Pigeon Forge shopping offers a world of shopping adventures from unique specialty shops to outlet malls – here’s our guide to some of the best places to go shopping in Pigeon Forge, so you can save time during your visit and hit the best spots. And usually you’ll find fabulous entertainment, dining and kids fun combined in many of the great shopping venues. Here’s our guide to Pigeon Forge shopping! (And also see our guide to Shopping in Gatlinburg.)
Image courtesy of The Island
Shopping in Pigeon Forge
Old Mill District. Perhaps the most iconic shopping area in Pigeon Forge is the Old Mill Shopping Square. Located next to Patriot Park at the hub of the trolley system, the Square is anchored by the Old Mill itself, the famous water wheel dipping into the Little Pigeon River, and the picturesque site of a million selfies and portraits. Many people come here to eat at the two famous restaurants, but the shopping is an equal adventure, with ground flour and breads, legal moonshine, ceramics, kitchenware, and some of the foodstuffs available in the restaurants. Also here are artisanal shops (blacksmith, rock carver, etc) and more eclectic shops from jewelry and fashion to a cat boutique and espresso house. All just across a bridge from Parkway and with plenty of free parking.
Shops at Dollywood. While you’re in this area, you may want to divert over to Dollywood – another place where you can spend all day – and check out the Many Shops of Dollywood. Although the amusement park is thought of for its huge family fun and countless attractions, the shopping here is quite substantial, with numerous specialized and fun shops – literally too many to summarize, so check out our guide to the shops as linked above. From Patriot Park, you can jog down to Dollywood Lane either by Veteran’s Boulevard or River Road, and avoid Parkway completely.
The Island. A little farther north along the river from Patriot Park is perhaps the most spectacular shopping area in Pigeon Forge, The Island, technically an actual island in a bend of the Little Pigeon River, and hosting a stellar community of shops, eateries, attractions and kids fun. The most iconic attraction is the 200-foot high observation wheel with climate-controlled enclosed gondolas to view the Smoky Mountains. It’s an attractive venue and frequently there’s live music and festivities here.
Mountain Mile & Tower Shops. Just across the river from The Island is a new upscale complex that is still growing as we write, with a spacious design and fun attractions. The Tower Shops at Mountain Mile make a great place to shop for apparel of all kinds, including outdoor wear (and REI is there too) and shoes. You’ll find plenty of other variety too, ranging from bikes to fragrance to wines. There are some great eateries also, including Guy Fieri’s Flavortown, so the kids won’t be bored. Small chance of that anyway, with the 200-foot Monster Tower offering different thrill rides for the adventurous.
Lumberjack Square. One shopping area to know about that offers a tranquil break from the bustle is Lumberjack Square. Located on the west side of the river, about level with Flavortown, the Square is accessible from Teaster Lane via Wears Valley Road, and also direct from Parkway. The area has a town square feel to it, and hosts a movie theater as well as an art gallery and several eclectic shops – ranging from Harley Davidson to Birkenstock. Anchored by Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud, the Square is also bounded by three great restaurants, so you can stop here both to shop and for a meal and drinks.
Bell Tower Square. Just a little ways up from Lumberjack, and on the same west side of Parkway, is a unique shop called The Christmas Place, and as you can guess it specializes in an amazing range of Christmas items, and it’s open year round. It’s the largest Christmas shop in the South. Adjoining it are a few shops comprising Bell Tower Square, a pleasant little spot.
Getting Around
Traveling from the Old Mill up to The Island is best achieved on Teaster Lane – see our Shortcuts and Back Roads for the lay of the land here. But you can walk too if you want, or bike, along the Riverwalk Greenway, a delightful riverbank stroll, and an excellent amenity provided by the city of Pigeon Forge.
Outlet Malls in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall. Also known as Red Roof Mall for the numerous red roofs of the stores in this large area, this is the oldest outlet mall in Pigeon Forge. The shops here have come and gone over the years, so it can be a moving target to pin down name brands. But it’s easy to drive through and look for names that catch your attention. Notably, at the south end is Lidl Dolly’s Factory Store, which has a vast collection of quilts and handmade girl’s dresses.This outlet mall is located 2850 Parkway, on the west side. From here The Island is a short hop, so if you’re heading north in Pigeon Forge on a shopping adventure, the outlet mall can be a good reason to take Parkway instead of Teaster.
Riverview Factory Stores. Across Teaster Lane from the Tower Shops is a run of strip malls that include Riverview Factory Stores (2684 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863). This area is worth a look if tools and hardware are on your mind. Included here is a tool store, and also Lodge Factory Store, selling a wide range of the famous maker’s cast iron cookware (and with factory seconds at great prices). This area in general contains a number of outlets for name brand stores.
Tanger Outlets. This is definitely the place to shop for apparel, with all the name brands gathered in a large grouping. Tanger Outlets malls are all over the country of course, and brings its own brand recognition. This is the only Tanger mall in Tennessee. Here are all the designer outlets fashions and footwear, as well as jewelry and accessories of many kinds. Plenty of eateries and a nice layout make for an adventure foe several hours. This Tanger is in Sevierville, but you can be forgiven for not knowing that, since Pigeon Forge at its north end runs almost seamlessly into the southern end of Sevierville.
Antiques Shopping and More
See our guide to Antique Shopping in The Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area. And stay tuned for an upcoming guide to Shopping in Sevierville.
