Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Holiday Shopping Guide
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on December 8, 2020
By the time you read this, we'll be looking at about two weeks remaining until Christmas Day. With so little time left to get your shopping done, making purchases online becomes less of an option, because most retailers won't be able to guarantee delivery in time for the big day. But you can still go out and shop the old fashioned way-by going store to store. For many, that hands-on experience is still an important part of the holiday season, which is why we recommend a trip to the Smokies to finish your shopping in these remaining weeks before Christmas.
Not only are there countless shopping destinations packed into one compact geographical area, but when you visit Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to do your shopping, you get a whole lot more in the bargain, including festive holiday displays and decorations and millions of Winterfest lights. This week, we at Smoky Mountain Ziplines have just a few suggestions for places where you can find unique Christmas gifts and, in some cases, get some pretty sweet deals in the process.
Outlet Malls
Outlet malls are definitely an efficient way to cross off those last few names on your shopping list. In one location, you have access to dozens of stores carrying a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, footwear, house and kitchen wares, electronics, books and music, specialty foods, tools and much more. And because you're shopping at an outlet mall, you can usually expect to pay less than you would at traditional retailers, so it's a double win. One of the most popular outlet malls in the Smokies is the Tanger Outlet Center in Sevierville, which has one of the largest selections of stores in the area, all with plenty of convenient parking. There are even restaurants on site to serve you when it's time to take a lunch or dinner break. Also look for the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, the Shops of Pigeon Forge and Z Buda Outlets, all in Pigeon Forge.
Craft Studios
Giving your friends and loved ones unique gifts shows how much you care about them. Purchasing handcrafted items from the Great Smoky Mountains shows you care a whole lot. You'll find craft studios, galleries and shops all over the area, but the largest concentration is in Gatlinburg, specifically in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Bordered by Glades Road, Buckhorn Road and U.S. Hwy. 321, the community consists of more than 100 artisans, all accessible by an eight-mile loop route. The majority of the vendors turn out hand-made arts and crafts for sale, and in many cases, you can even watch the artists at work on site. They're always happy to talk with guests about the work they do. The variety of skills is impressive, as the community is home to dulcimer makers, silversmiths, carvers, weavers, painters, photographers, casters, soap makers, potters, candle makers, broom makers and dozens more. You'll also find a number of food vendors scattered throughout the community, and most stops have plenty of free parking. If you don't want to drive, you can access the community via the yellow trolley from downtown Gatlinburg.
Specialty Stores
There's a store for everything in the Smokies. Or so it would seem, once you start browsing all the possibilities. There are a number of shopping centers located in Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that specialize in very specific niche items, be it outdoor gear, specialty foods, puzzles or toys. Some places you might want to put on your itinerary include The Island in Pigeon Forge, The Village in Gatlinburg and Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg.
If you do decide to shop in the Smokies, we hope you choose to wear a mask and socially distance as much as possible, especially since you're likely to encounter other shoppers and tourists along the way.
And when you're ready to take a break from the shopping and start ziplining Pigeon Forge, give us a call. We'll be booking tours through the end of the year, weather permitting.
