Shop. Save. Explore.
Key Takeaways
- Save More During Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend: Shop qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers tax-free while enjoying your Smoky Mountain vacation.
- Find Big Brands at Tanger Outlets: Explore more than 100 outlet stores featuring popular retailers like Nike, Coach, Columbia, and Under Armour.
- Discover Unique Local Shopping: Browse handcrafted pottery, artisan goods, mountain-made gifts, and specialty boutiques throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
- Experience More Than Retail: Shopping destinations like The Island and Old Mill Square combine retail, dining, entertainment, and Smoky Mountain charm.
- Support Local Artists and Makers: Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community to shop directly from talented local craftsmen and bring home one-of-a-kind treasures.
- Take Home a Taste of the Smokies: Stock up on local favorites including gourmet honey, moonshine products, jams, candies, hot sauces, and specialty foods.
If you’re planning a summer getaway to the Smokies, there’s more to look forward to than mountain views and family attractions. The Pigeon Forge area is one of the Southeast’s most popular shopping destinations, offering everything from premium outlet stores and national retailers to locally owned boutiques, artisan galleries, specialty food shops, and handcrafted mountain goods.
This month, visitors have an even bigger reason to hit the stores. Tennessee’s annual Tax-Free Weekend takes place every July, allowing shoppers to save on qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the summer. Whether you’re shopping for back-to-school essentials, refreshing your wardrobe, or searching for unique Smoky Mountain souvenirs, here’s your complete guide to shopping in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding area.
Take Advantage of Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend
For families preparing for a new school year, Tax-Free Weekend is one of the best times to visit Pigeon Forge. During the three-day event, qualifying clothing items priced at $100 or less, school supplies priced at $100 or less, and computers priced at $1,500 or less can be purchased without Tennessee sales tax. This year’s weekend is July 31 – Aug 2.
With dozens of major retailers located throughout Sevier County, visitors can combine a mountain vacation with serious savings on back-to-school shopping.
Tanger Outlets Sevierville: The Smokies’ Premier Shopping Destination
No shopping guide would be complete without mentioning Tanger Outlets Sevierville. Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge, Tanger Outlets is home to more than 100 stores featuring some of the nation’s most recognizable brands. Whether you’re shopping during Tax-Free Weekend or simply looking for great deals, this is often the first stop for savvy visitors.
Popular stores include:
- Nike Factory Store
- Adidas
- Coach
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Under Armour
- Kate Spade
- American Eagle
- Columbia Sportswear
- J.Crew Factory
- Carter’s
- OshKosh B’gosh
Families can often find major discounts on school uniforms, shoes, athletic apparel, and everyday clothing, making Tanger one of the best destinations for back-to-school shopping in East Tennessee.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Shopping becomes an experience at The Island, one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular attractions. While many visitors come to ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or enjoy the dancing fountain show, The Island also offers a variety of specialty retailers and unique gift shops.
Favorite stops include:
- Smoky Mountain Sun Shades
- Emery’s 5 & 10
- Earthbound Trading Company
- Savannah Bee Company
- The Toy Box Mini Golf gift shop
- Southern Sportz Store
The Island is perfect for visitors looking for gifts, home décor, specialty foods, jewelry, and unique keepsakes that go beyond traditional souvenir shopping.
Old Mill Square: A Taste of Smoky Mountain Tradition
For a more authentic and historic shopping experience, head to Old Mill Square. One of the most photographed landmarks in Tennessee, the historic Old Mill has become a shopping destination in its own right. Visitors can browse:
The Old Mill General Store
Featuring baking mixes, jams, syrups, candies, and locally made products.
Pigeon River Pottery
Showcasing handcrafted pottery made by local artisans.
The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen
Offering specialty kitchen items and home goods inspired by mountain living.
Sassafras
A charming boutique featuring clothing, accessories, gifts, and home décor. This area is ideal for finding gifts with genuine Smoky Mountain character.
Explore the Unique Shops of Gatlinburg
Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg offers a completely different shopping atmosphere.
