10 Reasons Why You Must Visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is located a few miles outside the downtown area of Gatlinburg, and it is an 8-mile loop road (Glades Road and Buckhorn) full of small businesses. I am making a concerted effort as a local to help these local establishments survive, but that’s not my sole motivation—I’m not alone in this. In fact, there are 10 reasons why you should set aside an afternoon or two, to visit this unique area of the tourist town and adjoining national park that attracts millions every year.

1. It’s Something Different

I’m not sure what too many first-time tourists to Gatlinburg expect when they visit, but I can assure you, visiting the Arts and Crafts loop is a totally different type of vibe. Downtown Gatlinburg is great for nabbing that necessary, cheap, same-old tourist shirt, sticker, pin, magnet, and/or various other keepsakes. There’s nothing wrong with that; however, this is something evidently differently you’ll appreciate.

2. Overt Originality

And by different, I mean things that are hand-made originals. You can find this in various ways. Handcrafted soapmakers, pottery, paintings, glassblowing, cooks, woodcarvers, photographers, etc., all work on their passion and craft here on this stretch of road. After a visit to one of these creatives, anything you take home from them wouldn’t be worthy of being called merely a “souvenir”—more like a prized possession.

3. Take a Class in Their Craft

One of the coolest things I’d love to do sometime is take a class in an art of choice from one of these talented business artisans. Hands On Gatlinburg is offered by a handful of artists in this area as a way to get your hands dirty and try your hand at what these people do for a living. This is a glorious stepping-outside-your-comfort-zone opportunity for a memorable time, giving you a chance to take home something you created. The next one is May, so check out the GSACC website and Facebook for more information.

4. You Can Take the Trolley

You probably shouldn’t walk here if you have downtown accommodations, but the trolleys are color-coded to take you to various spots in Gatlinburg, including the Arts and Crafts Community. What’s even better is it’s free. That’s right, all Gatlinburg trolleys are free, and that includes the ones that take you out to this area, so you can take advantage of it if you wish.

5. It’s a Beautiful Ride

Mountain views never get old, and we love going out to this area, whether we’re doing our best to support them or just by going on a grocery run—mostly both on the same trip. Once you get onto Glades Road, it becomes a rather narrow country road with blind curves, but nothing too scary for a Midwestern flatlander like myself. Take it easy and you’ll be find. Tree-covered hillsides highlight the journey that might remind you of an old black and white photograph—aside from the modern cars you’ll pass.

6. Great Local Eateries

You can’t possibly do this much shopping and not find some good local eats on the loop. I can vouch for Morning Mist Cafe, Timbers Log Cabin, and Split Rail Eats as prime spots to feed your hunger pangs. Click on the links in their names to get all the information you’ll need, including hours and menus I think you’ll find helpful. These eateries are every bit as unique as the shops that sell their wares. They are all delicious too!

7. Go Coffee Crazy

If you can find great places to eat in the Arts and Crafts Community, you also can obtain some fine coffee to boot. And you’ll get quite the caffeine boost by visiting Gatlinburg Grind and Painted Bear Coffee Co. I haven’t yet been to the latter, but I have heard great things about their blends, and I know Gatlinburg Grind does the job when you’re on a local shopping kick. Plus, if you’re not the coffee fan, they both have delicious pastries to wake up your sweet tooth.

8. You’ll Feel Good Supporting the Little Fish

I don’t know about you, but for me, it just feels better giving your money to a small business. First, your money doesn’t go toward helping corporate stooges who make millions in bonuses alone; second, you could be the reason their passion lives on to fight another day, month, or year. That means it stays right here in Sevier County, helping the local economy too. It’s just another small thing you can do that makes a huge difference,

9. Honest-To-Goodness Hospitality

The kindness we’ve received here, whether it’s been our first visit or twentieth, is just off the charts righteous. You’ll find it and feel it in just about any business in which you walk through their doors. It almost makes you feel bad to walk in look around and leave without buying anything. They’re all so kind. But sometimes, you’re making their day just by visiting. And that leads me to the final reason you should visit this divine area of Gatlinburg.

10. You May Just Make A Friend

I think it was 2015 when we met one particular business owner in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. She reminded me so much of my own mother. Her name is Lori, and I considered her a friend. We communicated through social media, and we couldn’t wait to see her twice a year on our Gatlinburg vacations. I did my best to help promote her business, but she decided to give up on her entrepreneurial dreams, and she eventually moved away.

We haven’t been in touch for about four years, but this is the kind of people you will encounter here. Most are almost uncanny at remembering repeat customers. I can’t say enough good things about the friends we’re making as locals, who, unsurprisingly, run their shops here. You know who you are. Thank you for your genuineness, hospitality and… yes, the friendship you are providing. It means a lot to us and I know it makes a giant impression on the people who took the time to stop in while on their vacation.

Again, if you’re bored of walking the Parkway in Gatlinburg, you can travel out a few miles to this 8-mile local loop of talented craftspeople who will most certainly make an impression on you and your vacation to the Smoky Mountains. We had our reservations at first, but it’s all about understanding how they operate. And now we can’t imagine not coming out here to this oasis, which is the closest thing I believe to a utopian existence.

Thank you for reading my latest list regarding Gatlinburg. I appreciate you all for following and subscribing! I want to help you plan your vacation in ways you can feel comfortable and good about the decisions you choose to do. I hope you stay tuned to this publication for much more news, tips, and events going on in Gatlinburg.