With more than 400 artists and crafters from 38 states and two countries, you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind piece for your home at the Yellow Daisy Festival, which runs from September 6-9, 2012, at Stone Mountain Park.

When you need a break from browsing, swing by the main stage to listen to a free concert (including headliners Jordan Rager on Thursday, Shawn Mullins on Friday, Steel Magnolia on Saturday, & Yacht Rock Revue on Sunday), stop by the Children’s Corner, or watch one of the crafter demonstrations. And you can catch the game in the Men’s Den.

I went to the Yellow Daisy Festival today (Thursday). Among the highlights:

• I got to the festival just in time for lunch, and I was pleased to see the Happy Belly food truck there. Instead of having to settle for typical fair fare, I had a portobello mushroom sandwich & some highly addictive fries (though I could’ve opted for fruit). Though the dining area is (unfortunately) separate from the main stage, I did find a shady spot nearby so that I could listen to music while I ate.
• The crafts are fabulous. I thought I’d budgeted enough time to explore before I had to get to my late-afternoon appointment, but I was wrong. I’ll need to go back to check out the last loop of crafters. Right before I left, I found the ‘this must come home with me’ piece of the day. LaPella Pottery (C97) makes awesome skull magnets (and shot glasses & mugs), and a few now reside in my home. Their other pottery is gorgeous, too, but the skulls were too fun to pass up.
• While you’re there, track down the Perky Moose booth (A 100/102) & try a few samples. The Caramel Apple Cider mix & Honey Spice Chai mix are both delicious. I bought a large bag of each to have on hand for warm fall drinks.

While admission to the Yellow Daisy Festival is free, parking, unfortunately, is not. For most vehicles, it’s $10, but, you can still get in on the cheap:

• You can also walk or ride a bike to get in free. We’ve parked in Stone Mountain Village & walked in before, though if we do it again, I think we’d opt to bring the bikes.
• If you must drive, spring for the $35 annual permit if you you live near Stone Mountain Park & plan to visit at least four times a year, whether to take advantage of free special events or the park’s outdoor activities and laser show.
• If you get the Mountain Member PLUS pass, it includes parking + other benefits. Regular Mountain Members can add annual parking to the pass for $20.

I followed these directions to get to the Special Events parking lot:

Take Exit 39B off I-285 and go east on HWY 78 to Exit 8 (Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance). After you pay the parking fee, continue straight on Jefferson Davis Drive. At the fork, turn right onto Robert E. Lee Blvd. and then turn right onto North Gate Road. At the stop sign, turn right onto Service Drive. The parking lot is on your left.

–Jennifer Maciejewski