If you’re going to be spending time in Gatlinburg this fall, you can take the opportunity to do some convenient Christmas shopping. The area is full of specialty shops and boutiques that offer unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else in the country. To help get you started, Alpine Chalet Rentals has put together a guide to six of the best Gatlinburg shopping spots for the holiday season:
1. Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
The Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is the perfect place to purchase handmade items made by some of Tennessee’s best artists. To get the full experience, you’ll want to travel the entire 8 mile Arts and Crafts Loop, which includes many different shops, galleries, and studios. You can either drive the loop or take the Gatlinburg Trolley for only one dollar. Some of the amazing gifts you’ll find here include handmade quilts, pottery, unique jewelry and clothing, woven baskets, and so much more. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind, this is the place to find it!
2. Santa’s Claus-et
Santa’s Claus-et is a Christmas-themed store that offers a variety of gifts, gourmet foods, decorations, and more. The store has its own line of specialty products, including jellies, relish, pickles, preserves, and salsa. Other gift possibilities include local bluegrass recordings and sets of natural twig crayons. The store itself is something to behold, as it is completely decked out with year-round Christmas decorations and displays. Don’t be surprised if you see Santa Claus himself working behind the counter!
3. The Village Shops
The Village Shops provide visitors with an old fashioned Smoky Mountain experience that’s right off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. With 27 different stores, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, you could get all of your Christmas shopping done at this one location if you wanted to! Some of the stores you’ll find here include The Honey Pot, which offers a variety of hand thrown pottery, dolls, flags and more; Zi Olive, which sells gourmet olive oils and vinegars from around the world; Pepper Palace, which specializes in all kinds of hot and spicy foods and seasonings; and Cartoons & Toys, which has the best selection of children’s toys in Gatlinburg. With so many options, it’s easy to see why The Village is one of the most popular Gatlinburg shopping destinations!
4. Nantahala Outdoor Center
If you or anyone on your Christmas list loves the great outdoors, a trip to Nantahala Outdoor Center should definitely be on your agenda! This 18,000 square foot store has all of the leading outdoor brands, such as Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, and Osprey. You’ll find a variety of clothing and accessories, including coats, gloves, shoes, hats, sunglasses, and lots more. NOC also offers training in outdoor activities such as paddling, wilderness survival, and wilderness medicine.
5. Wood Signs of Gatlinburg
Wood Signs of Gatlinburg is a family owned local business that’s been a Gatlinburg fixture since 1971. This popular store sells handcrafted signs made from the finest woods, including California Redwood, Western Red Cedar, and a variety of South American woods. If anyone you are shopping for has a small business, ordering a custom sign for them would be a very thoughtful gift.
6. Smoky Mountain Nut House
Smoky Mountain Nut House carries the area’s best premium, German-style, slow-roasted nuts. Whether your preference is honey roasted pecans, roasted and salted cashews, cinnamon roasted almonds, or praline pecans, these protein-rich snacks are made to perfection at this Gatlinburg store. These nuts are equally good to munch on while you’re in the area or to purchase as gifts for the Christmas season.
After a full day of visiting the top Gatlinburg shopping spots, you’ll be ready to relax in your luxurious log cabin. With toasty fireplaces, breathtaking mountain views, and authentic Appalachian decor, our vacation rentals have everything you need for a relaxing and fun getaway. Start planning your trip today by browsing our selection of Gatlinburg cabins!