I live in Florida and have been coming to the Smoky Mountains every year for the past 20 and I always go the the quaint arts & crafts community (much nicer than downtown!) not a trip goes by that I don't at least go by Alewine pottery once, sometimes two or three times! This shop is unlike any other. There is always a bluegrass band playing and there are snacks (popcorn, apples, etc and apple-cider, coffee offered to everyone for free. I read the other reviews and I cannot believe we went to the same place!!! Robert Alewine and his staff/family have never been anything but warm and friendly towards me and my family and there pottery is amazing (the best around, really). I have been going there long enough and have talked with the staff enough to say without hesitation that his pieces are all made right there on the premises (you can watch them make it) and not mported like a former poster said. The pottery isn't cheap but the detail and workmanship comes at a price. You can buy smaller items too for less then $8.00. I can spend all day there just listening to the music while I snack on popcorn and cider and talk to the nice folks there.....If you can only go to one pottery shop make it Alewine pottery--none of the others have the quality or the atmosphere of Alewine---a must see!!!
Pros: Atmosphere, pottery is amazing, free food!!!
Cons: can't even think of one!! I love this place!!!
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