Lore by Lanternlight

Enjoy an evening of spooky stories and local lore set in a historic farmhouse

For the first time ever, the public is invited inside the farmhouse at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve for this seasonal celebration of Southern Appalachian heritage! Local historian Danielle Duffy will tell tales of traditional mountain living, bringing out the spirit of this historic structure, the authentic farming equipment displayed around it, the family who worked this land for decades, and the community they lived within. Morgyn Brannon will regale guests with spooky stories rooted in the Franklin and Cowee area, from pre-Columbian legends to ghosts that still haunt the town to this day. Adding to the ambience, the two rooms inside the historic Tessentee structure- which is nearly as old as the town of Franklin itself- will be illuminated by the glow of 100 jack-o-lanterns, carved by your friends and neighbors.

Tickets for this event are offered on a sliding scale from $20-$50. $20 is the minimum ticket cost that compensates our storytellers, and additional donations to support Mainspring's outreach program are greatly appreciated. This event will be offered on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th, with three tours available each evening. Note that there is a brief (1/4 mile) walk from the parking area to the event area, so guests are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes before their allotted tour time. If weather allows, we'll have a crackling campfire to gather around before the tour begins.

The three sessions available are 6:00pm-7:00pm, 7:15pm-8:15pm, and 8:30pm-9:30pm. The 8:30pm-9:30pm session is 21+, and guests are welcome to bring an alcoholic beverage to enjoy responsibly during the event (limit of 2 drinks per person.) Nonalcoholic beverages and snacks are welcome during all sessions.

Please note:

• This event is weather-dependent; it will still run in light rain, but will be cancelled in the event of downpours or dangerous conditions like lightning or high winds.
• Handicap parking is available for guests with mobility restrictions. Email Skye at scahoon@mainspringconserves.org in advance to request handicap parking.
• The Tessentee house is a historic, nonresidential structure, and though it will be cleaned and prepared for this event, guests may notice evidence of insect or small mammal activity inside.
• Please leave pets at home.
• See the refund policy at the bottom of this page.
• Contact Skye at scahoon@mainspringconserves.org with any questions.

Refund policy

Contact Skye at scahoon@mainspringconserves.org to request a refund.

Before 4:00pm on Thursday, October 8th: Mainspring will retain a $5 processing fee, and refund the remainder of your ticket value.

After 4:00pm on Thursday, October 8th: Refunds are not guaranteed, but Mainspring will attempt to fill empty seats. If a cancelled seat is filled, the former ticket-holder will receive a 50% refund. If the cancelled seat is not filled, we are unable to issue a refund. Thank you for your understanding.

In the event of cancellation due to weather conditions: Mainspring will retain a $5 processing fee, and refund the remainder of your ticket value. Participants may also choose to donate the partial or full value of their ticket.