As part of my recent Charlottesville girlfriend getaway, I had the chance to soak up some uniquely local flavor by exploring the Monticello Artisan Trail.
We drove through the beautiful Virginia countryside to visit a selection of one-of-a-kind craft artisan studios, wineries and breweries, eclectic shops, restaurants and historical spots.
The best part of doing a “trail” is that you can completely personalize it to your likes and dislikes, and make as many stops or as few as you want.
Once you decide where to go, print out a driving map for your destinations and hit the road. Keep in mind that some artisans only open their shops by appointment, so make sure you call ahead.
The Barn Swallow
Inside this restored 19th-century barn which oozes with character, you’ll find an eclectic mix of Virginia-handmade gifts including pottery, jewelry, stoneware, woodwork and more. It’s a really fun store to shop in. Unique finds are at every turn, and there are about 80 different artisans representing. The most popular pieces are the owners’ pottery and stoneware , but jewelry and woodwork also do very well. It’s definitely worth a stop!
Two Owls Pottery
This is a story of jockey turned potter! It’s such an interesting career change, right? Roslynn’s artistic eye and Native American heritage come together beautifully in her pottery designs, and we were very fortunate to be able to visit her studio as it’s open only by appointment.
I still can’t stop thinking about the mini monkey bread pots she had for sale. Why didn’t I get one when I could?
Starr Hill Brewery
Named after the Starr Hill neighborhood where the original brew pub and music club was located, Starr Hill Brewery won me over with the very first beer we tasted,”The Love,” a light and fruity brew, perfect for summer. It was the clear favorite of our entire group. (See the one empty glass I have below. ..yeah, that’s The Love.)
Stop by for a tasting Wednesday – Sunday, and you’re welcome to bring your own food! Free brewery tours are also available on the weekends.
Crozet Artisan Depot
Not only will you find Virginia artisan gifts in this old train depot building, but you might find the artists themselves working away on their latest creations.
Be sure to take a look at the beautiful quilt behind the counter too. A photograph of the depot was independently quilted into five sections by different crafters and given together as a gift to the artisan depot.
Pinnell Custom Leather
It’s no wonder there is such tremendous loyalty for the custom leather work of Chuck Pinnell and his skilled artisans. Whether it’s a belt, chaps, a watch band or a hand bag, it’s artfully designed and created. The studio is housed in a pre-Civil War train depot, and many visitors pop in just to see the building and find out what’s inside.
Chuck’s leather work experience was cultivated while working for several years in Colonial Williamsburg, and with his obvious knack and talent, he could begin his own studio.
When we visited the shop, Gene was working on an alligator belt that had been cut from a hornback gator tail. He showed us how the thick and tough hide needed to be sanded in order to be pliable enough to act as a belt.
Lawton was working on an alligator watch band. He showed us how the entire hide is sent from the tannery, and they use virtually every part of it: the tail for belts, the chin for wallets, throat for watch bands, belly for planners and bags, and so forth.
They work mostly with calfskin leather, but they also do exotics like alligator, lizard, ostrich, snake, shark and they even have big game hunters bring their hides in, like elephant. The most frequently ordered items are belts, chaps and cuffs, and typical turnaround is 8-12 weeks, however they’re often able to make them in a single day once they start the work.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek at the Monticello Artisan Trail. If you visit the Charlottesville, Virginia area, you should definitely stop at a few of the trail sites. Visit the Artisan Center of Virginia website for more details on this trail and on other Virginia trails.
Comments & Reviews
What a fine place to look for amazing homemade artisan gifts. I would spend hundreds of dollars there for sure.
Me TOO! I HAVE spent hundreds of dollars at areas like this. I can’t say no to hand crafted art.
Now this is right up my interest and places to visit.
I am adding it to my bucket list! It sounds like a great place to visit.
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I love those monkey bread pots!
That would be such a great way to spend a few days. I think I could walk that all day and never get tired of it.
I had never heard of this trail before. What a wonderful collection of artisans. I will definitely have to check it out!
I wanna go!!! Never heard of this! Definitely a girls trip though. Don’t think my husband would enjoy it that much.
