“Come take a Drive on the Creative Side” is a little quote on the cover of the 2009 brochure and it certainly is the truth - Hwy. 276 really is a treat for all your senses!

Let me run down a list of artisan’s listed on the brochure and PLEASE REMEMBER - there’s a lot more on  Scenic 276 - this is just some of what you will find on your drive after you have left the Downtown Brevard, NC area.  The information below comes right out of the current Scenic 276 brochure - This brochure starts with some of the Arts and Crafts along Scenic 276 and finishes with a list of dining and accommodations - Keep in mind they are interspersed with each other as you travel Scenic 276 - and again, this is a good representation of things you will find but there is much more to be found - so keep an eye out!

Twin Willows - Studio of Ann DerGara - Internationally known contemporary painter and printmaker, Ann DerGara, works here producing lush landscapes which stop viewers in their tracks.  While her prints and landscapes are in collections around the world, Brevard is where she sells her vivid animal paintings. Deep reds and brooding faces of wolves and bears highlight her collection of native animal paintings.  Be sure to call ahead.  265 Crestview Dr., http://www.dergara.com   828-877-4714.

Duckpond Pottery and Coffeeshop - Perched above the French Broad River, with a deck surrounded by giant poplar trees, Duckpond Pottery specializes in custom handcrafted sinks and tiles.  The pottery also features handcrafted kitchenware and accent pieces for both indoors and out.  Torches topped with custom faces are potter Nick Friedman’s signature pieces!  The deck plays host to weekly concerts and a new coffeeshop.  Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Monday by appointment.  2398 Greenville Hwy.  http://www.duckpondpotter.etsy.com   828-883-4512.

Mountain Forest Pottery - Located in an 1880’s pebble-dash house, Mountain Forest offers functional and whimsical pottery made on site by artist Mary Murray.  “Handmade comes to life” in the homey gallery, offering the work of many regional artists - handmade teddy bears, jewelry, quilts, folk art, sculpture, drawings and paintings.  Recipes accompany many pottery pieces that are designed for baking apples, pies, and other dishes. Mon-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 1-5; 2395 Greenville Hwy., 828-885-2149.

Carwile-Dodson Studio for Pottery Instruction - Located next door to Mud Dabbers Pottery, the studio offers pottery classes for all ages - one-time classes, three-week and six-week classes in hand-building and wheel-throwing - in a renovated mill building. In the summer, the studio offers pottery camps for children and adults and occasional one-day workshops.  3621 Greenville Hwy., http://www.muddabbers.com/classes  828-884-5771.

Mud Dabbers Pottery and Crafts - On the banks of Dunn’s Creek, located in the historic Powell’s Store building.  Mud Dabbers overflows with beautiful stoneware pottery, both are and functional forms, produced on site in the working studio and gallery.  Twenty-three talented potters, 6 Dodson family members and 17 friends, work together in this 20-year-old family business.  Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday 1-6; 3623 Greenville Hwy.  http://www.muddabbers.com  828-884-5131.

Two Friends Gallery and Gifts - Housed in a quaint wooden cottage with an array of decks and beautiful mountain views, Two Friends offers a tranquil break from a busy highway, with fine art, photography, handmade jewelry, woodturnings, gourd art, and pine-needle weavings, many made by local artisans, and other gift items, including fine chocolates.  Check for occasional special events featuring local writers and artists. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, 4140 Greenville Hwy. 828-877-6577.

Judith Duff Pottery - Tucked deep in the woods, the gallery features large, wood-fired, one-of-a-kind pieces created by internationally known potter, Judith Duff.  Inspired by Japanese techniques, Duff’s pieces are glazed as the ash of different types of wood in the kiln melts onto the pots to create distinctive colors, patterns and textures.  Other pots are glazed with NC-mined feldspar which gives a pebbly appearances that is smooth to the touch and beautiful to the eye.  450 Cedar Lane., http://www.judithduff.com 828-884-5258.

Cedar Mountain Country Store and Pottery - Clever, whimsical figures - animals, fairies, gnomes - greet visitors on Hwy. 276 at this manufacturer, where terra cotta pottery and local-cut stone are for sale right from the yard.  Sundry items, canned goods, and unusual mountain collectibles, make the gift shop a pleasure to peruse.  Watch for the rare “Jackpoke,” an Appalachian cousin to trolls and leprechauns!  Open daily April to October - 9am-5pm, 9293 Greenville Hwy.  828-883-8347.

