6 Best Candy Stores in Gatlinburg TN

Gatlinburg has been a candy town for the better part of a century — some of its sweet shops have been pulling taffy and pouring fudge in the same spot since before World War II. Whether you're after fresh-pulled taffy, hand-dipped chocolates, or a fill-your-own-bag candy wall, here are six of the best candy stores in Gatlinburg.

1. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen

A Gatlinburg institution since 1950, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen at 744 Parkway is famous for its fresh-pulled taffy, made the old-fashioned way in a copper kettle in full view of the crowd on the sidewalk. Watching the candy makers stretch taffy on the puller is a Gatlinburg tradition in itself. The taffy comes in around 30 flavors — from fruity options like banana, grape, and sour apple to butterscotch, cinnamon, and wintergreen — alongside fudge, divinity, pecan logs, caramels, and gummies. Stop to watch, then head in to sample. Shipping is available if you want to send some home.

2. Aunt Mahalia's Candies

Aunt Mahalia's has been making candy in Gatlinburg since 1939, and its glass-enclosed kitchen lets you watch the candy makers at work — a favorite with kids and adults alike. The specialty is beautifully handcrafted boxed chocolates, each piece uniquely made rather than a generic assortment. Beyond chocolates you'll find caramel and chocolate-covered apples, maple pralines, homemade peanut brittle, old-fashioned stick candy, divinity, and their well-known peanut butter sticks. They also carry jams and honey, offer plenty of sugar-free options, and take online orders.

3. Kilwin's Chocolates

Kilwin's at 645 Parkway makes its chocolates, fudge, and confections on-site, and the aroma alone will pull you in off the sidewalk. Their hand-crafted caramel apples are a standout, and unlike most candy shops, Kilwin's also churns its own original-recipe ice cream — making it a two-in-one stop for a sweet treat. It's a reliable choice for classic hand-dipped chocolates and a scoop to walk the Parkway with.

4. Fudge Shop of the Smokies

With two locations in Gatlinburg, the Fudge Shop of the Smokies specializes in fudge made with rich Dutch chocolate. The variety is the draw — everything from classic chocolate and peanut butter to penuche, cookies and cream, and flavors you've likely never tried. If fudge is your particular weakness, this is the dedicated stop, and the two locations make it easy to find one as you explore downtown.

5. The Chocolate Monkey

The Chocolate Monkey is the most family-oriented candy shop on this list — bright, colorful, and staffed by a friendly crew, it's a hit with kids. Alongside rows and rows of colorful candy, you'll find creative candy concoctions and merchandise, including the shop's signature plush monkeys. If you're traveling with children, this is the candy stop that doubles as an experience.

6. Sweet!

As the name suggests, Sweet! is all about candy — and specifically nostalgia. The majority of the store is stocked with the candies you remember from childhood, with brands that will take you straight back, plus newer favorites like Skittles, Nerds, and Reese's. The centerpiece is a candy wall where taffies, gummies, and more are arranged in glass containers: grab a bag, fill it with whatever you like, and pay by the pound. It's the ultimate build-your-own candy experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gatlinburg's most famous candy store?

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is the most iconic — it's been operating on the Parkway since 1950 and is known for making fresh-pulled taffy in a copper kettle in view of the sidewalk. Watching the candy-making process is a longtime Gatlinburg tradition. Aunt Mahalia's, open since 1939, is the other historic favorite.

Can you watch candy being made in Gatlinburg?

Yes — several shops make candy on-site in view of visitors. Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen pulls taffy in a copper kettle you can watch from the street, Aunt Mahalia's has a glass-enclosed kitchen, and Kilwin's makes its chocolates and fudge on-site. The live candy-making is half the fun.