What-To-Do Issue 1 2025-2026 - Magazine - Page 76
Serious Shopping!
Gifts, Collectibles and Souvenirs
Shopping is a serious pastime in the Smoky
Mountains. Visitors love to explore and find
unique items to bring home as mementos of
their fabulous vacation. Perhaps something featuring a black bear or a locally made artwork
depicting the mountains and native wildlife will
fulfill that desire. Others may want to scour the
region for great deals and items they can’t find at
home. Whether it’s a new outfit or long-lasting
cookware, you can find it in the cities and towns
surrounding the Smoky Mountains.
Cast Iron
Cast iron has proven to be one of the best
materials to use in your kitchen as a cooking vessel. Once the cast iron is seasoned, it will produce
great sears on steaks and other meats. A Dutch
oven is perfect for slow-cooking a stew or a roast
in either the oven or over a campfire. And these
pans are very easy to clean—just wipe clean in
water. Plus, these pans can last for generations if
they are properly cared for. Lodge Cast Iron is the
most reputed manufacturer of this cookware with
beginnings in Tennessee. Stores are currently
located in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
76 WHAT-TO-DO.com
www.
Arts and Crafts
For a unique shopping excursion, visit The Great
Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Here, you’ll find
a collection of handcrafted items for sale all in one
place. Nowhere else in America has a gathering of
artisans quite like this 8-mile loop, just a few miles
east of Gatlinburg. This extensive shopping area
has hosted hundreds of artisans and craftsmen
since the 1930s. You’ll find nearly everything you
never knew you needed including silver, scrimshaw,
baskets, candles, and clothing and accessories. The
vendors not only sell their wares, but they often
offer demonstrations so you can see the immense
skill involved in creating these magnificent pieces.
Get a hand-carved likeness of the region’s iconic
black bear or take home a one-of-a-kind oil painting that perfectly captures the sunrise you saw
while hiking in the national park. Those who enjoy
sewing or textile arts may like shopping for a new
quilt or lace décor for the home. Even custom
leather goods and newly forged knives can be purchased in the Arts & Crafts Community. And if you
get hungry while meandering through all of these
shops, be sure to visit the café, tea room or some of
the other vendors who sell distinctive foods for a
delicious snack.
(continued on page 78)
