Presented by the Asheville CVB
Devout leaf peepers make it an annual pilgrimage - a trip to some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States where they can revel in autumn splendor in the Asheville area. It's no secret that the mountains of Western North Carolina are synonymous with brilliant fall foliage. But visitors searching for picture perfect scenery may want to look beyond the blazing leaves to add some local color to add to their autumn itinerary.
Nestled along some of the mountains' most scenic byways, renowned artisans craft extraordinary works of art in studios that sit in the shadow of 6,000-foot peaks. What makes this region especially unique in the art world is the blending of the old and the new, according to Becky Anderson, executive director for HandMade in America, an organization dedicated to nurturing and preserving the area's rich craft history.
“Not only will you find traditional crafts, but also hand-blown glass, forged iron pieces, hand -built porcelains, sculpted woods, and any number of eclectic art objects,” she added.
Using the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway as a backbone, the organization put together a series of craft heritage trails that loop through back roads and byways of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The easy-to-use guidebook, “Craft Heritage Trails of Western North Carolina,” serves as trail map to the many artisan studios, undiscovered shops and galleries, historic inns and quaint diners.
“The seven loop trails were created as a means of leading visitors through the twists and turns of our mountains to a treasure trove of handmade objects.” Anderson explained. “They are also perfect for viewing autumn's colorful show.”
Ironically, the improved highway system that threatened crafts during the turn of the century has also played a role in keeping the traditions alive.
No one predicted the enormous impact the Blue Ridge Parkway would have on the success of Asheville's Folk Art Center, home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Each year the parkway brings hundreds of thousands of admirers of mountain crafts virtually to the doorstep of guild members who sell and display their work at the center. During the busy fall season, visitors are treated to special daily craft demonstrations.
As visitors wind along mountain roads splashed with the brilliant hues of autumn, it's easy to understand the beauty that captured the hearts and imagination of artists and crafts people who visited, then ultimately decided to live and practice here.
To make the most of a fall adventure in the mountains, grab a camera, pack a picnic lunch and get off the beaten path to meet some of the local artisans that have made the Western North Carolina the center for handmade crafts in the United States. Here are a few suggested drives, with artisan highlights from the "Craft Heritage Trails of Western North Carolina."
Early Fall
From Asheville, follow U.S. 19/23 North from downtown, taking U.S. 19 East to Burnsville. Visit some of the eclectic galleries in the small town of Burnsville, before driving further along U.S. 19 East which affords spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet. Follow NC 80 North to Energy Xchange, a first of its kind campus for glass and pottery studios that uses methane gas from an adjacent landfill to power kilns and furnaces for producing one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Projecting to save about a million dollars in energy costs over the next 15 years, this innovative energy recovery project houses six artisan studios and three greenhouses. Head back NC 80 South to McWhirter Pottery, a family-owned studio featuring simple, decorative pottery. Continue on to the Blue Ridge Parkway going south. Close to Asheville (milepost 382) stop by the Folk Art Center, home to one of the oldest craft organizations in the U.S., the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Continue south on the Parkway to the next exit, which is on the edge of Asheville's city limits. (Drive Time: 3 hours round trip.)
Mid Fall
From Asheville follow U.S. 74 East to Fairview. This quaint mountain town is a great stop for local fall produce and pastoral farms. About three miles down U.S. 74, take a right onto Cedar Mountain Rd. Look for a paved drive on the left, #70. Here you will find Carla and Greg Fillipelli's Cranberry Creek Studio, featuring the Fillipeli's unique Random Weave style of basket making. Head back down U.S. 74 East until you get to Hickory Nut Gap Farm, located just off of U.S. 74. Turn left on Sugar hollow Road and look for the first barn on your right. As fourth generation farmers, Amy and Jamie Ager, who still have their family land in farm production, have developed a unique production and marketing model for producing environmentally friendly meats. Here you can take a tour of the farm and on Thursdays, buy their grass finished meats right from their farm store. Continue on U.S. 74, over the mountain and into Hickory Nut Gorge. Along the way stop at any of the delightful road side stands selling fresh produce, apple cider, or pumpkins. Continue on to Chimney Rock Park, the setting for the movie Last of the Mohicans, and take in the views of Lake Lure, where Patrick Swayze danced in the film "Dirty Dancing." Head back to Bat Cave and pick up Route 9, a true mountain road with spectacular views of the cliffs around the Lake. On the way, stop and see Eula Mae Lavender's quilts and throws. Wind your way to Black Mountain, where you can see demonstrations on site at Black Mountain Iron Works downtown where you can find forged iron pieces for garden and home. Then explore the many galleries and artisan boutiques that make this small town worth the stop. From Black Mountain, take U.S. 70 through the Swanannoa Valley back to Asheville. (Drive Time: about 2½ hours round-trip.)
Late Fall
From downtown Asheville, take Patton Avenue heading toward West Asheville. Take a left on Clingman Avenue and enter into the River District where over 30 working artists open their doors to the public. Scheduled each fall, an “Artist Studio Stroll” gives visitors the opportunity to meet with the artists and purchase artwork. From the Riverview Station to the Railside Studios, this re-emerging district has its own map to guide visitors. Get back on Clingman Avenue heading back to town and take a right on Patton Avenue. Head through downtown Asheville, pass through Pack Square and take a left onto Charlotte Street and proceed north. Turn left onto Edwin Place and follow through light as it turns into Kimberly Avenue, a maple-lined drive of ornate homes with a view of the historic Grove Park Inn. Follow Kimberly to Beaverdam Road and turn left. Make a right onto Merrimon Avenue and proceed north, passing picturesque Beaver Lake on your left until you get into downtown Weaverville. Here you can grab a bite to eat and then take in some of the studios and stores. Begin with Mangum Pottery, where you can find items from functional pottery to ceramic furniture and even musical instruments. Just a couple of doors down is Miya Gallery, where artists Jennifer Jenkins and Jody Ochs specialize in handcrafted fine jewelry, hand blown glass, painting, turned wood, paper and silk. Each fall, the Weaverville area is hosts its own “studio stroll” called The Art Safari - this tour might be a great way to get your Christmas shopping done before the holiday crunch. Main Street in Weaverville connects back to U.S. 25. Follow it south back to Asheville. (Drive Time: 1 hour round trip.)
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