Near Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, NC the roads are curvy, the vegetation lush and the scenery pastoral. Today’s route took us past a few spots on local quilt trails. Each uniquely created quilt pattern is displayed on historic barns and showcases the mountain heritage of storytelling through artistic design. Each turn in the road holds the promise of a new surprise: an incredible view, field of Christmas trees, patch of colorful day-lilies, whimsical mailbox or maybe, even a bear. No bear-sightings for us today, we had to settle for the beautiful horses.
Be sure to look closely and check out the Nativity manger scene, complete with wise men.
Work-in-progress at Gay Smith’s studio.
Off back roads and tucked away in beautiful, woodsy settings, you will find these hidden treasures of Western North Carolina; pictured here Cynthia Bringle’s studio.
There are dozens of craft studios and galleries throughout Mitchell and Yancey Counties in Western North Carolina. You could spend weeks visiting the various artisans and I guarantee you will find something for every taste.
The center of this universe is the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts and a visit to their gallery is a must. The Toe River Studio Tour is a good way to start exploring the area. Held the first weekend in June and December annually, I was lucky enough to once again go with my good friend who really knows her way around the studios and galleries – I am always happy to follow her lead.
Visiting the studios is a wonderful way to see artists in their own surrounding and is a great opportunity to chat one-on-one with these amazing and talented people. You can also purchase work, generally at better prices than in a commercial gallery.
We visited the iconic Cynthia Bringle, a potter who has been honored as a “North Carolina Living Treasure”; Jenny Lou Sherburne, who’s colorful work is among my favorites; and potter Gay Smith whose porcelain vessels and personality were equally charming. I always learn so much from these visits, the artists are so willing to answer questions as well as share information and great stories.
A work area at Gay Smith’s studio.
Check out the websites below, get a map and spend some time exploring this wonderfully, unique aspect of life in Western Carolina.
www.gertrudegrahamsmith.com (Gay Smith)
A Final Note:
I am sad to report that NC is dropping its state-funded program to house art studios at the Energy Xchange (which I wrote about last year). Apparently the methane powered energy was too erratic to supply the consistent firepower needed by the glass artisans. One potter remains for the final year of her three-year contract. Bridget Fox and her lovely Mudventions work will be on display and the remaining facilities will be utilized for educational purposes under the direction of Mayland Community College.
Of course, the Tin Man was there.
This week, we went down the Yellow Brick Road and visited Oz. Located on Beech Mountain in Western NC, the Land of Oz was a popular theme park open from 1970 – 1980. Shuttered for years, it is now known for an annual, 2-day fall event. But this June, they are hosting tours on Fridays at 12 and 2.
For an entertaining, kitschy peek behind the Wizard’s curtain, it’s well worth the trip and the $10 fee. To begin with you have to get a ski lift ticket and ride to the top of Beech Mountain (also $10), which offers great views in all directions.
Dorothy was a terrific guide and you can even sing-a-long.
Once greeted by the Mayor and paying your admission, you are off to Dorothy’s farmhouse (built to a 5/8 scale); and then, off down the Yellow Brick Road. For the June tours, guests help out by playing some of the popular parts to support Dorothy, who leads the group while performing admirably along the way. The vast collection of movie memorabilia is interesting, even if the interior of the house is a bit musty. Wear good, comfortable shoes, the venue is definitely NOT handicapped accessible and at one point you are walking in near darkness down a ramp to simulate getting to the basement to hide-out before the tornado hits.
It‘s all in good, campy, nostalgic fun for adults and kids.
A visiting Dorothy, is ready to set off on the Yellow Brick road.
Need to know:
The tours are run by a local realty group that owns the property www.emeraldmtn.com 828-387-2000. This year’s fall event will be held October 4 & 5; if past year’s is an indicator, 7,000 are expected to attend. For info about the fall event check out www.autumnatoz.com. The ski lift can be little scary, but is fun. There are restrooms near the lift station and more at the top near the “bar” area where you gather prior to the tour. You can purchase sodas and water at the bar. Tours last about 1 hour and there are no facilities along the Yellow Brick Road.
At the farmhouse (just before the tornado hit).
Follow the Yellow Brick Road . . . .
Locals who built the park had trouble with the word “gazebo” ~ so, as they called it, this is one view from the aptly named “gaze-bo”.
Wiley’s Championship BBQ in Savannah was as good as their press. We tried it all: ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, white mac & cheese, smoked baked beans and the sauces. No room for the peach cobbler or bread pudding.
With no fanfare and seats for about 30 diners, the hotspot is tucked into an unassuming strip of shops by a Five Guys. Dinner service only, from 5 – 8 on weekdays and til 9 on weekends, closed Sundays. We ate at the small counter and chatted with the friendly wait staff and customers from the neighborhood.
Known as the best BBQ in Georgia, they recently added TripAdvisor’s 4th best BBQ in the USA to their long list if kudos.
To quote my generally unimpressed husband “this was a meal to remember. ”
