This year’s Autumn Showcase includes original works by well-known artists in watercolor, clay and porcelain, needle art, woodcarving, quilting, dolls, hand-woven rugs, jewelry and wearable art. The displays also include unusual antiques provided by local antique dealers. All antiques and art works are for sale.

The Showcase, which invites Haywood Country artists to participate based on the quality of their work, is directed and produced by Sheree Sorrells, a Waynesville hand-weaver. It is sponsored in part by the Haywood County Arts Council.

In addition to delighting the eye, the exhibit soothes the ear, too, as strains of Blue Ridge music performed by area musicians fill the air at 8:30 p.m. each Thursday night during the Showcase.

In recent years, the restored 90-year-old Balsam Mountain Inn has reclaimed its place as a gentle mountain retreat where good food, comfortable rooms, woodlands and friendly folks mingle easily in a recollection of times past. Visitors are welcome to drop by 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended for dining and spending the night.

The Balsam Mountain Inn is just off Highway 23-74 in Balsam, NC, between Waynesville and Sylva. To get there from the Blue Ridge Parkway, exit near milepost 443, turn toward Sylva, proceed a quarter mile, turn left into Balsam and follow the signs to the Inn.