Your Curated Arts and Crafts Guide to North Carolina

There’s a story in every made-in-North Carolina treasure, from the wood carvings of the Blue Ridge to the knit koozies of Wilmington. Meet the artists, purchase a unique souvenir and try your hand at some crafts of your own.

One-of-a-Kind Finds

1 Pick Up an Instrument

1 Pick Up an Instrument

TryonSee on map

Make beautiful music on a custom acoustic guitar or ukulele from Lichty Guitars in Tryon. Most of Jay Lichty’s customers are casual players, though pros (including Bonnie Raitt) play his instruments too. On a related note, The Woodrow Instrument Company in Asheville handcrafts affordable four-string folk instruments that are easy to learn on and travel well.

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2 Hit the Jackpot-ery

2 Hit the Jackpot-ery

SeagroveSee on map

People from around the world descend on Seagrove, known as the Handmade Pottery Capital of the US. More than 100 potters have set up shop within a 20-mile radius. It’s perfect for a driving pottery crawl. From one shop to the next, see the latest designs and techniques.

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3 Bring Home North Carolina Style

3 Bring Home North Carolina Style

WilmingtonSee on map

Visit Blue Moon Gift Shop in Wilmington for jewelry made with Topsail Island sea glass, or a Freaker – a knit koozie with funky patterns. It’s a signature Wilmington brand.

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Hands-On Hobbies

4 See Cream-of-the-Crop Crafts

4 See Cream-of-the-Crop Crafts

AshevilleSee on map

Shop for artisan items and watch live demos of woodcarving, basketry and pottery at the Southern Highland Craft Guild in the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. The guild features a gift shop of locally made arts and crafts. Or browse the Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery in Crossnore for works of artists and crafters who support the Crossnore School & Children’s Home for children in need.

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5 Get Schooled Sociably

5 Get Schooled Sociably

BrasstownSee on map

Learn to make chocolate, carve wood or be a blacksmith at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. The creative community draws people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue a new skill or hobby. Get hands-on with beekeeping or just walk the woodsy campus.

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6 All Day in an Arts District

6 All Day in an Arts District

AshevilleSee on map

The roughly 2 square miles that make up the River Arts District in Asheville is buzzing with galleries, studios, restaurants, breweries and more – many of which are surrounded by bright walls and public art. Check the calendar before you go; studio strolls are a common event.

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Ready for some DIY vacation planning? Craft your next getaway using The Official 2024 North Carolina Travel Guide.