Top 6 Shops at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

Anakeesta's mountaintop shopping is part of what makes it genuinely worth a full day rather than a quick ride up and back. The shops are spread across the park in Firefly Village and at key activity hubs — each one with a distinct focus and products you won't find on the Gatlinburg Parkway below. Here are 6 of the best shops at Anakeesta.

Getting to Anakeesta

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | anakeesta.com | Open daily — hours vary by season

Anakeesta is accessible from the Parkway via the park's scenic gondola lift — 56 glass-bottom cabin cars that carry guests from street level up to the mountaintop park over a four-minute ascent with 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. The gondola is included with standard park admission. All six shops below are located within the park — admission required to access them (except the Great Outdoors Trading Company, which is located in downtown Gatlinburg).

1. Fur Trader

The largest souvenir and merchandise shop on the mountain — a charming stone chalet with an extensive selection of exclusive Anakeesta merchandise and Smoky Mountain-themed gifts. Fur Trader is the go-to for commemorating your visit: branded hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, and keepsakes specific to Anakeesta, alongside mountain-themed plush animals, wind chimes, ornaments, and household goods.

If you want to take something home that says specifically "I was at Anakeesta" rather than "I was somewhere in the Smokies," Fur Trader is the stop. The shop also carries items that make strong gifts for people who couldn't make the trip.

2. Willow's Workshop

A toy shop built around imagination, nature, and Willow — Anakeesta's giant, whimsical "keeper of the forest" character that anchors the park's narrative. Young visitors who've fallen in love with Willow throughout the day will find a full range of Willow-themed items here, alongside telescopes, stuffed animals, slime, mini building block sets, nature journals, and a wide range of exploration and wildlife toys designed to encourage curiosity.

For families, Willow's Workshop is the shop that solves the "what to get the kids to remember the trip" question. The Willow items specifically are not available outside the park.

3. The Mercantile

Anakeesta's general store, now located inside the Cliff Top restaurant — a modern take on an Appalachian trading post stocked with the flavors and tools of the Smokies. Locally made sauces, jams, jellies, pickles, and sweet treats make up the food section — the kind of artisan pantry staples that guests wish they'd bought more of on the drive home.

The kitchen and home section covers barware, bowls, utensils, cutting boards, vintage gadgets, and decor items with a range of styles that work in contemporary and traditional homes alike. If you're looking for gifts that reflect where you've been — not just mass-produced souvenirs — The Mercantile is the most functional and giftable shopping stop in the park.

4. Catching Fireflies

Anakeesta's women's boutique, tucked into Firefly Village — a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, and home decor in a colorful, whimsical setting. Catching Fireflies leans into the park's overall aesthetic: nature-inspired patterns, warm mountain colors, and the kind of pieces that feel specific to the Smoky Mountains rather than interchangeable with any gift shop anywhere.

Pastel florals, mountain-inspired jewelry, and sparkling accessories dominate the selection. For a gift that feels genuinely thoughtful rather than last-minute, this shop consistently delivers. Works particularly well for anniversary or girls' trip shopping.

5. Adventure Outpost

The hub for Anakeesta's adventure activities — where you purchase zipline tickets, book mountain coaster rides, and gear up for BirdVenture and gem mining. But the Adventure Outpost is also a shop worth browsing even if your group isn't riding anything.

The merchandise here leans toward the park's adventure character: Sasquatch-themed items (a recurring Anakeesta motif), Willow merchandise, keychains, magnets, hats, and clothing that captures the park's outdoor spirit. If Fur Trader is for commemorating the visit, Adventure Outpost is for commemorating the specific adrenaline part of it.

6. Great Outdoors Trading Company — No Admission Required

Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway | No admission fee | Open daily

The only Anakeesta shop that doesn't require a park ticket. Great Outdoors Trading Company is located in downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway — a street-level retail outpost for Anakeesta and mountain-themed clothing, souvenirs, and gifts. It's particularly useful for guests who want Anakeesta merchandise after a visit but didn't bring enough cash to the park, or who want to pick up gifts for people who didn't make the trip up.

Also a legitimate way to buy Anakeesta-branded items on a budget — no gondola ticket, no park admission, just walk in off the street. The selection is narrower than the on-mountain shops but covers the essentials.

Planning Your Anakeesta Shopping Visit

Build in time. Anakeesta's shops are spread across the park — Fur Trader and Catching Fireflies in Firefly Village, Adventure Outpost at the activity hub, The Mercantile inside Cliff Top, and Willow's Workshop near the children's play area. Budget the shopping as you move through the park rather than trying to hit all of them in one sweep at the end of the day.

Stay & Play Pass. Every direct Colonial Properties booking includes the Stay & Play Pass — one complimentary attraction ticket per guest per paid night, which can be used at Anakeesta. Plan your shopping day around a Stay & Play Pass visit to maximize the value. Learn more about the Stay & Play Pass →

Evening shopping. Anakeesta after dark — particularly during the Astra Lumina light walk season — makes an excellent backdrop for a shopping and dining visit. The park atmosphere at dusk is one of its most distinctive settings, and the shops stay open as long as the park does.

Frequently asked questions

What shops are at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg?

Anakeesta has six shops: Fur Trader (souvenirs and branded merchandise), Willow's Workshop (nature and Willow-themed toys), The Mercantile (locally made food products and kitchen goods), Catching Fireflies (women's boutique), Adventure Outpost (activity hub and Sasquatch/Willow merch), and Great Outdoors Trading Company (located in downtown Gatlinburg, no admission required).

Can I shop at Anakeesta without buying a park ticket?

Yes — Great Outdoors Trading Company is located in downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway with no admission fee. All other Anakeesta shops require park admission to access, as they're located within the mountaintop park.

How do I get to Anakeesta?

Anakeesta is located at 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg. The park is accessible via the scenic gondola lift — 56 glass-bottom cabin cars ascending from the Parkway to the mountaintop over a four-minute ride. Gondola access is included with park admission.

Does the Stay & Play Pass cover Anakeesta?

Yes — Anakeesta is included in the Stay & Play Pass, which comes with every direct Colonial Properties booking. One complimentary attraction ticket per guest per paid night. See full details →