Do Your Shopping in Gatlinburg!

Outlet Malls, Specialty Shops, Arts and Crafts

Shopping in Gatlinburg TN is done on an entirely different level than anywhere else in the USA.  Many of the stores and items found in Gatlinburg can’t be found anywhere else.  Shopping in Gatlinburg is an adventure all by itself!

From old world shops on brick-laid streets featuring modern galleries, quaint shops and boutiques, to watching craftsmen demonstrate their specialty right in front of your eyes and stores full of Smoky Mountains souvenirs, there are delights for everyone in your group AND back home!

Just some of the items Gatlinburg is famous for: hand-made jewelry, original art, homemade candy, crafts, books, dolls, collectibles, magnets, candles, clothing, leather goods, magic tricks, and quilts.  And so much more!

Shops in Gatlinburg:

While there are literally hundreds of individual stores in and around the Gatlinburg area, here is a list of seven Gatlinburg malls to get your started:

1.  Mountain Mall, 611 Parkway, Suite F15
Mountain Mall is an indoor mall with a mountain theme from cedar walls to the whiskey barrel trashcans (which are the same barrels used to make Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whisky).  Mountain Mall features 36 different businesses.  It’s located in downtown Gatlinburg at traffic light #6, across from Ripley’s Aquarium.

2.  Shops at Carousel Gardens, 458 Parkway, Suite 1
The Shops at Carousel Gardens consists of over 50 businesses, all surrounded by a beautiful garden setting.  The Shops at Carousel Gardens is filled with art, antiques, furnishing, crafts, a cookie shop, hand made musical instruments, and other items inspired by the local traditions of the Smoky Mountains.  The Gatlinburg Heritage Museum is also located here.  This mall is at traffic light #3, at the corner of Parkway and Hwy 321.

3.  The Village Shops, 634 Parkway, Suite 29
The Village Shops is so much more than just shopping.  It’s a collection of 27 unique boutiques, eateries, galleries, and clothiers all set in a quaint European village atmosphere.  It is just a few steps off Gatlinburg’s busy main strip.  The Village Shops is just past traffic light #6, adjacent to the Pancake Pantry.

4.  Baskins Square Mall, 631 Parkway
Baskins Square Mall is tucked away in downtown Gatlinburg and full of cool specialty shops like Guinness World Records Museum, Mountain Woodcarvers, The Lollipop Guild, Doc’s Magic Shop, the Mountain Edge Grill and many more.  Baskins Square Mall is conveniently located between traffic lights #6-#7.

5.  Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway Mall, 1001 Parkway
While you wait your turn to ride the aerial tram to the top of Ski Mountain at OberGatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway Mall wants you to be entertained, as well as show off a variety of Gatlinburg crafts, gifts, and collectibles.  Their stores showcase such items as homemade candy and fudge, Native American pottery and jewelry, old time photos, clothing, and of course, souvenirs!

6.  Covered Bridge in the Glades, 849 Glades Road
Just up the road from Carr’s, you’ll find premium brands and locally made crafts at the shops and boutique of the Covered Bridge Village where you can enjoy leisurely shopping in a friendly atmosphere.  Shops and restaurants located here include Esther’s Gala Feminine Finery, Hills Creek Gallery, Jack Hess Glass Blowing, Misty Mountain Soap Company, More Than A Candle, Pizza Express, Shaconage Stone Art & Jewelry, Smoky Mountain Pottery, and others.

7.  Winery Square Mall, 446 East Parkway/Hwy 321
Just a walk over our covered bridge and across East Parkway is Winery Square.  Along with Flap Jacks Restaurant and Papa’s Johns, there’s plenty of shopping to do.  Stop in  at Paws Etc. for Dog & Cat Lovers, Smoky Mountain Angler, Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House, Smoky Mountain Outfitters, Smoky Mountain Spinnery, the Smoky Mountain Winery or Whole Earth Grocery.

Arts & Crafts Community Shopping

Arts and Crafts:

There is an 8-mile Arts and Crafts Loop along Hwy 321, Buckhorn Road and Glades Road in Gatlinburg where the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans resides.  The Tennessee artists and craftspeople here spend their lives creating, with their hands and hearts, beautiful and useful things using techniques handed down for centuries.

