7 Artisan Items You’ll Only Find in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is home to a community of makers, with ample opportunity to bring your mountain visit home with you. From home décor to wearables and everything in between, you’re sure to find something here that helps you remember your vacation.
Jewelry from Canoe
Rustic charm and contemporary sophistication epitomize the jewelry curated by Lynn Kemp, founder and artisan of Canoe. Beads, leather, stone and metals are carefully sourced and crafted into elegant necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will be cherished for a lifetime. Looking for something for the man in your life? Try the soaps, leather goods and gifts at their other shop, Oar.
Hard Cider from Mercier Orchards
You probably know Mercier Orchards because of their apples; they’ve been a Blue Ridge staple since 1943. Families gather from around the state for U-pick apples in the Fall, and for café delights and market essentials year-round. But do you know about their hard cider? They are the only apple orchard in Georgia that can say they grow, press, ferment and bottle their own product. Pull up a stool at the tasting room or grab a six-pack to-go or purchase/refill your growler.
Fly Fishing Rods from Oyster Fly Rods
Bill and Shannen Oyster of Oyster Fly Rods provide everything needed for the ultimate fly-fishing experience. Bill is the only full-time bamboo fly rod maker in the world that hand engraves his own hardware, a rare and guarded art. He didn’t always engrave, but upon being commissioned to build President Carter’s rod, Bill learned the craft. Each rod (not including the engraving) takes about 50 hours to build, and his masterpieces start at $2,300 and range to upwards of $17,000.
Herbal Tea from The Folk Collaborative
Leveraging the instinctive wisdom of Appalachian medicine, cooking, wellness and joy, The Folk Collaborative offers organic herbs, teas, salves, extraction, ointments, supplies and coveted mountain knowledge. Come to see the orchard, hear the stories or move your body in a yoga class, but don’t leave without a mix of their home-blend herbal tea leaves.
Colorful Ceramics and Glasswork from Multitudes Gallery
Multitudes Gallery features the art of Hand-Blown Glass and handmade arts and craft work from over 120 Nationally known, and regionally recognized artists. They are a working studio featuring local pottery and local painters. In addition, Multitudes offers jewelry, photography, Assemblage, indoor/outdoor metal art and many other handcrafted works that makes wonderful gift items. Multitudes has offered unique art work and gift items in downtown Blue Ridge for over 20 years, one of the oldest originally owned shops in Blue Ridge.
