Penland School of Crafts

This is an incredible place to visit. 15 different studios for different mediums. You can see young women working in the blacksmith studio, men doing embroidery, people of all ages making gorgeous furniture. The tour is long, but fascinating. Stop by the gallery to view (and buy) pieces from various artists. A truly unique visit to a special place. The cafe serves drinks and generous sandwiches if you're hungry after your tour.

What an awesome place, first of all, its in a beautiful setting, so lush and green. In a world that is focused on certification and degree's, this is a place you go to to actually learn skill sets. Its like a big summer camp for artists of all types, but everyone here is very focused on making the most of their time. The shops and studios are neat as a pin and well organized and ready for students. It's in the middle of no where, really, nothing even remotely close within a 30 min drive, so it all happens here. Students and faculty eat together and the vibe here is terrific. Can't say enough about what a unique place this is.

When a friend learned I was passing through Asheville, she insisted that I drive about an hour north for a tour of Penland School of Crafts. It was worth it. The tour was good and allowed us to poke our heads into the many different studios (woodworking, metal work, clay, glass work, bookbinding and letter press, weaving, etc.). Very cool - I hope to go back one day to take a workshop.

After the tour, I stopped at their cafe (located in the same building as their student cafeteria). I had a hummus sandwich, which was made with very fresh veggies and bread. I also had a tasty mug of chai, which they brew themselves. I heard that if you're a visitor that cafe meal can cost $15, so the cafe is a tasty, more affordable alternative.