Polish Pottery

Regardless of my marginal snow driving abilities, I headed up the autobahn to Bolesławiecki, Poland with some girl friends to check out the hype surrounding Polish pottery!

 

Thanks to my fabulous boss and tour guide, we stayed in the perfect hotel for pottery shopping. The Blue Beetroot has it down: at check-in, they provide you with a coded map of the area to help you plan your route, including which stores offer bathrooms, take credit cards, speak English, or accept foreign currency. The hotel also offers discounts at two of the largest stores: 15% off at Andy Ceramics and 10% off at Borowski's Art Glass Blowing Studio. Though the snow put us in past the 10:00 kitchen closing time, the limited menu was amazing. I had the cheese and spinach Piergois - delish.

After the breakfast buffet, we were off to an early start. Though the map was helpful, I was so thankful to have an expert in our group to navigate through the foot of snow to each little shop. The prices are amazing for the intricately hand painted pieces - I snagged a couple Christmas platters and a chip and dip - each under $20 a piece!

Even in the snow, it was only a 5-6 hour drive over the border. Expert tip from Shannon: the last Esso station before you hit the border is at Dresdener Strasse 72, 02625 Bautzen. 

So, if are looking to jazz up your kitchen while maintaining your savings account, make a reservation at the Blue Beetroot, grab your passport, turn on your headlights (required 24-7 in Poland), and shop away!