Find the perfect present on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails! Whether it’s a holiday gift for a loved one, a group of friends, or yourself, you’ll find artists on the Craft Trails welcoming folks into their studios and galleries. It’s a great way to get creative and keep the tradition of craft in the North Carolina mountains and foothills alive. Plus, you’ll take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir and unforgettable memories.
Brey Quality Crafts in Boomer, NC
Visitors to Brey Quality Crafts can tour craft artisan Betsy Brey’s basketweaving and soapmaking studio and meander the beautiful 25 acres on which she lives. Betsy leads two-hour handmade “cold process” soap making classes with all the equipment and materials provided. You’ll leave with luxurious soap for yourself or as a gift to give. Plus, this sweet community is close to Wilkesboro which offers a variety of outdoor activities to go along with a rich heritage including the origins of NASCAR, the Tom Dooley legend and ballad, and the country’s biggest Americana music festival, MerleFest.
John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC
The Folk School, located in the beautiful Far West region of North Carolina, offers weekend or week-long classes in traditional and present-day arts and crafts, cooking, gardening and nature studies. There’s also a generous helping of song, dance and wonderful food for guests.
North Carolina Glass Center in Asheville, NC
The fire never goes out at Asheville’s North Carolina Glass Center where visitors can observe artists working in glass seven days a week, take a short class, or shop in the Center’s gallery. The NC Glass Center is a non-profit public access glass studio in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District surrounded by studios and restaurants.
Waxon Batik & Dye Studio in Asheville, NC
Make yourself at home in this open textile studio in colorful West Asheville. At this unique spot, you can both buy and make hand-dyed items. WAXON offers dyeing parties, private lessons, workshops, and classes for all ages.