Besides the great outdoor activities with the backdrop of the picturesque Smoky Mountains, both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer unique shopping experiences. From charming shopping complexes and downtown strips to Arts and Crafts Community establishments, the shopping scene is pretty diverse, catering to a range of tastes and preferences and offering something for everyone. And you don't necessarily have to break the bank!
Are you looking to do some shopping for yourself or maybe get some souvenirs to take home? You're in the right place. With this blog, we will bring you a guide to our favorite shopping spots in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and around.
Ready to shop till you drop?
Best Shopping Spots in Gatlinburg, TN
The Village
If there's one shopping experience you need to have in Gatlinburg, that's at The Village, a complex near the entrance to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is designed to look like a quaint, European-themed Alpine town with a great selection of shops and boutiques where you'll definitely find something for every taste.
Visiting The Village is like stepping into a different world, and it's a delight to explore the different specialty shops with handcrafts and arts, great clothing, and lovely candles.
Here are some of the highlights:
Candle Cottage is a total favorite; they have been making homemade candles for locals and guests since 1976.
Need to get hiking gear for your exploration of the natural surroundings? Head to The Day Hiker; they sure have all the essentials and much more, including a selection of GSMNP souvenir shirts.
Got the little ones in tow? They'll love Toy Crazy, and, guess what, they also have an assortment of antique toys that go very well with the surroundings.
Feeling peckish? Donut Friar has the best donuts in town, as well as cinnamon bread and other amazing pastries.
And it's not all about shopping; there are also galleries and restaurants, and it's always great to just pick a bench by the fountain and take a rest, enjoying the fresh air with the environment and the beautiful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
What about discovering the independent artisans and crafts that create wonderful things around Gatlinburg? The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is an 8-mile loop featuring galleries, shops, and art studios, all selling pieces made by local creatives.
This is a historical trail; it all started back in 1937 with local artisans displaying their creations in their own homes. Popularity grew with the years, but this is still a route that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds, and you will feel like discovering true local gems. You'll find everything from poetry and paintings to wooden pieces, candles, and all kinds of handcrafted items.
The best part is that creators are most likely the ones who will receive you into their establishments, and you get to learn everything about their crafts directly from the source. Many times you can even see them creating objects and artifacts right in front of you. What a way to engage in insightful conversations and, to boot, support local and independent creativity, huh?
Mountain Mall
Sitting in the heart of downtown with six floors of locally owned shops, The Gatlinburg Mountain Mall is a mountain-themed shopping complex with atmospheric cedar walls, barrel trash cans, and even Appalachian sounds by local artists playing as ambient music.
The whole mall exudes a lovely vintage feel, and there are some interesting touches like the millstones, a moonshine still, and a full-size bear trap — all pretty Instagrammable.
Shopping options are pretty diverse, and some of the stores have been around for decades — a testament to their quality and how beloved they are by the local community. Even if you're not in the mood for shopping, this mall makes for a great stroll just because of its amazing character.
Firefly Village at Anakeesta
What about some treehouse-like shopping (and dining!) with 360-degree scenic views among the treetops of the Smokies? Firefly Village at Anakeesta is a family-oriented complex with unique experiences set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Some of the highlights for shopping include:
The Great Outdoors Trading Company, where you can get lovely souvenirs like T-shirts and hats, as well as Appalachian arts, pottery, and jewelry.
Catching Fireflies, a fun children's shop where you'll find amazing children's clothing, costumes, plush, and toys.
Adventure Outpost, another spot to shop for great souvenirs, especially Anakeesta-branded T-shirts and hats.
After some shopping, it's time to head to a great meal and recharge your batteries. Try Cliff Top Restaurant, a place serving all the American classics with great views of the region. That's really shopping at its best, isn't it?
Best Shopping Spots in Pigeon Forge, TN
The Old Mill Square
The main shopping area in Pigeon Forge is the historic Old Mill district, also known as Old Mill Square — a place where you can visit very interesting stores, including local souvenirs, arts and crafts, and, for those who like treasure hunts, antiques, and all sorts of collectibles.
Dating from 1830, the centerpiece of Old Mill Square is The Old Mill itself, an iconic landmark of the city and a must-stop to take lovely pictures that will make for wonderful memories. The structure is still operational today.
Here are some of the shopping highlights in the area:
At The Old Mill General Store, you can shop for flour, grits, and other products.
Pigeon River Pottery offers Appalachian arts and crafts, and at The Old Mill At Sassafras, you'll get Southern fashion and accessories.
Farmhouse Kitchen: You can stock up on what you need for a great home-cooked meal.
Wherever you head, you're bound for a shopping experience full of history!
The Island
Opened in 2013 right off of the Parkway, The Island is a fun complex offering over forty shops of both global and local brands, as well as lots of entertainment. Shopping-wise, the highlights are:
Be Free Boutique, where you'll find lots of accessories and stylish T-shirts.
Bootleggers Winery, where you can get some pretty unique wine.
Earthbound Trading Co., to shop for stylish accessories, jewelry, clothing, and home decor.
Emery's 5 & 10, to experience delightful nostalgia by browsing through antique books, candy, and old-fashioned sodas. They also offer an array of hand-picked merchandise from family-owned businesses across the country.
Island Tiki General Store, to shop for more souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and Tiki-themed home decor (always fun!).
For non-shopping related fun, you can hit the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, the centerpiece at The Island--a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel that stands as one of the tallest attractions in the Southeast and offers stunning vistas.
Also, you can head to Arcade City for some fun arcade games and then head to the fountain to see the water show, among other great things to do in the complex.
The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops
Another unique shopping spot in Pigeon Forge, The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is one of the newest shopping and entertainment complexes in the area, and it has something for everyone, including, once again, fun rides for the entire family.
Retail fun varies from REI outfitters and a Nike clearance store to specialty stores offering anything from hot sauces to coffee and children's wear. Some of the highlights include:
Burkes Outlet, to help you with all your fashion needs as well as bed and bath essentials, home decor, and beauty items.
Hatley for a cute variety of women's, kids', and babies' clothing.
Old Time Pottery for beautiful furniture, rugs, and home decorative items.
The Mountain Mile General Store is your go-to place for mountain-themed souvenirs and gifts.
There's also great dining and lots of thrilling rides, like the monster drop, monster launch, and monster swing. Why "monster"? You try it to find out!
Best Shopping Spots in Sevierville, TN
Tanger Outlets
With over one hundred stores, Sevierville's Tanger Outlets is one of the Smoky Mountain region's most popular shopping spots. This outlet center provides a variety of high-end and good value options. You'll find stores such as Nike Outlet, Kate Spade, Coach, The North Face, Disney Outlet, American Eagle Outfitters, Converse, Gap Outlet, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria's Secret, and so on.
The place also has a very welcoming service and ambiance with that distinctive Smoky Mountain charm — and you even get great views of the region. Want a pro tip? Arrive early and avoid weekends. That's the best way to enjoy and make the most of your shopping!
Extra Shopping Tips in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Around
As you can see in this guide for shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the region is a shopping paradise. Here are some extra tips for shopping in the Smoky Mountains region:
Things get busy, especially during the high season and on weekends, so plan ahead and try to arrive at shopping places earlier. On weekdays, crowds are typically smaller.
Be environmentally friendly by carrying reusable shopping bags. Every small action makes a difference.
If you really want to make a difference, it's a great idea to support local artists and business owners. This will not only lead you to discover some local and unique finds but also have a direct and positive impact on the local economy, which is certainly much valued by the community.
Finally, take lots and lots of scenic breaks and explore local cuisine as you shop!
Wondering where to stay with kids in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
While in town, why not enhance your stay with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!