Wow, absolutely beautiful! I would love to come here and check out the artisan gifts!!
That sounds like such a great trip. Each artisan looks more beautiful/amazing than the last!
That’s really neat way to do a trip. I love checking out breweries. I don’t know if I could do the alligator leather, my sister told me when I was younger that alligators can crawl up through the toilet… I know that’s super unlikely now…especially where I live but I don’t need to give them a reason to hunt me down lol jk…sorta
Oh wow what an absolutely beautiful looking place to visit, I would love to follow the trail myself one day. x
Very interesting! We visited Virginia for the first time a couple of years ago, and it is a beautiful state full of history. This artisan trail is something I am going to add to the itinerary for the next trip.
Wow – I’ve never taken a trail trip like that. I think the Barn Swallow would have been my favorite on the stop – or maybe the brewery.
Oh wow, those photos are all so gorgeous. I’ve never heard of the artisan trail before. This would be such a fun trip.
that house hanging is awesome. I like the uniqueness of it’s design and what each person brought to it. I would totally visit here!
I have not been out that way in such a long time! I love all the cute little shops and hole in the wall places out that way! I Miss it.
That’s my kind of road trip. I love exploring new places, and especially the interesting independent shops and restaurants in a downtown. I love supporting local artisans and small business!
Sounds like you visited some awesome places although I don’t think I could have gone to the leather place knowing the animals which were used x
Your photos are amazing. That looks like a wonderful place to visit and explore. Have a terrific week!
Ive never heard of this place before but it looks amazing and a place I would like to visit to, these are my kinda activities
wow fantastic photos and what an experience to be apart of
I loved visiting the Monticello Artisan Trail! There was so much to see. The Starr Hill Brewery had some good beers, too. I liked the Irish Coffee one.
What a fantastic trip! I have never been to Virginia, but if I ever make it there I will definitely put this on my list of destinations!
Exploring an “Artisan Trail” sounds like the perfect vacay day!
What an amazing trip! I would LOVE to go on this type of visit – I’ve never been to Virginia but I’d love to! H x
I love the pottery shop! So many unique pieces to see! It looks like it was a fun adventure!
Wow Liz, I probably wouldn’t leave there, but have to because I would be broke. All those beautiful items they make. Love the dragonfly necklace.
Oooo art and beer!!! Two of my favorites 😉 this must of been one awesome trip.
What a fun trip!! I love that they have brewery tours that are free, looks like a great place to go shopping as well!
WOW what a really cool trip! I’d go crazy in those The Barn Swallow and Two Owls Pottery shops!
What a neat trip. Would love to go shopping at Barn Swallow!
The pottery looks crazily like some that my father in law makes. Especially the two tone glazes.
Oh wow, I’d have such a great time there. The next time I’m in VA I want to check out some of the shops and get in some photo and shopping time in one.
Okay, now THAT is something I would be interested in seeing! So totally right up my alley I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’d enjoy this 🙂 I’m really going to need to plan a trip like you did one of these days!
That looks like such a lovely place to visit!
This looks like a fun trip. I would love to go and check out the Starr Hill brewery.
What a great getaway you had. I am a sucker for pretty ceramics.
I love these natural places and the people who keep them alive. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
These look like places i would love to shop and browse. Thanks for sharing these pictures.
These photos are stunning! That pottery and jewelry is so pretty!
What a beautiful way to learn about its culture and people! Would love to go there! Beautiful pictures!
Love the places you visited! The Virginia countryside is such a wonderful place to get lost.
I haven’t been to Monticello is such a long time, but this makes me want to go back and visit. I love exploring local artisans and this looks like an amazing way to find unique finds, while supporting local artistry.
I love your photos. The potter looks great.
This looks like a great store to find unique gifts and watch them being made.
I have very close friends in Charlottesville and they adore it! I have to check this out when I visit!
Wow, these artisans are truly unique and I would want to stop at every place available along the trail. I wonder if I can come up with something similar here in Las Vegas…
I don’t normally go for tours like this, but they are fun to do every once in a while. I love the necklaces you featured from the Two Owls Pottery and the brewery sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Wow, how interesting. I would love to be able to have some of these talents. Such creativity and beauty!
