Three Bears General Store: A Tradition

The 3 Bears General Store has been part of Pigeon Forge since the early 1980s, welcoming millions of visitors over the decades. For many families, it’s become a nostalgic stop during every Smoky Mountain and Dollywood vacation. The store captures the charm of an old-fashioned mountain trading post but is massive in size—more than 40,000 square feet filled with treasures.

Generations of visitors (ours included!) have grown up making memories here, whether browsing the endless aisles, sampling homemade fudge, or stopping in to see the famous resident black bears. My kids don’t think a visit to the area is complete without making a stop here!

One of the most memorable parts of visiting the 3 Bears General Store is stopping in at Three Bears Old Time Photos. This studio lets you and your family dress up in themed costumes and create portraits that feel like they came straight out of another era. From saloon girls and cowboys to Southern belles and Victorian families, there are a variety of styles and backdrops to choose from.

On our visit, we were lucky to have Ramela as our photographer, and she made the entire experience a blast. From helping us pick costumes to styling every detail, she brought out our personalities in each shot. Once we stepped onto the set, it truly felt like we had been transported back in time.

We had so much fun and loved every shot that choosing just one was impossible—so going with the full album was the best decision. Having access to all the images means we’ll always have those memories to look back on.

For families, couples, or even big groups, an old-time photo session here is more than just a souvenir—it’s an experience you’ll treasure. And since the studio is located inside the store, it’s also a perfect activity on a rainy or chilly day.

Christmas Department – A massive holiday wonderland open year-round. You’ll find ornaments, décor, and even custom ornaments available during the holiday season. Santa Claus himself makes appearances in-store during the holidays, making it magical for kids.

Candy, Fudge & Ice Cream – From fresh-made fudge to old-fashioned candy sticks, you’ll find sweet treats at every turn. Don’t skip the ice cream counter—it’s perfect after a day in the Smokies.

The 3 Bears General Store offers something for every age: exciting animal encounters, unique shopping, holiday magic, and old-fashioned treats. It’s the kind of place where you make memories without spending a fortune, which makes it especially appealing for families.

For us, the combination of feeding the bears, enjoying fudge, and capturing silly old-time photos made it the perfect stop in Pigeon Forge. It’s no wonder we call it our favorite store in Tennessee. We have a close runner up that we will share with you soon, but it hasn’t been around nearly as long as the Three Bears have!

The 3 Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge isn’t just a stop—it’s a Smoky Mountain tradition that has stood the test of time for more than 40 years. Whether you’re visiting for the bears, the shopping, the photos, or the sweet treats, this massive store has something to make your family’s trip special.

So next time you’re in Pigeon Forge, make sure to stop by early, feed the bears, grab some fudge, and explore the aisles. Like us, you may just find yourself calling it your favorite store in Tennessee too.