Close to Traffic Light #6 in a great strolling part of downtown Gatlinburg, Baskins Square is an outdoor enclave of shops and eateries, with some hidden gems not to be missed, especially when it comes to food – there’s good eating here.
Image courtesy of Baskins Square
The mall is right across Parkway from the Village Shoppes, another oasis of shopping and dining to get off the street – but don’t miss a trip to Baskins Square because of the more famous place across the street.
There are some fun places to shop in the Square, but the food deserves a big mention first. If you want to step in out of the shopping and watch some sports over a beverage or some great food, Mountain Edge Grill is a local favorite that offers just such a retreat. It’s a ski lodge style bar and restaurant offering casual dining, a great place to get in off the street and recharge over lunch.
If you’re feeling like a more specialized sandwich, New Orleans Sandwich Company has something for you. Authentic Cajun and Creole dishes and sandwiches, for a Mardi Gras taste in the Smokies. See our feature article on New Orleans Sandwich Company.
Don’t fill up on food until you try the meals at Tennessee Jed’s, a true hidden gem that those who discover it rave over. The meats are sourced locally and everything in this family-run restaurant is made fresh and by the owners. Food from breakfast sandwiches to quiche, and the Reuben is out of this world. Corned beef fans should stop in here. The meats are home-smoked too, and they also offer vegan options. See our Tennessee Jed’s feature article on this special eatery – and not e the second location in another gem of a shopping area, Winery Square.
And for a little more exotic flavor, the Jerky Store offers a large variety of these dried meats made from everything imaginable, with flavors ranging from sweet to spicy, black pepper to pineapple. What’s best is that all the jerky is made from natural ingredients, with no additives, which makes for a healthy food as well as delicious, to take back to the cabin and take home with you.
One of the unique shops in Baskins Square is Doc’s Magic Shop, a staple in Gatlinburg for tricks and jokes and all the tools of the magician’s trade. There’s often a magic demonstration in this shop, and the kids will not fail to be enchanted.
Many gifts are on display at Mountain Woodcarvers, which offers craft items well beyond wood, including pottery, chimes, toys and photography. The items here are unique and well worth your time to browse through. And before you leave Baskins Square Mall, pick up cards and Christian gift items at God’s World, for all your religious needs.
And if you want to take a break from it all for a while, on the corner of the square, Little Bear Winery offers Free Tastings, with a good selection of bottled wines to take home, and a lot of wine-themed souvenirs.
Useful Information
Baskins Square (near Light #6)
631 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN37738
Web: baskinssquare.com
For more places to go and see, take a look at our guides to Things to Do in Gatlinburg and the especially useful Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids. Also see our tips on Pigeon Forge Shopping.