So, I followed your trip on Instagram and Twitter and I was so jealous. I really need to plan a trip to Charlottesville. And that quilt is awesome! I’ve wanted to do something similar for my family- I just need to find the time. 🙂
The place looks great, love the artisan people, i love it when they craft anything with their own hands, that way every piece is unique and different from the rest.
Monticello is such a cool area. All of these artisans shops would be so fun to visit. Will have to remember this next time I’m in that area.
What a fun place to visit and learn about people’s artistic endeavors along the way. I think the happiest people are people that do things they love.
Everything looks so lovely! Especially the quilt! I love buying local handmade products, because there is so much personal touch in them. They would make great conversation pieces too.
This is so beautiful! I want to go in a place like this.
Nice photos! Look fun and great place to go. I would love to visit there.
This looks like a great place to visit!! On first glance I thought this was from Monticello Arkansas…LOL!!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. I want to travel more.
I love going to the out of the way spots and buying from local artist is great – and no one you know at home has the same jewelry as me.
the barn swallow looks os pretty! I see glam fashion photoshoot happening there haha nice for a backdrop hehe
Of all the places you visited I like the Barn Swallow and Two Owls pottery the best. Would probably buy something there
Such a cool and fun place to explore! I like so many of these stores but love the Crozet Artisan Depot, I am always fascinated and really enjoy when I see artisans work right before my eyes. Looks like you had a great day!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
This looks like an interesting place to visit. I enjoy arts and crafts. It sounds like you had a great time and enjoyed learning.
I love artisan things. They just look so unique and different. It’s artsy and just stands out.
How unique those things behind that scenes. These looks like a great place to hang on with my family. I loved art and crafts and I enjoy learning with this.
Now that looks like my kind of holiday destination! Such creativity! So much to look at!
What an interesting place. Love to visit and see the Monticello Artisan Trail personally. Simply awesome.
This is absolutely a great place to visit, looks interesting and I want to go there.
This looks like a great place to visit. I bet you had w nice time.
What a fun trail! It all looks really interesting, especially the gator skin!
I like that you had a look behind the scenes and had a lovely time. Personally as a vegetarian and general animal rights activist I don’t agree with clothes/belts being made from animals and reptiles although I am ok with leather and suede as I wear that. Crocodiles though are not my thing.
I love visiting quirky places like this. I would want to buy everything though.
Looks like you had a very interesting trip 🙂 Not sure its my thing though. 🙂
I was charmed by Virginia the last time that my family went. I loved the tour of the amazing craftmanship there
I love all the trades people you got to meet. I love learning the old ways of making things that is quickly disappearing. The 19th century barn that was restored was awesome!
This sounds really interesting. 🙂 It’s good to see that there are lots of people still keeping old traditions and crafts alive. 🙂
I don’t live far from here and I have never heard about it. I really need to go. I love seeing what local artisans make.
Such an awesome tips. Those necklace looks simple but cute.
Love all the different artisan stations you’ve shared! Such a pretty place! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!
Sounds you have fun and great time! Such a nice place to go. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful post, this looks like a fun trip for sure! I would enjoy having this experience!
That Two Owls Pottery is my place. I can see myself in there for hours just going through everything and picking up a piece or two.
This sounds like it was a lot of fun!
I love to look at these kind of stores. I would love the Two Owls Pottery.
This reminds me of our trip to Virginia a couple of years ago. Would love to visit again and hopefully, check the trail by then.
The pottery pieces are so lovely! I would love to have some of them. This is a nice place to visit. It is wonderful to know that the people have kept their crafts and traditions alive.
Wow this looks like a really wonderful experience! I think the pottery shop would be amazing to visit! Everything feels so historic and interesting.
I love the feel of the Monticello Artisan Trail. I could totally see shopping around there and finding super neat things.
Glad to hear you had such wonderful experience! I’d like to visit the Monticello Artisan Trail and I also would like to taste ”The Love” beer! Thanks for sharing such an amazing post full of great photos!
