Thanksgiving Weekend of Arts on Putney Vermont’s Artisan Trail

46th Annual Putney Craft tour Nov 29, 30 and Dec 1 (10-5p)

 The Putney Craft Tour, America’s oldest continuous open studio craft tour, conceived in the late 1970s and timed to coincide with Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, celebrates its 46th anniversary this year on November 29, 30 and December 1, (10-5p) in the historic town of Putney.

For 3 days after Thanksgiving, the studios of 24 of Vermont’s most prominent makers invite the public in to discover, ask questions and snag one-of-a-kind gifts directly from the crafters. Glassblowers, potters, jewelers, woodworker, painters, sculptors, stained glass artisans, an aromatherapist, and even wine and cheesemakers welcome visitors to their studios.

Every year the tour draws art lovers, shoppers and the curious. “The opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the number and the variety of craftspeople and artists in a small rural environment — is the real draw of such tours,” says glassblower Robert Burch, one of the founders of the tour.

Well-marked signs and tour maps lead the way. Start at Putney Mountain Winery & Spirits welcome center, where you will find an exhibition of the artisans’ work, maps and brochures and any questions answered about the tour.

Save time in the evenings to enjoy other events in Putney that are part of the Putney Craft Tour’s Thanksgiving Weekend:

 Sandglass Theater celebrates the 10th Anniversary of A Rafter of Crankies and returns to Green Mountain Orchard for the fourth consecutive year. Performances: Fri, Nov. 29 at 5pm and 7:30pm, and Sat, Nov. 30, at 5pm and 7:30pm. www.sandglasstheater.org

  Next Stage offers a triple bill of contemporary folk singer/songwriters -- Hayley Reardon, Sam Robbins, and Emily Margaret, on Fri. Nov. 29 and on Sat. the 30th, a screening of Jay Craven's new film "Lost Nation," with a Q&A with Craven. Details at:  www.nextstagearts.org/events-calendar.htm

 To download the map go putneycrafts.com, For details about wheelchair accessibility, please call each studio.