Top 4 Reasons You Need To Visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community

gatlinburg arts and crafts community in east tennessee

One of the awesome things about staying at Chalet Village is you are just minutes away from the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, which features more than 100 artists and craftsmen! The community is actually the largest independent organization of artisans in the country and is a living, breathing tribute to the history of Tennessee. You can easily explore the community on an 8-mile loop road designated as a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail! Here are the top 4 reasons why you need to visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community:

1. Purchase a Unique Souvenir

handmade pottery

One of the top reasons to visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is to bring home a unique souvenir from your Smoky Mountain vacation! While you can find plenty of t-shirts, ball caps, stuffed animals, and other traditional gifts at the souvenir shops in downtown Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community offers tons of one-of-a-kind items! You will see a wide assortment of items throughout the community, with everything from candles and soap to beautiful wood carvings. Whether you are looking for a special gift for yourself or a loved one back home, you are sure to find it here!

2. Meet the Artisans

The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community not only offers an amazing selection of craft items, but the opportunity to meet with the talented artists who created these items! As you browse through each of the stores, you will quickly discover the artists love to talk with visitors and discuss the history of their craft. You may also get lucky enough to see some demonstrations as products are created right in front of your eyes! As you drive around the 8-mile loop road, you will encounter carvers, weavers, watercolor artists, soap makers, potters, silversmiths, and dozens of other skilled artisans!

3. Convenient Location

Beautiful photo of the Gatlinburg skyline.

It is easy to access the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community from Chalet Village! The 8-mile loop road is just 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg on Highway 321 North and is easy to follow using the official community map. If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, simply hop on the Yellow Trolley Route at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center at traffic light #5. This trolley route makes the entire 8-mile loop and one low fare provides unlimited access all along the route. Note this trolley route is available daily from April through October, and Monday through Saturday during November and December.

4. Fun Special Events

There are always a variety of special events taking place in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, including hands-on workshops where you can create your own piece of art! There are also seasonal craft shows throughout the year, which are perfect for holiday shopping! These shows generally take place in the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg and feature dozens of booths with handcrafted items from the community.

You will definitely enjoy your trip through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to enjoy a fabulous vacation close to the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community! We look forward to your stay!