Fall. My favorite season. Perhaps it's because the changing autumn leaves complement my fur coat so well (a little vain, I know, but who DOESN'T like feeling fabulous every time they walk out the door?) or because I'm just a fan of cooler weather, but this season is my favorite. It's also my favorite time to enjoy one of my favorite spots in the Smokies- The Glades Arts and Crafts Community.

That's not to say that this wonderful Gatlinburg shopping destination isn't great during anytime of the year, but there's something about driving country back roads lined with colorful trees that makes the whole experience even better.

So, last Saturday, I made my way to Gatlinburg's arts and crafts district. Headed from Pigeon Forge, you'll keep going down the Parkway and through the spur, the stretch between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. For those of you who are crafty...or just want to avoid Parkway traffic as much as you can (totally understandable), take the Dudley Creek Bypass at Light #1 in Gatlinburg which will bring you out on light down from Glades roads. If traffic isn't too bad, you can turn left onto East Parkway, drive 3 miles, and then turn left at Glades Road. There's a big sign advertising the Glades Arts and Crafts community, so it's hard to miss.

Starting My
Glades Arts and Craft Community Adventure

My first stop in this Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts district was Mountain Girl Primitives. I've heard a lot about this place through word of mouth and was excited to see what they had to offer in person.

There's a large selection of primitive decor mixed in with antiques here. From painted paper towel holders to rag dolls, if you're looking to add a bit of country flair to your house, this is the place to stop. On top of that, I talked to owner Carol who told me that 98% of their merchandise is local or US made. She's not fibbing. While I was in the shop, one of the artists came in to talk business with Carol.

Overall, I'd say this a good stop to put on your list for a day in the Arts and Crafts Community - the owner is very friendly and the selection is great if primitives are your thing.

From Mountain Girl Primitives, I drove across the street to the Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Village. I got there at around 11:30 and the parking lot was already pretty full, so expect some congestion when visiting this Gatlinburg shopping destination. This shopping mall boasts several shops and it's hard to decide where to start.

Intrigued by the name, I made my first stop at The Rose Pedaler. This was one of my favorite stops from the whole day. When you walk into the store, you are overwhelmed with the scent of roses. That's because the beads used here are made from roses!

Owners Diana and Richard McDaniel were quite friendly and went over the process of how they take dry rose petals and turn them into beads which they use to craft beautiful jewelry. From start to finish this craft takes about 2 weeks to complete.

I was lucky enough to try on a few pieces. Personally I like the all rose bead bracelet. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it's a beautiful natural look.

My next stop was the Black Oak Gallery. The owner Jeff Prince proudly displays his art which is truly emotion on canvas. Additionally, shoppers can find Raku pottery by Jeremy Diller and paintings by Iva Price. Iva, now in her 80's, has been painting scenes of the Smokies for over 50 years. I was extremely disappointed to learn that I'd just missed Iva. I'm sure she has plenty of interesting stories to share (although the guy at the store said that her stories end with someone dying, so I'm not sure if I want to hear them..).

I also swung by Very Cherry a great place to pick up an all natural reusable cherry pit pack which can be used as a hot or cold pack. For $20 bucks it's a great investment.

While walking around I came across a guy working with some leather. This was Doug owner of the Country Cobbler, where you can find custom leather goods. Doug has many years of experience and told me he used to work in the movie industry!

One thing I will say about this shopping center (and it really goes for the entire Glades Arts and Crafts Community) is that shops vary in quality. You don't have to be a sly fox to figure out which stores offer unique, handcrafted items and which use cheaply manufactured "Made in China" items.

The Journey Through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Continues

From there, I traveled down the road and made a stop at Lorelei Candles Factory. This shop has been around since 1979 and has some cute candles that you can see being made! I even got to visit with some woodland friends while I was there. Lori is extremely helpful and pointed out some of her favorite places along the loop.

Since I only had a day to spend in the area (which trust me is NOT enough). I headed out and made it to the next major shopping area of the Glades Arts and Crafts Community. There are two places to explore here - The Glades Arts & Crafts Center and the Morning Mist Village both of these shopping centers provide plenty of places to check out.

