Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community

Craft connoisseurs should head to the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community (Light #3A E. Parkway, aka Hwy. 321 N., www.artsandcraftscommunity.com [1]). The community started during the 1930s, when area artisans decided that instead of selling their wares in downtown Gatlinburg [2], they would invite tourists out to their studios and homes. During the early years, the Arts and Crafts Community featured traditional, local artisans making brooms, furniture, candles, quilts, and more.

Nowadays, the authentic country craftsmen share the stage with modern artisans, who have adopted new styles and media. The community, strung along eight miles of back roads, is home to more than 100 different studios, gift shops, and restaurants.

Ogle’s Broom Shop (680 Glades Rd., 865/430-4402) is a third-generation workshop making brooms, walking sticks, and canes.

The Chair Shop (830 Cantrell Cir., 865/436-7413) sells custom-designed handmade rocking chairs.

One of the most remarkable stories of the Arts and Crafts Community is the Cliff Dwellers Gallery (668 Glades Rd., 865/436-6921). This chalet-style gallery was built in downtown Gatlinburg [2] in 1933, and served as a gallery and workshop for many years. In 1995, threatened with destruction, the building was moved to Glades Road to form part of the Arts and Crafts Community. It is owned cooperatively by six artists, and carries the work of some 60 more.

The Arts and Crafts Community is located three miles east of downtown Gatlinburg [2], along East Parkway (Hwy. 321 N.). The route follows Glades Road and Buckhorn Road before running back into Highway 321. The Gatlinburg Trolley travels the route of the arts community. There are also parking areas and public restrooms along the way.

Because of the sheer number of galleries, visitors should think ahead about what they are looking for. Pick up a copy of the Arts and Crafts Community brochure and map, which shows the exact location of each gallery and includes a brief description of what they sell. Or visit the community’s website and search for galleries selling the items that you are looking for.