Arts and Crafts Community, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
To get to the Arts and Crafts Community, from downtown Gatlinburg, go to traffic light #3 and turn right onto 321. Go three miles and you enter the area designated as the 8-mile loop of shops, studios, galleries, eateries and lodging of the Arts and Crafts Community. The loop goes from 321 to a left on Glades Road, a right on Buckhorn Road and another right onto 321, which heads you back into town. You will find a number of shops clustered on your left on 321 at the intersection of Glades Road. You can stop and explore Lucite by Louise (3), Scrimshaw, Knives and Silversmithing (7) or Byrnes Woodcrafters (10) now or on your way back into town. Once you turn left on Glades Road you will find clusters of “villages” on both sides of the road, with a variety of shops.
Be sure to stop in at the Arts and Crafts Community Morning Mist Village and get an old time soda at Glade’s Soda Fountain (33). They had to retire their old Hamilton Beach soda shop mixer for a newer Hamilton Beach, but they still have the old one on display. When asked why it had been retired, the soda jerk explained that it just wasn’t fast enough to keep up with the orders-a party of 21 had just passed through. While you are at the Morning Mist Village, take a look at the unique “hardware” art in the glass shop across from Glade’s Soda Fountain and visit Brush and Pen – Bobi Art Studio (44) and Tee Pee DreamsNative American Gallery (45). (This author found an excellent free map of the Gatlinburg area on a stand outside Glade’s Soda Fountain.)
If you are looking for something really different in the way of unique artwork, before you depart Morning Mist Village, stop into Imagine This, Michelle Monet Creations (38). Michelle has taken polymer clay to a whole new level of pop culture art. If Michelle reminds you of someone, think Barbara Streisand. Apparently, this is Michelle’s second artistic career. For 9 years, she traveled the world performing as Barbara Streisand in “Legends.” She is a relatively new addition to the Arts and Crafts Community
Across the street at Glades Arts and Crafts Center there is the Glass Blowers Studio (29) that is worth a look and do experience the largest collection of locally made jams, jellies and honey at the Smoky Mountain Mercantile (26). The Alewine Pottery Center houses Alewine Pottery (48) and Primitive Thymes (49). This is genuine Alewine pottery and it is gorgeous. Walk through Jeff Hale – Future Relics (53) at the Cliff Dwellers Complex and visit Louise Bales – Cliff Dwellers Gallery (56). This local artist’s work is sold exclusively through this gallery.
Other recommended stops in the Arts and Crafts Community are: A Troll In the Park (62), Whaley’s Handcrafts (72), The Nifty Fifty CafÃ?© (74), Baxter’s Stained Glass (81), and whatever you do, don’t missEarthwalk (100). The Earthwalk is a mystical place full of fountains and Native American art. You will feel that you have entered another world, when you step through the door. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. This author has added one particular piece from Earthwalk to her Christmas wish list.
You could spend days going through the shops in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. The usual word of caution: as with any tourist town, check the labels and be sure you are getting local crafts. Even in the heart of the good ole Smoky Mountains, you may still find labels reading, made in Taiwan, China, India or other foreign country. Not there is anything wrong with foreign imports, but you were looking for local products-right?
There are three annual craft shows held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center-with free admission. Check with the local Chamber Of Commerce or at the Arts and Crafts Community website for schedules.
