No getaway in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains is complete without a shopping spree – or two! The cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are home to a variety of unique shops and boutiques where you can find everything from handcrafted souvenirs to name brand clothing. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to seven of the best places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge TN and Gatlinburg TN.
1. The Island in Pigeon Forge
Located right off of the Parkway, The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the most-buzzed-about destinations in the Smokies! This fun shopping and entertainment complex is home to more than 40 unique stores. Popular shops at The Island include the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn, where you can sample authentic Tennessee white lightnin’, Doc’s Magic Shop, where you can pick up some beginner magic tricks for your kids, and Puzzled, where you’ll find thousands of jigsaw puzzles and games. When you visit The Island, we recommend riding the complex’s iconic 200-foot tall Ferris wheel; the views are simply spectacular.
2. The Old Mill Square
The Old Mill Square is a charming shopping area built around Pigeon Forge’s most famous landmark: The Old Mill. Situated along the Little Pigeon River, this historic gristmill has been grinding grain since 1830! Many of the shops in The Old Mill Square make use of The Old Mill’s products. For instance, The Old Mill General Store sells bags of mill-ground flour, breadings, and mixes, and The Old Forge Distillery offers fine spirits made from freshly ground grains. Other highlights of The Old Mill Square include the candy kitchen, pottery shop, jewelry store, and the blacksmith shop (where visitors can forge their own souvenir knives).
3. Smoky Mountain Cat House
The Smoky Mountain Cat House is a can’t-miss stop for anyone with feline friends! This one-of-a-kind shop features a great selection of cat-themed products, including jewelry, T-shirts, home decor, wallets, change purses, handbags, clocks, pillows, and so much more. In addition to all of the items for humans, the shop also sells gifts for your cat, such as toys, fountains, and cat grass. If you’re missing your four-legged family member, you can even play with one of the owner’s friendly cats!
4. Stages West
Stages West is another one of the best places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge TN. Perfect for the cowboy or cowgirl in your family, this awesome shop features a fantastic selection of western wear. Guests will find boots, jackets, jeans, hats, belts, buckles, sandals, wallets, and everything else you need for a day at the ranch or a night at the saloon. Stages West has been delighting Smoky Mountain vacationers for over 40 years!
5. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in the United States! Tucked away off of the East Parkway in Gatlinburg, this 8-mile loop is full of incredible shops, galleries, and studios that showcase the work of local artists. If you’re in search of handcrafted souvenirs from the Smokies, this is the place to find them! Some of the items you can purchase in the Arts & Crafts Community include pottery, paintings, photography, wood carvings, candles, quilts, and so much more.
6. The Village Shops
Situated behind the Pancake Pantry in downtown Gatlinburg, The Village Shops feel like a world unto themselves. Featuring German-style architecture, brick walking paths, and a lovely fountain, The Village truly does feel like a quaint European village. Visitors will find 27 boutique shops that sell everything from gourmet cheeses to insulated tumblers. Anyone looking for a sweet snack should definitely swing by The Donut Friar for one of their melt-in-your-mouth pastries! The exciting opportunities are endless at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg!
7. Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center has everything you’ll need for an adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Whether you could use a jacket, boots, hats, gloves, or some hiking advice, you’ll find it at NOC. Kids will love exploring the NOC store, which features a swinging rope bridge, “bear cave”, and an awesome rock climbing wall.
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these wonderful places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge TN and Gatlinburg TN. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!