That looks like so much fun. I would love to be able to go there and check it out. I love these kinds of places!
That looks like a really fun place!! So creative!
Wow! This looks like an awesome place! Right up my alley!
I have been to the Monticello Artisan Trail years ago. This reminded me of why I loved it so much! What a great trip. Visiting my family in Virginia soon and I will make a revisit a priority.
This looks so interesting, a total delight finding treasures and new out of the way spaces. So much colour in those photographs too! x
wow liz..everything looks so lovely. i love those necklaces. very pretty.
What an amazing place to visit! I could spend all day there.
~Jamie
Wow, how awesome is that trail?? I LOVE checking out the art scene whenever I’m on a trip somewhere, thanks for the heads up of where to go in Virginia! 🙂
i am all about the art scene so i would have loved to follow you on this trail. what a fun way to spend a day
This looks like an amazing trail – the things being made are awesome – some people are so talented. Love your photos too. Kaz x
My goodness this is absolutely fabulous. I would love visiting one such place with my husband & spend as much as time I could to explore the beauty of it. I love that Two Owls Pottery & that Crozet Artisan Depot as well so much.
How beautiful! It’s all so very artistic and rustic and I’d feel at home just drifting about for a few hours here!
What a beautiful report of your outing! It looks so wonderful, and really reminds me of places one of my sisters would love to explore. I am in awe of people’s abilities to take “regular” items and use them in such beautiful ways as your photos illustrate. The pottery pieces are gorgeous, and I agree, you should’ve gotten one. 🙂 As a crocheter, I loved the section on the yarn-working as well. You’ve opened up a new place for me to consider visiting — thank you!!
I love the destinations you selected. Some funk and funky places are just what I like to visit. Hope to take a girls weekend myself.
What an awesome way to spend the day! I could spend hours watching artisans do their thing. I just wished my family shared my interest. I would be on the trail alone.
The artisan shops look so unique and lovely! The pottery is beautiful.
Oh my gosh is that a vintage bathtub in the photo from the Barn Swallow?? How cute!
love spending my extra times at places like this so fun and rewarding
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I love watching artisans. Those alligator pieces are gorgeous!
The Two Owls Pottery has some really unique potteries. I would have picked up something for sure. I love handcrafted things.
Looks like a really fun day. I love all these wonderful pics.
I love the pottery a lot. I love to collect pottery and those are right up my ally
I miss the historic town of Monticello, so much wonderful artisan’s work shown. My friend belongs to a local quilt club!
Looks like such an amazing place to visit. I love all the pottery.
This looks so cool! If love to do something like this. I really like hoe you can personalise it to suit your tastes!
I’ve never done anything like this before but it looks like you got to see some pretty unique things! I’d love to do this so I could get some bits and bobs for my home that others won’t have seen before 🙂
This is the kind of place I love to look at. Thise pretty unique things are hard to come by.,
This seems like quite an adventure.
I love your pictures!
There are some beautiful arts! This is defiantly a trip I would want to take sometime soon!
Looks like I wanna go there and see it in live. I love the photos.
Those shops are really neat! They have some beautiful work.
I went to Virginia once for our high school senior trip, but I don’t remember seeing the Monticello Artisan Trail, I will have to check it out the next time I am in the area!
I love artisan products. This is a great place to visit and get to see the artist at work.
Wow, this looks like such a cool experience! 🙂 I love the finished product!
Wow. I could spend a very long time here. I like those tea pots. They are too pretty to use.
Wow they all look so great, I would love that pottery place! Not sure I would visit the last place though as I am not a fan of using animals for fashion and accessories :/
These pictures are great! It looks like a really fun spot, perfect on a beautiful spring day!
Definitely a place to visit for good arty pictures. Sounds like something fun to do and try with friends.
I would definitely enjoy going through the trail. I’d probably end up buying a lot from The Barn Swallow!
You are killing me here….this is beyond awesome…I am saving this. We have a weekend coming up soon
This looks really cool! I love visiting places like this, especially with my kids. It is fun to share history with them.
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I love how there were a mixture of old and new.