Redefine the Weekend in Weaverville
Just a short drive from Asheville, Weaverville offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and cultural richness. Its tree-lined streets are home to unique shops, art galleries, and inviting restaurants. A weekend in Weaverville offers a peaceful and enriching escape in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Main Street Spaces
Weaverville’s Main Street marks a great starting point for your weekend exploration. Street parking is free, as are most paid lots for the first hour. You can save your money for the local art and food you’ll encounter along the way.
Turn left at the intersection of Merrimon Avenue and South Main Street, you’ll find three art storefronts in quick succession. First, Artisans on Main hosts 30 artists in mediums including furniture, sculpture, paintings, fiber arts, and more. If you visit the studios in the back of the shop, stop to chat with Jim Metlicka of Metlicka Ceramics as he puts finishing touches on his pottery.
Rob and Beth Mangum operate Mangum Pottery, a 27-year-old Main Street mainstay next door. Step inside to explore handmade pottery—including mugs with very comfortable handles—in glazes to suit your every taste. Plus, the studio is energy efficient: the solar panels on the roof generate about 60 percent of the power needed to fire their kilns and fill the shop with their wares.
When you’re ready to explore wearable art, let jewelry designer Jason Janow warmly welcome you to Miya Gallery. The jewelry cases are filled with pieces from Western North Carolina artists, including Linda Azar, Audrey Laine, and Chris Van Dyke. Don’t miss Janow’s own nature-inspired, wax cast branches and river stone work. You’ll also find paintings, ceramics, and blown glass in addition to the plentiful jewelry options.
Further down the street, you can look forward to another trio of art businesses—this time all in one building. Open the front door, and you’ll be inside the studio of The Artful Chair. Owner Jenny Ellis creates unique furniture—think a blooming tulip chair—through the art of upholstery. She also offers classes for those who want to learn how to DIY at home.
Silver River Chairs set up shop in the rear of the building after their River Arts District location flooded during Hurricane Helene. Now they’re back to work as the nation’s only chair caning school and museum, currently restoring chairs rescued from floodwaters. Sign up for their mailing list to find out about future classes and restoration openings.
Walk up the stairs (or use their main entrance on the south side of the building) to visit 5 Little Monkeys Quilt and Sew. Owners Angie & DJ believe that quilting and sewing are ways to transform thoughts and emotions into beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade items. Pick up new notions and fabric for your next project. Then, grab lunch at Blue Mountain Pizza before driving to a few more of Weaverville’s exciting art locations.
Nearby Visits
Just five minutes from Main Street by car, Salvaterra Pottery and Woodwork, founded in 1996, is a longstanding fixture in the local art community. Sue and Randy Hintz created a business based on their shared, but distinct, artistic passions: Sue’s as a studio potter and Randy’s as a master woodworker. Their collections of functional ceramics and distinct wood pieces compliment each other, much like the two artists themselves.
Then, heat things up with a visit to the nearby Crucible Glassworks, “The Mom and Pop Glass Shop” that’s been “Providing hot glass at cool prices to the Asheville area since 1998.” Glass artist Michael Hatch opens his studio for glass-blowing demonstrations, instruction, and shopping of his fluid wares.
Don’t miss Reems Creek Pottery, either. This collective studio and gallery is highly collaborative, with artists sharing equipment, ideas, and even staffing the gallery sales desk. Visitors can look forward to seeing potters at work throwing pots, making slab pieces, glazing, and loading kilns as they shop for their own pieces to take home. The Pottery also maintains space for workshops and private lessons, so consider booking an experience during your time in Weaverville.
Special Events
Plan to join and celebrate the town’s arts scene through weekend events that highlight the work of local artisans and craftspeople. And check out ArtsAVL’s Events Calendar for the latest!
Weaverville Art Safari
Last weekend in April | 10 AM–5 PM each day | Free
First weekend in November | 10 AM–5 PM each day | Free
Visit working artists in their studios on one of the original studio tours in the Asheville area. The self-guided, free event lets you set your own pace as you experience the beauty of the region on your journey.
Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival
Saturday September 20 | 10 AM–6 PM | Free
Brought to you by the Weaverville Business Association, the Art in Autumn annual event features over 100 juried artists and craftspeople and live music from local performers.
