McCarty's Pottery
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2 within 3 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
4
Terrible
1
CES122
Canton, MS906 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Mississippi Pottery maker is world renown. Family owns 100+ pieces. Worth the time and money. Know the location. Cafe nearby. Again very famous.
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ashandnickp
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Solo
For decades, collectors from all around the globe have flocked to the tiny little mule barn turned legendary studio of Delta artists, Lee and Pup McCarty. In years gone by, everyone who walked through those doors was greeted with a kind smile and genuine southern hospitality. One could tour the beautiful gardens, share pleasantries with the artists, and procure unique and beautiful handmade pottery, which could be chosen from full shelves of goods ranging from the delightfully quirky, decorative piece to the daily use dinnerware or fruit bowl. One thing was certain, you would feel good about your purchase, you were treated with kindness, and you made terrific memories and likely, new friends.
Not the current situation at all. You now arrive to stand in line and wait for the mouthy “godson” to walk out of the locked door, flitter about, and tell you about all of the rules, why they may sue you, and how you are allowed to use the wares they are peddling once you pay their grossly inflated asking price and leave with it. Now, this particular fortunate heir is rumored to have earned a juris doctorate (law degree). This reviewer scoffs, as he seems to have slept right through the trademark and copyright portion, and appears to have absolutely no concept of the first amendment, nor of the most basic workings of the “free market”. The general consensus is that he just loves the sound of his own voice. I digress.
The place is still there. The shelves are sparsely stocked with wobbly or misshapen bowls, pitted platters, and crooked vases. The gardens are now lackluster and ill maintained. The staff is rude. The joy is absolutely absent and it’s like walking into a cold and miserable tomb of what once was. There are two “godsons” that were handed the keys to the kingdom. One of them sits at a potters wheel with his faithful canine companion making candlesticks and watching the cashiers. The other, more obnoxious one, walks around carrying a money bag telling you why “Unc” wanted this extra fee or that ridiculous rule or whatever.
Before the 2022 reopening (the studio closes right before Christmas and reopens at the first of February every year), Godsons released a two page epistle explaining why they were going to “significantly increase” the prices on the ever-declining-quality pottery. Each and every poorly implemented change and arbitrary rule absolutely moves farther and farther away from the beautiful legacy established by the warm and friendly, amazingly talented founders. When you hear people speak of the wonderful memories made in Merigold, the treasures that are handed down through generations of collectors, and the camaraderie of the community- just know that experience sadly passed away with the McCartys. What is left of that legacy is a pursuit of mass production and profit, arbitrary rules, and threats of lawsuits. It is a sad situation, no doubt.
Not the current situation at all. You now arrive to stand in line and wait for the mouthy “godson” to walk out of the locked door, flitter about, and tell you about all of the rules, why they may sue you, and how you are allowed to use the wares they are peddling once you pay their grossly inflated asking price and leave with it. Now, this particular fortunate heir is rumored to have earned a juris doctorate (law degree). This reviewer scoffs, as he seems to have slept right through the trademark and copyright portion, and appears to have absolutely no concept of the first amendment, nor of the most basic workings of the “free market”. The general consensus is that he just loves the sound of his own voice. I digress.
The place is still there. The shelves are sparsely stocked with wobbly or misshapen bowls, pitted platters, and crooked vases. The gardens are now lackluster and ill maintained. The staff is rude. The joy is absolutely absent and it’s like walking into a cold and miserable tomb of what once was. There are two “godsons” that were handed the keys to the kingdom. One of them sits at a potters wheel with his faithful canine companion making candlesticks and watching the cashiers. The other, more obnoxious one, walks around carrying a money bag telling you why “Unc” wanted this extra fee or that ridiculous rule or whatever.
