Shopping for Arts and Crafts on Vacation
The Best Cities for Artisans and Crafters to Visit
Apr 25, 2009
Vacation is a time to relax and do the things that one most enjoys. For artisans and art lovers this means time to practice one's craft, or the opportunity to appreciate the creativity of others. Oftentimes art lovers spend their vacations touring galleries and exhibits, and possibly making a few purchases. Following are a few favorite vacation spots for artisans and crafters throughout the Northeast coast.
The Best Cities for Arts and Crafts Lovers on the Northeast Coast
Shipshewana, Indiana—The city of Shipshewana is home to one of the most recognized flea markets in the United States, and is one of many Amish communities in the state of Indiana. Art lovers visiting Shipshewana should be sure to stop by both the Courtyard of Arts and the D'Vine Gallery. These galleries house the work of some of Shipshewana's best artists including egg carvers, weavers, blacksmiths, sculptors and painters. If visiting at the right time, one may also be able to observe some of these artisans at work. Other things to do include taking the furniture crafters and woodworking tour, and exploring the many quilting and sewing shops in the area.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania—Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Dutch country, the city of Lancaster is exploding with creativity and culture. Art lovers to the area will find a wide array of activities and things to do. Some activities to consider include visiting Gallery Row (located in the downtown area), the Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum, and the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market (featuring crafters such as candle makers, basket weavers and quilters).
The Green Mountains of Vermont—Picturesque Vermont offers lots for the artisan and crafter. Places to visit while in the area include Green Mountain Fine Arts Gallery in Stowe, Brattleboro Museum and Art Center in Brattleboro, Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney (for the yarn enthusiast) and the Craft Center at Camelot Village in Bennington (a restored dairy barn that features hundreds of crafters and a slew of arts and crafts supplies).
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan—The UP is a fantastic place to explore unique and innovative crafts such as oil painting, landscape photography, fiber art, ceramics and Native American arts/crafts. Some cities to visit include Mackinac Island (i.e. the Victorian Summer Gallery), Harbor Springs (i.e. Knox Gallery), Petoskey (i.e. Gaslight Gallery) and Sault Ste. Marie (i.e. the Northern Michigan Artists Market).
Other Places for Artisans and Crafters to Visit in the Northeast
Various resorts and theme parks are also great places to appreciate arts and crafts. Open from June through December, guests to Santa's Workshop in North Pole, New York can observe glass blowers, blacksmiths, candy makers and other craftsmen at work. Silver Dollar City in Branson also holds daily craft demonstrations. Some crafts one can see include glass blowing, jewelry making, candle making and chip carving.
