| The Southern Appalachian Mountains boast a rich | | | | artists as they work, admire the crafts, and get a |
| history of arts and crafts that dates back to the | | | | head start on your Christmas shopping all in one |
| first pioneers that settled in what would later | | | | place. |
| become Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. | | | | Beginnings of a Great Community |
| From the first recorded history of the area you'll | | | | The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community |
| find reference to many of the arts and crafts | | | | got its start in 1937, when a group of craftsman |
| these first settlers brought with them from their | | | | began encouraging tourists to visit them where |
| homelands. From bowls used in everyday cooking | | | | they worked. The woodcarver who first imagined |
| to quilts they slept under, everything used by | | | | bringing tourists to his home, John Cowden, simply |
| these first settlers was made by hand. These | | | | wanted to be near his workshop and supplies. Until |
| simple necessities of life evolved into the beautiful | | | | then, local artists would bring their works into |
| crafts we see today. | | | | Gatlinburg and set up displays on the streets. Now |
| The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community Show | | | | boasting more than 120 artists with a multitude of |
| This annual Easter weekend event is hosted by | | | | skills, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts |
| the Gatlinburg Convention Center and features | | | | Community is home to the largest group of |
| many local artisans. You'll find dozens of artists | | | | independent artists in America. |
| demonstrating their crafts and showing off their | | | | The Community is centered around Glades Road, |
| artwork in one convenient location. The show runs | | | | an eight mile loop of highway designated the |
| from March 31 through April 3 and is open to the | | | | Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail. Located |
| public. Admission is free. | | | | just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg, you'll |
| You'll gain a new appreciation for modern living | | | | find artists who sew, carve, paint, weave, whittle, |
| when you witness how much work goes into | | | | and offer just about every other craft known to |
| making even the simplest of tools. Imagine | | | | man. Most of the outlets are open seven days a |
| spending weeks hand quilting the blankets you | | | | week, so you'll have plenty of shopping time. If |
| need to keep your family warm on cold winter | | | | you need a break, you'll also find restaurants, |
| nights, or hand carving every bowl for cooking. | | | | cafes, and candy shops to satisfy your hunger. |
| Fashion becomes less of a concern when your | | | | Lodging is available as well, so you can easily drop |
| clothing begins as raw wool sheared from the | | | | off your purchases in your hotel room before |
| sheep that must first be carded, spun, and woven | | | | heading out for another session of retail therapy. |
| into thread before it can even be made into cloth. | | | | The beauty found inside the shops on Glades |
| Whatever your passion, you're sure to find | | | | Road is nearly matched by the beauty of the |
| something of beauty to thrill your senses in this | | | | surrounding countryside. Leave time during your |
| treasure trove of talented artists. Watch as wood | | | | visit to Gatlinburg to enjoy the grandeur that is |
| carvers craft dough bowls, quilters sew stunning | | | | the Great Smoky Mountains. It's sure to be a |
| blankets and throws, and glass cutters build | | | | getaway filled with beauty - inside and out. |
| glorious stained glass windows. Chat with the | | | | |
