15 Awesome Places to Enjoy Shopping in Gatlinburg This Year
Gatlinburg Tennessee is a year-round destination for travelers interested in enjoying a memorable experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. Residents of the area also make their way to the popular city to take advantage of local attractions and shopping in Gatlinburg.
Whether heading to the downtown area, stopping at one of the shopping plazas, or perusing the goods in the craftsman community, you’re sure to find the ideal something that will put a smile on your face. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg to commemorate your visit.
Downtown Gatlinburg Shopping
In the heart of the city, there are a plethora of shops to whet your appetite and satisfy your craving for something new and exciting. Check out some of our favorites!
Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen
For anyone who has a sweet tooth, one of the Gatlinburg shops to put at the top of your list is the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. In business since 1952, it’s the oldest candy shop in Gatlinburg, and you can watch the candy being made right in front of you.
Save some time to visit one or both locations on the Parkway, and watch the ongoing tradition of handmade candy, which includes the original taffy logs using the same vintage recipe from 1950.
Mountain Mall
The Mountain Mall provides six floors of shops where locally owned stores, each with its own mountain theme, offer a wide range of goods. The mall stands where the Ogle’s General Store resided in 1910 after having been moved from its original 1850 location.
A sampling of the stores within the mall includes the Tennessee Cider Company, Pepper Palace, Smoky Mountain Novelties, Gatlin-Burlier Tobacconist, Gatlinburg Sock Company, Smoky Mountain Wax, and Izzy Bee’s Stuffed Friends. Alwine Pottery has locally handcrafted items.
As you walk through the mall, the mood is set as you’ll see historical memorabilia and pictures of the past on display, use Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels as trash cans, and hear locally recorded Appalachian Mountain music.
The Village Shops
Featuring 27 Gatlinburg shops, boutiques, galleries, and eateries, The Village Shops has plenty of options for all ages. Set amid an old-world, European-themed village, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk the brick courtyard in pursuit of a gift or souvenir.
Mountain Village Décor sells handcrafted items by locals. From candles, cheese, coffee, and donuts to footwear, socks, and hiking accessories, you can shop till you drop. Then, come back for more.
Happy Hippie Lane
If you were part of the hippie generation, then “right on!” But for those who came afterward, as the shop notes, “it’s never too late to be hippie!” That’s how you’ll roll when shopping in Gatlinburg at Happy Hippie Lane.
Shop from among several interesting categories, and be transported to a time when life was as free as a breeze. Choose rock ‘n roll T-shirts, socks, mugs, soaps, stickers, herbals, Zodiac stone sets, and assorted accessories that are in line with the time.
Enjoy the journey through the 60s and 70s as you peruse the inventory. Peace out!
Maples Tree
Get snugly and warm with a traditional handmade quilt or choose colorful patchwork quilts at The Maples Tree. The locally owned and operated shop features quilt collections in an array of colors and designs.
If you’re in town on Saturday, check out the Saturday auction for oversized quilts. Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for hiking in the Smokies or a handmade souvenir, you’ll probably find it in the square.
Baskins Square
Another downtown destination for shopping in Gatlinburg is Baskins Square, where there’s something for everyone. Here, you’ll find Claire’s for trending items for accessorizing an outfit, such as earrings and necklaces.
There’s also Earthbound Trading Co. for bohemian fashion selections, Little Bear Winery for wine tastings and purchases, The Potter & The Park for unique gift items, and Bigfoot HQ, which is an interesting shop with an assortment of crafts and collectibles all related to Bigfoot.
The Shops at Ober Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is known for its many attractions, including the mountaintop Ober ski area. Ober Gatlinburg also offers shopping in its downtown location with 15 venues to keep you occupied, entertained, and fed.
The Ober downtown stores have a diverse inventory, such as The Leather Shop, Puzzled, Green River Gallery, The Silver Galleon, Tramway Gifts, Chocolate Monkey, Slopeside Apparel & Gifts, and the Galleria Gift Shop.
