On the edge of Southeastern North Carolina is Graham County—a haven of natural beauty featuring the Great Smoky Mountains, abundant forests filled with old-growth virgin trees, and welcoming communities tucked within the valleys. This area boasts a lively arts and crafts scene that awaits exploration. Discover the charms of Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Dam, and Stecoah by following our Blue Ridge Craft Trails.

Stecoah Drive-About Tour

The best way to immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic community of Graham County is to begin with the Stecoah Drive-About Tour. Held bi-annually in June and November, the two-day tour is a special time when local artisans welcome guests into their studios and galleries for a first-hand look at the creative process.

Traditionally the first stop on the Stecoah Drive-About Tour, the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is an artistic haven and a creative hub for the community. Housed in a renovated historic schoolhouse, the Stecoah Valley Center hosts year-round classes, a gallery filled with works by regional artists, a fully restored amphitheater-style auditorium, and a food venture culinary co-op.

Just outside of Robbinsville, Billy Welch carries on the tradition of sacred Cherokee art at his studio, Hunting Boy Wood Carving. Nestled in the Snowbird community within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Billy’s space includes a working studio and gift shop where visitors enjoy a first-hand look at the process of carving clan and booger masks. Other Cherokee crafts, such as pottery, reed flutes, and beadwork, are also available.

Wehrloom Honey may be the sweetest spot in the area thanks to their locally harvested honey and craft meads and sodas. Owned and operated by husband and wife Aron and Jessica Wehr, their beverage and honey business features a lovely gift shop filled with local honey and honey-infused skincare, candles, and teas. There is also a small taproom featuring over a dozen crafted meads.

Nestled amongst the winding mountain roads, Marie’s Lavender Farm is a calming oasis that welcomes visitors daily, April through October. The three-acre flower farm features you-cut fields planted with seven varieties of lavender and a gift shop that showcases the calming powers of lavender with oils, soaps, candles, custom neck wraps, pillows, and more.

Sharla Kaufman Pottery is an ode to the talents of local potters. Her studio features her signature hand-built ceramics, whose organic forms and slip decorations are inspired by the region’s beauty. Her studio, Silverbell Studios, is surrounded by a wildflower garden and features the work of a couple of artists. While the studio has regular hours during tourist season, it’s best to call ahead, especially during the off-season.

After a career as a dedicated art professor, Randy Wood and his wife, Sandy, opened The Shed Gallery in Robbinsville. Open on Saturdays in good weather, their hometown gallery showcases both their work and the work of friends and family. It demonstrates their love of all things beautiful with their collection of pottery, Native American artifacts, and folk art. Randy paints daily on a myriad of objects and mixed media pieces, including his outdoor ‘guardians’ and totems.

Junk ’n’ Style, an inviting wood-shingle shake cabin, is a fun pit stop along Fontana Road. Filled with pieces from local artisans, handmade bark trays, home furnishings, retro signs, and unique finds, the locally-owned roadside shop is a favorite among visitors and locals alike – Americana at its best!

The unique history of the Snowbird Community comes alive through the vibrant artwork of the Snowbird Cherokee Matriarchs Mural on Main Street in Robbinsville. This mural, designed and painted by the local community members and artists, is a part of the Appalachian Mural Trail. The piece highlights eleven women from the Snowbird Community and celebrates the community’s rich artistic history. Hear the stories of the Snowbird Community women in Cherokee and English at Cherokee Speaks.

Exploring Nature: Nantahala National Forest

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, image by Mark Nortona

Lush, wild, and untamed, the Nantahala National Forest encompasses over 528,000 acres of protected forests and high mountain wilderness. Beautiful in every season, this unique natural treasure can be enjoyed with a scenic drive through the Cherohala Skyway and other nearby roads. Those searching for adventure can hike, bike, camp, fish, swim, kayak, or raft to their heart’s content.

Areas to Explore

Scenic Roadways

Mark Your Calendar: Seasonal Events

Fading Voices Demonstration Day, held in late May: Ancient Cherokee traditions come alive at this annual event that features the Snowbird Cherokee language and culture through handmade crafts, pottery, and beadwork. There are so many things to experience, including tribal foods, games (including traditional stickball), participatory dance, and Cherokee hymn singing.

Flame Azalea Festival, held in early June: This weekend celebration includes family-friendly activities, craft demonstrations, live music, and local food. The celebration honors the native flame azalea, which boasts brilliant blooms over three inches wide in scarlet, amber, and lemon-yellow hues.

An Appalachian Evening, every Saturday night from the last weekend of June through the last weekend of August: A local tradition for over 25 years, this event celebrates the roots and culture of traditional Appalachian music with an array of talented and famed musicians.

Amy Smoker Memorial Gospel Singing, held mid-July: Honoring the legacy of the last monolingual Cherokee language-speaking member of the Snowbird Community in Graham County, this one-day event features gospel singers from the region for a special evening of music.

Dragon Hill Climb, held late July: This adrenaline-packed time-trial road race rewards drivers for the fastest time up Maple Spring Gap Rd through the Nantahala National Forest. Come to race or come to watch – and don’t miss seeing the King and Queen of the Hill receive their trophy swords!

Friday Night Music on the Square, every Friday night in the summer: This family-friendly event brings live, local music to the heart of downtown Robbinsville for an evening of dance and toe-tapping melodies.

Mountain Homecoming, mid-August: Scenic Fontana Village Resort & Marina is the home base for a three-day worship event that includes preaching and live gospel music.

Stecoah Valley Harvest Festival, every third weekend in October for nearly 30 years: Celebrate the best of Appalachia at this family-friendly event that includes traditional dance, music, arts, crafts, and food.

Local Flavors: Dining

From cozy coffee shops and warm bakeries to farm-to-table dining that features treasured recipes, Graham County has an abundance of locally owned eateries and restaurants.