A Creative Day Trip to Claremont, NC from Charlotte, Lake Norman, Winston-Salem & Asheville

Looking for a day trip that isn't another mall or another mountain overlook? Head to downtown Claremont, NC, right off I-40, for a day of pottery painting, real clay and really good coffee. Families, couples and friends drive in from all over the Piedmont, and here's why it's worth the trip.

How far is it?

• Statesville, Hickory, Newton and Conover: 10–20 minutes
• Mooresville, Lake Norman, Denver and Sherrills Ford: about 30–45 minutes
• Taylorsville, Morganton, Lincolnton and Mocksville: about 30–45 minutes
• Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Clemmons, Winston-Salem and Elkin: about an hour
• Asheville: about an hour and a half

See all the drive times on our Plan Your Trip page.

What to do when you get here

Paint your own pottery

CREATIVE has the biggest selection of pottery to paint in the area, and the largest selection of paint colors. Walk in, pick a piece, and paint it your way. No reservation and no studio fees. Here's how it works.

Try walk-in clay

This one's worth the drive by itself: CREATIVE is the only studio in the region with walk-in clay. Make something from real clay, no class needed.

Grab a latte

The Creative Brew is right inside the studio, with lattes, chai, frappes, lemonades and dirty sodas. Sip while you paint.

Book a workshop or theme night

Plan your trip around a one-night clay workshop or a theme night for an extra-special day. Check the events calendar.

Day trip tips

• We're open Tuesday and Wednesday 8am–4pm, Thursday through Saturday 8am–6pm.
• Plan for 1–2 hours of painting, then explore downtown Claremont.
• Painted pieces are glazed and fired, ready in about 7–10 days. Ask us about pickup options if you're coming from out of town.
• Bringing 6 or more? Call 828-461-4042 so we can save you a table.

Can't make the drive? We'll come to you

For groups of 30 or more, we bring pottery painting or clay to schools, churches, businesses, breweries and events up to about 1.5 hours away, including the Charlotte region, Lake Norman, Gastonia, Shelby, Winston-Salem and Asheville. See We Come to You.

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