In Gatlinburg there is handmade jewelry unlike anything you’ll find in the malls back home. There is a fantastic array of original paintings and artwork capturing scenes of Smoky Mountain landscapes and mountain life everywhere you look.  And of course weavers and potters who work their magic with cloth and clay can be found honing their craft in Gatlinburg!

So what other hidden treasure can you expect to find in the fantastic shops of Gatlinburg’s artisans?  How about exquisitely woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, gorgeous quilts, leather items, old-fashioned straw brooms with hand carved handles, dulcimers, and stuffed bears just for starters.

Come explore our Smoky Mountain crafts!  Below is a list of Gatlinburg’s major arts and crafts fairs for 2012:

Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen’s Fair:  July 20 – July 29, 2012
One of Gatlinburg’s most enjoyable craft fairs each year!  Along with almost 150 arts and crafts booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work at this event, you will also enjoy being surrounded by live country and bluegrass entertainment!  In their booths artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival:  August 31 – September 2, 2012
The campus of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts holds a family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country, as well as music on Labor Day weekend.

Gatlinburg Fall Craftsmen’s Fair:  October 11 – October 28, 2012
This is Gatlinburg’s second most enjoyable craft fair each year!  A sister event with the July Craftsmen’s fair, almost 200 arts and crafts booths featuring unique, unusual, and fun creations are here for your enjoyment along with more live country and bluegrass entertainment!  Artisans and craftspeople again demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale.

Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show:  November 21 – November 25, 2012
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community hosts their annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  The members offer unusual and interestingly themed Thanksgiving gifts.  Lots of great early Christmas gifts can be found here, too!

Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show:  November 26 – December 2, 2012
Members of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community host their annual Christmas Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts.  You know you will have fun shopping for others here, as well as yourself!

Everyone’s taste is different.  However, when it comes to pizza pies we can all agree that we want it hot, fresh, loaded and savory!  After that, it’s anyone’s guess: thin crust or thick, brick oven or not, spicy red sauce or white sauce, tons of mozzarella cheese or very little?  The pizza restaurants in Gatlinburg strive to bake pies that everyone will love no matter how they choose to build them.  Here are some of the locally owned pizza places Gatlinburg has to offer along with their pizza menus, if available:

Ogles Brick Oven Pizzeria – Pizza Menu
Sit Down Restaurant
702 E Parkway – (865) 430-9867
Just around the corner from Carr’s!  Ogle’s believes in quality and uses only the best available ingredients for our fine line of cuisine. Stop by and experience the flavor!  Appetizers, salads, wide variety of pasta and Italian entrees, brick oven pizza and calzones.  Large groups welcome indoors or on the patio.

Ooooohhhh!

Capeli’s Pizza – They Deliver!
815 E Parkway
(865) 430-5656

Flying Saucer Italian Bistro – The Flying Pizza – Pizzeria Menu
Inside the Gatlinburg Space Needle
(865) 430-5550
Delicious Italian food and the best New York style pizza, pasta, and calzones in Gatlinburg, all made with fresh, homemade ingredients.  Open 7 days a week.  Voted ‘Best Pizza in Gatlinburg 2011’ on TripAdvisor.

Geno’s Pizza – They Deliver!  Pizza Menu
385 E. Parkway
(865) 430-9300
Offering delicious pizza, bread sticks, sandwiches, cheese sticks, hot wings, calzones, salads & more!  Geno’s uses 100% real cheese, all natural ingredients, and their dough is made fresh daily!  Family-size pizzas at family-friendly prices.

New York Pizza and Pasta
Sit Down Restaurant
611 Parkway, Suite B5 and 634 E Parkway
(865) 436-9300

Maybe you prefer your hometown chain favorite pizza places?

Domino’s Pizza – They Deliver!  Gatlinburg Menu
446 E Parkway
(865) 436-2020

Papa John’s Pizza – They Deliver!  Gatlinburg Menu
466 Brookside Village Way, Suite 1
(865) 430-7777
Just across East Parkway from Carr’s Cottages in Winery Square

Pizza Hut – They Deliver!  Gatlinburg Menu
738 Parkway, Suite 5
(865) 436-6512

When you’re in town and have a great pizza in Gatlinburg, please share your experience with our Fans on Facebook so that they can have some of the best pizza in town too!

