There are so many wonderful artistis in the smoky mtn region, but by far, the art group in Gatlinburg is the best.  The 8 miles of country driving is beautiful, not to mention-VERY SPECIAL-in this day and age, and fill this with little quaint shops of art.  Not your reindeer made of clothes pins art either!!  Leather sculptures, blown glass, hand woven garments, and of course, finally, places to dine and have a nice little glass of wine or a brew.  They are only open during the day, but then, don't forget, downtown Gatlinburg.  Oh, please, don't forget the downtown area.  It is usually pretty busy, but that is great.  More atmosphere and all that.  There are the usual t-shirt and gift shop things going on there, but where else are you going to find so many different types of shops in an easy walking area, things from all over and still some made on site items available.  Not to mention, all the little places to climb into and have a decadent dessert or wings n beer, or a FINE dining experience. Gatlinburg being the only town in this area that allows liqueor by the drink, it is more fun uptown when you want to go dancing and clubbing! Then there are the quiet little romantic place to snuggle and be romantic.  The largest grouping of photographers studios is here in this tiny little mountain town.  Tho one may not notice at first, but, most are a franchise and the others are a chain, but hold on, there is a little tiny studio, been there since 1977, and it is not a franchise or a chain.  One gal is still there taking photos, and has been for years.  Tiny studio, but what a great portrait photographer, and she is nice, and she makes it FUN for you honeymooners, first daters, anniversary couples, and families, seriously, families take notice,it's one of the few things all the age groups can do together that you will all still be talking about years to come, and the quality of the photographic paper is museum grade.  It is definitely worth the time to find her in this little studio.  Prices are better than the rest too!  Reagan Terrace mall is the location, and boasts the only Original Old Timey Photo's sign.  Only open in the late afternoon and evenings, it is a must do in the  downtown area.  Also, discover the little jewel in the same mall, the Relaxation Station.  All you hikers and river rafters, this shop has one of those water massage machines that you climb into.  A MUST do while down town, and of course they have the all important sore feet and leg massage cream!!  There is even a Perfume shop in this mall, and the prices are better there than in the outlet malls in Pigeon Forge, who knew?  Found mine a good $12 cheaper,, REALLY!!  You sports fans will find a huge sports shop here as well,  all kinds of sports stuff, clothes, hats, baby items, and more, college and Pro.  There is the Glass Blower shop and a few very talented artists making a living airbrushing T-shirts, but hey, they are good.  There a few Kinkade galleries downtown as well.  If your staying in a cabin, great, but hey, staying downtown in a motel is wonderful!  Open your door and it's all there for you, and of course, your parking is free when you park at your motel!  Come on over and shop dowtown Gatlinburg too!  It's good!