Crafting experiences can be an immensely enjoyable and enriching addition to your vacation for a multitude of reasons.
These creative pursuits offer travelers a unique way to connect with their destination, tap into their artistic side, and create lasting memories.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete novice, consider embracing the world of crafting as an exciting and fulfilling aspect of your next vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Take a look at our Top Tenn list and tell us what you think!
(Before stopping by each place, we recommend calling ahead or visiting the website for up-to-date information.)
170 Glades Road, Suite 32 Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-441-9427
Painting Around is an Arts and Craft studio for all ages.
This studio gives crafters the opportunity to splatter, pour, decorate or paint a canvas any way you want.
You can also check out their blacklight splatter room, paint rocks, or create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
On October 28th, 2023 between 10am - 7pm, you're invite to stop by and Carve, Paint & Craft your own pumpkin! (Call for more details.)
601 Glades Rd., Suites 17 & 18, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-412-1008
For more than 20 years, Black Bear Crafts has poured, cleaned, fired and painted each piece by hand…one at a time.
From original ceramics, wreaths and wood crafts — they are all created at their studio in Gatlinburg.
They are proud to create something their customers want to take home.
At Black Bear Crafts, you have the chance to participate in their Create Your Own Class, where you can either select from their array of designs or let your creativity run wild with a self-painted masterpiece.
Call for more information about painting your own.
830 Moyers Dr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-206-6083
Glass artist Nancy Huff creates one-of-a-kind home decor and jewelry using a variety of fusing techniques.
If you’re looking for an indoor activity that’s great for both kids and adults, this is your chance to make fused glass art.
A rainy day in the mountains won’t be quite so disappointing when you’re the proud owner of a homemade souvenir.
This engrossing craft can be anything you make it.
Tiles can be abstract and modern, or straightforward and scenic.
From colorful balloons to deconstructed sailboats, give yourself an outlet of expression that can take the heat.
Call for more information about creating your own.
1402 E. Parkway, Suite 10, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-412-1003
Fowler’s Clay Works is a family-owned Smoky Mountain pottery shop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Mike Fowler, his wife Cheryl, and their daughter Ava have been welcoming visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains since 2015.
Dip your toe in the mud with their Make a Pot Experience—the perfect pottery class for beginners!
You’ll be shown shown how to make your own small bowl or vase by hand.
You then get to make your pottery piece your own by personalizing its height, shape, and surface, and you’ll then choose a final glaze color to finish it off.
From start to finish, the Make a Pot Experience typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
170 Glades Rd, Suite 3 Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-2363
A. Jann Peitso, Art is a small gallery-filled with colorful watercolors in the historic arts & crafts community of Gatlinburg.
How about creating some artwork yourself?
Sign up for one of Jann's workshops to learn some of her techniques in watercolor or ink.
Her teaching experience encompasses more than 50 years of showcasing her impressionistic way of viewing the natural world.
You schedule the day and time for your workshop that works best for you, whether you're visiting Gatlinburg or are a local!
You'll spend 2 1/2 relaxing hours, diving into watercolor painting or the world of ink.
Then, you will take home an original, either an 8 x 10 double-matted painting or a project on a surface other than paper, as a remembrance of your time in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
540 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-3988
Smokies' Edge features a demonstrating craftsman that has been in the same location for 37 years.
Here you can select hand-tooled leather belts, bags and billfolds.
Native hardwood items are lathe-turned on site.
Also flint knapping, tools for knapping and classes – you can even learn to chip arrowheads!
668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-6921
"Discover the Magic of Marbling" – beautiful colors & intricate patterns captured on paper, silk, leather journals.
Check her website to view upcoming classes or events.
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-5860
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a community of individuals who seek meaningful arts and crafts experiences.
The community includes people of all skill levels, ages and backgrounds.
It includes makers, aspiring makers, skilled artists and craftspeople, appreciators of arts and crafts, and any individual who wants to be part of a dynamic and welcoming community.
Arrowmont’s workshops are designed to provide creative opportunities for anyone who wants to learn new skills and be energized and inspired.
Weekend, one-week and two-week sessions offer a concentrated experience of working in a professionally equipped studio with dedicated and talented instructors and other students.
Students of varied experience levels, ages, and backgrounds work side-by-side, exchanging ideas and techniques.
2005 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-366-6829
Add the Smoky Mountain School of Cooking and Appalachian Store to your next vacation plans!
Located in at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they are a convenient stop for souvenirs, gifts, homemade treats, and more.
Make your getaway trip special by learning a little traditional cooking.
They offer live demonstration classes where attendees get to watch, learn, and enjoy a delightful meal.
Guests can sit back and relax as the team prepares an authentic Appalachian-inspired feast.
Attendees not only take home wonderful memories but also receive recipes to experiment with in their own kitchens.
Their homestyle kitchen is well-equipped, creating a conducive learning environment.
Instructors skillfully incorporate culinary techniques to simplify cooking and reduce stress. The main ingredient in their classes is always fun!
For over 23 years Smoky Mountain Spinnery has been creating a center for fiber arts in the mountains of East Tennessee.
From spinning, weaving and rug hooking to knitting, crocheting, felting and dyeing they have the equipment and supplies you need for your creative endeavors.
If you would like to learn to spin, weave, rug hook, knit crochet, felt or dye their instructors are dedicated to sharing their love of fiber arts with you.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or wanting to improve your skills, they can tailor a class for you.