Are you planning a trip to Gatlinburg and the Smokies this year? If so, there’s no better place to start your trip than at one of our local favorites, Old Dad’s General Store. Located in downtown Gatlinburg near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Old Dad’s is a quick and easy stop but one that you’ll make every time you’re in town after you’ve had your first experience there. Here are 4 reasons why you should visit Old Dad’s General Store in Gatlinburg, TN.
1. Grab-N-Go Items
If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg then you know that running into a store to quickly grab an item or a few things you need isn’t that simple. However, at Old Dad’s General Store, it’s simple and easy. They have free parking located right next to the store, and you can pick up a food order, picnic items on your way into the park, a few things to take back to the hotel with you, or a last minute souvenir if you’re on your way out of town.
2. Unique Souvenirs
Old Dad’s General Store is is a locally owned business that was created on a foundation of local roots. They have a wonderful selection of unique souvenirs, Old Dad’s memorabilia, local and regional books, and other gifts that are perfect for taking back to loved ones or keeping for yourself as a memory of a wonderful vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains.
3. The Food and Treats
Old Dad’s General Store is just like any country general store that you would have stepped into back in days far more simpler than today. Visitors have the opportunity to pick up great food from their deli and old fashioned candies that will certainly get you feeling nostalgic. They serve up breakfast and a good variety of lunch and early dinner foods until 5 pm every evening. You can purchase deli meats and cheeses by the pound upon request. Wandering downtown Gatlinburg on a hot summer day? Stop in for a cone of soft serve ice cream. To save time when stopping in to pick up a picnic for the park or other menu items, call your order in, and they’ll have it ready for you when you arrive.
4. The Charm
Another reason for making a visit to Old Dad’s General Store in Gatlinburg is the charm and ambiance that you’ll experience every time you stop in. There’s a warm and welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’re truly a member of the community, the same feeling that many of us had when stopping off at the local general store with our grandparents as kids. Everyone is friendly, park staff are often relaxing and having lunch, locals chat with visitors, staff are helpful, and, if you stop in enough, it’ll be a place where everyone knows your name.
Old Dad’s General Store is a fantastic place to shop for a variety of things. But it’s just one of the many places where you can enjoy browsing through the shelves and seeing what’s available to take home. Want to know about other stores you won’t want to miss? Check out these top places to shop in Gatlinburg!
