There’s nothing like Christmas shopping in the Smoky Mountains to bring joy, and a sense of warmth to the soul. After all, f you can’t live in the mountains, take something home to remember your trip, give as gifts to friends and family.
Original hand-made art can be found in The Arts and Crafts Community. Do the Loop, as locals say, to find the perfect gifts.
The largest independent organization of artisans in the United States, the Arts and Crafts Community is filled with a wide assortment of items from dulcimers to stuffed bears to ceramics. “The artists often will talk with visitors and discuss the history of their craft.”
With more than 100 artists and craftsmen, Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community “is a living, breathing tribute to the history of Tennessee. The carvers, weavers, watercolor artists, casters, soap makers, potters, silversmiths and dozens of other artisans skillfully demonstrate their abilities before thousands of visitors, making Christmas shopping in the Smokies a unique experience. The community is located on an 8-mile loop road that’s designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. The Arts & Crafts Community can be reached using the Yellow Trolley from downtown Gatlinburg.
Outlet Malls
Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg – are best for finding fashion and household item bargains. In Sevierville, you can visit Five Oaks Tanger Outlets, while Pigeon Forge features the Factory Merchants’ Mall and Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet.
Gatlinburg has two smaller malls, the Mountain Mall and the Village Shops, both of which have locally owned businesses offering more one-of-a-kind wares. Be sure to visit Alwine Pottery in the Village Shops, and Mountain Village Décor in the Mountain Mall, both of which sell local hand-crafted items. Nearby, the popular Jonathan’s “The Bear Necessities” has home items, apparel, books and scrapbook supplies with a decidedly mountain theme.
Looking for a truly customized souvenir while you’re Christmas shopping in the Smokies? Head to Wood Signs of Gatlinburg and have them create a lasting personal memento that you can hang up either inside or outside.
Mountain Mall
The Gatlinburg Mountain Mall, dubbed as a “premier indoor shopping experience.”
Each shop has a unique theme such as hand-crafted candy and local foods, hand-made jewelry, custom-blended tobacco products, quilts, dolls, magic tricks, sports, clothing for your dog, collectible toys and locally made artwork.
Walk around the two indoor fountains, one of which is 30-feet tall. Check out the now-and-then photos as you stroll around the mall. The photos are of the general store that once stood on the same spot – Ogle’s General Store. The Ogle family still owns the Mall.
Check out all the merchants, which include home-made candy, food, crafts, hand-made jewelry, custom-blended tobacco products, pipes, music, movies, leather goods, hot sauces, books, magic tricks, quilts, dolls, sports collectibles, toys and original artwork and even outfits for man’s best friend.
Mountain Mall is located at Traffic Light #6 across from Ripley’s Aquarium. 611 Parkway, Ste F15, Gatlinburg.
The Village
A few steps off Gatlinburg’s bustling main street, is The Village. Here, 27 unique boutiques, eateries and galleries make for a pleasant shopping experience.
Walk and shop through the quaint village of Old World-style buildings and brick paths. It’s like stepping back in time.
Located just past Traffic Light #6, The Village address is 634 Parkway, Gatlinburg.
The Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge is another great destination for Christmas shopping in the Smokies with more than 60 unique shops.
While you’re there, sit, take in the sights, play, eat and shop. Sit in a sweet rocking chair and watch the dancing fountain – coordinated to music all day and night. Play! There’s The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the Island Rope Course. You can pan for gold at Island Miner’s Gems and get lost and a little woozy in the Island Mirror Maze.
Among the interesting shops are:
Savannah Bee Company – honey tasting, honey accessories, honey lip balm – I bought a unique Mint Julep balm last time I was there.
Old Smoky Moon Shine – pick up some white lightning and accessories to take home and share with friends.
The Paula Deen Store – celebrity chef Paula Deen has a retail store and a restaurant at The Island. Butter anyone?
Farmhouse 9110 – made in the U.S. original home décor from signs to coffee mugs, reclaimed wood and farmhouse charm.
Build-a-Bear – you remember these. You make your own bear and even put its heart in as the final touch.
Fun Smoky Mountain Shops
Some unique names and shops are scattered throughout the area and worth finding or stopping into.