April 25 - 29, 2012 in the Great Smoky Mountains

Wildflowers, Nature Walks, Photography Tours, Art Classes, Indoor Seminars

As winter falls to the wayside and spring beings to re-introduce itself into our lives, we are reminded of the wonderful colors and majestic wildlife that surround us. Yes, we are very fortunate to live in the shadows of one of the most beautiful areas in the world: the Great Smoky Mountains. Now one might wonder, how can I take advantage of being in the proximity of such a wondrous place?  That is where the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage comes in.  The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is currently in its 62nd year and what it provides is a five-day event from April 25th to April 29th in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with unmatched access to the many leading botanical experts and wildlife authorities. These leading experts will provide access to over 130 professionally led walks and exciting indoor presentations as together you explore the culture, ecology, fauna and flora of the park.

Programs offered at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage can help anyone get in touch with “Mother Nature.”  With over 130 events, there is something to interest the whole family whether just curious about nature or are extremely experienced. The programs can range from casual walks that explore various trails of the Smoky Mountains to vigorous hikes, or from presentations about the trees of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to birding for the experienced. As you can see, with the nearly endless amount of options available, there is something that everyone is sure to enjoy. More details of event times and descriptions can be found online when registering for the event.

In order to attend the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, attendees need to register. There are two ways that this can be done: one is registering online anytime between now and up to April 20. The second way to register is to do so on-site at the Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg (next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center) April 24 through April 28. Registration costs are for adults are $50 for a one-day pass or $75 for two or more days. Student fees are only $10 for one day or more (high school or college enrollment will be verified on-site) and children 12 and under get in absolutely free with a registered adult!  Visit the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage web site for general and registration information.

We look forward to welcoming you at Carr’s Cottages, bringing in the wonderful spring season and celebrating the Great Smoky Mountains at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in April!

April 5 - 7 at the Convention Center

Come experience some of the finest craftsmanship that Gatlinburg has to offer on Easter weekend April 5 – 7 as the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts the annual Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show. This event, put on by the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, gives you an opportunity that is very special: to experience local artists and craftsmen produce unique, one of a kind products.  You will be able to see arts and crafts that have never been produced anywhere else, and will never be produced again.  Surely this is not an opportunity you’ll want to miss. The best part of it all? The Easter Craft Showis at a price that everyone can afford… it’s is free!

This year at the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show you and your family can visit our local celebrities and watch as they make their one of a kind masterpieces. Each of these artists will also have their works for sale for those looking for unique Smoky Mountain souvenirs or heirloom quality gifts. With such a relaxed atmosphere and all of the local crafters under one roof, this show always has something for everyone.  For additional details and a full list of all the artists and craftsmen in the community, visit their official web site at http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com .   We hope everyone has the opportunity to come to Gatlinburg Easter weekend and support the local Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community during this memorable annaul event.

Have you ever wanted to attend a festival that is not only exciting, but also provides an unmatched cultural experience with performers from around the world? If you attend the annual Festival of Nations in Dollywood, you will experience just that.  Bring your family to Carr’s Cottagesand from March 24 through April 30 you will be able to experience nine different amazing performances that one would normally have to travel the world to experience. With such captivating entertainment all under one “roof,” this is an experience that cannot be missed.  Headlining performances, their dates, country of origin and a short description are shown below:

Discount Dollywood Tickets at Our Front Desk

• Ashelin (Newfoundland, Canada): Ashelin is a band of five sisters singing and dancing to Newfoundland and Irish music. Their harmonious blend of vocals and melodies pays tribute to their folk roots.   Appearing April 11 – April 30.
• Atahualpa (Ecuador): The group Atahualpa is composed of six members from the Andes region. Together they mix a blend of contemporary music with South American dance rhythms and traditional music played on native Incan instruments.   This group is a festival favorite and will be performing  March 24 – April 30.
• Los Pampas Gauchos (Argentina): This group makes for a very high energy show from their native Argentine sounds to their powerful rhythms and their spectacular act of dancing with weapons.  Performing March 24 – April 30.
• Russian Academic Band (Russia):  Together for over 28 years, the Russian Academic Band brings the traditional brass sounds of Russia to Dollyworld.  Appearing March 24 – April 9.
• Spirit of the Dance (Ireland): After winning over nine Global Awards, including “Best Chorography,” Spirit of the Dance has proven to be a spectacular show as performers partake in a foot-stomping Irish dance.  Inspiring audiences March 24 – April 30.
• The Paper World Show by Mimirichi (Ukraine): Dressed as clowns, this group uses paper scenery to create a fascinating show. If you like to participate, you will be excited to know that during this performance, the audience is encouraged to get involved.  Performing March 24 – April 30.
• Veseli Begunjcani (Slovenia): Using upbeat Bavarian music, this group showcases their musicians and lively vocals as well as a Slovenian Polka party.  April 2 – April 30.
• Zambian Vocal Group (Africa): Although each member of this vocal group comes from different African tribes, they perform acapella to preach the message that music unites us all.  Appearing March 24 – April 30.
• Zebra Stelzentheater of Germany (Germany): A dance performance is one thing, but these performers dance on spring loaded stilts! Using colorful costumes and intricate choreography, this show is sure to provide guests with a brand new experience.  Performing March 24 – April 30.

