My husband and I took a trip to the Smoky Mountains for my 30th birthday, and I really wanted to find a piece of art for our home that would represent such a meaningful milestone weekend. I was honestly disappointed by how much touristy junk there was everywhere.We walked by Twisted Vessel after breakfast and were immediately blown away (no pun intended with the blown glass ) by the quality of the work in the window. Within seconds of stepping inside, I couldn’t believe how incredible the artwork was.The gentleman at the counter, who I later learned was the artist and owner, Steve, was incredibly kind. I had set my coffee and some of our other purchases outside because I didn’t want to bring them into the studio and disrespect the space. He immediately offered for me to bring everything inside and set it in the corner so it wouldn’t sit out in the heat.My husband and I ended up talking with Steve for almost two hours. He had the most phenomenal stories. He made us laugh, and he made us cry. If we hadn’t needed to drive home that evening, we probably could have stayed there all day, or until he kicked us out. We left with the most beautiful hummingbird, which now hangs in our kitchen window. Steve gave me a card with a story about a the hummingbird “doing their part” during a hard situation, and it symbolized hope. With my dad currently in hospice, that little card and hummingbird have taken on an incredibly special meaning for me. I couldn’t have found a more meaningful piece to bring home from my 30th birthday trip.Two weeks after our trip, I happened to look up Twisted Vessel again and was genuinely flabbergasted by some of the negative reviews, particularly the ones complaining about parking or Steve’s demeanor. Our experience could not have been more different. Steve could not have been more pleasant with us.I think the difference is that we weren’t looking for another tourist stop. We genuinely appreciated the art, the craftsmanship, and the stories behind the work. This isn’t somewhere you go simply to park your car and check another attraction off your list. It’s a place to slow down, appreciate art, and talk with an artist who clearly has a passion for what he does.Truly a diamond in the rough. I can’t wait for our next trip back so we can purchase another piece and, hopefully, spend even more time talking with Steve.

We cannot wait to return to Twisted Vessel this trip - hard to read all the people complaining about the owner being rude because he doesn’t want stragglers parking in his limited spots. Get over yourselves and understand he is a small business owner there! Had a great convo with him and he is super interesting. We purchased two pieces last year too and can’t wait to add to the collection. Truly original pieces.

Yes, the owner can be a bit crotchety, but I made an effort to talk to him and found him to be a very interesting man with some great stories to tell. He is a very talented glass maker and his products will be on the expensive side. Quality glass isn't cheap.

The owner is rude and very unfriendly!How this man makes any money is beyond me. I don't recommend this shop for family's at all. He thinks that his shop of cheap looking glass is in New York. Most of what he has you can order from TEMU.

The man that runs that place is rude! I've been going there for years and the woman that was working at the store was great. I have a vast collection from that shop throughout the years. But today he asked me to leave because one of my family members was checking his messages on his phone and he thought he was taking photos. I will never return to that store again and will never recommend it too anyone. This man has a very bad reputation with his costumes.