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Take a Pottery Class in the Appalachian Highlands

Take a Pottery Class in the Appalachian Highlands

It's time to indulge your creative side! Learn wheel thrown ceramics from a master studio potter in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee. While you can go any time of year, my favorite time to visit the area is October. The Southern Appalachian Mountains are positively vibrant with autumn colors! If you enjoy this free guide, please save it, share it, leave a tip, or write a review! Follow me and be the first to know when I create new guides. Thanks!
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It's time to get your hands dirty - literally! You're about to learn the centuries old art of wheel thrown ceramics. 

The Clay Gurus
@amyisgoingplaces
Take a class from a master potter! You will be at the wheel, wet clay in your hands, learning to throw pottery. Check the website for upcoming class openings. Don't have time for a class? Stop by the showroom and pick up some one-of-a-kind ceramic souvenirs! I'm personally fond of the piggy (peeg!) banks. Pro tip: If you really want something special for yourself - or one of a kind gifts - ask about commissioned work you can pre-order now.
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Pro tips: 

+ Sign up early. Classes hold a limited number of students and often fill up quickly.

+ Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little muddy. It's going to happen. Embrace the mud. (It washes out - don't worry.)

+ Make it a group thing! Schedule a class with you and your crew. You'll make amazing memories, AND you'll get the ceramics you make as a souvenir of the experience. 

Let's eat!

While you're in the neighborhood, check out these local eateries:

Urban Brews & Creamery
@amyisgoingplaces
Coffee and rolled ice cream, the perfect pair! That's not all you'll find at Urban Brews & Creamery, but I won't blame you if you start your order with those. They also have a selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups. As an added bonus, they welcome digital nomads. Pull up a chair, a coffee, and your laptop, and when you need a break, grab a scone and a second cup of joe.
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Pal's Sudden Services
@amyisgoingplaces
Visit the original location of Pal's Sudden Service, opened in 1956. What began as a local fast food joint has since become internationally recognized as a model for leadership and employee development in the food industry and beyond. My personal favorites: For breakfast, a large cheddar round, gravy biscuits, and peachy tea. Lunch, dinner, and any other time, go for a sauce burger, frenchy fry, and strawberry milkshake (aka, the thickest shake you've ever had in your life). Bonus recommendation: Dr. Enuf, a soft drink bottled in Johnson City, TN.
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Stir Fry Cafe: Asian, Sushi & Thai Cuisine Kingsport, TN
@amyisgoingplaces
I can't go to Kingsport without eating at Stir Fry. My personal favorite item on the menu is the Pad Thai, and the sushi selection can't be missed!
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Stay a while!

Want to linger? Prop your feet up at nearby MeadowView Resort.

MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center
@amyisgoingplaces
Enjoy scenic views of nearby Bays Mountain at this 4-star resort, and take a swing at the on site Cattails Golf Course, rated among the 5 best in the nation.
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If you book your accommodations through the link in this guide, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to provide quality travel resources like this guide for you! :)

Want more?

More art!

If this experience is your thing, jump down the rabbit hole with me in this comprehensive guide to become an artist in Southern Appalachia!

The guide includes 4 cities in addition to the experience above, meal recommendations, lodging, and more than 7 experiences for you to enjoy in a spectrum of studio and performance arts!

Become an Artist in Southern Appalachia
NOTE: This is typically a paid guide ($25.95). I'm currently offering it for free as a way to assist our neighbors affected by Hurricane Helene, which caused severe devastation to the Southern Appalachian region on September 27, 2024. Please support the local businesses and artists listed in this guide by visiting, booking a class, buying their products, or purchasing gift cards. Consider gifting a class to people on your holiday shopping list - it will be a gift they'll never forget! Lastly, if you want to compensate me for creating this guide, you may do so by leaving a tip (button at the bottom of the page). Help more people discover this guide by saving it and sharing it. Thank you for helping Southern Appalachia recover and rebuild. We appreciate you! * * * It's time to indulge your creative side! Learn from master potters, chefs, painters, and folk artisans in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Note: Many of these experiences require early registration, as classes fill up quickly. I encourage you to plan well in advance. If you enjoy this guide, please save it, share it, leave a tip, or write a review! Follow me and be the first to know when I create new guides. Thanks!
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Museums & Galleries

While you're in the area, swing down to Johnson City for local cuisine, original artwork displays, and a little R&R at the spa. 

An Artist's Trip to Johnson City, TN
If I were a tourist in my hometown, here's how I'd spend a long, luxurious weekend as the art nerd that I am. From stays to eats to arts, it's all local. Come experience the vibrant culture of East Tennessee! If you enjoy this guide, please save it, share it, leave a tip, or write a review! Follow me and be the first to know when I create new guides. Thanks!
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Planning a trip can feel overwhelming. I'd love to help!

If you're not sure where to start, schedule a Consultation Call with me. We'll go over questions you have and tips I can share to make your next adventure your best one yet!

If you have a general idea of where you'd like to go and when, but planning what to do day by day seems like A LOT of work, let me handle that for you with Custom Trip Itineraries.

And if you're more of a figure-it-out-as-you-go kind of traveler, I can provide you with Curated Recommendations suited to your interests and travel style.

Let's get started!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
US native. Former resident of Romania. Current solo female globe trotter. I've ventured to more than a dozen countries across four continents as part of group tours, volunteer work, solo travel, studying abroad, and teaching internationally. I lived for over a year in Romania, many years in Tennessee, and several months in England. My travel style is slow, spontaneous, and - shall we say - richly flavorful. I prefer to stay longer lengths in places instead of having a whirlwind sightseeing venture. I'll skip the chain restaurants for a hole-in-the-wall café any day of the week. I prefer a loose itinerary and remain open to what each day brings. My favorite things to do and see as I travel are... - EAT - Try whatever is local. Order the special of the day. Talk with the restaurant staff. - WALK - It encourages me to slow down, notice, and get a feel for community. - HIKE - I'm a lazy hiker. By "hike," I mean a few hours at a slow pace. - MUSEUMS - Spend an afternoon. Read the descriptions on exhibits. Talk with the docents. Buy something in the giftshop. - CHURCHES - I'm fascinated by the various ways people have worshipped the God of the Bible over centuries and across borders. Many older churches are also museums or tourist-friendly spaces. Some additionally hold regular liturgical services. - CASTLES - Castles, fortresses, palaces, big ol' houses: these places transport me back in time. I imagine the people who built, lived in, and defended them. What would they think of how we now live? If this kind of travel sounds ideal to you, hit the Contact Me button! I'd love to help you experience slower, more meaningful travel. We'll discuss tips for how to make the most of your trip, with low stress, reasonable safety, affordability, and lots of fun. Book one of my custom services, and we'll work together to get you wheels up on your next adventure! Follow me to easily access all the resources I create.
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Explore related destinations
Appalachian Mountains
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Read more about places in this guide
Brixey Pottery
Urban Brews & Creamery
Pal's Sudden Services
Stir Fry Cafe: Asian, Sushi & Thai Cuisine Kingsport, TN
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center
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