher-education that was popular in rural Denmark. For 88 years, the John C. Campbell Folk School has given students the tools to improve their lives. One of the Folk School’s most famous success stories is the Brasstown Carvers, a group of women who learned the craft of wood carving at the Folk School and used their new pastime to financially provide for their families. Visitors can learn more about the Brasstown Carvers and the Folk School’s fascinating past at the onsite History Center.
Today’s Classes
Today, the Folk School is still providing top notch education for locals and visitors from around the world. Tuition for a weekend, Friday evening to Sunday noon, costs $334. A six day week of classes, Sunday through Friday, costs $532 and a seven day week, Sunday through Saturday, costs $594. A week by week schedule of classes offered throughout the year is available online.
Come For the Day
As a center of Appalachian art and culture, the Folk School is also a great place to visit for a day trip. There are free concerts held most Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. and community dances every other Saturday night from 8 -11 p.m. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts, the school’s Craft Shop features handmade pottery, jewelry, baskets and more. The Folk School also offers a number of breathtaking nature trails spanning its 372 acre campus.
When you visit the John C. Campbell Folk School, be sure to stay at one of our luxurious cabins. Mountain Country Cabin Rentals offers quality lodging located in North Carolina’s scenic Smoky Mountains. With fantastic amenities and unbeatable locations, our cabins are the perfect place to spend your next vacation. Find out more about our seasonal specials today!
