
The last time you returned from your vivacious vacation, you sensed anticipation in your friends. They wanted to know more about your trip. They happily watched your endless slideshow of pictures. Some even complimented you on your choice of outfits (even if they were hideous). The motive? Souvenirs.
And why not?
After all, a souvenir is a physical manifestation of what you experienced during your holidays. They are reminders of past adventures and, quite often, a symbol of the unique culture you enjoyed. They are a treat to receive!
Maybe you didn’t have anything good on you the last time. So, this time when you visit the beautiful town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, make sure to pick up some of their amazing souvenirs from the various shops scattered throughout the region.
Here’s a guide to all things cool in Gatlinburg that qualify as perfect souvenirs.
Bring Home the Local Flavors:

The region’s fresh produce is something you should not miss out on. Plus, Gatlinburg is known for its unique flavors. Specialties like flavored honey and pumpkin-flavored candies are popular with locals and tourists alike. Another great souvenir option to titillate your taste buds and remind you of your trip to Gatlinburg is the apple wines from Tennessee Homemade Wines. Made from locally grown apples, each bottle holds a light, crisp, and clean yet rich apple flavor that will remind you of a slice of apple pie and leave you wanting more.
You can find them in the many stores that line the town streets. If you have a sweet tooth, you can buy some sugary maple or chocolate-dipped treats that are sold in abundance.
Feeling more adventurous? You can also get your hands on items unique to Gatlinburg, like tantalizing moonshine or local jams. But don’t forget to check the laws before you buy them!
Bring Back Your Favorite Sights:
Gatlinburg is well-known for its spectacular natural beauty. The sprawling mountains and lush forests are a sight to behold. And when the night lights up with the iconic Smoky Mountain lights, it becomes a paradise.
Bring back these stunning images in the form of souvenirs. An amazing option is to buy an acrylic painting of a scenic view. As a reminder, you can also get 3D photographs capturing local beauty. If you look for it, you may also find some neatly printed postcards that showcase the beauty of Gatlinburg.
Some stores also allow you to customize your souvenirs. For example, you can hand draw your favorite landmarks and get them printed or painted on mugs, t-shirts, and keychains.
Capture a Piece of Americana:
Gatlinburg has a rich cultural history and has witnessed some remarkable events from the time of the settlers to the present day.
You can find traces of this culture in handicrafts and hand-painted items. The stores in Gatlinburg are full of these trinkets. From tiny wooden sculptures to intricate quilts, you’ll find something that will remind you of the area’s rich culture.

The Smoky Mountain arts and crafts are also worth mentioning. Many handmade items like pottery and home decor pieces are available in the shops here. You might even find something made locally and unavailable anywhere else. The best places to look for these are the local markets. The Island and The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are markets where you can find some amazing stuff.
Don’t Miss out on the Fun Stuff:
Apart from all the serious souvenirs, Gatlinburg also has some fun stuff. You can find interesting novelties in the many novelty stores in the area. How about a mini Mount Rushmore for your mantelpiece? Or an Elvis Presley statue for your office desk? Or perhaps a funny T-shirt that celebrates Gatlinburg’s unique music and culture?

There are also many collector’s items like music boxes, coins, and even miniature replicas of the iconic cabin homes in Gatlinburg. Don’t forget to check out the shops for quirky souvenirs that will make people ask, “Wow! Where did you get that?”
The Perfect Pair of Boots:
Something out of the ordinary that you can get in Gatlinburg is the perfect pair of boots. The cowboy boots here are handcrafted with the utmost care and detail. The stores have everything, whether you’re looking for a classic cowboy look or something more modern and edgy.
You can also get matching accessories like leather belts and wallets to go with them. Some shops also offer personalized engraving, so you can get your initials on the boots for a unique touch. If you’re getting the boots for a friend, always double-check their size. It’ll be a bummer if the boots don’t fit!
Grab Some Charms:
If you want something extraordinary, you can get charms from some of the stores in Gatlinburg. They come in various shapes and sizes, from the classic four-leaf clover to something as unique as a bottle opener. They make great gifts, specially engraved with initials or special messages.
You can find charms in silver, gold, and even pewter. If you’re feeling generous, you can also get a charm bracelet with many charms to give as a present. The charms that are based on the movies or shows that were filmed in Gatlinburg are also popular.
Black Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers:
A Gatlinburg must-have is a pair of black bear salt and pepper shakers. They’re shaped like two little bears and look very cute in any kitchen. Also, since these are made of ceramic, they will last a long time.
Even if you (or your friends) don’t cook, you can still keep them as a reminder of your time in Gatlinburg.
They’re widely available in souvenir shops and come in various styles. You can also personalize them with engravings for a truly unique item.
Hard Rock Café Collectibles:

Hard Rock Café is a well-known chain of restaurants worldwide. And yes, Gatlinburg has one too! The restaurant offers the most mouth-watering dishes, from the classic burger to the more exotic ones like the maple bacon waffle.
Not to mention, it’s also home to collectible items like t-shirts, mugs, and pins. The pins, in particular, are a great way to commemorate your trip and make for fantastic souvenirs.
Dulcimer Music:
Have you enjoyed the sweet melodies of the Appalachian dulcimer while in Gatlinburg? The instrument has been popular since the mid-20th century and is used to play folk music with a more traditional sound.
You can try getting your hands on one of these instruments by visiting the many shops in Gatlinburg that sell them. Most of the time, they come with instruction booklets and DVDs to help you get started. So, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, why not get a dulcimer and learn how to play it?
Final Thoughts:
Gatlinburg offers many souvenir options, from classic T-shirts and mugs to more unique items like charms and musical instruments. All these make exceptional gifts to give to your loved ones. So, when you’re in Gatlinburg, don’t forget to pick some up and make them a part of your memories. But, of course, you must also ensure they are safely packed and stored so they can be enjoyed for many years.
Happy shopping!
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