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Drive out Highway 321 North out of Gatlinburg for around
3 miles
(from traffic light #3) and you will start seeing a
clustering of small shops and
working studios that signal the beginning of the Arts
and Crafts community.
Turn left just past the Battles Shopping Center
and you will begin an 8 mile trip
through one of the "hidden treasures" of the Gatlinburg
area.
Nestled along Glades, Buckhorn and several adjacent
roads are artists, potters, woodworkers, photographers and candle makers. Sprinkled amidst the studios are restaurants
and gift shops. It would take me an entire web site to give you details of all the unique places to browse along
this road so I am just going to touch on a few of my favorites but you can get more information at www,artsandcraftscommunity.com.
The Glades Center
About 2 miles after turning off Highway 321,
you will come across a grouping of shops and restaurants. To the right is The Glades Center and just across the
street is Morning Mist Galleries. Park in either of the lots here and take a walk.
In the Glades Center, you will find the GlassBlowers
Studio, Celtic Heritage, Mountain Visions Gallery and the fermata' Cafe among your shopping and dining choices.
Be sure to take the time to visit with the artists and
crafts people. They are all very willing to talk with you about the area and their craft. If you go
to the GlassBlowers Studio, you will see Jack Hess creating amazing works of art right before your eyes.
If you love the outdoors, be sure to step into the Mountain Visions Gallery.
Steve Shoemaker and his wife Terri are the owners of this shop which carries a complete line of wildlife and outdoor inspired
items along with Steve's extensive choices of photography. Steve is a nationally recognized nature photographer
and his love of wildlife and the great outdoors shines through in his work. If you need to ask about a great hike
or place to "get away", Steve is definitely the man to ask.
If you have worked up an appetite from all of your shopping and talking, be sure
to go around the corner to the fermata' Cafe. This wonderful restraurant is housed in an old log home that was
moved to it's current site. They feature great sandwiches and speciality drinks along with a selection of books
by southern authors and art created by local craftspeople. With a beautiful covered porch and patio, come just
to kick back, visit and relax a while.
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| Glades Soda Fountain |
Morning Mist Galleries
Just across the road from the Glades Center is Morning Mist Galleries.
I believe there are around 27 shops here altogether. There are candle shops, wood items, artists and restaurants.
My absolute favorite place is "The Glades Soda Fountain". This
small soda fountain features "hand dipped" ice cream delights of all descriptions. If you ask for a banana split, just
make sure you are very, very hungry or plan to share. All of their drinks are mixed using the syrups and carbonated
water right before your eyes. Old fashioned milk shakes and malts also take up a place on the menu.
Oh yeah, you can also get a sandwich, hot dog or pretzel. Take your food and sit on the porch by the stream and
just plan on taking a walk to work off the calories.
Alewine Pottery
Ready to walk off that ice cream? Take a short walk
through the Morning Mist Gallery shops and come out a little further down Glades Road. The next group of shops has the
business of one of my favorite craftsman, Alewine Pottery.
Robert Alewine has been creating original works out of clay for
over 20 years in Gatlinburg. His creations are just as unique as his personality. He loves to talk
so plan on visiting for a while.
From practical items such as coffee mugs and soap decanters to decorative
platters and lamps, Alewine Pottery makes a great souvenir of your visit to the Smoky Mountains. For more information
on Alewine Pottery go to www.alewinepottery.com
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