It’s quieter than downtown, easier to explore, and full of things you won’t find in big-box stores or souvenir chains. If you’re interested in the real arts and crafts in Gatlinburg TN, this is the side of town to visit. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, something handmade, or just want to support local makers, this community is where Gatlinburg’s creative culture truly shows up.
What To Expect
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is unlike anything you’ll find downtown. Instead of busy sidewalks and chain stores, this area is a spread-out loop with independent shops tucked into wooded areas, small plazas, and roadside studios. The focus is on handmade — not just items for sale, but the process behind them. Potters are spinning clay in real-time, candle makers are pouring wax in front of you, and painters are finishing pieces while chatting with customers. You’re not walking through aisles of souvenirs made overseas — nearly everything here was created by someone in that building.
There’s also a wide variety of shops to explore. You’ll find hand-thrown pottery, wooden furniture, leather goods, custom knives, paintings, soaps, jewelry, and more. Many shop owners are open to questions and love explaining what they do. Some shops are grouped together in small centers like Morning Mist Village and The Glades Center, making it easy to park once and visit several stops in one go. The atmosphere is slower-paced, less crowded, and more focused on craftsmanship and connection.
This isn’t the kind of place where you rush in and out. It’s meant to be explored at your own pace — whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift, adding something handmade to your home, or just want to meet the artists behind the work.
How to Get There + Parking Tips
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is located just 3 miles east of downtown Gatlinburg. To reach it:
- From Downtown Gatlinburg: Head east on Highway 321 (East Parkway) for about 3 miles. Look for the sign for Glades Road and turn left. This marks the beginning of the 8-mile loop that makes up the Arts & Crafts Community.
- Alternate Route: If you’re coming from Pigeon Forge or want to avoid downtown traffic, consider taking Tennessee State Route 454 (Buckhorn Road). This scenic route connects to Glades Road and offers a less congested path to the community.
- Trolley Schedules & Routes: Gatlinburg Trolley Info
Parking Tips:
Parking is generally free and available at most individual shops and craft malls within the community. However, during peak tourist seasons, these spots can fill up quickly.
- Morning Mist Village: Located at 601 Glades Road, this area offers a parking lot adjacent to its cluster of artisan shops and eateries.
- The Glades Center: Situated along Glades Road, this center also provides its own parking facilities for visitors.
Additional Tips:
- Plan Your Visit: Most shops open around 10:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM, though hours can vary.
- Use the Trolley: The Gatlinburg Trolley offers routes that include stops in the Arts & Crafts Community, providing a convenient alternative to driving.
- Avoid Peak Times: Weekends and holidays can be particularly busy. Consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience.
The Glades Arts & Crafts Center
The Glades Center is a small stretch off Glades Road with just a handful of shops. While it’s a part of the larger Arts & Crafts Community, this particular area is more of a quick stop than a full destination. Visitors usually park in a small lot and can walk to a few nearby shops and cafes.
Compared to Morning Mist Village, which is much more walkable and packed with artists’ studios and stores, the Glades Center is better for shorter visits. You can stop for a snack, browse a few handcrafted shops, and then continue exploring other parts of the 8-mile loop.
Most shops in this area are open between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, though hours vary seasonally and by owner. Because it’s not very large, you don’t need to carve out a big chunk of your day to explore it.
Featured Shops:
Ownby Handmade Woodcrafts
A small shop focused on handcrafted wood décor and furniture. You’ll find signs, shelving, and custom pieces made with real craftsmanship—not mass-produced.
Cliff Dwellers Gallery
One of the most established stops in the community, this gallery features work from multiple artists. Inside you’ll find pottery, fiber art, paintings, and more—all in one colorful, multi-room space.
Jim Gray Gallery
This gallery showcases original paintings and bronze sculptures by Jim Gray, a well-known regional artist. It’s a good stop for visitors looking for higher-end art with a Smoky Mountain connection.
Ogle’s Broom Shop
You’ll actually see brooms being made here, by hand. These aren’t just for display—they’re functional and meant to last. It’s one of the few places where traditional broom-making is still practiced.
Concrete Statuary Designs
An outdoor display filled with concrete sculptures, from gnomes and fountains to bears, benches, and Bigfoot statues. This shop doesn’t need a fancy setup—it grabs your attention with sheer variety. It’s great for anyone into garden decor or just curious to browse something fun and unexpected.
