Retail therapy is an excellent way to relax on vacation. We know many people have fun browsing through stores they don’t have at home, and you might just find a cool souvenir you can’t live without! But how do you know where you should go? Keep reading to learn more about shopping in Gatlinburg based on what you’re on the hunt for.
When You Want to Support Local Businesses
The Village Shops
One of the most popular places to shop in downtown Gatlinburg is The Village Shops. This European-inspired shopping center is mostly made up of local businesses, so it’s the perfect place to go when you want to support local. That also means you’ll find some pretty unique offerings! The Day Hiker is ideal for anyone who loves exploring the trails in the national park, while anyone who’s obsessed with socks has to stop by The Sock Shop. There are stores with a variety of items, like The Honeypot and Tea and Spice Exchange. Foodies will also love looking through these shops, because you can get all kinds of delicious treats from The Pepper Palace, Zi Olive, The Cheese Cupboard, and, of course, The Donut Friar!
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
Another popular place to go shopping in Gatlinburg if you want to check out local businesses is the Arts and Crafts Community. This 8-mile loop is the largest collection of makers in the country, and at each shop, you’ll find unique, handmade items you’ll want to take home. There are shops for jewelry, iron work, pottery, candles, tools, paintings, photography, treats, and much more. You’ll also find some incredible restaurants in this area, so plan on spending some time looking through the shops, meeting the artists, and grabbing a bite to eat!
When You Aren’t Looking for Anything Specific
The Mountain Mall
Do you enjoy just browsing through shops? Then you’ll love The Mountain Mall. This is the only indoor mall in Gatlinburg, but it’s full of small businesses with pretty interesting items for sale. You’ll find sunglasses, paintings, books, jewelry, quilts, dolls, and much more throughout this mall. If you’re more into food shopping, then you’ll be glad to know there’s a candy store, a hot sauce shop, and other food stores too. You’ll have fun making your way through the shops in The Mountain Mall.
Baskins Square
Baskins Square is another outdoor center where you can go shopping in Gatlinburg. This area is an eclectic collection of shops, ranging from Smoky Mountain themed souvenirs to a store all about the elusive Bigfoot. You’ll have fun finding souvenirs in the Smokies to come home with. Anyone who loves Bigfoot won’t want to miss out on Bigfoot HQ. The Potter and The Park is full of handmade pottery, while Smoky Mountain Organics has all kinds of body care and natural products. If you’re in search of delicious meals while you shop, you can’t go wrong with New Orleans Sandwich Company or Tennessee Jed’s.
When You Need Groceries
Food City
When you choose to stay in one of our Smoky Mountain cabins, you may want to pick up some groceries before you check in. But where should you go? The main grocery store in Gatlinburg is Food City, and they have everything you could possibly need. There’s a deli with sandwich meat and ready-to-eat meals, as well as a butcher who will cut the perfect steak, pork, or chicken for the meal you want to make. Of course, this store also has all the produce, pantry, and frozen items too.
Satterfield’s Old Fashioned Grocery
Want to feel like the pioneers and visit a small town grocery store? Then stop by Satterfield’s Old Fashioned Grocery when you need something! They have freshly cut beef, chicken, and pork in their butcher shop, and you can get meats and cheeses from their deli for a picnic or quick meal. There are several pantry staples, from chips to condiments, and you’ll also find some fresh produce. This is a fun place to visit when you need to pick up something quick!
Now you know where to go shopping based on what you’re looking for. You’ll have a great time looking through all of these shops, and you might just go home with a fantastic souvenir! We know you won’t spend your whole vacation shopping in Gatlinburg though. Check out these Gatlinburg attractions you should experience when you stay with us!