Road Trips — By Apryl Chapman Thomas on November 4, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Filed under: Events, featuredarticle, things to do in the South

‘Tis the Season for Arts and Crafts Festivals in the South

Perhaps it’s just that time of the year, but it seems that during the November throughout the South, a weekend doesn’t go by without an arts and crafts festival. This weekend, you’ll find the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival in Pensacola, Fla., and Christmas Made in the South in Macon, Ga., among others.

Many, many others.

Of course, if you are a lover of arts or just enjoy walking around the festivals, having all of these choices is a good thing.

So, grab your calendar and get ready to block off some dates for arts and crafts festivals around the region. You just never know what gem(s) you might discover or walk away with.

Here are a few, along with the two mentioned above, worth considering.

This Saturday is the Western North Carolina Pottery Festival in Dillsboro. In its fifth year, the festival features 42 juried potters from 13 states. If you happen to be in the area on Friday, from 1 – 3 p.m., you need to attend the “Clay Olympics” challenge. 20 potters will compete to create the tallest cylinder and widest bowl in 10 minutes.
Also this weekend is Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs, Miss. Over 300 vendors from around the country are on hand with their works. Fun for the entire family, there’s also live entertainment and much more.
And if those two festivals aren’t enough, over in Springville, Ala., you’ll find the Homestead Hollow Christmas in the Country. Not only does the festival feature arts and crafts, but also demonstrations as well as live entertainment and children’s activities.
A Fine Craft Fair takes place in Knoxville, Tenn., November 13-15. This festival includes works from over 140 juried Guild members in addition to invited artisans. Children will enjoy making their own special piece at the hands-on booth.
You can start (or finish) your holiday shopping at An Affair of the Heart in Oklahoma City, Okla., on November 20-22. This is said to be one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the nation. Yes, you read that right, the nation. Expect to find a little bit of everything here.
If you are in the market to purchase a local piece of work, consider the Colonial Williamsburg (Va.) Employees Arts and Crafts Show on November 21-22. These items are made by current and retired Colonial Williamsburg employees. Not only is the item local, but also unique as well.