Blue Ridge Craft Trails: Explore Art

Western North Carolina is home to thousands of world-class artists who draw daily inspiration from living in our scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Come meet them and see their work! Creating drive-able trails for 25 Western North Carolina counties with 200 craft sites, the Blue Ridge Craft Trails project celebrates the Asheville area as a vibrant center for traditional and contemporary handmade crafts through the promotion of craft artisans, arts organizations and heritage tourism. Pic above: Stecoah Valley Arts Center

Their featured places and suggested scenic drives take you through our favorite small towns and remote mountain hollers. Find glass blowing, blacksmithing, traditional to contemporary paintings, pottery, woodworking, fiber arts, quilting, jewelry, and much more. Also get tips on nearby restaurants, breweries, music, outdoor activities, scenic views, and places to stay.

To help you start your trip planning, here are our top stops featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails to see and buy local art and craft - with a style for everyone's taste and budget. The mothership of Appalachian craft is the Folk Art Center in Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This should be your first stop! Go to the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website to find art, galleries, and artist studios by town - plus itineraries that connect them.

Jeweler Melinda Lawton 

July 2020
Celebrate Henderson County's craft trails throughout the month of July! Visit 16 different craft sites along three trails via self-guided tours. The three trails focus on different geographic areas: downtown Hendersonville, the Village of Flat Rock, and the scenic countryside of Henderson County. Find maps, artist profiles, and additional attractions on Henderson County's website. You may also request to receive a trail guide via mail at that website, or by calling 800-828-4244.