Dan Bresnahan, Sculptor and Designer - Indoor and outdoor sculpture, functional work such as gates, mirror frames, and tables, are some of the items fabricated at this metalworking studio, located on Cascade Lake  Rd. about 7/10 mile off Hwy. 276, on the way to DuPont State Forest.  Open by appointment or chance, 8028 Cascade Lake Rd. 828-884-6806.

Glass Feather Studio Gallery and Gardens - Butterflies, birds, breezes and a magical drive lead to this unforgettable mountaintop destination with glorious views, wildflower gardens, glass and stone sculpture, and fine art fused glass.   Handmade and signed by the Travis Family since 1982.   Also featured are works by local artists in hand-painted stemware, metal and woodworking, and fine art photography.  See the artists at work April-December, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. 200 Glass Feather Drive  http://www.glassfeather.com  828-885-8457.

Rob Travis Fine Art Photography - Exhibiting at the Glass Feather Studio Gallery, Rob Travis captures the beauty of nature with a unique blend of subjects, style and vibrant color.  Pieces are available in canvas, prints, note cards and framed works.  Favorite waterfalls, butterflies, and scenic drives come alive in Travis’ photographs, allowing you to bring home glimpses of mountain splendor.  April-December, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, 200 Glass Feather Drive, http://www.glassfeather.com/photography  828-885-8457.

Land of Waterfalls Art Gallery - This recently opened artists’ cooperative features the exquisite artwork of 10 plus local painters and other art forms in a variety of media, including watercolor, oil, pen and ink, charcoal and acrylic.  Paintings, fine prints, and note cards fill a spacious three-room gallery, and a different artists works on site each day.  Monday-Saturday, 8am-2:30pm, 10771 Greenville Hwy.  http://www.landofwaterfallsartgallery.com  828-883-3830.

Hemlocks Studio - Situated in an old-growth forest, Hemlocks Studio offers, creative escapes for small groups and individuals; artists, writers, readers and more.  Take one of the preplanned escapes or let Hemlocks arrange one for your group.  An exceptional staff awaits in a magical setting that seems to be set back in time, in a small Southern town.  Open mid-June through mid-September when classes/retreats are in session.  11080 Greenville Hwy.  http://www.hemlocks.com  828-885-2831.

Next - Some of the dining and some of the accommodations you’ll find along Scenic 276 -

Ash Grove Resort Cabins and Camping - Nature revives the spirit.  Revive yours at one of the fully-furnished and equipped 1-2-or 3-bedroom rental cabins, shady RV sites or secluded tent sites.  Located on 14 wooded mountaintop acres near the heart of the Scenic 276 Corridor, Ash Grove has nature trails, a small stream, bonfire pit and more.  Daily and weekly rentals - open YEAR-ROUND - 749 East Fork Rd., http://www.ash-grove-com   828-885-7216.

Whistlestop Market - A little bit of country store, a little bit of fresh market.  Whistlestop offers plentiful produce, preserves and jellies, boiled peanuts, plants, local artists’ work, antiques, and gifts.  Located on Hwy 276, the market highlights the area’s wonderful, in-season produce, from honey to apples, baked goods to bell peppers.  Baskets of peaches come in many delicious varieties.  Open Late May - Late October, Tuesday-Saturday,  9am-5pm, 7825 Greenville Hwy.  828-884-5081.

Grammy’s Restaurant - A favorite of the locals, Grammy’s serves the heartiest breakfasts in the area - all cooked to order, and has an extensive lunch menu, with daily specials.  Open April to November, with dinner served on Friday evenings, offering the best prime rib in Western NC., local trout, and chicken.  Make dinner reservations early!  Monday-Saturday 8am-2:30pm - Sunday 8:30am-2pm, 10667 Greenville Hwy.   828-884-5272.

Brigadoon - “An enchanted place on the river, you’ll never want to leave”  - This rustic mountain cabin sits on 4 acres that borders DuPont State Forest and Little River.  Amenities include 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a fireplace, large screened porch, and deck.  Minimum 2 nights.  Open year round, 1155 Reasonover Rd. http:www.whitesquirrelshoppe.com  888-729-7329 (PET FRIENDLY).

The Sassy Goose Bed and Breakfast and Mini-Resort - Located on 57 acres, with a 6-acre lake and DuPont State Forest practically in its backyard, The Sassy Goose offers the most tranquil environment of the mountains.  Guests have a choice of cabin or room, and will find many activities on the property - golf, ping-pong, boating, fishing and more.  Open April-November.   1844 Reasonover Rd.,  http://www.sassygoose.com  828-966-9493.

Questions?  E-mail me at folkartist@gmail.com - thanks!  -  Karen Dittman