On of my personal favorites is Misty Mountain Soap Company. The products here range from all natural to nearly all natural and offer visitors a chance to pamper themselves with soaps, lotions, creams, lip balms, and more. The friendly, helpful staff will help you pick out the perfect product for you. Personally, I like the colorful bath bombs.

Lunch in this Unique Gatlinburg Shopping District

At this point I'd worked up quite the appetite, so I swung by The Cabin Cafe (Lori had suggested it). The cozy cabin atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and I got there just before the second lunch rush around 1:15  since foxes always have perfect timing. I had a delicious egg salad sandwich. Everyone knows foxes LOVE eggs and this large sandwich did not disappoint. The Cabin Cafe also offers several vegetarian,vegan, and gluten-free options.

 

After a quick lunch I continued on my journey. A made a quick stop at the Tim Weberding Woodworking Gallery, which features really stunning wooden baskets, and Alewine Pottery, one of the most established pottery companies in the area. There was even some bluegrass at Alewine to set a mountain mood.

The Tail End of A Fox's Glades Arts and Craft's Trip

Then, I came to my favorite spot of the trip. The Cliff Dwellers Complex. Right next door to the Jim Grey Gallery, which is worth a stop as well, the building stands out from the rest in this community. That's because it used to stand in Downtown Gatlinburg! Back in 1996, the building itself was moved brick by brick to the Glades Arts and Crafts Community.

The Cliff Dwellers Complex started as a weaving cooperative, but you'll find artists of all kinds at this wonderful spot, like Louise, who paints birds on small gourds, who served as a tour guide on my visit. Many people don't know you can go upstairs and see the artist at work as well as discover some history of the area in the original studio of the house, where you'll find post cards, old photos of the original owner, and a movie on the history.

Right next door to The Cliff Dweller's Gallery, tucked away in a small shop next to the Jim Gray Gallery, you'll find Ogle's Brooms. Dave Ogle and his wife Tammie welcome visitors to their shop with warmth and a eagerness to let you in on the knowledge of broom making that has been passed down in the Ogle family for 93 years!

Dave gave me a basic run down on how broom corn becomes a broom. As Dave will tell you most people don't know what all it takes to make a broom, so stop by the shop and find out yourself.

Dave told me to check out The Chair Shop where I could find some true old fashioned chairs. Unfortunately, it was closed. But, it's definitely on my must see list for my next visit.

Lori had suggested I go to Firefly Glass Studio, where I got to try on even more jewelry (Did I mention a trip to the Glades Arts and Craft Community might not be the best for your budget?) and have the owner Nancy walk me through how she makes her fantastic glass jewelry in a kiln.

My final stop on my whirlwind day in this fantastic Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community was Whaley's Woodcrafts. The owner's family has been doing woodcrafts for nearly 50 years and the shop itself has been in the same location since 1963.

Randy Whaley, the owner will gladly give you a quick demonstration of how they make their wooden flowers as well as a history lesson. If you ask, he'll show you a map of all the old settlements in the Gatlinburg area before the construction of the Great Smoky National Park. He can point out where his ancestor "Whitehead" Bill Whaley lived. Apparently there were so many Bill Whaleys that they all had to have nicknames. (My personal favorites were "Booger" Bill and "Vander" Bill).

The reasonably priced wares in this shop include carved birds (Again, Randy can show you the stages of how the birds are made) and hand-woven towels that have been made on the same loom since the 1920's.

As I said, there is NO WAY I'd recommend spending only a day in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts district (Unless, you're a glutton for punishment as I am). You'll be so exhausted that all you'll want to do is go home and crash at your Gatlinburg rental cabin.

The Glades Arts and Crafts Community is best explored slowly, taking the time to talk to the artists and craftspeople about their craft. Look over every nook and cranny over the course of a few days. You'll not only find great souvenirs, but great craftsmen who embody the spirit of the Appalachian Mountains.

 

Written by Moxie Fox