Shopping

Whether the economy is up or down, it’s always a good time to go bargain hunting, and for visitors to the Smokies, the hunting is always good. The area is home to six different outlet malls, each with dozens of shops offering deep discounts on name-brand merchandise from well-known national manufacturers. You’ll find clothes, shoes, housewares, books, art, music, tools, home décor and much, much more, and you can sometimes save up to 75 percent off regular retail prices.

While the area is known for its outlet malls, there’s a lot more to the local shopping scene than meets the eye. There are dozens of unique antique stores and malls to be discovered, and you’ll find handmade mountain craft studios and shops throughout Sevier County. The largest concentration is located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, an eight-mile motor loop that’s home to craftsmen and artists who are carrying on the traditions of yesteryear.