Wood Signs of Gatlinburg
Are you looking for a truly customized souvenir to bring home? Head to Wood Signs of Gatlinburg to create a lasting, personal memento that you can hang up either inside or outside.
Winery Tours & Tastings
Although the harvesting of wine grapes has only occurred recently in the area, the climate and terrain are similar to those of other more renowned wine-producing areas around the country. So it’s only a matter of time before the Smoky Mountains becomes a destination wine country in its own right.
In the meantime, winery tours are becoming popular. The most well known is the Rocky Top Wine Trail, which features five wineries. One of our favorite wineries outside the Rocky Top is Smoky Mountain Winery. It sells varietals that make great gifts, either for yourself or others.
Moonshine Tours & Tastings
Of course, the more characteristic spirit of the region is moonshine. No longer relegated to secret backwoods production, it’s now legally created and distilled in various establishments in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Sample a bit at the Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery, and buy some to take home.
Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Community
For shoppers who like the detail and creativity of handcrafted goods, you won’t want to miss the loop where members of Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community display their original works. The community brings more than 120 artisans and craftspeople together in one convenient area!
Gatlinburg has a long and rich history of handcrafted items that honor the traditional diversity and creativity of the artisans of the past to the present. Relax and unwind while enjoying the ingenuity and attention to detail of the different items that originate from the arts and crafts community.
Put on your walking shoes to spend the day exploring the 8-mile loop where items, such as leatherwork, pottery, paintings, jewelry, candles, ceramics, and more are featured. You can also drive, as there’s plenty of parking.
Or, take the Gatlinburg Trolley from the Mass Transit Center downtown. The trolley makes multiple stops along the loop.
Buie Pottery
One of the Gatlinburg shops that promises a visual journey through color, texture, and material is Buie Pottery. The beautifully handcrafted pottery and stoneware are custom made at the shop and guaranteed to be microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.
From glassware, mugs, and decorative pottery to wall plaques, lamps, and large vases, you can add a splash and dash of pizazz to any room in your home.
Otto Preske Wood Art
When looking for art for your home, Otto Preske is the person to see. The award-winning artist’s shop features a variety of items that show the different forms, colors, and styles that can be used when creating wood art. Take a look at his current pieces, or place a custom order.
Talking Turkey Stained Glass Studio
If you’ve ever wanted to know how stained glass pieces come to be, stop at the Talking Turkey Stained Glass Studio. You can watch an actual demonstration of the methods used by the artisans to create these beautiful works of art.
Then, take your time to peruse the gallery of intricate, colorful, and creative pieces in assorted sizes using multiple colors, designs, and shapes. Order a custom piece of artwork, or choose from the handcrafted works on display.
Misty Mountain Soap Company
Everyone likes to smell good, and that’s what you can expect to find when doing your shopping in Gatlinburg at the Misty Mountain Soap Company. It’s located in the arts and crafts community in The Morning Mist Village and in downtown.
The shop pleases the senses from the moment you walk through the door. Products include handmade and natural soaps, facial care, salt and sugar scrubs, hair and foot care, candles, herbal care items, and products for pet care.
More Than A Candle
Whether you want to create a romantic dinner for two by candlelight, or you just want to set a relaxed mood with a pleasant scent, stop at More Than A Candle. The scented soy-based candles aren’t the only products to experience.
There are also flameless fragrance tarts, raw honey, jellies, jams, butters, soaps, and assorted accessories, such as candle lighters and candle warmer lamps.
Experience the All Kinds of Shopping in Gatlinburg
A visit to Gatlinburg — whether it’s for a day, weekend, or longer — has a lot to offer. From its many attractions, things to see, and things to do for entertainment, spending time in the city can be enjoyable for those planning a shopping spree too.
From traditional, handmade, and handcrafted items to the latest in fashion trends, home decor, and assorted accessories, there’s something to please the shopping palate of all ages.