Gatlinburg Shopping
While you’re staying in a Gatlinburg cabin perfectly suited
for your relaxing vacation, don’t forget to check out the shopping in the area.
Shopping in Gatlinburg is a wondrous experience that will engage all your
senses. From full-fledged malls to unique specialty shops, Gatlinburg is
teeming with shops and stores that entice tourists to spend their dollars on
small (and not-so-small) treasures they won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re taking home gifts for family, souvenirs for
yourself or collectibles unique to Gatlinburg, more than 450 stores — including
five shopping malls — offer just about anything you could imagine. If your
cabin is located up in the mountains, drive into town and park and most stores
will be within walking distance. Just be sure to wear your comfortable shoes.
Here’s a rundown of the different types of stores available:
Malls
The Gatlinburg Mountain Mall, across from the Ripley’s
aquarium, offers a mountain-themed indoor shopping setting with a wide variety
of stores. Tourists can visit a tobacconist store, buy blown glass gifts and
have time left over for a bite of specialty candy before they stop at the
leather store and the art gallery on their way out.
Ober Gatlinburg features a shopping area where the tram
departs in downtown Gatlinburg as well as a second area at their mountaintop
ski resort. Calhoun Village features three restaurants and several arts and
crafts stores, while Baskin’s Square Mall in the center of Gatlinburg includes
20 craft and specialty shops as well as the Guinness World Records Museum, the
White Wolf Gallery, Old Tyme Photos and more.
Reagan’s Carousel Mall includes specialty shops such as
Godiva Giggles, Earth’s Treasures and Party Hut Night Club, while the Reagan
Terrace Mall in the heart of Gatlinburg features more unique shops, food and
two family attractions: Old Gatlinburg Golf and Games, and Fort Fun.
If outlet stores are more up your alley, Pigeon Forge has at
least five major manufacturers’ outlet malls beckoning tourists who are looking
for great deals.
Specialty stores
Next to the Pancake Pantry at traffic light number six in
the heart of Gatlinburg is one of the city’s most diverse shopping experiences.
The Village is a collection of 27 shops built in a unique Old World
architectural style. The stores range from gift and specialty stores to
eateries and clothing shops. Check out The Day Hiker (a must for anyone heading
out on the trails), The Donut Friar (open at 5 a.m.) and Celtic Heritage
(offering products from Scotland, Ireland and Wales).
Other specialty stores are scattered throughout the area.
Selling everything from homemade jam to fly-fishing equipment to woodcarving
tools to authentic Smoky Mountain teddy bears, the shops meet just about every
need or desire you can think of.
Arts and Crafts
The Gatlinburg area is also home to a rich variety of arts
and crafts stores. Perhaps inspired by the beauty of the land around them,
artisans have taken to wood, clay, stone, paint and light to express their
inner desires. The result is a plethora of artistic stores that provide perfect
home decorating and gift ideas.
Most arts and crafts stores can be found in an eight-mile
loop in Gatlinburg known as the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. More
than 80 studios, galleries and shops offer a little bit of everything,
including hand-thrown pottery, silversmithing, baskets, frameable art, quilts,
jewelry, leather, dolls and much more. The community claims to be the nation’s
largest concentration of independent artists. Members put on three arts and
crafts shows each year: one each at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The
shows are free and offer visitors a chance to browse dozens of vendors at once.
Gatlinburg’s art galleries deserve a special mention.
Collections to meet even the most discriminating tastes abound, with local
Appalachian artists displaying their handiwork alongside nationally beloved
artists such as Thomas Kinkade. Paintings and photographs provide an elegant
way to bring a memory of your time in a beautiful part of the country home with
you.
For more information on taking advantage of these shopping
opportunities, call American Patriot Getaways at 800-204-5169. Our professional
staff will meet all your needs and help you plan the perfect Gatlinburg
vacation. Thanks for choosing American Patriot Getaways!
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