Celebrate the 50^th Annual Fireside Arts & Crafts Show Feb. 15-16, 2025

Are you into pottery, original jewelry, paintings, quilts, wood carvings and other mountain arts? Then we may be seeing you at the 50^th Annual Fireside Arts and Crafts Show at Unicoi State Park & Lodge!

Unicoi is one of four stops along the Winterfest Arts Tour where 175 artists have registered to show and sell their arts and offer demonstrations at different points along the tour. There are artisans who have attended the show since its inception 49 years ago! Incredible.

The Fireside Arts & Crafts Show at Unicoi will host 75 artisans and crafters this year. Parking and entrance to the show are free.

Unicoi State Park & Lodge is far enough away from our family home that we are choosing to spend the post-Valentine’s weekend onsite during the event, especially since this year it’s a 3-day weekend with President’s Day giving us time off Monday. Our teen daughter and pre-teen son are both into the arts, so I know they’ll appreciate this weekend for all the mountain arts and memories there are to be made.

I have some “Insider’s Tips” if you’re coming this weekend, and any time, that will make your winter visit even cozier.

Are you familiar with the park’s Barrel Cabins? We think this is the way to go! Each of the park’s 29 cabins gives you direct access to gorgeous hiking trails, trout fishing streams and Unicoi Lake. They are pet friendly and accessible, offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options.

Use the complimentary lodge shuttle to get to and from downtown Alpine Helen, just a few miles down the road from the park. We arrange this shuttle by asking at the front desk or calling ahead. Tips are always appreciated.

My daughter can’t wait to come back to the axe throwing and archery ranges. Since we won’t be at the art show but for a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday, we have many things to do in the park that will stretch our muscles and minds.

The Unicoi Restaurant and Smith Creek Tavern will be open and serving all weekend. The last time we came to Unicoi, we spent time by the firepit with friends who joined us for pizza and beers one night.

Firepits are one of the best parts about Unicoi State Park & Lodge in the cooler seasons. At the end of the day, we like to relax and make s’mores with the kids. You’ll meet some cool people at the firepit while you’re roasting marshmallows and looking for constellations in the clear night sky before bedtime.

The 50^th Annual Fireside Arts & Crafts Show is on Saturday, February 15, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, February 16, from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is FREE, and the Unicoi State Park memories you will make are priceless!

– Whitney S.