We hope to see you all come and enjoy one, if not all of these amazing performances as you help Dollywood celebrate world wide culture in art, dance, food and music right here in the Great Smoky Mountains at Dollywood TN!  Discount Dollywood tickets available at our front desk.  Combined with our low off-season rates, it’s a great opportunity to have a fantastic yet affordable vacation in Gatlinburg.

March 16-17, 2012

A festival celebrating a style of fine art which uses textiles such as fabric, yarn, and natural and synthetic fibers is being held right here in East Tennessee!

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the fiber arts? Maybe you wanted to spend a weekend having fun and learning something new?  You’re in luck because the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival is ideal for both!  March 16^th through the 17^th, join us in Townsend TN at the Townsend Visitors Center as well as the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center for some interesting, interactive fun.  You’ll learn more about the raw materials of fiber arts by attending sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, or experience the creative process by participating in introductory to advanced classes.  There will be hands-on activities for children as well as adults, so all ages will have fun at the Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival offering an educational, entertaining experience along with good food, vendor shopping and great friends!  See the 2011 SMFAF photo gallery.

One of the best ways to enjoy this art festival in the Smokies is to arrive early and stay late!  Sheep shearing demonstrations take place at noon and 2 p.m., with boarder-collie sheep herding at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  If you can’t make it on Friday, don’t worry because on Saturday each demonstration will have three different showings!  For demonstration times and locations, visit SmokyMountains.org here.

Who Can Resist That Face?

Would you prefer to get more hands-on when learning about the fiber arts? With over 30 different interactive and informative classes, you are sure to find a class that piques your interest. Classes take place each day between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and include quilting, spinning, bobbin lace, rug hooking, weaving, crochet, basketry, and Cherokee finger weaving. Classes are for all skill levels and fees range from $15 to $100.  Class names with descriptions, instructors, and costs can be found on this printable Fiber Art Classes Schedule.

Once you’ve attended some of the great classes at the Fiber Arts Festival, you will undoubtedly want to put some of the new techniques you learned into practice. The good news is that there will be plenty of local vendors on location to help you get the supplies you need!  We look forward to seeing you and your family at Carr’s Cottages in March enjoying a free night stay and the fiber arts with the rest of us!

Pastors Attic II - 2011 Best of Show

Are you a dedicated quilter with years of experience? Or are you a beginner who wants to learn more about quilting?  From Wednesday, March 14^th through Saturday, March 17^th Carr’s Cottages invites you to come to the Smokey Mountains and enjoy the timeless art of quilting at this annual quilt fair, no matter your skill level or experience. While at the A Mountain Quiltfest, there will be two avenues of quilting fun: that of attending quilting classes or quilt shows. In order to truly make this festival an experience to remember, why not attend both?

Quilting classes are a fun way to learn new techniques for quilting, as well as improving your own skills. No matter your level or expertise, with over sixty classes, there’s a class everyone can enjoy! Classes begin on Tuesday, March 13^th and feature ten different instructors from all over the United States ranging from Alaska to Florida, ensuring very diverse learning opportunities.

The quilt show is another large part of A Mountain Quiltfest which will feature the stunning quilts that numerous quilters from novice to expert have put so much time and effort into. The quilters who submit an entry into the quilting festival are competing in ten different categories for prizes amounting to over $20,000! It is truly a sight to see since nowhere else will you experience the diverse amount of quilting that will be on display at the quilt show.  Check out the competition and see the winners from the 2011 A Mountain Quilt Festival.

