Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg: Map, Shows and Stores

There are certainly many beautiful places in the mountains. So why did Gatlinburg flourish? The natural beauty, of course, was part of it. The idyllic location that first drew settlers from the sweltering South Carolina heat was rugged yet beautiful, and mercifully mild in the summer. Infrastructure also played a part. Old trails through mountain passes became roads, highways, and interstates that connected millions of potential visitors to the region. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, of course, lured many. But even more than that, the build-up to the park created a national sensation.

The storytellers helped capture the fascination

Storytellers capitalized on the early 20th-century public fascination with the remote, odd mountain people who clung to the old ways out of stubbornness and necessity. It’s how folks like the Walker sisters became famous in the Park’s early days. There was a National Geographic sort of fascination with the exotic and the strange. While most people couldn’t travel to the more remote parts of the world to perform gawker tourism, the picturesque mountains and their “strange” people were readily accessible to much of the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest. Finally, the locals embraced this influx of well-heeled visitors who had the unfortunate tendency to treat them like zoo exhibits. But they were willing to be paid well for the honor.

The history and allure of authentic, mountain-made items

The practical nature of the mountain people served them well, and a “give the people what they want” attitude prevailed. Some made money serving corn-pone humor and playing the expected part. Others also discovered the visitors had a nearly insatiable appetite for authentic, mountain-made items. Over the years, things that had been utilitarian at best, and a time-killing hobby at worst, became coveted objets d’art. And though people like the Walker sisters marveled at the demand, they were happy to sell the wares to the tourists who showed up at their front porch.

In the early days, these local artists would have been loath to consider themselves as such. Art is highfalutin. It’s putting on airs. It’s for other people. Making a chair or a basket or a broom, weaving a garment or a blanket. These are practical things. Necessary things. Sure, you could make them pretty if you want to, but when the wind’s whistling through the wax paper on the window, you don’t give a darn if the blanket’s pretty. You want it warm. Over the years, the term for these artists shifted to craftspeople, though they’re more likely to use the two terms interchangeably today. They made their way from their porch steps to the streets of Gatlinburg, where they set up shop to sell their wares.

What’s inside the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community?

Today, the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community consists of more than 100 shops featuring regionally made items spread over the 8-mile Loop Road. Reportedly, they make up the largest group of independent artisans in North America. The wares range from traditional “art” like paintings and sculptures to candy, pottery, rugs, tapestries, leatherwork, and jewelry. Specifically, there are silversmiths, weavers, carvers, and potters who specialize in hand-crafted dolls.

Gatlinburg has become a haven for artists and craftsmen to sell their works, not to gawking tourists who have come to see the odd mountain peoples, but to true fans who appreciate the art, the artistry, and the artist. Today, we recognize that art comes in many forms; the loop also includes eateries, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and much more.

Touring the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts loop

If you’re interested in such things, a day touring the 8-mile loop is worth your time. Many artists manage their shops, and you can learn more about the craft. There is plenty of free parking, and it is not far from downtown Gatlinburg. However, if you want to turn it into a truly Gatlinburg experience, park the car and ride the Yellow Trolley Route, which will carry you to the charming galleries, eateries, and shops all along the route. The community itself is open year-round.

However, if you’re looking for the “Cliff Notes” version, you can always stop by the Made in Gatlinburg Shop located in the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, which features only locally made products representing more than 60 businesses. It’s the perfect place to find an authentic Gatlinburg souvenir to take home.

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts show

The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community hosts several events and shows throughout the year that showcase true Appalachian artistry. The show features photography, painting, carving, sculpting, and more. They are generally free to attend and are held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit their website for more information.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Trail loop map

Throughout the 8-mile loop, there are more than 100 shops to explore. Click here to view the Arts and Crafts Community map. You can also view the full list of shops on the site.