Duckies Old Time Photos
A fun photo studio where you can dress up and get your photo taken in vintage costumes. It’s a quick stop but makes for a funny souvenir or memory.
Each of these shops contributes to the unique charm of The Glades Arts & Crafts Center, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in authentic, handcrafted goods.
Food and Coffee
Olga’s Yodel Cinnamon Rolls
Known for fresh, soft cinnamon rolls and baked goods. It’s a small but popular stop with big portions and sweet smells wafting from the door.
Hometown Hero Subs
A laid-back sandwich shop serving fresh, made-to-order subs, wraps, and salads. A great stop for a quick, filling meal between exploring local shops.
Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant
A cozy, family-owned spot known for its all-day breakfast, Southern comfort food, and quirky log cabin charm. Perfect for a hearty meal in the middle of your craft trail visit.
Gatlinburg Grind Coffee & Bakery
A casual café with locally roasted coffee, iced drinks, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. Great for grabbing something before or after shopping.
Red Oak Bistro
An intimate bistro offering wine and small plates. It’s a little more upscale compared to other spots in the area and makes a good dinner or date night option.
Morning Mist Village
Located at 601 Glades Road, Morning Mist Village is one of the most walkable and shop-dense sections of the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community. While Glades Center is more spread out and mixed with individual buildings along the road, Morning Mist feels more compact—like a small, tucked-away village where you can park once and spend a couple of hours exploring.
You’ll find over a dozen shops here, plus a couple of local food spots, all centered around a quiet courtyard with trees, seating areas, and a small creek running nearby. It’s an easy place to slow down, browse without feeling rushed, and support local makers. Many shop owners are onsite and open to chatting, whether they’re blowing glass, carving wood, or pouring candles in the back.
Most businesses here open around 10:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM, with restaurants and cafés following similar hours—some closing even earlier on slower weekdays. That means it’s best to plan your visit for the late morning or early afternoon to get the full experience before things start winding down.
Sparky’s Glass Blowing
A captivating studio where visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and browse a selection of intricate glass art pieces.
Gifts by N. Lee
This boutique offers a curated collection of handcrafted gifts, including unique home décor and personalized items.
Misty Mountain
A locally owned shop offering handmade soaps, lotions, and natural skincare products crafted with high-quality ingredients. Located in Morning Mist Village, it’s a must-visit for those seeking artisanal bath and body items in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.
Wire Wonders – Handcrafted Wire Jewelry
Offering an array of intricately designed wire jewelry, this store showcases the artistry involved in creating wearable wire art.
Joe Compton Woodworking
A woodworking studio presenting finely crafted furniture and decorative pieces, emphasizing traditional techniques and quality materials.
The Artsy Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room
A unique tasting room where visitors can sample and purchase a selection of infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
White Buffalo Native American Gifts
This shop provides a collection of Native American-inspired gifts and jewelry, celebrating indigenous art and culture.
Food and Coffee
Morning Mist Café
A cozy café serving a variety of breakfast and lunch options, along with freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Great for a light meal or a quiet break between shops.
Glades Soda Fountain
An old-fashioned soda counter offering milkshakes, floats, sundaes, and classic sodas. It adds a nostalgic touch to the village and is a fun stop for families or anyone craving something sweet.
What to Expect at Morning Mist Village & The Glades Center
Although they’re just a minute apart, Morning Mist Village and The Glades Center each offer a different vibe and mix of shops. You can easily visit both in one trip — but due to narrow roads, small shoulders, and limited walkability, it’s better to drive between the two (even if it’s under a 2-minute drive).
Feature | Morning Mist Village | The Glades Center |
Overall Feel | Compact, walkable plaza with lots of shops | Spread along Glades Road with clusters of stops |
Best For | Couples, slower browsing, art lovers | Families, quick visits, people looking for variety |
Shop Type | Artisan studios, candles, wire jewelry, handmade gifts | Pottery, concrete décor, books, woodcrafts |
Food Options | Morning Mist Café, Love Gavin, Glades Soda Fountain | Olga’s Jojos, Gatlinburg Grind, Red Oak Bistro |
Walkability | Easy to walk within, all shops in one spot | Less walkable — crossing road or driving is common |
Time Needed | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Parking | One central lot | Small lots in front of stores |
When to Go | 10 AM – 3 PM is best for full experience | 10 AM – 4 PM |
Extra Tip | Great for slow browsing, easy to explore on foot | Drive between stops—even if close—due to narrow roads |
Notable Stops Beyond Morning Mist & Glades Center,
1. Alewine Pottery
A third-generation pottery studio known for its functional and decorative pieces, especially their signature leaf collection. Visitors can watch potters at work and browse a wide selection of handcrafted ceramics.
