Our 5 Must Shop Stops Inside the Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg

The Mountain Mall is one of those places still standing in Gatlinburg that provides a great deal of memories. It is unlike any mall you’ve ever visited. I know I felt that way after my first time (you mean the escalators only go up!) Yes, that is correct. Its uniqueness is unparalleled in Gatlinburg. It’s more than just an escape from the cold, rain, snow, heat, and wind; it’s an experience you don’t want to exclude from your visit to the Smokies. Here are the ones we always make our way inside.

Aunt Mahalia’s Candies

This one is probably most people’s first walk-through when entering the mall. I know Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is a favorite of guests, but many find Aunt Mahalia’s to be a worthy alternative, me for one. I mean, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with any candy shop, if you ask me. I have to be careful (darn diabetes) when perusing the sweet stuff here, but that doesn’t mean you have to.

The Rhythm Section

This store has survived the digital revolution somehow, still offering physical copies of media you can now download. I think that’s what makes The Rhythm Section an attractive place for visitors. There’s just not a whole lot of these stores left. They have a healthy selection of CDs, DVDs, shirts, and posters. Despite its tight quarters, it’s a must stop for me when I go to the Mountain Mall.

Sports Heaven

My son and I are sports fanatics, and Sports Heaven satisfies our desires for browsing sports merchandise of all sorts. It’s a smorgasbord. You’ll find stuff from small and large college programs, items from every professional sports team, memorabilia, and everything in between—they have over 200 teams worth of merch! It’s a large space in the mall, and it could easily take someone a good half-hour to look through it all, us included!

Pawpaw’s Sweet Tooth

Yes, it’s another sweet shop, but I prefer the old-time feel of Pawpaw’s Sweet Tooth. I love the general store vibe it gives in its subdued space…and I don’t mean that in a negative way. This has been my go-to place, since the only other shop in town that carried my Cheerwine Zero—All Sauced Up—closed their doors. I won’t buy it here anymore, because I live here, and I can get it cheaper in the grocery store. But I still love to look at the different popcorn flavors, drinks, jams, and miscellaneous snacks.

Pepper Palace

I can’t ignore the Pepper Palace, even if it’s not the same sampling place it used to be before COVID. There’s now no less than three in Gatlinburg, but this one brings back memories of my first visit to the Mountain Mall. It’s amusing to see all the different sauces. They still do their challenge you need to sign a waiver for, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally be brave enough to take the heat.

Bonus Sixth: The Soft Shirt Place

I’m throwing The Soft Shirt Place in because I’d actually like to purchase a shirt here sometime. We’ve visited a few times and like their set-up. It is a locally owned business, and they will design your shirt based on their own tasteful creations. It seems like a high-quality product for a fair price, and I see ourselves getting a nice Gatlinburg shirt from here, as we are definitely in the market for a new one to show pride for our new home!

Do you have a shop other than my selections that you have to visit when you’re in Gatlinburg. Let me know in the comments what you’re preferences are. I do have others I will browse on occasion, but I wanted to spotlight our favorites first. I hope you enjoyed reading, and don’t forget to subscribe to get more information you can use for your trip! Thank you all!