9 Gatlinburg Sweet Shops To Seek Out That Are NOT Downtown
Gatlinburg is a sugar-saturated candy land, whether it comes from pancakes or ice cream, the tourist town is ladled with sweet shops that cater to our sweet teeth. It’s also where diabetes go to…well, I’ll keep the obvious to myself, but the fact I am one, gives me credibility and pause to what it can do to a person’s health. All of that aside though, it is a vacation splurge for most families, and I don’t want to be the pro-avocado superfood guy on your quest for unhealthy Gatlinburg eating behavior.
These 8 shops I wanted to spotlight are not in downtown Gatlinburg. If anything, it’s to encourage you beyond the comfort zone of browsing the endless options available on the Parkway. You wouldn’t want to miss a hidden gem on your vacation, would you? I didn’t think so. Let’s explore some amazing shops where you can find a variety of yummy sweet treats.
1 Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts
Look, The Donut Friar is and will always be the donut shop you have to visit in Gatlinburg. However… Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts needs to also be on your sweet eating itinerary. I have to say, they get a little more creative with theirs, and are every bit as good as the premier donut shop with a Friar as a mascot. In some ways, they do it better. Yes, I said it. Unlike The Donut Friar, Maddog’s also has a great lineup of ice cream that’ll solve your cravings. Located just past their sister restaurant on 321, Alamo Steakhouse, you’ll want to see… and eat it to believe it.
2 Glades Soda Fountain
Located in Morning Mist Village in the Arts and Crafts Community on Glades Road, Glades Soda Fountain gives you the feeling of being at your local ice cream shop in your hometown. Seeing as Gatlinburg is now my hometown, I can attest… but unfortuntely not to my taste buds. Although I haven’t visited, customers concur they have amazing sundaes and milkshakes. Like most on this list, it’s a small business that appreciates you stopping by.
3 Wright’s Fudge (Fudgewrights)
This small business, Wright’s Fudge also has a location in Morning Mist Village. I actually remember buying some fudge from here on vacation some years back, and I thought it was far and away the best I had in Gatlinburg. Since then, I’ve had to give up eating just a tiny morsel of it, but I’m guessing this little shop still delivers the goods in this category, so give them a try when you’re in the area. Let me know what you think!
4 Glades Homemade Candies & Ice Cream
Glades Homemade Candies is the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen of Gatlinburg’s outer edge. Located on 321 at the Glades Road intersection, the locals are big fans as much as the tourists who come this way are. Plenty of delicious confectionery concoctions have been collected and consumed from this little business that could for over 33 years now, proving it has staying power despite its location.
5 Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House
This grocery outlet store specializes in jams, jellies, and different varieties of spreads. Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House is more than just a sweet shop; it’s also home to many salsas, dips, sauces, dressings, oils, soups and more. You could say it’s a pantry paradise you could easily fill a closet full of condiments from here as well. It’s an unassuming wooden building in Winery Square within walking distance of downtown off 321, but you could be in for a while deciding on all the jars of liquid mixtures.
6 Gatlinburg Grind
And now, for the coffee portion of these sweet shops. Gatlinburg Grind is located on Glades Road, and yes, they are on this list because of the cookies and pastries they offer in their tiny little locally-owned shop. The coffee is good, but the treats may be even better. I say, “may”, because… of course, I must abstain. But I have heard rave reviews from locals, so you’ll have to check them out for yourselves if you haven’t already.
7 Bloom & Berry Coffee House
Located a few shops down from where I get my haircut is Bloom & Berry Coffee House. This small business just recently celebrated their one year anniversary, and it’s easy to see why they could—and hopefully will—be here much longer. Their coffee is—in my opinion—the second best in Gatlinburg, taking a back seat only to Coffee and Company. But it’s their own pastries and muffins that have my wife and son drooling every time we go in. B&B is a fantastic, friendly, comfy shop you’ll have a hard time resisting making a return trip out to their East Parkway (321) location for more.
8 Painted Bear Coffee Co.
Painted Bear Coffee Co. needs to be a shop I visit next. I have to admit, this small coffee place has not yet been tried by yours truly. I remember hearing about them when they opened 2 years ago, but it’s a shame I haven’t stopped in. Their treats look absolutely amazing, and I’ve heard the same about their coffees. Located on Buckhorn Road, it’s a charming looking place that definitely deserves your attention. Again, shame on me…
9 Olga’s Yodel Cinnamon Rolls
Last but certainly not least is Olga’s Yodel Cinnamon Rolls. Located across the road from Morning Mist Village on Glades Road, Olga is actually Tonya, and she personally bakes these delicious rolls in her kitchen in the back. The locals absolutely adore this small business, including the three of us. The owner is gracious and appreciative; I can’t think of a better place to satisfy your sweet tooth than with these temptations. She used to close in the mid-afternoon hours, but the word has been spread, and she sells out routinely in the morning hours. You know what to do!
I hope you consider any one or more of these shops the next time you visit Gatlinburg. I really don’t believe you can possibly go wrong as far as their hospitality or the sheer deliciousness of their sweets and treats. Thank you for reading and subscribing to my publication, and I hope you’ll stay tuned for much more enjoyable content in the way of tips, advice, reviews, and personal stories from my Gatlinburg home.