The Folk Art Center, on the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Asheville, celebrates the rich craft traditions of the southern Appalachians. Home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild, it showcases the finest regional handcraft — woodwork, pottery, weaving, jewelry, glass, and more — through changing exhibitions, daily craft demonstrations by member artisans, a permanent collection, and the Allanstand Craft Shop, one of the oldest continuously operating craft shops in the country. Free to enter and located right on the Parkway, it's an easy, enriching stop for anyone interested in Appalachian art and heritage.
The Folk Art Center, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Asheville, is the headquarters and flagship showcase of the Southern Highland Craft Guild — an organization founded in the 1930s to preserve and promote the craft heritage of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It's a celebration of the region's deep tradition of fine handcraft, and a window into the living artisan culture that helped make Asheville an arts destination.
Inside, the center offers several galleries: changing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Appalachian craft, a permanent collection tracing the region's craft history, and frequently daily craft demonstrations where Guild members show their skills — weaving, woodcarving, pottery, spinning, and more — in person. The center is also home to the Allanstand Craft Shop, established in the 1890s and one of the oldest continuously operating craft shops in the United States, where you can buy authentic, juried handcraft made by Guild members. The quality is high and the work genuinely regional.
It's free to enter, making it an accessible and rewarding stop, and its location right on the Blue Ridge Parkway means it pairs perfectly with a scenic drive (it's also near the Parkway Visitor Center). Plan around an hour, more if you browse the shop and catch a demonstration. It's a meaningful introduction to Appalachian craft and a great place to find authentic, handmade souvenirs. (Confirm current hours before visiting.)
What to expect
The experience
Free to enter. Galleries of changing and permanent Appalachian craft exhibitions, daily craft demonstrations by Guild artisans, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop. On the Blue Ridge Parkway. Self-paced.
Best time
Anytime during open hours; catching a daily craft demonstration is a highlight. Pair with a Parkway drive. Confirm current hours before visiting.
How long
About 1-1.5 hours, more if you browse the shop.
Tips
It's free — an easy, enriching stop. Time your visit to catch a daily craft demonstration if you can. The Allanstand Craft Shop is a great place to buy authentic, high-quality handmade Appalachian souvenirs. It's right on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Visitor Center — combine with a scenic drive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone interested in Appalachian craft, art, and regional heritage, and souvenir-hunters wanting the real thing.
- Families
- A short, low-key stop; the craft demonstrations can engage curious kids. Free and easy.
- Couples
- A pleasant, enriching pairing with a Parkway drive; the craft shop is great for a special handmade keepsake.
- Pair with
- The Blue Ridge Parkway and its Visitor Center (right there), and a continued scenic drive.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is the Folk Art Center?+
The flagship showcase of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville — galleries of fine Appalachian craft, daily craft demonstrations, a permanent collection, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.
Is it free?+
Yes — the Folk Art Center is free to enter. You only pay if you buy craft in the Allanstand Craft Shop.
What can I see and do?+
Changing and permanent exhibitions of southern Appalachian craft, daily demonstrations by Guild artisans (weaving, woodcarving, pottery, and more), and shopping for authentic, juried handmade work in one of the oldest craft shops in the U.S.
Where is it?+
On the Blue Ridge Parkway just east of Asheville, near the Parkway Visitor Center — easy to combine with a scenic drive. Confirm current hours before visiting.
How long should I plan?+
About an hour to 90 minutes, including the galleries, a demonstration, and the craft shop.
