Snowbirds: Berea's just the place to rest your wings
Page Two
And yes, some, like Warren May whose woodworking shop's in the College Square cluster, are the same folks who love country bluegrass at the Saturday night jamboree and quiet dulcimer melodies describing the hollers and hills you'll drive to find them. May will give you a dulcimer lesson on one of his custom made instruments just for asking. Then he'll show off the edges of a drawer that fits so perfectly into a table edged by the natural contour of the tree from whence it came that you'll immediately realize he's a master furniture maker with rare talent. When it sold in a flash for $2500 — May knew he had underpriced it. He's been creating wooden furnishings with his distinctive beading or Appalachian bird carved knobs for 25 years and especially enjoys making "one piece of furniture from one piece of wood. " If you're up for one of them, you'll just have to happen upon it — he doesn't do special orders.
You'll have to drive a dozen miles to discover Tater Knob Pottery and a gallery of functional pieces handthrown by Berea graduates Sarah Culbreth and Jeff Enge. If you're less adventurous, just browse the two college-owned shops for their designs. The Boone Tavern serves its famous "spoon bread" from round baking dishes created by these artists who tuck in the recipe with each dish.
All these craftspeople and more gather three times a year for annual craft shows, but other times it's a heyday for shoppers and a relaxing scenic getaway rolled into one. There are several B&Bs, including the elegant Doctor's Inn (617 Chestnut Street, 606-986-3042) as well as national motel chains, but for a unique experience, choose the Boone Tavern Hotel, built in 1909 to relieve the college president's wife of so many visitors. Its white pillared façade, a Berea landmark in the center of town, and 57 individually decorated rooms featuring pieces created at the college are on the National Record of Historic Places and one of the "Historic Hotels of America." Continental breakfast and afternoon tea and sweets are complimentary, but you can sample the spoon bread and the five-course historic menu for about $20.
Admittedly, nightlife is limited and dry in Berea, save a walk on campus to Lincoln Hall, an architectural replica of Philadelphia's Independence Hall that's also on the National Register of Historic Places. You can end your walk at Berea Coffee & Tea Co. on College Square for dessert and coffee or an ice cream concoction.
Even if Berea's nightlife is quiet, that's not a negative for long distance drivers. After a good night's sleep in this craft mecca, you'll be ready to hit the highway with gifts for sharing under the palm trees. One more tip: Better double up on your purchases — chances are you won't want to part with your newfound treasures.
Sidebar:
Before you begin your shopping spree, take a college craft tour at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Friday — you'll end up in the off-price room at the Crafts Center where the bargains are seconds and discontinued items at reduced prices. A "gallery basket" retailing for $70 prices at $27 here.
Free historic campus walking tours depart the Boone Tavern Hotel lobby at 9 and 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. each weekday and at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Christmas begins in November when the annual Home & Hearth Christmas Bazaar ushers in a six-week long celebration of the holidays Applachian style.
With an array of open houses and extended hours, its best to call Berea Tourism Office, 800-598-5263 for seasonal hours. Otherwise, you'll find craft brochures with addresses at nearly every shop.
Boone Tavern Hotel, Main Street, 800-366-9358, www.berea.edu
Doctor's Inn Bed & Breakfast, 617 Chestnut Street, 859-986-3042
Warren A. May Woodworker, 110 Center St., 859-986-9293
Appalachian Fireside Gallery, 127 Main Street, 859-986-9013
Log House Craft Gallery, 859-986-9341
Gastineau Jewelry, 135 N. Broadway, 859-986-9158
Tater Knob Pottery & Farm, 260 Wolf Gap Road, 859-986-2167Kentucky Artisan Center, Berea
Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails
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