2. Fowler’s Clay Works
This studio offers unique, handcrafted pottery and also provides a “Make Your Own Mug” experience, allowing visitors to create a personalized souvenir. It’s a fun, hands-on activity suitable for all ages.
3. Judy Jones Pottery and Gift Gallery
Judy Jones creates hand-thrown pottery pieces, each individually hand-painted with intricate designs. Her work stands out for its artistic detail and craftsmanship
4. Hills Creek Gallery & Glass Studio
A gallery featuring glass-blown art, including figurines, vases, and paperweights. The studio also showcases photography and other unique gifts, making it a diverse stop for art enthusiasts.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community offers a side of Gatlinburg that most people overlook. While the Parkway gets all the attention, this part of town is where the creativity actually happens. It’s local, it’s personal, and everything you see is made by hand—not shipped in from somewhere else. If you’re looking to support small businesses, find a gift that actually means something, or just want a break from the crowds, this is where to go.
It’s especially great for couples, solo travelers, and even families with older kids who enjoy art, craft-making, or simply walking through quiet, interesting spaces. It’s also a popular spot for repeat visitors who’ve “done” the downtown scene and want something new.
Here are a few quick tips before you go:
- Most shops are open between 10 AM and 5 PM
- There’s free parking at almost every stop, but it’s limited and fills up fast
- Budget-wise, prices vary—some shops have $10–$20 items, others sell higher-end work, but browsing is free
- There’s a trolley stop outside the main Artisan Shop on Glades Road if you don’t want to drive
- Fall is the most scenic and relaxing time to visit, while summer tends to be the most crowded
Whether you stop by just Morning Mist Village or take the time to explore the full 8-mile loop, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community gives you a more meaningful, local experience. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down, ask questions, and maybe even take something special home.
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community offers a side of Gatlinburg that most people overlook. While the Parkway gets all the attention, this part of town is where the creativity actually happens. It’s local, it’s personal, and everything you see is made by hand—not shipped in from somewhere else. If you’re looking to support small businesses, find a gift that actually means something, or just want a break from the crowds, this is where to go.
It’s especially great for couples, solo travelers, and even families with older kids who enjoy art, craft-making, or simply walking through quiet, interesting spaces. It’s also a popular spot for repeat visitors who’ve “done” the downtown scene and want something new.
Here are a few quick tips before you go:
- Most shops are open between 10 AM and 5 PM
- There’s free parking at almost every stop, but it’s limited and fills up fast
- Budget-wise, prices vary—some shops have $10–$20 items, others sell higher-end work, but browsing is free
- There’s a trolley stop outside the main Artisan Shop on Glades Road if you don’t want to drive
- Fall is the most scenic and relaxing time to visit, while summer tends to be the most crowded
Whether you stop by just Morning Mist Village or take the time to explore the full 8-mile loop, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community gives you a more meaningful, local experience. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down, ask questions, and maybe even take something special home.
More Gatlinburg Attractions
Make the most of your Gatlinburg adventure by exploring these nearby attractions:
- Anakeesta: A mountaintop adventure park with stunning views, ziplining, and treetop walks.
- Gatlinburg SkyPark: Walk the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and take in panoramic mountain views.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Dive into an underwater world with interactive exhibits and marine life from around the globe.
- Ober Gatlinburg: Experience year-round fun with skiing, ice skating, and mountain coaster rides.
- The Village Shops: An European-inspired shopping plaza filled with locally owned boutiques, coffee spots, and specialty stores just off the Parkway.
Cabins Near the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Looking to stay close to the heart of Gatlinburg’s local art scene? Whether you’re visiting just for the day or planning your whole trip around the Arts & Crafts Community, these nearby cabins put you minutes away from the loop.
- 4.8
- 5
- 4.85
- 4.9
