Gatlinburg shopping may not mean large malls, but it certainly offers a wide assortment of unique shopping experiences in the Smokies. Gatlinburg shopping does mean exploring the downtown family run storefronts. You will discover small village centers with unique shops and retailers where you can find everything from tees to collectibles and fine art.
Gift shops galore are located throughout the area for your Gatlinburg shopping pleasure. The Village is one of the more popular venues. It features lots of unique stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you arrive early enough (5:00 am), you will smell the aroma of hot doughnuts at The Donut Friar. Other shopping plazas include Mountain Mall, Baskins Square Mall, Reagan Terrace Mall, and The Shops at Uber. Al of these are located on the Parkway.
On the outskirts of town is the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community which features more than 100 shopping venues. There are craftsmen, artists, woodcarvers, broom makers, jewelry makers, candeliers, handcrafts, and more. You will also discover some terrific mom and pop restaurants in the community to satisfy your palette.
Leave some room in your hands for a visit to one of the many candy stores that make every kind of candy imaginable. Homemade fudge of all varieties, taffy, candy and caramel apples, and lots of other selections. You mouth will begin to water as soon as you enter the doors.
If you like crafts, you will love the various arts & crafts festivals held annually at the convention center downtown. Some of the South’s finest craftsmen showcase their handiwork while visitors listen to the sounds of live bluegrass music. Artists display their work and some demonstrate as you watch. These award winning festivals are worth a special trip to the Smokies. They also provide an opportunity to purchase gifts for friends and family as well as something for your own home.
Wherever you decide to shop in this popular mountain village, you will be glad to take a break in one of many great restaurants or simply enjoy relaxing on a bench alongside the Parkway.