Twice a year, artist Ann Hord-Heatherly harvests the thick fleece from the Angora goats on her farm in North Carolina, Out in Jupiter. She’ll then wash, card, and spin the mohair fleece by hand, saving the softest, most lustrous locks for the hair of her exquisite clay and cloth dolls. Dyed with botanicals from Jupiter Farm, the mohair on Ann’s dolls evokes the craftsmanship of the pre-Industrial Revolution era, when dolls were hand-sewn with goat hair wigs.
Sculptural in form and collectible over generations, these dolls reflect Ann’s interest in the private lives of 20th-century women, whose contributions to family and community have endured in the Blue Ridge Mountains through the centuries. “We have our secrets,” assures Ann, revealing her place in a long line of Southern Appalachian women dedicated to preserving the region’s cultural heritage through traditional crafts.
Stories (and secrets) like Ann’s draw millions of visitors to Western North Carolina each year. The region’s reputation as a mecca for crafts, originally born out of isolation and necessity, blossomed at the turn of the 20th century when a group of philanthropic women established artisan-focused educational opportunities, leading to a booming craft industry that continues to prosper. Now, a new generation of women at the nonprofit Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is working to keep those traditions and that industry alive and thriving.
The Blue Ridge Craft Trails
Under the leadership of Executive Director Angie Chandler, the nonprofit has created the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, an online guide featuring more than 300 artist studios, schools, galleries, and museums throughout Western North Carolina. The trails are divided into four distinct regions spanning 25 counties, extending from the rural westernmost corner of the state, eastward to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and north into the region's high country. At the center is Asheville, and just outside nearby Weaverville, Ann Hord-Heatherly’s farm, where visitors can see her dolls, the materials used to make them, and, of course, the goats.
“There is such a wide variety of quality work and artists to be found on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, from young artists just opening their first studio to celebrated veterans in the craft field,” says Blue Ridge Craft Trails Coordinator Robin Johnston. “Every artist has a fascinating story. Experiencing where they work, hearing about their lives and what inspires them, seeing the raw materials and how things are made, will resonate with each visitor and may even light a spark for future makers. They have the opportunity to learn about an artist and take a little piece of that story with them in the coffee mug or pair of earrings they purchase. Visitors can fully appreciate the value and uniqueness of a handmade object while directly supporting local craft artists."
The Craft Trails were created to promote cultural tourism and support economic sustainability. Regional tourism is now more crucial than ever in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has devastated the arts industry throughout Western North Carolina. Before planning your trip, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area recommends that travelers contact each destination on their itinerary to check for any warnings or closures related to Hurricane Helene. Here are the organization’s recommendations for getting started.
Far West
Our road trip starts in the westernmost corner of the region, home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, a protected wilderness spanning over 528,000 acres. Come for the hiking and fishing; stay for the spectacular views and abundance of traditional crafts.
Cherokee: A Vibrant Native Culture Preserved and Celebrated
The Cherokee people lived in what is now Western North Carolina for thousands of years before European colonization. Most of the population was forcibly relocated to Oklahoma in the 1830s during the Trail of Tears, but the Eastern Band of Cherokees still resides in the town of Cherokee, about 50 miles west of Asheville.
Start at the Museum of the Cherokee People, a state-of-the-art facility that immerses visitors in Cherokee history and culture. From there, step back in time to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an authentic 18th-century living history site where you can experience the daily life of the Cherokee people. Next, visit the Qualla Arts & Crafts Museum to learn about traditional Cherokee craftmaking and the community's artistic heritage. Finally, cap off your evening with a performance of Unto These Hills, an outdoor drama that traces the Cherokee story through the centuries, culminating in the present day.
View the Cherokee itinerary here.
Waynesville: Mountains of Music and Creativity
Head east from Cherokee to reach Waynesville, the largest city west of Asheville and the county seat of Haywood County. The quaint town boasts a downtown lined with trees, galleries, and historic buildings, where visitors can walk the Waynesville Public Art Trail (pictured), a self-guided tour of outdoor art celebrating the cultural heritage and natural wonders of the Southern Appalachians.
