Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on December 10, 2019
I'll repeat that, just in case that sentence left you in a state of shock. There are only two weeks until Christmas. So if you've barely put a dent in your shopping list this season, it's time to kick things into high gear and get yourself into gift-buying mode. There's no need to panic, though. With one visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, you can easily knock out the rest of the names on your list and maybe do a lot of other fun things while you're here. Read on, and we'll give you a few suggestions about shopping destinations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville that may just be the solution to your gift-giving woes.
Of course. Our outlet malls are one of our biggest draws and one of the top priorities among our visitors' vacation plans. And that's not just at Christmas; it's true all year long. In Sevierville, places like Tanger Outlet Center and the outlet stores at Governor's Crossing are among the top stops, while Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall and Z Buda Outlet Mall are among the go-to developments in Pigeon Forge. Regardless of where you go, selection and convenience are going to be the fruits of your effort. Some of the larger malls offer dozens and dozens of shops in one location, so park once, do a little bit of walking, and gain access to a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, tools, housewares, electronics, specialty foods, books and much more. And since we're talking outlet malls, savings are a big factor too. Most outlets offer merchandise that's marked down from the regular manufacturer's suggested retail prices.
Whether it's pottery, candles, jewelry, frame-worthy art or leatherwork, a handmade gift from the Great Smoky Mountains is a unique and thoughtful way to show any friend or family member that they're special. And when you're in the Smokies, you have multiple opportunities to find one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. One convenient destination is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg. Consisting of Glades Rd., Buckhorn Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 321, this eight-mile auto loop has been the Smokies' epicenter of authentic mountain crafts for more than a half-century. The community is home to more than a hundred studios, galleries and shops showcasing handmade works by some of the nation's most skilled artisans. Another place to find crafts in the Smokies? Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. Through the end of the year, the Craftsman's Valley section of the park has its own population of resident artisans, so if you're having some Christmas fun at Dollywood in the next couple of weeks, consider that an option as well.
In this case, we're talking about the gift shops you'll find at area attractions and music theaters. Most of the merchandise you'll find at these places is themed, so it's a great way to cater to specific interests. Do you have a big Dolly Parton fan in the family? Maybe pick something up at the Dollywood gift shop. Do you have a kid that's into magic? Check out the gift shops at any of the area venues that host magic shows. Also consider places like the Titanic Museum Attraction and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies for lovers of history and undersea creatures, respectively.
These are just a few suggestions, and hopefully, they'll inspire you to come up with even more of your own. Once you start thinking about all the fun and unique destinations in the Smokies, it's not hard to spot a shopping opportunity in there somewhere.
And while you're in town shopping, don't forget that our Pigeon Forge zip line adventure will still be operating on a limited basis for a couple more weeks. If you have plans to be in town, just give us a call at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, and if weather permits, we'll set you up with a zipline outing that will make your holidays and help you take a break from all that shopping.