Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The largest group of independent artisans in North America. This historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans whittle, paint, sew, cast, weave and carve to create original collectibles such as candles, baskets, quilts, brooms, pottery, jewelry, dolls, ceramics, scrimshaw, silver smithing, leather, stained glass, wearable fashions, fine photography, frameable art, oils and watercolors, also lodging, restaurants, cafés, tea room, soda fountain and candy shops. Most shops are open year round, seven days a week.

Sometime around 1937, The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, known as the Glades, got its start. John Cowden and several other craftsmen decided they'd stay home and invite the tourists to come out to see them. After years of working the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, with long hours and worn out feet, John and his friends tried something radical and just stayed home. They wanted to be near the source where their tools and supplies were, they just wanted to stay home and work... and that's just what they did. As the visitors started coming, other craftsmen and artists joined in. Opening workshops, studios, and galleries most of them right alongside their homes or even inside them.

For seventy years now people have been discovering one of Gatlinburg's best kept secrets, located just 3 miles from the hustle and bustle of the downtown city limits of Gatlinburg. See for yourself, come visit the largest group of independent artists and craftsmen in America right here in Gatlinburg. With over 120 artists and craftsmen located in a convenient 8 mile loop road all with easy free parking right outside their doors. This historic arts and crafts area has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.

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