The Village Shops
Designed to resemble a European village, the Village Shops is a picturesque shopping district is one of the most charming spots in the Smokies. Visitors can browse boutiques featuring:
- Candles
- Specialty foods
- Jewelry
- Home décor
- Gourmet coffee
- Handmade gifts
The walkable layout and fountain-filled courtyards create an enjoyable shopping experience that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Mountain Mall
Mountain Mall offers multiple levels of locally owned businesses selling souvenirs, handcrafted goods, apparel, collectibles, and Smoky Mountain-themed merchandise.
Discover the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community
For visitors seeking something truly unique, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a must-visit. Located on an eight-mile loop just outside Gatlinburg, this collection of independent artisans and makers represents one of the largest groups of its kind in North America. Visitors can shop directly from local craftsmen creating:
- Pottery
- Wood carvings
- Paintings
- Candles
- Quilts
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Leather goods
- Glasswork
Unlike traditional retail shopping, every purchase here supports local artists and often provides a chance to see the creation process firsthand.
Specialty Food Shopping in the Smokies
One of the most enjoyable shopping experiences in the area involves food. Popular destinations include:
Ole Smoky Moonshine – Browse flavored moonshines, merchandise, and regional products.
Savannah Bee Company – Known for gourmet honey, beauty products, and specialty gifts.
Three Bears General Store – A longtime Pigeon Forge favorite featuring candy, snacks, souvenirs, toys, and gifts.
Pepper Palace – Perfect for hot sauce enthusiasts, offering hundreds of sauces, seasonings, and barbecue products.
These stores allow visitors to bring a taste of the Smokies home with them.
Boutique Shopping and Local Finds
Beyond the outlets and attractions, the Pigeon Forge area is filled with smaller boutiques and specialty retailers.
Visitors can find:
- Mountain-inspired home décor
- Handmade candles
- Boutique clothing
- Seasonal decorations
- Local artwork
- Specialty kitchen products
These shops often carry merchandise unavailable anywhere else, helping visitors discover one-of-a-kind treasures during their trip.
Tips for the Best Shopping Experience
To maximize your shopping adventure in Pigeon Forge and surrounding communities:
Shop Early During Tax-Free Weekend – Popular items and sizes can sell quickly, especially at outlet stores.
Combine Shopping with Attractions – Many major shopping destinations, including The Island and Old Mill Square, are surrounded by restaurants and attractions that make for a full day of fun.
Look for Additional Outlet Discounts – Many stores offer stackable promotions during Tax-Free Weekend, increasing savings even further.
Visit During Weekdays When Possible -Traffic and parking are typically easier to navigate compared to busy weekend shopping periods.
From major brand-name deals at Tanger Outlets to handcrafted treasures in Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community, the Smoky Mountains offer a shopping experience that appeals to every style and budget.
Whether you’re checking off a school shopping list, searching for mountain-made gifts, or simply enjoying a day of retail therapy between adventures, the Smokies deliver an unforgettable shopping experience that’s just as rewarding as the scenery.
About Beyond Expectations Vacation Rentals
Beyond Expectations Vacation Rentals is a full-service vacation rental management company serving cabin owners throughout the Smoky Mountains. Our experienced team specializes in marketing, guest services, revenue management, property care, and owner support designed to maximize both guest satisfaction and owner returns.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to exceptional service, we help property owners stand out in a competitive market while delivering memorable mountain getaways for every guest.
Whether you’re new to vacation rental ownership or looking to improve the performance of an existing cabin, Beyond Expectations Vacation Rentals provides the expertise and personalized attention needed to help your property thrive.
FAQS:
Beyond traditional t-shirts and magnets, visitors can find handcrafted pottery, locally made candles, hand-carved wood products, homemade jams and preserves, artisan jewelry, and regional foods from the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and local specialty shops.
Yes! Many Beyond Expectations Vacation Rentals properties are conveniently located near the Smoky Mountains’ most popular shopping destinations, including Tanger Outlets Sevierville, The Island in Pigeon Forge, Old Mill Square, downtown Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Whether you’re planning a day of outlet shopping, searching for unique local gifts, or taking advantage of Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend, you’ll be just a short drive from some of the area’s best stores, boutiques, and artisan shops while enjoying the comfort and convenience of your mountain getaway.
Yes! Many of the area’s top shopping destinations are located near attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Families can spend the day shopping at Tanger Outlets, ride attractions at The Island, enjoy dinner at Old Mill Square, or explore downtown Gatlinburg without needing to travel far between activities.