If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs to take home from your vacation, a visit to the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is an absolute must. Founded in 1937, the Arts and Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artists in the United States. Work from these talented artisans is showcased at a number of galleries and shops located along the 8 mile arts and crafts loop in Gatlinburg.

In addition to all of the great art, the loop also features some wonderful restaurants and fun novelty shops. To help you prepare for your next getaway, Acorn Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to four of our favorite places to visit in the Arts and Crafts Community:

1. Alewine Pottery

Alewine Pottery is a true family business, with three generations of potters sharing their passion with the thousands of guests they receive each year.  Everything at Alewine Pottery is handmade, giving each item a personal touch. Visitors will find coffee mugs, bowls, baking dishes, vases, bacon cookers, and so much more. Alewine Pottery often has live bluegrass music and free popcorn to enjoy while you shop, so just visiting the store is a fun experience.

2. The Wild Plum Tea Room

The Wild Plum Tea Room is our favorite place for lunch in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. This great restaurant is inspired by the traditional teahouses found in the mountains of Austria, where people would gather to enjoy each other’s company and eat homemade food. The Wild Plum Tea Room is known for only using the freshest ingredients to craft its delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, daily specials, and desserts. Popular items on the menu include the salmon burger, lobster pie, bread pudding, and the flourless chocolate torte. If you happen to be traveling with your dog, you can dine with your four legged friend on the outside porch.

(See Also: 6 Tips for Vacationing with Your Dog in a Pet Friendly Cabin in Gatlinburg)

3. Santa’s Claus-et

Located near the entrance to the Arts and Crafts Community, Santa’s Claus-et is a Christmas wonderland that you can visit throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for ornaments, stockings, toys, games, or speciality foods, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the holidays at this special store. Santa’s Claus-et also features regular appearances from the big guy himself, and pictures with Santa are available for a fee. Anyone who starts looking forward to Christmas in July will love this shop!

4. The Art of Paul Murray

The Art of Paul Murray is an excellent gallery in the Arts and Crafts Community that showcases the work of, as you may have guessed, Paul Murray. Murray’s paintings and drawings depict the everyday lives of the people who live in the rural Southern Appalachian mountains. Murray is a master at capturing the faces of his subjects, who are engaged in a traditional way of life that is disappearing quickly. Guests at the gallery will have the chance to admire some exceptional artwork, purchase prints to take home, and meet Paul and/or his wife. 

When you stay at Acorn Cabin Rentals you will be a short drive away from all of these wonderful places in the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. To start planning your next vacation, browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!