August 16, 2022
Editor's Note: This post was written by Sara Ragan, Dollywood Parks & Resorts Merchandise Intern
Although a theme park, Dollywood exceeds expectations by offering an outstanding selection for shoppers like myself - something to keep in mind as you visit. If you're looking to take home a piece of Dollywood, it's never far from reach. Even better, it doesn't matter if you're at the beginning or end of your day, because you can use Package Pick-Up throughout the day at any shop and not have to let a single shopping bag get in the way of your fun! (Learn more about Package Pick-Up here.) I could go on and on about each shop's niche of offerings, but for the sake of your busy life, here are some of my favorite spots to peruse.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade or nostalgic goodies. After all, it wouldn't be Tennessee without Goo Goo's and Moon Pies! Walking into the Sweet Shoppe is like walking on cotton candy clouds. It's the perfect place to stock up on taffy, jelly beans or any other candy you can imagine. Behind the counter, watch the craftsmen create delicious fudge and caramel apples. Although they look good, you might just have to taste them to be sure - for quality control purposes, of course.
This is the best shop for all things Dolly. Find your next statement piece, everyday favorite or both! There's a Dolly-inspired, trendy piece for everyone here, and it lives up to its motto: "Her style, your size." Each piece throughout the store has been chosen based on Dolly Parton's own style. Dolly's Closet also carries Dolly-themed items such as water bottles, t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and more! Shop for your own stylish self or the Dolly fan in your life.
Step into a magazine and admire the Smoky Mountain charm of Mountain Laurel. This shop is the perfect place to hunt for your next accent décor piece while feeling right at home. Whether you're looking for a piece of furniture or easy-to-pack placemats, you can find it all here.
Being in the Smoky Mountains brings out my inner-adventurer, and Eagle's Flight is a great place to find my next outdoor accessory. Aside from Wild Eagle coaster merchandise, this shop offers Teva, Kavu and Life is Good-branded items. That's three of the best! My favorite item I've gotten from this shop is a pair of Teva sandals that I love. They are perfect for anything from a short hike to running errands. The color and style varieties are great, too; they have something for everyone!
Prepare to be in awe of the Dollywood Emporium. This shop doubles as the park exit and houses Package Pick-Up, so it's the perfect shop to wrap up your day. Here, you'll find everything you can imagine - from toys and t-shirts to Dolly and Dollywood souvenirs. The variety of options in this location is amazing; there's something from all corners of the park. In addition, the Emporium carries festival souvenirs that can only be found here and at Gazebo Gifts (near Market Square)!
Now, let's talk about shopping for some handcrafted treasures. Not only can you shop the rest of the list, you even have the opportunity to watch, personalize and get involved in the making. These locations offer a personal interaction with pieces of unique art. It's something you must experience for yourself!
Here, you'll be able to watch master craftsmen create art from glass. They create a majority of products found in the attached gift shop. Some of my favorite pieces are seasonal pumpkins or snowmen, as well as handcrafted oil lamps that are just stunning. At Mountain Blown Glass, you can put your own touch on a creation: choose your colors and help blow your own ornament.
At the Blacksmiths' shop, experience the forges and creation of metal art, signs, knives and more. Watch the craftsmen create these pieces and then try your hand at knife-making. Choose from a bolt, horseshoe or railroad spike to create a beautiful custom knife. The sheath that comes with it was made at Smoky Creek Leather.
Smoky Creek Leather offers you handmade belts, keychains, bracelets and more. If you can't find a piece that's perfect for you, our craftsmen can personalize belts to be exactly what you need, including size and design. Watch handmade pieces come to life on the patio and chat with these talented craftsmen to learn about the process.
Here, you will find Smoky Mountain staples and beautiful pieces of handcrafted art. Strolling through this shop will leave you wanting to decorate a mountain cabin! Choose from custom pieces from signs to mantles to statues. For baseball or softball lovers, have a bat personalized with your name and/or favorite number.
Old Flames is the coziest shop you'll visit all day. When you walk in, you're greeted by every wonderful scent you can imagine. Among the scents is Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, a personal favorite of mine. As you admire the variety of candles, you'll notice that candles are made right in the shop. The cut-and-curl candles are perfect for special occasions, and they're so beautiful you'll never want to light them. In the shop, you also are able to dip your own candles. Choose from fun shapes and choose your own colors! This activity is perfect for people of all ages.
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