Alright, so I’ve been hitting up arts and crafts festivals for years now, trying to find the real gems, you know? Not just the same old stuff you see everywhere. Figured I’d share some of my faves, the ones that are actually worth traveling for.
First Stop: Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach, California
Okay, so this one is a classic. I first stumbled upon it like, ages ago. What I love is that it’s not just a craft fair, it’s like a whole artist village. The artists build their own booths, and they’re all super unique. I remember one year, there was this dude who built his booth out of driftwood. Seriously cool. I spent a whole day just wandering around, chatting with the artists, and grabbing some killer food. Plus, Laguna Beach is gorgeous, so you can make a whole vacation out of it.
- What I did: Flew into LAX, rented a car (total LA move, right?), drove down to Laguna. Stayed in a cute little Airbnb.
- Best find: A hand-blown glass sculpture. Still got it!
- Pro-tip: Go early to avoid the crowds, and wear comfy shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Next Up: Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Pennsylvania
This one’s a bit more upscale, but totally worth the splurge. I went last fall. This isn’t your grandma’s craft fair, okay? We’re talking serious artistry here. Jewelry, ceramics, furniture, you name it. It’s all juried, so the quality is top-notch. Plus, it’s held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so you can get your art fix while you’re at it. You know, run up those ‘Rocky’ steps and all that jazz.
- My trip: Took the train into Philly. So much easier than driving! Stayed in a hotel near the museum.
- Favorite moment: Watching a blacksmith do a live demo. Mesmerizing!
- Heads up: Tickets can be pricey, so book in advance. Also, bring your credit card – you’ll be tempted to buy everything.
Then There’s: American Craft Council Show, Baltimore, Maryland
Okay, Baltimore might not be the first place you think of for arts and crafts, but trust me on this one. This show is HUGE. Seriously, like a whole convention center filled with amazing art. I was there last spring. I was blown away by the variety. Everything from pottery to wearable art to furniture. The vibe is super chill, and the artists are really approachable. It’s a great place to discover emerging talent and find something truly unique.
- My adventure: Flew into BWI, took the light rail to downtown Baltimore. Easy peasy. Stayed in a hotel near the Inner Harbor.
- Best score: A hand-dyed silk scarf. Gets compliments every time I wear it.
- Word to the wise: Plan to spend at least a full day here. There’s just so much to see. And pack a snack – you’ll get hungry.
So, yeah, those are my top three picks. If you’re looking for a creative getaway, I highly recommend checking them out. Happy travels, and happy crafting!
