Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center is housed in the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s century-old Allanstand Craft Shop, which is a landmark in itself. Inside, visitors will find exhibitions across three art galleries, a library, an auditorium for educational events, a bookstore, and conjoined facilities with the National Park Service. Far from a traditional museum, local artisans set up in the lobby daily—from roughly 10am to 4pm—for visitors to watch, ask questions, and enjoy.

Self-guided driving tours of the Blue Ridge Parkway often include information on the Folk Art Center, though be sure to pull off this scenic drag to see what’s in store.

• Daily craft demonstrations are typically scheduled March through December.

• The Folk Art Center is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.

• A picnic area can be found outside the center, catering to anyone touring the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The best way to get to the Folk Art Center is by private vehicle—it’s a great stop to stretch your legs on the drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Find the center at milepost 382, roughly 15 minutes outside Asheville. If you don’t have your own wheels, taxis and rideshare services are available from the city.

The Folk Art Center is typically open daily, with hours roughly from 10am to 5pm. If you’re looking to catch one of the center’s artisan demonstrations, these happen daily from March to December in the lobby, typically until an hour before closing. It’s worth checking the center’s calendar for special events, too.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is “America’s Favorite Drive”, coursing through Appalachia’s gentle mountains for 469 miles across North Carolina and Virginia. Around the Folk Art Center, you’ll find trails, overlooks, picnic spots, and more. Pack a lunch, your boots, and make a day of it—just be sure to hit the center before closing.