kentucky artisan center at berea

Conveniently located right off I-75, we’ve wanted to stop here for several years, and are sorry that we waited so long. What an absolutely fabulous collection of artisan work! You can’t beat handcrafted items for your own décor or to give as gifts. You’ll find a wonderful collection here of items for every taste, and many of the items were so reasonably priced we were sorry we had to pass them up. We bought several gifts, and will definitely return again. Be prepared to spend several hours if you want to really appreciate the artistic nature of the items offered. Congrats, Kentucky, on running such a great establishment. Restaurant with more than reasonable prices conveniently located inside the center, so why leave to eat!

I have visited the center several times and always enjoy going,They have demonstrations with the artists and it is wonderful that local people can display and sell there. They also have food at the facility which is convenient for travelers.The only negatives I can see is the fact that a great deal of the merchandise is not local and I think it should be all local to promote the people from this state. There is an overwhelming amount of talent in Appalachia and should be the main thing promoted here and focused on. There may be issues here that I am not aware of however.The art and crafts are very very pricey. Many breakable fragile items so keep that in mind if you have small children.

As many times as I visit the Artisan Center the exhibits change and there is always something new to see. It is just off of exit 77 from I75. Every time I get company we take them there.

If you want to see a unique side of Kentucky, you must stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center. You really can't tell much about it from I75 as you drive by, because you are seeing the back of the building. While you are there be sure you have some of the bourbon bread pudding. It is my husband's favorite.

First, the food. Food is served till 3:30pm, but the entrees are only served till 2pm. After that, you can get sandwiches & sides. I had an unimpressive veggie burger & similarly unimpressive broccoli soup. I have heard better about their food, so try to get there before 2pm. (I know, you're on the road, so that's not always feasible.) There are better restaurants in Berea proper.Second, the shopping. There is a good selection. Prices are high, so if you have other options in Kentucky, try those. But this is a good diversion, right off I-75, with great options for gifts. My favorite purchase in 2 trips: UK wildcat paw earrings, made of porcelain, under $20. Another possible stop at the same exit, but more hidden: the Old Town Amish Store, which has shopping & a deli. Either way, the Artisan Center is worth a trip for the road-weary.

Conveniently located, just off the highway. Loads of local arts and crafts, but the real attraction is the cafeteria in the very back of the store. The employees are always pleasant, and the bourbon bread pudding is a serious threat to any diet. Excellent place to stretch you legs or walk your dog.

We stopped here on our way home from Atlanta. Great place to rest, browse shop and eat. This arts and crafts center is an art museum comprised of galleons and shops. Many types of handcraft works representing varies mediums are on display and for sale. The center holds special exhibits. There are specialty foods available for purchase. Every item on display has been crafted by a Kentucky artisan. Interested in the history of Kentucky you can pick up a book here. They even have a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. You can enjoy Snacks, salads, soup hot and cold sandwiches. This is a wonderful place. Try it you'll like it too!

This is a great place to see Kentucky made pieces of arts and crafts. Lots of great literature & books by local authors. There are also lots of statutes crafted by local artisans, very unique stuff. There is also a cafe for food service. Little kids are welcome.

Kentucky Artisan Center, Berea KYIf you’re like us, road trips offer the chance to find those little gems tucked just off the expressway. Places that break up the trip. Places you’re glad you visited. Places worth visiting in their own right, not just for a bio-break. The Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, is one of those places.My husband and I have driven past the Kentucky Artisan Center on several trips south. We’ve always talked about stopping there. I’m glad we finally did. Aside from the bathrooms being spotless, there are three reasons to visit:1) Top shelf artisan galleryI grew up and spent most of my adult life in/around Louisville and have been collecting Kentucky made items for about thirty years. This place features all the artists and craftsman I would want in my collection. The gallery takes about 30 minutes to see. Longer, if you really want to peruse. Caution: you’ll most likely wind up spending some money. Items range in price from under $10 to over $1000.2) Good, cheap food. And when I say good and cheap, I mean both. Two trout dinners (massive fillet, two sides and bread of choice) with a beverage set us back a whopping $18.00. The food, which is prepared and served by students at Berea College’s culinary arts program, is better than most four star southern eateries. If you read any of my other food reviews, you’ll see I’m pretty picky; praise like this is rare. The only issue with their café is that it is only open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with entrees only served during lunchtime, not a time most of us want southern fried perfection. But, bring an appetite or get a doggie bag. It’s worth every yummy bite. Make sure to get the corn pudding. It’s melt-in-your mouth yummy.3) Berea is worth more than a quick stop. Known as the capitol of Kentucky crafts, this quaint college town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is full of artisan studios, good places to eat and more than a taste of local culture. It’s an easy drive to Lexington’s Bluegrass region and the Bourbon Trail, as well as Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls and many other stunning state and national parks/forests.

We stopped here for a restroom break and spent 30 minutes looking at all the crafts. Everything is made in Kentucky. Some unusual crafts. Nice break. They have a small café on site. OK place to stop when in the area

Always nice to find clean, safe bathrooms as a traveler. Even better when you can see art being made by Kentucky artists during Saturday demonstrations, and the gift shop has jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, Christmas ornaments, music and books by local artists. Worth a stop. Also has a nice, clean cafe.

Berea , Ky is called the Capital of Crafts in KY and that is the reason the Artisan Center was built there. It contains a wide range of crafted things...metal work, gourds, wooden things, jewelry,KY books, music,candy, bar b q sauce etc,. all by Kentuckians. The work is juried prior to being displayed there. Periodically crafters are on site doing their craft. I find it to be an interesting place to visit and do so periodically. My guest are frequently taken there since I live only a short distance from it. The food there is not up to par but the work displayed for sale is great! It is a beautiful overall facility with a wonderful rest room facilities.Another plus is that is very close to an I-75 exit. very close to I-75 exit.

From whimsical to high quality the crafts were a wide assortment of talent. Some items of practical use, to pretty things to dust. Yard art that was funny and most imaginative. I love to see how folks can see new uses for old "stuff". A wheelbarrow boat, fishermen and alligators. Much to enjoy. Many books and music about and from the area. Take the time to stop if you are near by. Life is too short to miss this.

This is a truly beautiful facility and it was a pleasure to visit. The arts and crafts are simply awesome. It's true that many are quite expensive, but there are many affordable items as well. Would highly recommend visiting this place.

We stopped here on our way back to Ohio from Tennessee. This is a nice place to buy local artist's items. It doesn't have a lot of things in it but what it has is very nice.