Folk Art Center
Discover authentic Southern Appalachian crafts at this historic center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, home to the oldest craft guild in the US.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Folk Art Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover authentic Southern Appalachian crafts at this historic center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, home to the oldest craft guild in the US.
"Truly in love with this place. I love all the art and unique items."
Check Parkway Status
Road closures can happen. Verify Blue Ridge Parkway access before you go! :road:
Budget for Souvenirs
Unique, handmade items can be pricey but support local artists. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Southern Appalachian Crafts
Galleries
Discover unique, handcrafted items from talented local artisans. A true celebration of regional artistry.
Historic Craft Guild
Folk Art Center
Home to the oldest craft guild in the country, preserving centuries of tradition.
Library and Bookstore
Folk Art Center
Explore a rich collection of resources on world crafts and local artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Blue Ridge Parkway Access
Supporting Local Artisans
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Parkway Status
Road closures can happen. Verify Blue Ridge Parkway access before you go! :road:
Budget for Souvenirs
Unique, handmade items can be pricey but support local artists. :moneybag:
Family-Friendly Shopping
Lots of breakables. Keep a close eye on little ones. :child:
Support Local Artisans
Every purchase directly benefits talented craftspeople. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Parkway Status
Road closures can happen. Verify Blue Ridge Parkway access before you go! :road:
Budget for Souvenirs
Unique, handmade items can be pricey but support local artists. :moneybag:
Family-Friendly Shopping
Lots of breakables. Keep a close eye on little ones. :child:
Support Local Artisans
Every purchase directly benefits talented craftspeople. :heart:
Educational Exhibits
Learn about Southern Appalachian culture and craft traditions. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Folk Art Center for its beautiful and authentic Southern Appalachian crafts, highlighting the quality and uniqueness of the items. Many appreciate the opportunity to support local artisans and the Blue Ridge Parkway. While some find the prices high, the overall experience is described as lovely, educational, and inspiring, with friendly staff enhancing the visit.
"Lovely time to come visit the Folk Art Center. We visited last winter when NC had been severely damaged from the Hurricane Helene and it is wonderful seeing all of the beautiful crafts on display in the center and seeing the artists who made them. So happy to be able to support local artists and to support the reconstruction of the Blueridge parkway. Thank you for all you do!"
Juliet Collier
"I am truly in love with this place. I love all the art and unique items. If you have an appreciation for art, whimsy things, craft, or just history. Definitely come. The upstairs was so lovely. I LOVE the wood carved birds. I recommend getting one, the gentlemen is also so kind and hardworking. I would definitely say, everything is so expensive, but everything’s so nice to look at. The blue Shaw, I will come back for it ONE DAY, I’ve never been so in love. The place was great, the staff was so sweet and friendly. The information was great. The lady at the information desk also, wonderful I adore her. I just so recommend this place."
Angela Ortega
"If you're in the area and you need something to do this would be a great place to stop and explore lots of different exhibits on the folk art of the Blue Ridge Parkway lots of things to look and the way it was set up was planned out well they have a visitor center gift shop and a Folk Art Center gift shop you'll definitely find something interesting here"
Lewis Kimmel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville, NC. Access is generally straightforward, but always check the Blue Ridge Parkway's official website for current road conditions and closures, especially after severe weather like Hurricane Helene, which caused recent repairs. 
Yes, recent landslide repairs have reopened the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Folk Art Center to Mount Mitchell State Park.
Absolutely! The Folk Art Center is easily accessible from Asheville via the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a scenic drive, and the center is a popular stop for visitors exploring the Parkway.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Folk Art Center, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The closest major town is Asheville, North Carolina. The center is also a gateway to Mount Mitchell State Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Folk Art Center is free. You can explore the galleries, library, and gift shops without purchasing a ticket.
The Folk Art Center is typically open daily from April through October, with hours usually from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially outside of peak season.
There is no admission fee to enter the Folk Art Center itself. It's a free attraction for visitors to enjoy the exhibits and browse the shops.
While general entry is free, some special events or workshops might require tickets. Information on these events is usually available on their website or at the center.
The Blue Ridge Parkway itself does not have an entrance fee. However, some individual parks or facilities along the Parkway may have separate fees or require reservations.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The Folk Art Center features two gift shops: one for the Blue Ridge Parkway and the main Folk Art Center shop. You'll find a wide variety of authentic Southern Appalachian crafts, including pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewelry, and more, made by local artisans.
Prices can vary, with some items being quite expensive due to their handmade nature and the skill involved. However, there's a range of prices, and many visitors find unique treasures to cherish.
The Folk Art Center does not have a full-service restaurant. It's recommended to plan for dining in nearby Asheville or packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the Parkway's overlooks.
Yes, the Folk Art Center is an excellent place to find unique, locally made souvenirs that are not mass-produced. Many visitors highlight the authenticity of the crafts.
While the center itself doesn't offer dining, there are picnic areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Asheville offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The Folk Art Center itself, with its rustic architecture, is picturesque. The surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning mountain vistas, especially from overlooks near the center. Capturing the intricate details of the crafts inside is also a must.
Generally, photography of the crafts for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially for items on loan or in special exhibits.
Yes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its scenic overlooks. Areas like Craggy Gardens, accessible from the Parkway near the Folk Art Center, offer breathtaking mountain views perfect for landscape photography.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The Parkway overlooks are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.
A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the crafts inside and the wider landscapes outside. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of the intricate craftwork.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds. The scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to reach the center also provides opportunities for stops at overlooks, making the journey part of the adventure. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited at the center itself.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the unique, handmade crafts can be pricey, browsing is free and highly enjoyable. Look for smaller items or postcards if you want a memento without breaking the bank. The library and bookstore also offer free access to information and inspiration. Remember to factor in the cost of gas for your drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which itself is free to access.
🎁 Gift Shoppers
From intricate pottery and textiles to woodwork and jewelry, there's something for everyone. While some pieces are investment-level, many visitors find beautiful and affordable options. The Blue Ridge Parkway gift shop also offers some charming, less expensive items.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Southern Highland Craft Guild
Inside the Folk Art Center, you'll find the Guild's oldest craft shop in the US, showcasing a diverse array of handmade items. This includes pottery, textiles, woodworking, metalwork, jewelry, and more, all created by Guild members. The center also houses a library focused on world crafts and a bookstore, offering a deeper dive into the history and techniques of folk art.
Visitors often express admiration for the quality and authenticity of the crafts available. While some items can be a significant investment, many appreciate that their purchases directly support the livelihoods of talented local artisans and contribute to the continuation of these cherished traditions.
Navigating the Blue Ridge Parkway
Recent events, such as Hurricane Helene, have highlighted the importance of checking Parkway status. Landslide repairs have been completed, reopening key sections, including the stretch between the Folk Art Center and Mount Mitchell State Park. This ensures visitors can once again enjoy popular areas like Craggy Gardens.
+1When planning your visit, it's essential to be aware of potential road closures, especially during inclement weather or off-season. The National Park Service works to maintain the Parkway, but conditions can change. Always consult the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for the latest updates on road status and any advisories before you set out.
A Haven for Art Lovers and History Buffs
Visitors consistently praise the center for its unique and whimsical items, with many finding themselves captivated by specific pieces, like the intricately carved wooden birds. The upstairs galleries are often highlighted as particularly lovely. The staff are frequently described as sweet, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
For those with an appreciation for art, craft, history, or simply beautiful handmade objects, the Folk Art Center offers a rewarding experience. It's a place where you can discover pieces that tell a story and connect with the enduring spirit of Appalachian artistry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit