Pigeon Forge shopping: Top 6 shops and centers ranked

For a long time, the real shopping in Sevier County was done in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. 

Pigeon Forge had the outlets. Gatlinburg had a variety of niche shops. 

But over the last 20 years, Sevierville has – in many ways – laid claim to the best shopping in the region, attacking specifically the business that used to go to Pigeon Forge.

But the Forge is fighting back. While the outlets of the old days are either gone or fading, dozens of new shops in new locations have risen in their place.

While Sevierville can still lay claim to the superior outlet style shopping and major retailers, Pigeon Forge has become a far more interesting place to shop. 

Here are a few of our favorite places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge, new and old.

6. Dollywood

This is essentially shopping with a cover charge.

But if you’re looking for great gift ideas, the various shops in Dollywood offer one-of-kind knick-knacks. Plus, you get to take a break from shopping for rides and shows.

The Emporium is the mecca for Dollywood shopping, but there are a lot of places along Craftsman’s Valley to find authentic Smoky Mountain presents.

Or you could take the easy way. Buy tickets or passes for your loved ones and spend the rest of the day enjoying the wonder of Dollywood during the holidays. 

Dollywood is my favorite place to find crafted gifts by local artists in the Smokies … if we’re not including the Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, which has an entire 8-mile loop of local crafters.

Pro-tip: If you’re shopping for a day pass at Dollywood, check Tripster for discounts.

Read Also: The Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg: Map, shows and stores

5. The Incredible Christmas Place

The Incredible Christmas Place is without a doubt one of the best places to find anything Christmas-related when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains.

It’s a year-round Christmas-themed series of shops offering home decor, ornaments, trees, gifts and lights.

It’s hard to think of a reason not to visit the largest permanent Christmas retailer in the American South.

Read Also: Christmas Place Pigeon Forge: A mini year-round holiday town in TN

4. Goats on the Roof

Look, one of the goals, when you come shopping in Pigeon Forge, is to find something you can’t get just anywhere.

Hello, Goats on the Roof, where you can ride the Goat Coaster, feed the goats on the roof, eat some fudge, do some gem mining and, of course, buy many goat-related souvenirs at the gift shop. 

It is truly the place for some unique shopping in the Smokies.

They offer children’s toys, old-fashioned candies, hot sauces, locally made jam and authentic Amish-made jellies, according to their website.

3. The Old Mill

Sometimes when you come to the mountains to shop, you’re looking for something a little more specific.

In fact, something you don’t find just anywhere, something authentic to the mountains and their history.

That’s the Old Mill Square in the heart of Pigeon Forge, which features a trio of restaurants, a historic gristmill and a variety of shops.

The General Store features a variety of soups, syrups, jams and more.

It’s like Cracker Barrel but cool and authentic and good. 

Sassafras offers a beautiful, distinctive selection of jewelry, apparel and accessories for all ages.

2. The Shops at Lumberjack Square

Previously known as Walden’s Landing, the Lumberjack Square is more than OK.

In addition to housing Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud, the square is also home to good restaurants.

The Smoky Mountain Brewery and Calhoun’s as well as a Five Guys are prime examples. 

Shops in the square range from hippie sandals to biker gear at Birkenstock Place to Rocky Top Harley Davidson.

The Bubble Bath Boutique speaks for itself as does Outback Leathers. The Dugout offers sports cards and memorabilia.

With a stop at Lumberjack Square, you can get a lot of your holiday shopping done. 

1. Shops at The Island

With nearly 50 shops selling everything from toys to fashion to socks, The Island is another great destination if you’re looking to get a lot of shopping done.

The Befree Boutique offers eclectic apparel and accessories that encourage women to embellish the beauty that God has already created.

And the Beef Jerky Outlet offers more than 200 varieties of jerky. Pepper Palace is the obligatory hot sauce outlet spot.

One of the popular stores is the Build-A-Bear Workshop.

And after you let the kids build that bear, treat yourself by sampling some Ole Smoky moonshine or get some sweet treats at Sweet, which offers 2,500 square feet of candy.

Read Also: The Island in Pigeon Forge restaurants: Best places to eat, ranked

Earthbound Trading Company offers a unique array of jewelry, clothing and home décor. The Island has truly something for everyone.

Bonus tip: Right next door, you’ll find Stages West, which features a wide variety of jeans, buckles, belts, boots and western wear. It’s the perfect spot to embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl.

Does it cost to get into The Island in Pigeon Forge?

The Island is located at a convenient location along the Parkway and has ample free parking.

There is no admission cost to visit.

Bonus: Smoky Mountain Cat House

I couldn’t end this list without mentioning one of the more unique shops in Pigeon Forge.

Cat lovers will love shopping at the Smoky Mountain Cat House.

It offers specialty items like toys, supplies, cat wind chimes and even a Fat Cat line of hot sauces.

And yes, you can pet the cats.

Read Also: Smoky Mountain Cat House: Shop, relax, play with cats in Pigeon Forge

Don’t forget to grab some coffee at Espresso Yourself right next door when you visit.

Do you have a favorite shop in Pigeon Forge TN?

Let us know the perfect place you enjoy shopping in the comments!