Gatlinburg has the privilege of being home to the largest organization of independent artists in the United States. This concentration of artisans and craftsmen is appropriately named the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Located just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg off of Highway 321N, the eight-mile loop is home to over 100 different purveyors of fine handmade items. It is hands-down the best destination to find the perfect souvenir during your visit to Gatlinburg.
A Brief History
The origin of this artist community was not planned, rather it was born out of necessity. For many years these craftsmen practiced their specialty in downtown Gatlinburg, but as traffic and shop overhead increased, they eventually relocated to the Glades where many of the artists lived. As word of the community spread, it not only began to attract more and more visitors but artists as well. As the area continued to grow, it added lodging and eateries to accommodate the increased number of patrons. Chapels began to pop up in order to attract young couples coming to the Gatlinburg area to get married. All of this culminated into what we have today, the iconic eight-mile loop of over 100 craftsmen and artisans, designated as a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.
Ride The Yellow Trolley
One fun way and inexpensive way to travel to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is on the Yellow Trolley. For only one dollar, you can board the trolley at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center. You’ll have unlimited access to the entire eight-mile stretch of shops and art galleries. For a real-time map of all the Gatlinburg trolleys, visit the city’s mass transit site.
Specialty Crafts of All Kinds
So, what exactly can you expect to find during your visit? You’ll see an array of items such as paintings, carvings, brooms, baskets, and candles just to name a few. Another popular item is the dulcimer, an Appalachian stringed instrument. Whenever you find the souvenir you are looking for, you’re sure to get a history lesson about it. The artists love to engage with their audience, describing their techniques and the origin of their particular craft. These artisans and craftsmen are living examples of the rich history of Tennessee.
During your next visit to Gatlinburg, be sure to set aside time to visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts community. You’ll experience a day filled with wonder as you watch all of the skilled artists working live right before your eyes. You should plan on spending the entire day so you can enjoy some of the fine food offered in the area. We encourage you to take the Yellow Trolley, but should you choose to drive yourself, you will find plenty of parking at each shop along the loop. This unique community is a wonderful experience for the entire family. We hope you enjoy your visit and find that perfect souvenir to take home with you.
