One of the most distinctive parts of the shopping experience at Ober Gatlinburg is how you get there—and the view going up.
The Aerial Tramway transports visitors to the mountaintop shops where they are surrounded by the incredible sights of the Smokies. The tram departs downtown Gatlinburg and ascends high above the city, landing at the amusement park and ski area.
Groups can find a blend of locally crafted items and commercial pro gear, all of which tell stories of the region and its people, according to Marketing Assistant Elissa Breitenstein.
“This area of the Smoky Mountains is known for the Appalachian and Cherokee heritage, moonshine, and hiking the Appalachian Trail through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the items in our shops reflect the cultures and heritage in the area, such as the moonshine candles found at Tramway Gifts and the Native American flutes and jewelry in The Silver Galleon,” she says. “Ober Gatlinburg has been here for more than 57 years and is a family-owned, family-friendly company. We offer shopping opportunities in a unique, historic setting as well as a variety of seasonal activities.”
Ober Gatlinburg is home to the state’s only ski area in the winter, and two of its shops, Slopeside Apparel & Gifts and Ski Mountain Outdoors, change inventory seasonally and carry names like Columbia, Under Armour, and Keen. The latter sells hiking and camping gear in the summer and carries skis, snowboards, and other winter gear in the colder months. Year-round, visitors can find an ice skating rink at the center of the mountain mall.
Breitenstein says they offer generous discounts for groups of 15 or more for the Aerial Tramway and for other activities. There’s also free bus parking at the downtown location. The company’s shops and the tram are ADA accessible.
Here’s a sampling of the shops to be found at Ober Gatlinburg:
Beer Necessities stocks collectible, authentic beer steins, mugs, pint glasses, and other festive, German-themed merchandise.
Pepper Palace is the hot spot to find salsas, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, dressings, dip mixes, rubs, and more.
Chocolate Monkey serves up ice cream, giant candy and caramel apples, fudge, and truffles.
Green River Gallery offers nature photography; photos printed on slate, stone, and wood; and other keepsake items.
A celebration of the region’s German roots occurs each year during Ober Gatlinburg’s OktOBER Fest. For more information, contact Breitenstein or go to obergatlinburg.com.
Top photo by Ober Gatlinburg
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