Before the 2022 reopening (the studio closes right before Christmas and reopens at the first of February every year), Godsons released a two page epistle explaining why they were going to “significantly increase” the prices on the ever-declining-quality pottery. Each and every poorly implemented change and arbitrary rule absolutely moves farther and farther away from the beautiful legacy established by the warm and friendly, amazingly talented founders. When you hear people speak of the wonderful memories made in Merigold, the treasures that are handed down through generations of collectors, and the camaraderie of the community- just know that experience sadly passed away with the McCartys. What is left of that legacy is a pursuit of mass production and profit, arbitrary rules, and threats of lawsuits. It is a sad situation, no doubt.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisC
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Friends
Love going to the McCarty studio!! My sister in law and myself go several times a year. It’s always so exciting, like a treasure hunt....you never know what’s going to be on the shelves!! The staff is always so nice and helpful.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mrsdettor
74 contributions
Apr 2021
McCarty Pottery is a delta treasure. The trips there are always so enjoyable. I love the memories of Lee and Pup working while we shopped. Mr. McCarty always tickled me with his stories and talked me into buying things I didn't even realized that I wanted. Today those are some of my favorite pieces. I have to say that Stephen and Jamie are doing an incredible job of caring on their legacy. I am always drawn in by the simplicity of the outside of the building. You never know what treasure you are going to find. A couple of weeks ago I happened to be there just has Stephen was putting out a Cobalt Punchbowl. What a wonderful find! I was absolutely thrilled! I highly recommend you go when you have time to browse. Also take you credit card and leave your purse in the car. You need both hands and its hard to walk around with a large purse. Now its not cheap so be prepared to only come out with a few pieces at a time. That the allure of it!
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tspillman
Highland Village, TX100 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Love collecting beautiful pottery from McCarty’s for years. Can always find something nice for my home and for gifts. Love the Jade color and the edging on the jade pieces. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Nice to meet Jamie.
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dixon M
3 contributions
Jul 2019
My family has collected McCarty since the 1970’s and I managed to obtain the highly coveted McCarty Hippo. I intend to be buried with it.. Lee and Pup were family friends for about half a century and I would bet my Rolex that my mother has the most extensive collection in Alabama while my Auntie has the largest collection in all of Mississippi..We could stage an exhibition at The Met in NYC if we combined our collections...I was terribly fond of Lee but I felt a special bond with Pup..Her love of gardening and water gardens was terribly infectious and I started building my own ponds stuffed with lilies from Thailand and Giant Papyrus from Egypt..WITH THAT SAID, my jury is still out on the ‘godchildren’ who received the McCarty mantle and legacy LONG before they were prepared for the responsibility..The lids did not fit on the casseroles, the plates were lopsided....The quality just was NOT there.. One of the ‘god children’ said “I have finally perfected the ‘McCarty’ signature that goes on each brown paper bag....” Well that is just a groundbreaking achievement , bless his heart...Now if he could just learn to throw a bowl or even a drinking cup on a potters wheel...
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Em E
Tupelo, MS29 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
A trip to McCarty’s never disappoints. If you are looking for anything specific they will always assist you in finding the perfect piece. They will also ship if needed which is great since we are 3 hours away. The pottery is high quality and something that can be enjoyed for years since the pieces are timeless. McCarty’s is a must stop in the Mississippi Delta.
Written December 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martha J
Long Beach, MS315 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
McCarty’s pottery was super busy when we arrived. There were many unique things to look at and touch. We also visited their gardens and Koi pond which were not crowded at all and there were places to sit. I thought the prices were rather high.
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Conrad J
258 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
A visit here let’s you see a large collection of pottery collected by many people around the area. McCarty’s pottery is available in several other locations but this has it all don’t miss the gardens if you visit here.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J B
Booneville, MS2 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
don't believe the hype! The sale is ridiculous and they allow way more in line than they have produc
Written April 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can you make a llama out of the brown pottery? I have an adult daughter that loves Llamas and she collects your peices! I would love it for Christmas!
McCarty's Pottery (Merigold) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about McCarty's Pottery
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- (5.46 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland, an IHG Hotel
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- Restaurants near McCarty's Pottery:
- (0.09 mi) Crawdad's
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