The arts are as old as the Appalachians and as diverse as the folks who live here. From Appalachian folk art to the haunting melodies of the past, you’ll find shopkeepers and artists excited to share their craft with you.
Arts
Christmas is Here
111 Ocoee Street
Copperhill, TN 37317
423.496.1166
http://www.christmasishere.net
The gallery features award winning hand-hewn bowls by Rip & Tami Mann but a number of other artists’ works are offered for sale as well.
Marie Spaeder Haas
http://www.spaederhaasgallery.com
Marie Spaeder Haas is an avid watercolorist who has recently found her home in the mountains of southeastern Tennessee. Marie frequently exhibits her drawings and watercolors in solo, juried and invitational shows throughout the United States. She currently works out of her studios in Ocoee, TN and Bradenton, FL. Her work is available at The Museum Center at Five Points in Cleveland TN; Tellico Art Center, Tellico Plains TN; The Blue Ridge Mountains Art Center, Blue Ridge, GA; the Polk County News in Benton, TN as well as through her website,www.SpaederHaasGallery.com.
Newspaper Bookshop
3 Main Street
Benton, TN 37307
423.338.2818
http://www.polknewsonline.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 – 5:00
This charming bookshop and coffee bar serves as a gallery for local artists and craftsmen. New books by local authors are featured. The shop also maintains history files and photographs for public access. Free WiFi.
Ms. B’s Purple Bus
636 Hwy 64
Ocoee, TN 37361
423.338.7822
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Noon to Sunset. Closed Tues & Wed
Crashed in 1995, the Purple Bus was turned into a funky store for handmade jewelry, tapestries, bags, oils, earthy clothing and more! Definitely worth a visit!
Museum Center at 5ive Points Gift Shop
200 Inman Street E
Cleveland, TN 37311
http://www.museumcenter.org
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 – 5:00; Saturday 10:00 – 3:00
Unique Museum store features high-end handcrafted items from the Southern Appalachian region.
Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association
420 W Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00 – 6:00
Gallery featuring the works of local artists and craftsmen.
Check out our Shops listing for more options!
Festivals / Events
Music is the soul of a community, and that rings true for southern Appalachia. Here in Ocoee Country, you can hear our heartbeat in every chord or strum.
Watch our Events Section and Facebook page for news of music festivals like the few listed below that take place throughout the year.
Ramp Tramp
Greasy Creek, TN
April
Bluegrass / Gospel
Pickin’ in the Park
Blue Ridge, GA
April – September
Bluegrass / Gospel
Delano Bluegrass Festival
Delano, TN
May
Bluegrass / Gospel
Camp Reggae Fest
Turtletown, TN
May
Reggae
Miner’s Homecoming Festival
Ducktown, TN
July
Bluegrass / Gospel
Ocoee River Jam
Ocoee, TN
August
Blues / Bluegrass / Newgrass / Acoustic Rock / Soul / Jam
Ocoee Fest
Ocoee, TN
August / September
Acoustic Rock / Jam / Blues
Benton Arts & Heritage Days
Benton, TN
October
Bluegrass / Gospel
Live Music Venues / Nightlife
The Bus Bar
522 Hwy 64
Ocoee, TN 37361
423.338.4325
Craft beer on tap, live music and late night bites! Check them out on Facebook for music schedule.
Hwy 64 Gym Bar & Grill
5800 Hwy 64
Copperhill, TN 37317
423.548.3021
Open year round with live music and local bands. Check them out on Facebook for music schedule.