Three Bears General Store: Smoky Mountain Gifts, Sweets & Family-Friendly Finds

Three Bears General Store is a large, family-owned shopping destination on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, offering an extensive mix of Smoky Mountain souvenirs, specialty foods, apparel, gifts, sweets, and family activities. At 2861 Parkway near Light #4, the 40,000-square-foot store has been part of Pigeon Forge since 1979 and combines shopping with experiences that can easily fill part of a family outing.

About Three Bears General Store

Three Bears General Store has been a Pigeon Forge family business since 1979. Today, the store describes itself as a 40,000-square-foot destination with a wide assortment of gifts and merchandise inspired by the Smoky Mountains. Its selection includes souvenirs, apparel, home décor, specialty foods, Amish products, candy, and other gifts.

Food is part of the experience, too. The store makes fudge on-site and offers homemade ice cream, candy, specialty foods, jams and jellies, sauces, and other treats. For guests who enjoy bringing a few edible souvenirs home, this makes it easy to browse for both gifts and snacks in the same stop.

Three Bears also combines shopping with several family-oriented activities. Guests can create a stuffed animal at the Make-UR-Bear Factory, visit the Old Time Photo Studio, and spend time in the family-sized arcade. The property also has a bear habitat featuring rescued bears, with the business offering opportunities to observe the animals.

Why Guests Love It

• A convenient Pigeon Forge stop: Three Bears General Store is right on the Parkway near Light #4, making it easy to add to a day of exploring Pigeon Forge.
• More than a souvenir shop: The large store combines gifts, apparel, home décor, specialty foods, candy, fudge, and other merchandise in one location.
• Good for multi-generational groups: Children can explore the Make-UR-Bear Factory or arcade while adults browse gifts, food, clothing, and Smoky Mountain merchandise.
• Handmade sweets: On-site fudge, ice cream, and other confections give families an easy treat break while shopping.
• A place to find Smoky Mountain souvenirs: The store carries locally sourced foods and handcrafted souvenirs alongside its broader gift selection.
• Easy to combine with other Parkway stops: Its central Pigeon Forge location makes it practical to visit alongside restaurants, attractions, and other shopping stops rather than planning a separate shopping day.

Insider Tips

Three Bears General Store is large enough that it is worth allowing some extra time if your group wants to explore the full selection and activities. If you are traveling with children, decide ahead of time whether you are primarily shopping or also planning to visit the Make-UR-Bear Factory, arcade, photo studio, or bear habitat. The official FAQ currently lists the store as open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, but it also recommends checking the current Google listing for updated hours.

The store is located at 2861 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, near Light #4, and provides a convenient stopping point along the main Parkway.

For larger families or groups, consider giving everyone a general meeting time and place if you plan to split up. With shopping, food, games, photos, and other activities under one roof, different members of the group may naturally want to explore different areas.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

After an afternoon of browsing, treats, and Smoky Mountain souvenirs at Three Bears General Store, head back to Sunshine Around the Bend and let the pace slow down. Gather around the gourmet kitchen for snacks and conversation, then step onto the wraparound deck for wooded views or settle around the private patio’s fire table as the evening unfolds.