While you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with t-shirts, magnets, and other traditional gift items, there are also a few stores that are considered “must-see” destinations! These unique stores not only feature Smoky Mountain merchandise and other fun goodies, but everything from live bear habitats to a climbing wall for the kids! Here are 4 amazing stores in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that you need to visit during your vacation:
1. Nantahala Outdoor Center
The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in downtown Gatlinburg is an outdoor superstore, complete with 18,000 square feet of outdoor gear from top brands like The North Face and Patagonia! You’ll also find local goods and gifts, as well as anything you need to plan an exciting adventure in the Smokies! However, the NOC is not simply a store, but also an experience! While shopping, you can walk across the second-floor swinging rope bridge, crawl through a kid-friendly “bear cave,” relax by a giant fireplace, or even ascend a 25-foot climbing wall!
2. The Christmas Place
It’s always the holiday season at The Christmas Place, the premier Christmas shopping destination in the South! Stepping into the store is like entering a Christmas fairy tale, complete with twinkling lights, enchanting decorations, and the sweet melody of carols! Every corner of the store is meticulously designed to capture the spirit of the holidays, and you’ll discover a vast collection of treasures in every corner! Whether you are searching for the perfect ornament to complete your tree or looking for unique gifts for your loved ones, you are sure to find it here!
3. Three Bears General Store
Another one of the amazing stores in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that you need to visit is the Three Bears General Store! This beloved family-owned shop in the heart of Pigeon Forge has been in operation since 1979 and features a sprawling 40,000-square-foot wonderland that captures the essence of the Smoky Mountains and the spirit of family. The store is an adventure in itself as it offers a live bear habitat where you can enjoy a safe, educational, and up-close experience with the adorable bears River and Daisy!
4. Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains
When it comes to the amazing stores in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that you need to visit, don’t miss Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains! This wacky gift shop features 2 levels of everything from old-fashioned candies, hot sauces, and locally made jellies to hillbilly-themed novelty items and other Smoky Mountain gifts. The most unusual aspect is that there really are goats roaming around on the rooftop, and you can feed them goat chow by using a special “goat cycle” that transports your can of chow up to the roof!
Check out all of our condo rentals in Gatlinburg TN today to stay close to these amazing stores in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
