Beyond the Tourist Traps
If your idea of shopping involves airbrushed t-shirts, mass-produced "I Survived Gatlinburg" mugs, and souvenirs made in China, the Parkway is fine. But if you want to see the real heart of the Smokies, you need to visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
Established in 1937, this is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. It's an 8-mile loop of historic shops, studios, and galleries—and it starts just 15 minutes from our Cobbly Nob cabins. This is where locals go to shop. This is where you'll find gifts that actually mean something.
What You'll Find
Instead of "Made in China" stickers, you'll find:
Hand-Thrown Pottery: Watch the potter at the wheel, creating beautiful bowls, vases, and dinnerware. Many shops have studios where you can see the artists at work.
Glass Blowing: See molten glass turned into vases, ornaments, and sculptures. The process is mesmerizing, and the finished products are stunning.
Woodworking: Hand-carved bears, dulcimers (a traditional Appalachian instrument), rocking chairs, and furniture. These are pieces that will last generations.
Leatherwork: Belts, wallets, bags, and other leather goods, all handmade.
Weaving: Blankets, scarves, and tapestries, woven on traditional looms.
Painting and Drawing: Original artwork by local artists.
Jewelry: Hand-crafted jewelry using local stones and materials.
Metalwork: Decorative ironwork, sculptures, and functional pieces.
Candles and Soaps: Handmade candles and soaps using natural ingredients.
Why It's Better Than Downtown
Free Parking: Every shop has its own free parking lot. No $20 garages or parking meters. You can park right in front of the shop you want to visit.
Meet the Makers: Often, the person ringing you up is the artist who made the item. They love to share their stories, their techniques, and their inspiration. You're not buying from a faceless corporation—you're buying directly from the person who created it.
Peaceful: The loop winds through a wooded residential area. It's a relaxing drive, not a stressful traffic jam. You can take your time, stop at multiple shops, and actually enjoy the experience.
Quality: Everything is handmade. The quality is consistently high. You're not going to find cheap, mass-produced items here.
Support Local: Your money goes directly to the artist, not to a corporation. You're supporting the local economy and preserving traditional crafts.
Unique Gifts: You'll find gifts here that you can't find anywhere else. Your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness and uniqueness.
How to Get There from Cobbly Nob
Turn right out of Cobbly Nob onto Hwy 321 South. Drive about 10-12 minutes until you reach Traffic Light #3 in Gatlinburg. Turn left onto Glades Road. You are now on the loop!
The loop is well-marked with signs. You can drive the entire loop and stop at shops that interest you, or you can park and walk between nearby shops.
Notable Shops to Visit
The Arrowmont School of Arts: A renowned craft school with a gallery featuring work by students and faculty.
Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community Visitor Center: Stop here first for a map and information about the shops.
The Pottery Barn: (Not the chain store!) A local pottery shop with beautiful handmade pieces.
Gatlinburg Glass Blowing Studio: Watch glass blowing demonstrations and purchase beautiful glass art.
The Woodcarving Studio: Hand-carved wooden pieces, including the famous "Gatlinburg bears."
The Weaving Studio: Beautiful handwoven blankets and scarves.
Local jewelry shops: Featuring jewelry made with local stones and materials.
Shopping Strategy
Dedicate an Afternoon: The loop is 8 miles, and there are over 130 shops. You can't see them all in an hour. Plan to spend 2-4 hours browsing.
Start at the Visitor Center: Pick up a map and get recommendations from the staff.
Park and Walk: Some shops are clustered together. Park once and walk between them.
Talk to the Artists: Ask about their process, their inspiration, and their story. This is what makes the experience special.
Take Your Time: There's no rush. Browse, ask questions, and only buy things you love.
Budget: Handmade items are more expensive than mass-produced items, but the quality justifies the price. Budget accordingly.
Rainy Day Activity
The Arts & Crafts Community is a perfect rainy day activity. You're mostly indoors (in shops), and you're not dependent on weather. It's a great alternative to hiking or outdoor activities when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Souvenirs Worth Buying
- •Pottery: A handmade bowl or vase that you'll use and treasure for years.
- •Glass Art: A beautiful vase or ornament that catches the light.
- •Wooden Carving: A hand-carved piece that tells a story.
- •Local Honey or Jam: From local producers, perfect for bringing home.
- •Handmade Jewelry: A unique piece that you won't find anywhere else.
- •Woven Blanket or Scarf: A functional piece that you'll actually use.