The Smoky Mountain Cat House is fun, relaxing spot for, well, cat lovers. Other curious shoppers also are welcome. Established in 1985. By Phil and Cheryl Anderson, the Cat House features items including jewelry, bags, potter beads, earrings and plush cat toys – “the things that make us and our cats happy.”
Ready to get your country on and pick up a pair of cowboy boots? Check out Stages West – Boots and Apparel. Family owned and operated in Pigeon Forge since 1995, Stages West has its only store in the Smoky Mountains. Located at 2765 Parkway, Pigeon Forge.
Carvers
Christmas shopping in the Smokies doesn’t mean you can’t pick something us for yourself. Take home a unique piece of Smoky Mountain art that also serves a functional role in your home at Carvers of the Smokies. Here, artist and owner Johnny Watkins, creates one-of-a kind wood carved door trim, doors, mantles, bars, benches or anything else you can imagine. You work with Watkins to design your own. “All hand-carved originals designed by you.”
Carvers is located at 902 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge.
The shops on Wears Valley Road are part of the Glades Arts and Crafts Community. Check out our recent blog post about the Glades Arts And Crafts Community
Lumberjack Square – Formerly Walden’s Landing
The shops in this quaint, wide-sidewalk, bench-lined family-friendly center
are perfect for finding gifts. Smoky Mountain Popcorn Company for 141 gourmet popcorn. Sweet Peas, The Red Rocket, Gallery of Light.
Next door, at the Apple Barn and Cider Mill, shop for apple butters and jams; sauces and condiments; candy; mixes for muffins, fritters and cakes; along with some country charm in the form of home décor.
Just up the road, is Orvis, where you can find clothing and gear for many of your Smoky Mountain park adventures. You can also sign up for free Fly Fishing lessons to take advantages of the many lakes, streams and rivers in the area and the park.
Big Shopping
The largest shopping extravaganza is Tanger Outlets.
Tanger is a nationally known outlet mall enterprise based in Greensboro, NC. The Sevierville location is at 1645 Parkway.
Here, you’ll find hundreds of our favorite shops with sales and deals galore – kids, adults, men, women, shoes of all kinds! Coach, Christopher & Banks, Harry & David (I could live on their chocolate covered blueberries!), Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Pink by Victoria, Tommy Hilfiger. There’s a Disney Outlet, Eddie Bauer, Brooks Brothers, Columbia, The North Face, Under Armour – and so much more. Check out the list of shops.
Since Christmas shopping in the Smokies can rev up the appetite , you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of food options too – at the outlet mall and nearby.
Dollywood
If you are going to Dollywood, make sure to spend some time shopping at the entertainment park’s Craftsman’s Valley, which features a one-stop shop for authentic handmade crafts
In Craftsman’s Valley, talented artisans continue to perform the same jobs that were so vital to life in the late 1800s. Blacksmiths, just like those years before them, use their skills to create beautiful hand-forged steel items. Customized metal gifts and home décor, including the always-popular wind chimes, are available for purchase at the blacksmith shop.
At the Old Flames Candle Shop, candlemakers dip candles the old-fashioned way, creating an amazing range of beautiful handmade items. Available in many different shapes, sizes and scents, visitors often find gifts from the candle shop make perfect home accents. Children also can create special keepsakes by dipping their own candles with one of the candlemakers.
At Smoky Creek Leather, guests can purchase leather apparel and accessories crafted by Dollywood’s leather smiths or create their own one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament or other unique piece with the master craftsmen at Mountain Blown Glass. Additionally, woodcarvers, candy makers and many other skilled workers set up shop throughout the park.
Take home a piece of the Smoky Mountains from heritage products such as Dollywood’s apple and pumpkin butters from the Sweet Shoppe, seasonal home decor from Mountain Laurel Home and everything in between from the Dollywood Emporium. Check out the park’s shopping locations
Or maybe buy someone a season pass or tickets for a weekend.
Plan Your Trip! Shop the Smokies!
Whether you want a beautiful cabin near Wears Valley shopping, down low near Tanger outlet or a secluded cabin you can just lose yourself in relaxing after all that shopping, let American Patriot Getaways’ experts help you find the right cabin and all the right fun, food and entertainment. Call us at 800-204-5169.
Check our Pinterest boards for Pigeon Forge cabins with a view. Also, see our board on economy cabins.
If you need more help planning your Smoky Mountain Vacation, be sure to check out all our vacation guides, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
