Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountains
You have already heard about outlet shopping. You may be familiar with the outstanding arts and crafts community. You might even have visited the Bavarian-styled retail spot called the Village. This blog is for the guys. Not to say that women would not enjoy these locations, but let's find some purchase opportunities that might help with the man cave. So while you map out a shopping route plan on your GPS before leaving your rental cabin in Pigeon Forge, consider these stops for your list. Some are chains, some are locally-owned, independent establishments.
1. Bass Pro Shop (3629 Outdoor Sportsmans Place, Kodak). Located just off the exit 407 interchange from Interstate 40, you may have already spotted this opportunity on your way into town. This massive retail playland for hunting, fishing, and boating has a few things to keep the whole family entertained: an instore Starbucks and restaurant (Uncle Buck's), a small arcading area upstairs, a glass elevator, and an oversized fish viewing tank. There are also seasonal events that are worth checking out if they occur during your stay.
Close by Pitstop Tip: Adjacent to the main building is a small shopping area that includes The Beef Jerky Outlet (3609 Outdoor Sportsmans Place, Kodak). Beef, turkey, and wild game jerky are offered in over 200 varieties, plus free samples. Enough said.
2 and 3. Smoky Mountain Knife Works (2320 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville) and Buds Gun Shop and Range (2270 Two Rivers Boulevard, Sevierville) are literally across the street from each other. The Knife Works slogan is, “If it cuts, we carry it.” An impressive array of all types and brands of knives, along with camping and sporting goods, kitchen items, clothing and gifts of all sorts. It's unique, and worth at least a short visit. If you'd prefer a little more ammunition, try Buds. With knowledgeable people on staff (we know two retired policeman friends who work there for fun), you can find a variety of weapons, ammunition, and accessories at competitive prices, and be assured of making a good choice with your purchase.
Close by Pitstop Tip: Also located next to Buds is the Coleman Factory Outlet Store (2270 Two Rivers Boulevard, Sevierville). Whether you like to go roughing it, or prefer glamping, this place has many bargain items for use in the great outdoors. From kayaks to coolers, a good place to purchase dependable Coleman products.
4. J. Floyds Golf & Guns (539 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville). Located in close proximity to Sevierville Golf Club, this store can provide most of your golfing needs without having to pay the premium prices of local pro shops. All familiar name brands are offered, and they also fit, adjust and service equipment to meet your specific requirements. If you are thinking of a new club or even a set, check here first. J. Floyds will also ship merchandise for your convenience.
Close by Pitstop Tip: The Home Depot is directly behind J. Floyds, and Lowes is across the street. Not that you need anything, but it's always good to know where one of these home stores is located, just in case. My wife jokingly (?) calls them "man Walmarts".
5. Harbor Freight Tools, 205 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville. This retail chain just opened last month, and although there may be one close to home for you, when do you truly have time to go browsing? Stop in to view those “quality tools at discount prices” that they have advertised since 1977.
Close by Pitstop Tip: There is a location of Trapped Escape Game in this same strip shopping center. If you are a puzzler and want a fun adventure, it's worth a look. Not technically a store, but hey.
6. Rocky Top Harley-Davidson (105 Waldens Main Street, Pigeon Forge). Who doesn't want to ride a Harley? For novices, did you know that you can enroll in a New Rider course? This location offers academy classes almost every weekend, and the minimum age is only 15 to “Learn to Ride the Harley-Davidson Way”! If you already own a two-wheeled prize, skilled rider courses are also offered, along with plenty of fine machines for purchase. If you will always be only a wanna-be, there is also an apparel shop of Harley items to buy the look.
Close by Pitstop Tip: Five Guys Burgers and Fries (2525 Parkway, Pigeon Forge) is located about a block from Rocky Top Harley. Because after all the browsing, a guy's gotta eat.
As a postscript, should you be forced to visit the Tanger Outlet Center with family, don't despair. You can score some sport deals with Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok. Visit Oakley Vault for sunglasses and maybe a jacket from The North Face, and you are all set. There are even more clothing stores, if you really have to do that too. Let me just say that there's still more here to see in our area that didn't make this blog. With a little effort, even guys can spend some serious green in Sevier County and be happy about it. If you want any recommendations from anyone on our VCR staff, please don't hesitate to ask!
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