A Visit to Blenko Glass: Stepping Inside a Mid-Century Treasure
- Jess Taylor
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
There are few places that manage to capture the magic of American craftsmanship and design quite like the Blenko Glass Company in Milton, West Virginia. A visit here isn’t just about shopping for colorful hand-blown glass—it’s a walk through history, creativity, and a truly one-of-a-kind legacy.
Where Color Meets Craftsmanship
Blenko has been making glass the old-fashioned way since 1893, and you can feel it the moment you step on the grounds. From the gleaming hues of ruby red and cobalt blue to the soft curves of mid-century modern silhouettes, every piece seems to hold a story.
I had the chance to tour their working factory—and let me tell you, watching master glassworkers shape molten glass with skill and ease was nothing short of mesmerizing. The heat, the rhythm, the glowing dance of fire and form—it all felt like stepping behind the curtain of a living art form.
We were lucky enough to have our tour led by James Arnett, Creative Director. He even took us to his office, which is typically not a part of the tour. We were able to see many rarely seen spots on the tour. But, my favorite was getting to see a few of the Blenko cats that live on the grounds!
Our tour started in the museum, where they have notable artists' vintage pieces on display. I liked seeing my favorite pieces there. After we learned the history of Blenko, we were able to enter the factory! We got to see many artisans working in the hot shop.
After visiting the workshop, we got to explore the rest of the factory, including quality control, shipping and packing, warehouse, and even the woodsman that creates the moulds from the local cherry wood. I love how every step of the process utilizes handmade craftsmanship!
The Blenko Shop: A Colorful Wonderland
After the tour, I wandered through their sprawling retail space, which is more like an art gallery than a shop. Shelves overflowed with handcrafted pitchers, vases, bookends, and suncatchers—some bold and geometric, others soft and organic. Whether you love the clean lines of 1960s design or the earth tones of 1970s boho, there’s something at Blenko for every vintage soul.
We spent over an hour checking out every piece and trying to decide what to buy. We ended up coming home with the 2024 Asteroid Carafe in Malachite, the 2023 special edition Festival of Glass square peg decanter in olive with a turquoise band. We also got a crystal turtle paperweight, a Blenko t-shirt, hat, keychain and a complimentary suncatcher from the tour!! It took a lot of thought, and we had several items in our basket before deciding on what we ended up with. It was impossible to resist.
Why Blenko Matters
What makes Blenko special isn’t just the beauty of the glass—it’s the spirit behind it. In an age of mass production, Blenko continues to create each piece by hand, honoring the artistry and human touch that defined American decor in the mid-century era.
There’s a nostalgia here, but also something hopeful. A reminder that we can still value quality, tradition, and the beauty of imperfection.
Plan Your Visit Blenko now offers two different tours. When we went last summer (2024), there was only one tour which seemed to be the second one. They now offer a shorter one, which is great for those who can't walk or stand as long but still want to see the production.
Blenko Glass Company Hot Shop/Production Tour-
Participants will visit every hot shop team available during their tour and can expect to watch 2-3 glassmaking cycles at each, for maximum glassmaking observation. This tour is best suited for guests who would rather spend the entire duration of their tour observing the magic of glassblowing, or for those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Perfect for repeat guests, or for those on a time crunch! ***From the Blenko Website. Click for more info or to register.
Blenko Glass Company Extended "Sand to Hand" Tour-
A comprehensive tour that takes you through every department of the world-renowned Blenko Glass Company. Guests of this tour will begin their journey in the Museum, where you'll learn about the company's rich history and explore glass displays with a tour guide. From there, guests will follow their guide through each department of the factory, gaining an insider's view of the glassmaking process. By the end of this tour, guests will fully understand the complete "Sand to Hand" process. This fully walking tour for 1.5 hours. Perfect for first time visitors, knowledge seekers, and Blenko enthusiasts alike! ***From the Blenko Website. Click for more info or to register.
A vibrant display of colorful glassware fills the Blenko Glass Company showroom, showcasing an array of artistic pieces in many colors.
Tips for Your Visit
Register Online- you must register online to save a day and time for the tour. The availability varies.
Arrive early as the tours start right on time!
Check for seconds! You can score incredible pieces at discounted prices if you're not picky about a tiny bubble or swirl.
Save time to shop—you'll likely find more treasures than you expect! So make sure you have the time to look at everything. We spent way more time than we thought we would.
Take photos and videos- I loved looking back at everything afterwards to remember what we saw and heard.
Don't skip the garden and pond area, especially if you're visiting in spring or fall.
Check out local Antique Stores on your way in or out. I found some other fun treasures to take home, too!
Whether you're a glass collector, vintage lover, or just looking for a unique American-made keepsake, Blenko is worth the trip!! I would love to go back for another tour or to check out one of their events! This place is truly magical with gorgeous, colorful glass. ✨
Click to learn more about Blenko, shop and schedule a tour!
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