While downtown, be sure to swing by the Haywood Arts Council & Gallery, where you can appreciate the work of local artists and learn about regional programs like the Quilt Trails of Western NC. From there, make your way to the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, housed in the historic Shelton House. This museum features a variety of handmade items such as pottery, baskets, and beading from Cherokee artists, as well as historical furniture from around the state.
View the Waynesville itinerary here.
Central Mountains
The Central Mountains region is the most populous and urban of the four areas. It includes Asheville in Buncombe County, along with Madison, McDowell, Yancey, and Mitchell counties. Mitchell County is home to the renowned Penland School of Crafts, an institution celebrated for its focus on the arts and crafts.
Black Mountain: A Small Town With Deep Artistic Roots
Named after the Black Mountain range to the north, the eponymous town is renowned as an artistic enclave, largely due to the legacy of Black Mountain College, an experimental art institution that gained prominence before closing its doors in 1957. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts, a historic landmark that once served as the town’s courthouse and jail, is an ideal starting point for visitors drawn to the town’s vibrant arts scene. Open year-round, the center offers an array of classes and workshops, as well as public exhibits, concerts, festivals, and more. A highlight of its annual calendar is the beloved fundraiser, Art in Bloom, now celebrating its 19th year.
One of the many success stories emerging from the center is that of Sarah Sunshine Pottery. Born from a successful pottery class at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, Sarah Vekasi’s cheerful storefront in downtown Black Mountain showcases her functional pottery and signature glazes. Just a short stroll away, Mountain Nest Gallery awaits those looking to dive deeper into the local art scene. This locally owned gallery features the work of over 100 artists from Western North Carolina, showcasing a diverse collection ranging from decorative pottery and original paintings to unique jewelry and blown glass.
View the Black Mountain itinerary here.
Weaverville: A Vibrant Artist Community Just Minutes From Asheville
Weaverville, located just 15 minutes from Asheville, combines small-town charm with easy access to everything Asheville has to offer. A highlight of the local art scene is Miya Gallery, owned by jeweler Mary Timmer, which has been showcasing hand-crafted jewelry and works from over 40 regional artists for over 17 years. Visitors can also enjoy the bi-annual Weaverville Art Safari, a self-guided tour in November and April that allows them to explore private artist studios, watch live demonstrations, and appreciate art across various mediums from over 50 participating artists.
Leaving Weaverville, be sure to visit Ann Hord-Heatherly's farm, located in the serene unincorporated area of Jupiter, just outside town. This working farm, available by appointment, provides a unique opportunity to explore Ann's artistic process and the hyper-local materials she uses to create her exquisite dolls. Make a reservation at Out in Jupiter Farm through the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area to witness Ann's creative process firsthand and deepen your understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
View the Weaverville itinerary here.
High Country
The breathtaking high country of the Blue Ridge Mountains, encompassing Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, and Caldwell counties, captivates visitors with its rugged landscapes, sweeping panoramic views, and celebration of local history.
Boone Area: The Heart of the High Country
Boone, named after pioneer Daniel Boone, is the largest community and economic hub of Western North Carolina's High Country. A must-visit is the Blue Ridge ArtSpace, formerly the Watauga County Arts Council, featuring four galleries and a gift shop with works from over 60 local artists.
Just south of Boone lies Blowing Rock, a charming mountain village known for its namesake land formation and the Southern Highland Craft Guild at Moses Cone Manor. This Gilded Age manor boasts stunning architecture, 25 miles of carriage trails, and showcases works by hundreds of regional artists. Heading north from Boone, visitors can stop in Sugar Grove, home to Capozzoli Guitar Company. Here, luthier Chris Capozzoli crafts handmade guitars and furniture, often using sustainable and reclaimed woods from local barns.
View the Boone Area itinerary here.
