If you’re hoping to do some souvenir shopping during your vacation in Gatlinburg, you’ll definitely want to visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Located off of the East Parkway, this 8-mile loop is home to a wonderful collection of shops, galleries, and studios. In fact, the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America! To help you make the most of your next vacation, Amazing Views Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to 5 of the best destinations along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop.
1. Tim Weberding Woodworking
Tim Weberding, Jr. is a fourth-generation woodworker who moved from Indiana to the Smokies to pursue his dream of owning his own shop. Visitors to Tim Weberding Woodworking will find a variety of hand-carved wooden door signs, ornaments, baskets, boxes, frames, photo albums, coasters, and other beautiful pieces. Many of the items in the shop, such as the signs, can be customized upon request. If you’re lucky, Tim will be treating visitors to a craft demonstration during your visit!
2. Alewine Pottery
Alewine Pottery is another one of the most popular shops along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop. All of the gorgeous mugs, bowls, pots, goblets, and bacon cookers at Alewine are imprinted with the shop’s signature maple leaf design. Even if you’re not looking for anything in particular, Alewine Pottery is still a fun place to visit because guests can enjoy free hot popcorn and live bluegrass music.
3. Misty Mountain Soap Company
Misty Mountain Soap Company has two locations in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. This locally owned company makes a variety of natural products, including soaps, lotions, lip balm, bath bombs, and body butters. Everything at Misty Mountain Soap Company is chemical free and smells incredible. If you don’t know what you would like to purchase, one of the shop’s friendly employees is sure to make a recommendation.
4. The Fox and Parrot Tavern
When you need a break from shopping, head over to the Fox and Parrot Tavern for a relaxing meal. This traditional English pub offers 31 beers on tap and a great selection of British dishes, including fish and chips, steak and mushroom pie, banger and mash, and bread pudding. The Fox and Parrot prides itself on its authenticity and even sends team members over to the UK at least once a year to study the local pub scene.
5. Cliff Dwellers Gallery
Cliff Dwellers Gallery is owned and operated by six Smoky Mountain-based artists and carries the work of about 60 other local artists. Visitors to the gallery will find an impressive collection of watercolors, pottery, stained and enameled glass, hand-painted gourds, woven clothing, rugs, baskets, tapestries, and even more stunning works of art. Cliff Dwellers is housed in a building that was constructed in the 1930s in downtown Gatlinburg and was relocated to the Arts and Crafts Community in 1995.
More About the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the largest independent organization of artisans in the United States! You can find everything from ceramics to stuffed bears. With more than 100 artists and craftsmen, this 8-mile loop road has a diversity of crafts that definitely won’t disappoint. You can also find some delicious restaurants and eateries along the loop, like Glades Soda Fountain and Crust and Crumb Bakery. The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop is just 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, which means you can easily explore everything the area has to offer!
When you stay with Amazing Views Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these incredible destinations along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 12 bedroom cabins, we are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodations for your vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg!
