Folk Art Center
About
Free Crafts Center at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Folk Art Center sits at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville - home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild's century-old Allanstand Craft Shop. Free admission and free parking with mountain views, outdoor gardens, and three galleries.
What Kids Can Do
Three galleries display contemporary and traditional Appalachian craft - quilts, baskets, jewelry, blown glass, woodturning. Outdoor demonstrations on the front porch let kids watch craftspeople weaving, carving, and spinning Wednesday-Sunday. The Blue Ridge Parkway visitor information desk has Junior Ranger booklets for the parkway. Outdoor garden areas with paths around the building. Free wifi and library [marked: outdoor demonstrations weather-dependent - call ahead in winter].
What's Included
Free admission. Galleries, outdoor demonstrations, Junior Ranger booklets, gardens, and parking all free. Craft purchases support Guild artists.
Experience
Plan 1-2 hours. Mix indoor galleries and outdoor demo porch/gardens. Stroller-friendly throughout. About 8 miles east of downtown Asheville off the Blue Ridge Parkway (Exit 55 from I-40). Free on-site parking. Open daily 10am-5pm.