BEREA, KY – When it comes to holiday shopping, Berea offers something most big-box stores can’t: one-of-a-kind gifts made by hand, right here in Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital.
From handwoven textiles and pottery to jewelry, glass art, and locally made candles, Berea’s shops and galleries are packed with treasures you won’t find anywhere else. And with three distinct shopping districts—each with its own character and charm—it’s easy to spend a full day browsing, discovering, and supporting local makers.
Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or just looking for a reason to explore, here’s your simple guide to Berea’s best small-business shopping spots.
Old Town Artisan Village: Where the Artists Are
Location: North Broadway Street
The Old Town Artisan Village is the heart of Berea’s arts scene, home to working artists, galleries, and studios where you can watch craftspeople at work—and take home something they made.
What You’ll Find:
- Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen (116 N. Broadway) – A curated collection of Kentucky-made art and craft, from pottery and jewelry to woodwork and fiber arts. kyguild.org
- Top Drawer Gallery (204 N. Broadway) – Handmade American artistry, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, and home décor. topdrawergallery.com
- Fire and Fern Glass Studio (217 Adams Street) – Watch glassblowers create stunning pieces, then shop their collection of ornaments, vases, and art glass. fireandfernglass.com
- Maddox Made Portrait Studio and Artisan Market (135 N. Broadway) – A portrait studio paired with a curated artisan market featuring local makers. maddoxmade.com
- Old Town Fabric (135 N. Broadway) – Fabrics, quilting supplies, and sewing notions for the crafters on your list. old-town-fabric.business.site
- The Cabin of Old Town Artisan Gallery (3 Artist Circle) – A cozy gallery featuring handmade crafts, home goods, and gifts from local artisans.
- Weaver’s Bottom Craft Studio (140 N. Broadway) – Handwoven textiles, rugs, and fiber art created on-site.
- Lindsay Gallery (2 Artist Circle) – Fine jewelry and metalwork by local artisans. lgjewelry.com
- Family Tree (202 N. Broadway) – Unique gifts, home décor, and treasures for every member of the family.
Why Visit: The Old Town Artisan Village is where you’ll find working artists creating their craft in real time. Many studios offer demonstrations, workshops, and the chance to meet the makers behind the work. It’s also the site of the annual Mayor’s Merry Mingling & Tree Lighting on November 29, so you can shop and celebrate in one trip.
College Square: Student Crafts & Local Favorites
Location: Main Street and surrounding area near Berea College
College Square blends Berea College’s student-made crafts with local galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops. It’s a walkable area with plenty of charm and a strong connection to the college’s craft traditions.
What You’ll Find:
- Berea College Student Crafts (100 Student Crafts Court) – Handmade furniture, woven goods, ceramics, and brooms crafted by Berea College students as part of the college’s work-study program. bereacrafts.com
- Berea College Visitor Center & Shoppe (104 Main Street) – Berea College apparel, books, and student-made crafts in a historic setting. bcshoppe.com
- Log House Craft Gallery (200 Estill Street) – A historic log cabin showcasing traditional Appalachian crafts, including weaving, woodwork, and pottery.
- Appalachian Fireside Gallery (126 Main Street) – Fine art, pottery, jewelry, and home décor from regional artists.
- Peace Craft (128 Main Street) – Fair-trade gifts, jewelry, and home goods from artisans around the world. peacecraftinberea.com
- Gallery 103 (103 Jackson Street) – Contemporary ceramics and pottery by artist Teresa Cole. teresacoleclay.com
- The Taleless Dog Booksellers (204 A Estill Street) – An independent bookstore with curated selections, local authors, and a cozy browsing atmosphere. thetalelessdog.com
- Berea Fudge Shoppe (207 Short Street) – Handmade fudge in a variety of flavors—perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet treat while you shop.
- Berea College Farm Store (311 Chestnut Street) – Locally grown produce, farm-fresh goods, and Berea College-made products. bereacollegefarmstore.com
Why Visit: College Square is where Berea’s craft heritage meets everyday shopping. The student-made crafts are especially popular—each piece is handmade by a Berea College student learning a traditional craft, and they make meaningful, high-quality gifts.
Chestnut Street: Something Old, Something New
Location: Chestnut Street (east of downtown)
Chestnut Street offers a mix of antiques, contemporary crafts, and specialty shops. It’s a quieter shopping area with a relaxed, small-town vibe.
What You’ll Find:
- Berea Arts Council (444 Chestnut Street) – A gallery and community arts space featuring rotating exhibitions, workshops, and locally made art. bereaartscouncil.org
- Sunhouse Craft (414 Chestnut Street) – Contemporary handmade pottery, home goods, and gifts. sunhousecraft.com
- Something Olde Antique Shop (437 Chestnut Street) – Vintage treasures, antiques, and collectibles for those who love a good find.
- Foley’s Florist and Gifts (437 Chestnut Street) – Fresh flowers, seasonal arrangements, and unique gifts. foleysfloristandgifts.com
Why Visit: Chestnut Street is perfect for antique lovers and anyone looking for something a little different. The mix of old and new makes it a great stop for eclectic, one-of-a-kind finds.
Other Local Favorites
Don’t miss these Berea businesses located throughout town:
- Modern Zen Candle Company (110 Center Street, next to Papa Leno’s) – Hand-poured soy candles with custom-blended scents, including the limited-edition Berea Spoonbread candle. modernzencandle.com
- Kentucky Artisan Center (200 Artisan Way, off I-75 Exit 77) – A showcase of Kentucky-made art, craft, and specialty foods, with over 700 artisans represented. kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov
Make an Evening of It at Spotlight Playhouse
After a day of shopping, cap off your visit with dinner and a show at The Spotlight Playhouse (214 Richmond Road). This regional theater offers musicals, plays, and dinner theater performances throughout the holiday season, including:
- Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (November 14-23) – The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation on Christmas Eve, brought to life with Victorian charm and holiday spirit.
- Faith, Laughter, and Love: A Christmas Celebration (November 21-30) – A heartwarming variety show blending music, comedy, and stories that celebrate the joy of the season.
- An Old Time Christmas Radio Show (Sunday, November 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m.) – Step back in time to the golden age of radio! Watch live foley artists create sound effects in real-time while actors and singers bring a 1940s-style Christmas variety show to life on stage. Presented by The Bluegrass Players, directed by Chad Hembree. Perfect for all ages!
- Little Women: Christmas at the March House (December 5-13) – Join the March sisters for a cozy holiday celebration filled with family, warmth, and the spirit of giving.
- The Christmas Showcase 2025: A Merry Mishap (Dinner Theater, December 18-21) – A festive dinner theater experience featuring holiday music, comedy, and surprises—all while you enjoy a delicious meal.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy live entertainment, and support local performing arts—all in one evening.
Tickets & Info: thespotlightplayhouse.com
Why Shop Small in Berea?
Shopping local isn’t just about finding great gifts—it’s about supporting the artists, makers, and small business owners who make Berea the vibrant, creative community it is.
Every purchase supports a local family, keeps traditional crafts alive, and helps sustain the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky. Plus, you’ll find gifts with stories behind them—pieces made by hand, with care, right here in Appalachia.
So skip the big-box stores this year. Spend a day in Berea, explore the galleries and studios, meet the makers, and take home something truly special.