Appalachia is famed for beautiful handcrafts. Explore America’s largest independent community of artisans, using their new and easy-to-navigate map.
Here’s what to expect in Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
How Did the Community Start?
By the mid-1930s, Gatlinburg was growing fast, and so were traffic, tourism, and costs. Artisans who worked in downtown Gatlinburg started working out of their homes in the Glades area instead. Other artisans followed, attracted by the Glades’ serenity. The Glades currently is home to about 60 workshops, yet retains its rustic charm and unhurried atmosphere.
The Loop Road
Workshops cluster along an eight-mile loop road. From the Gatlinburg Parkway, turn at Light #3 to head onto East Parkway/321 North. At Light #3A, bear left onto Glades Road and you’re in the community’s heart. You’ll find free parking everywhere.
The Gatlinburg Trolley
Don’t want to drive? Park at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, shown on the map’s lower left corner. Hop aboard the free trolley. Yellow Route trolleys whisk you around the loop road, and you can get on and off as often as you want. The map shows nine stops, so you’re never far from your ride.
Artisan Workshops
Most workshops are grouped in “villages,” like Buie’s Landing and Morning Mist Village. Villages aren’t grouped by types of craft, though, so you’ll find a mix of artisans in each one. Watch these experts work, and feel free to ask questions.
The variety of goods is huge. A sampling: Pottery, woodcrafts, jewelry, candles, baskets, toys, paintings, leather goods, glassware, and textile arts including quilts.
Try Your Hand at Crafting
Sixteen workshops provide hands-on sessions where artisans guide you in making your own treasures. Look for businesses marked with a red asterisk on the map.
Grab a Bite
Marked in green and conveniently dotted all over the Glades, eateries keep you fueled up. Gatlinburg Grind, Bloom & Berry, and Painted Bear Coffee serve jolts of joe, while Wrights Fudge and Glades Homemade Candies and Ice Cream satisfy your sweet tooth. Take a break for meals at Split Rail Eats or Glades Soda Fountain.
Amenities You’ll Need
Look for the WiFi symbol on the map to find complimentary connections. The community has four public restrooms, too.
The best way to see the Arts & Crafts Community is by staying there. Book a Gatlinburg cabin rental online now, then plan to take your time exploring authentic, traditional crafts.
