Come and see why folks call The Gourd Place the highlight of their day in the North Georgia mountains! The Gourd Place is a small art gallery, gift shop, and museum in Sautee Nacoochee, just a few miles down the road from Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa. It’s the oldest gourdcrafting business in the United States and it has been a celebrated member of the local art scene in White County, GA for many years.
What is Gourdcrafting?Artist Priscilla Wilson invented a slip-casting method using the earthy texture of gourds as a mold for her pottery-making (She even has a U.S. patent on this method!). The results are a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors of gourd-inspired pieces. A large part of her creations are dinner and lunch plates, bowls of various sizes, and other dishes and food-safe platters. She even creates beautiful luminaries that are perfect to accent any space!
What Will I Experience at the Gourd Place?
When you enter, you’ll be greeted by all sorts of pottery pieces on display. The gallery will make you feel like you’ve gone back to a simpler time as you peruse all the different kinds of pottery that can be made with the help of gourds. Enjoy the small museum that contains over 200 items from 23 different countries! The collection includes reproductions of early American items, contemporary gourd pieces, and gourds from all around the world. Since the Gourd Place is taking guests by appointment only, you’ll be able to chat with a gourd pottery expert who can explain the fascinating process of gourdcrafting to you and answer any questions you may have. Remember to bring a mask with you and practice social distancing during your visit!
Make Plans to Visit!
The Gourd Place is right by the Mount Yonah trailhead, so we recommend starting the day there for a beautiful hike, followed by lunch on the patio of Mully’s Nacoochee Grill. Then head to your afternoon appointment at the Gourd Place, and follow it up with dinner at Bernie’s Restaurant. If you have extra time, there’s always something to do in downtown Helen, whether its window shopping, relaxing on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, or enjoying more of the local art scene. When you’re ready for a break, you know we’ll have all the luxury and comfort of the mountains waiting for you at Lucille’s! Book your stay with us today!