Do you have a quilt that you have made that you would like to enter into Pigeon Forge’s A Mountain Quiltfest quilt show? That is great to hear and you are encouraged to enter! All entries must follow provided guidelines.

Further details about quilt show entries, quilt classes and class fees (which range from $40-$135), instructors and location can be found at www.MountainQuiltFest.com.

We hope to see you all for the A Mountain Quiltfest this March!

February 2-4, 2012

Townsend, Cades Cove, GSM Heritage Center, Little River Railroad

Carr’s Cottages invites you to enjoy The Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies!  This annual event is a celebration of human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event involves many volunteer community groups and businesses, along with the National Park.

Highlights of the 3-day Festival include a Civil War exhibit, storytelling, music by Pistol Creek Catch of the Day, Appalachian music workshops, a Mountain Craft and Mountain Music Showcase, Cast Iron Cooking, a BBQ supper, hikes and tours, and history presentations by the Cades Cove Preservation Association.  Click here for a Printable Winter Heritage Fesitval in the Smokies Schedule.

8-Year Old Carson Peters

Thursday, February 2 KickOff
6-8 p.m.: Thompson Brown Museum, Cades Cove
Civil War Exhibit, refreshments, and 6:30 p.m. storytelling, plus music by Pistol Creek Catch of the Day

Friday, February 3
9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Venues throughout Townsend & the National Park
Variety of cultural and musical presentations and workshops, waterfall hikes, Walking Tour of Townsend from the Little River Railroad Museum, dinner and entertainment.

Saturday, February 4
9 a.m. – 9p.m.: Venues throughout Townsend & the National Park
Craft and music showcases, cooking demonstrations, “Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Band,” hikes to the Walker Sisters’ homesite and more, artist open house, BBQ dinner, and fantastic entertainment.

All events are free except for those that include meals. Events with meals require reservations and free music workshops require signup. Call 865.448.6134 for additional information, reservations, or cancellations due to inclement weather. Visit our full calendar of events for the Great Smoky Mountains area to fill your vacation with plenty of free, educational or simply pure fun events!

We’ve just posted our Gatlinburg motel specials and Gatlinburg cabin deals for the entire 2012 year!   We hope that you’ll be able to take advantage of these great rates and vacation with us all throughout the new year!

Several Lodging Choices, All Right Here!

Accommodations we offer:
Creekside Motel Rooms
Motel Rooms with Kitchenette
Jacuzzi Suites
Townhomes
Family Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Cottages
A 200-Year Old Log Cabin
4 Gatlinburg Chalets

No Reservations Fees!  No Upfront Cleaning Fees!  Our’s is a unique property in that we don’t raise our rates just because it’s the weekend and we don’t raise our rates because there is something fun happening in town.  We also don’t offer our discounts based on the highest rates of the season.   However, we do offer affordable rates all year long for clean, comfortable accommodations just 3 blocks from downtown with fantastic amenities!

We hope you’ll consider Carr’s Northside Cottage & Motel for your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.  We are ideal for family vacations, couples, and even large groups.  We welcome you to come by to see our beautiful and convenient location, and even ask to tour a room if you’d like!

Baseball season may be out, but there’s still good reason to visit the Smokies Stadium this December. That’s because Christmas Wonderland is in! Shadrack’s is lighting up holiday nights during this beautifully magical and musical Christmas event now through January 8, 2012.

Shadracks Christmas Lights Wonderland features a drive through experience where guests tune in car radio’s to hear the sounds of the season while watching Christmas lights rhythmically dance in time to the music. Fill up the car or family van and experience the magic for $15-$20 per vehicle from dusk until at least 10 p.m.

This year Shadrack’s will also feature Santa’s Village with a free petting zoo, $5 pony and camel rides are available, and festive refreshments. There’s also Santa’s Train, an inflatable slide, trampoline bungee jump and more. In the spirit of the season, Shadrack’s Christmas believes in giving and donates a portion of proceeds to local and national organizations.

What a treat to be able to experience millions of lights and festive displays from Exit 407 on I-40 and all the way through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge to Carr’s Cottages in Gatlinburg! Plan to experience a Smoky Mountain Christmas this year with us!