Posted on 10/5/2023

THE BEST SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN GATLINBURG

Hey there, fellow Smoky Mountain enthusiasts! If you're planning a visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you're in for a treat. While our charming town is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and fabulous vacation rental cabins (hint, hint), downtown Gatlinburg offers a delightful shopping experience that you absolutely must explore. Here’s our guide to our favorite stores in downtown Gatlinburg that you can't afford to miss.

THE HONEY POT

634 Parkway, Ste. 13, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Honey, you're going to love this spot! Here you can taste an assortment of pure, locally sourced honey. They also offer beeswax candles, natural skincare products, and bee-themed souvenirs, along with other fun gift items. PRO TIP: Allow their knowledgeable staff to guide you through a honey tasting experience, where you can sample flavors like wildflower, sourwood, and buckwheat.

OLE SMOKY CANDY KITCHEN

744 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738

This family-owned candy store has been delighting visitors since 1952. Watch skilled candy makers create delectable treats like fudges, taffies, caramel apples, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The aroma of freshly made candies wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in their sugary delights. PRO TIP: While they're known for their homemade saltwater taffy, you also don't want to miss trying a "bear," Ole Smoky's take on a caramel turtle. YUM!

TENNESSEE HOMEMADE WINES

643 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

This charming winery specializes in fruit wines made from locally sourced produce. From sweet peach and tangy blackberry wines to experimental peanut butter and jelly and mountain chocolate varieties, their selection captures the essence of Tennessee's flavors. PRO TIP: No need to rush; you can enjoy complimentary tastings and even bring home a bottle (or two) of your favorite fruity wine!

THE DAY HIKER

634 Parkway, Ste. 1, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate The Day Hiker, a store dedicated to providing quality and affordable hiking and outdoor gear. They offer top-quality backpacks, clothing, hiking shoes, and accessories. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect gear for your Smoky Mountain adventures, ensuring you're well-equipped for your hikes. PRO TIP: Check out their growing selection of collectible medallions, a European tradition which is quickly gaining popularity in the US.

U NAME IT

634 Parkway, Ste. 20, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Make it yours! Explore this fun store's extensive collection of handbags, duffle bags, diaper bags, baby blankets, and so much more. With engravers and monogramming machines onsite, personalization happens right as you shop. Add a personal touch with names and initials on a huge variety of items, including key rings, charms, rings, hair bows, and coasters. PRO TIP: Think ahead to the holidays; this store is chock full of great gift items!

THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE

634 Parkway, Ste. 23, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Discover a world of flavors at The Spice & Tea Exchange. They offer fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, teas, salts, sugars, and unique gifts. With over 85 daily hand-mixed seasonings, their knowledgeable staff helps customers find the perfect additions to their menus. Whether you're a novice or a true connoisseur, you'll find this boutique fascinating. PRO TIP: Ask the staff to teach you about the different blends. You'll be able to smell them and discern what makes each one different.

NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER

1138 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

NOC Gatlinburg, NOC's flagship store in downtown Gatlinburg, offers 18,000 square feet of top outdoor gear, local goods, and gifts at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rafting trips and climbing expeditions can also be booked here. PRO TIP: It's not just a store; it's an experience! Guests can enjoy unique features like a swinging rope bridge, a kid-friendly "bear cave," a giant fireplace, and a 25-foot climbing wall, creating unforgettable memories for every visitor.

THE PAULA DEEN STORE

903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Hey, y'all! Her store might not sell mayonnaise or butter, but you can be sure it will have everything else you need to start cooking like Paula Deen in no time! From cookware and dishes to small appliances and other fun kitchen gadgets, anyone who loves to cook will fall in love with this delightful merchant. PRO TIP: Paula's stores sell some of her famous sauces and spice mixes already pre-made; grab a few and use them to prep a quick dinner in your cabin!

BONEDIGGITY BARKERY & GIFTS

634 Parkway, Ste. 16, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738

Treat your furry friend at Bonediggity Barkery & Gifts, where you'll find a delightful array of made-in-the-USA gourmet dog treats, toys, apparel, collars, strollers, and more! Explore a wide variety of toys and treats catering to furbabies of all sizes. It's your go-to destination for everything you and your dog will adore! PRO TIP: Bring Fido along with you; we offer dog-friendly properties so your furbaby can enjoy a Gatlinburg getaway too!

MISTY MOUNTAIN SOAP CO.

634 Parkway, Ste. 25, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Misty Mountain Soap Company, founded by a mother-daughter duo, offers handmade soaps and skincare products. They use high-quality vegan oils, herbs, botanicals, and essential oils in their 50 varieties of soaps, catering to various skin needs, from sensitive skin to pet care. Their products contain natural oils and minimal synthetic preservatives, emphasizing their commitment to natural skincare. PRO TIP: Try their limited-edition products made using the fragrance of the month!

THE MAPLES' TREE

639 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

This delightful store is locally owned and operated by a Mountain Laurel Chalets homeowner! It's known for its selection of Donna Sharp quilts, vintage tees, Gatlinburg tees, and a wide selection of Great Smoky Mountains National Park tees. Their wide selection of gift items is also a sight to behold; they truly have something for everyone. PRO TIP: Consider a stay at Far Horizons Lodge, the rental home of The Maples' Tree owner, when you next come to town!

Each of these shops adds a unique flavor to the vibrant tapestry of downtown Gatlinburg. Whether you're a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a fashionista, you're sure to find something special in these delightful stores. As you plan your next visit to Gatlinburg, starting with booking a stay at your favorite Mountain Laurel Chalets property, be sure to include a visit to a few of these local merchants. They'll appreciate your patronage, and you'll be so glad you stopped by and got to know our beloved city better.

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