Don’t wait too long to plan for the Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. It starts October 6th and it’s almost here. Fortunately, it runs through October 23rd, but get in on the fun early and find the things you like best. Look for the center at traffic light #8, downtown.
Good luck making choices; there are mass quantities of quality items here in a large range of artistic mediums. This is the 41st annual Fall Fair, and more than 180 crafts people will be showing their unique and beautiful wares. Traditional and new-style crafts are waiting to grace the spaces in your home and lawn, and they will add interesting touches in any room or outdoor spot.
Admission is $7 per person and free for kids 12 years and under. Sunday hours are 10AM-5PM, and all other days are 10AM-6PM. Free live music is on-stage at noon, 2PM and 4PM daily, so bring the lovers of country and bluegrass tunes and enjoy the Ramblin’ Rose Trio as well as Dennis Lee, among others.
Here’s some more good news: artists must be present at this fair. They can answer questions and provide relevant information about the object you’re considering, or not; it’s up to you. All items have been juried and cleared for presentation, so there are some very talented artisans at this fair.
Just a few examples of available crafts include:
- Pottery of all colors and shapes
- Art
- Woven, knitted and crocheted items
- Jewelry
- Blown glass pieces
- Woodworking products (mantles, birdhouses, art, religious icons, ornaments, boxes,
baskets, pens, plaques) - Knives
- Leather (belts, jewelry, guitar straps, wallets, handbags, knife sheathes, holsters)
- Metal sculpture
- Silk painted items
- Candles (traditional and soy)
- Stone crafts
- Soaps
- Brooms and hiking sticks
Some products are practical and useful for the home, and some are sheer whimsy. There are in-between types of crafts as well, but all are designed and made by artisans. This fair provides a good chance to start your Christmas shopping, and there are some outstanding gifts here. You can’t always find unique, well-made crafts, so take a look at the ones in Gatlinburg.
This isn’t just any fair in any town. Gatlinburg is a mecca of entertainment and activity. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and snow-skiing are available at various times throughout the year, and there are a host of places to stay. Hotels, B&Bs, inns, lodges, campgrounds, RV parks, cabins, chalets and condos are in and around Gatlinburg and ready to rent.
Distilleries, breweries and wineries offer yet another area of interest for friends and loved ones who do not love to shop. The kids, of all ages, will like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Sharks, 12 feet long, in the underwater tunnel are mesmerizing. Penguins are adorable, and the giant sea turtles are amazing. See exotic sea creatures right here in Tennessee at the aquarium and watch feedings.
It’s more than a crafts fair. It’s a family vacation. Or, it’s a girls’ weekend. You decide.