This weekend at The Asheville Civic Center (I’m supposed to call it US Cellular Center but I just can’t bring myself to do it) is the Southern Highlands Craft Guild Show.  In my humble opinion this is one of the best Craft Shows in the country, and we’re blessed to have it on our doorstep.  This is a juried show representing high quality art and focusing on traditional Appalachian crafts like pottery, weaving, woodworking and blacksmithing.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild represents over 1000 craftspeople in 293 counties and 9 southeastern states. It operates five retail craft shops and two annual craft expositions which represent the Guild members’ work. These shows occur in July and October and have been an event in the Appalachian mountain region since 1948.

A ticket to the Craft Show will cost you $8.00 but it is money well spent.  Even if  you don’t buy anything (which I’m sure you’ll l be tempted to do) it’s a wonderful opportunity to check out some of our region’s most talented artisans and even get a chance to meet them and talk to them about their work.  There is also ample entertainment with live demonstrations and traditional mountain music.  Just walking by the Civic Center (US Cellular Center) you can watch Dede Styles spinning yarn and practicing natural dyeing techniques.

If you’ve been debating about whether to make a visit to Asheville this weekend, I strongly encourage it.   Not only can you visit the Craft Show but the leaves are also starting to turn and its shaping up to be a beautiful weekend.  And with the government back up and running all the services and campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway are open again.  While you’re here don’t forget to swing by and taste a little fall.  Our seasonal Pumpkin Pie Truffles and Maple Walnut Caramel Cups are not to be missed!

The Craft Fair runs through Sunday.  For more info visit http://bit.ly/cVyCLc