Sparta Area: A Craft Experience for All
Sparta, the northernmost town in the High Country, is nestled in Alleghany County and surrounded by picturesque farmland, grazing cattle, and Christmas tree fields. Centrally located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s a perfect spot for hiking at Doughton Park. The downtown area boasts charming mom-and-pop restaurants, local art galleries, and unique shops like Carolina Farm Table, specializing in custom heirloom furniture. Nearby, the Alleghany Arts & Crafts cooperative showcases the work of around 30 members, offering a selection of crafts year-round.
Head southeast from Sparta to reach the charming community of Roaring Gap, named for the wind rushing across the ridge. Here, you’ll find James Garrett’s studio, where he transforms the ancient technique of Venetian plaster into stunning paintings composed of up to 50 layers of color. Continuing southwest from Sparta leads you to Laurel Springs, home to Hughes Glass Studio, where Ronnie Hughes has spent over 30 years crafting lifelike wildflowers from colored glass, using flames that reach up to 3,000 degrees.
View the Sparta Area itinerary here.
Foothills
The Foothills of North Carolina offer a stunning introduction to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where rolling countryside gives way to majestic peaks and foggy valleys. This beautiful region includes Burke, Rutherford, Polk, Henderson, and Transylvania counties.
Polk County: The First Peak of the Blue Ridge
Located just a 45-minute drive south of Asheville and an hour and a half west of Charlotte, Polk County is affectionately known as "horse country” due to its wealth of trails, facilities, and events catering to various riding disciplines. Named after Revolutionary War Colonel William Polk, this picturesque county includes small towns such as Columbus, Tryon, and Saluda, each with its own distinct character.
Tryon is home to the Tryon Fine Arts Center, which provides a venue for local performing and visual arts, hosting exhibitions and classes for the community. Additionally, the Tryon Arts & Crafts School, established as part of a grassroots artist movement, offers hands-on workshops and showcases traditional and contemporary crafts. Notably, Tryon is also the birthplace of Nina Simone, the “High Priestess of Soul.”
Head north from Tryon to Columbus, the county seat of Polk County. At Doug Dacey’s Dacey Porcelains, you can find unique bowls and vases crafted on his rustic farm. Visit Kudzu Patch Productions for handcrafted mountain dulcimers by Ben Seymour, and don’t miss BJ Precourt’s whimsical folk carvings made from reclaimed wood.
Driving west from Columbus, you'll find Saluda, a charming Blue Ridge mountain town known for its historic main street perched atop the steep Saluda Grade, once the steepest main line railway in the U.S. until its closure in 2001. Founded in 1881, Saluda retains much of its quaint charm with antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town comes alive each spring during the Saluda Arts Festival, featuring over 95 artists showcasing diverse art mediums, celebrating the town’s vibrant culture and history.
View the Polk County itinerary here.
Rutherford County: Find Beauty in the Foothills of North Carolina
Nestled in the eastern foothills of North Carolina, Rutherford County is a hidden gem just an hour from Asheville, Charlotte, and Greenville, featuring scenic roads, charming towns with walkable main streets, and vibrant artist communities.
Rutherford County, the county seat of Rutherfordton, is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, rich in history with the first U.S. Post Office and school in the region. Visitors can explore the creative community at the Rutherford Visual Arts Center, home to the Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild, which offers classes and a retail shop featuring local art. Additionally, the charming craftsmanship of Jordan and Rachel Jackson's Night Owl Iron Works & Leathercraft, along with Richard Beard's handmade instruments at Beard Instruments, showcase the area’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Other noteworthy stops include nearby Spindale, Forest City, and Chimney Rock, named for its 315-foot granite formation in Chimney Rock State Park. After being closed for eight months due to Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock State Park has recently reopened, but in light of ongoing recovery efforts, admission is currently only available by reservation. All guests, including Annual Passholders, must make advance reservations online; please be aware that capacity will be temporarily limited. We encourage all visitors to plan ahead by contacting these organizations and planning your trip with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails tool.
View the Rutherford County itinerary here.
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All images published with permission of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Featured photo: Tryon Fine Arts Center, Polk County.
