Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Make a Reservation: Consider visiting the Austrian-inspired Wild Plum Tea Room for a whimsical lunch experience amidst elegant decor and natural surroundings. You can savor their signature lobster pie and enjoy bottomless wild plum tea. – Korrin Bishop

Exploring Gatlinburg's Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Introduction to the Arts & Crafts Community

For those who appreciate art and authentic Appalachian crafts, the 8-mile loop through Gatlinburg's Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community offers a delightful day trip. This scenic drive encompasses over 100 artists and crafters, alongside eateries, shops, and boutique lodging.

Activities and Workshops

Visitors can watch mountain crafters create brooms, baskets, and pottery in their studios. Quaint galleries feature their paintings, hand-blown glass, and photography. Additionally, you can participate in hands-on workshops with selected local artists to learn various crafts such as silk marbling, wire wrapping, glass fusing, and soap making.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Many visitors have found this loop to be an excellent place to discover unique souvenirs. It's recommended to pick up a complimentary map in advance to decide which shops and galleries to visit. Some perks mentioned by recent shoppers include free parking and out-of-state shipping services provided by many stores. Although the trolley service runs on this loop, driving is advisable to avoid long waits for pickups.

Operating Hours and Map Availability

Most shops and galleries on the loop are open from Monday to Saturday with shorter hours from January through April. Individual eateries also have varied operating hours. Notable restaurant options include Red Oak Bistro and Split Rail Eats. The loop map is freely available at visitor centers, many hotels and restaurants, and at shops and galleries along the route. For more details, visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community website.