If you’re searching for a vibrant, family-friendly shopping experience in Tennessee, the Great Smokies Flea Market is a must-visit. Located just outside of Knoxville, this popular destination offers an unbeatable mix of antiques, handmade crafts, fresh produce, unique collectibles, and everyday essentials. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or a first-time visitor, the Smokies Flea Market promises an exciting day of discovery. Read on for everything you need to know before your visit. Make your trip to the Smokies more exciting by also checking out Sevierville Flea Market or take a scenic drive up to Tri-Cities Flea Market.
Great Smokies Flea Market Schedule
- Address: 220 W Dumplin Valley Rd, Kodak, TN 37764
- Phone: (865) 932-3532
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
PARKING, ACCESS & VISITOR AMENITIES
One of the Great Smokies Flea Market’s most appreciated features is its spacious, free parking accommodations. The large paved parking lot can accommodate standard vehicles, recreational vehicles, and even buses, ensuring visitors never struggle finding convenient parking regardless of attendance levels. Free parking for all vehicle types eliminates financial barriers and provides accessible space for visitors with mobility considerations through handicap-accessible parking located near the main entrance.
Entry to the Great Smokies Flea Market is completely free for all visitors. This family-friendly admission policy removes financial barriers and encourages community participation across all income levels. Visitors can spend entire days browsing, shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere without gate charges or entry fees.
Public transportation options in the Kodak area are limited, making personal vehicles the most practical access method. However, the convenient I-40 location and accessible parking make vehicle-based transportation straightforward for most visitors. Rideshare services offer alternatives for those preferring not to drive, though advance planning increases reliability.
FEATURED VENDORS & MERCHANDISE CATEGORIES
The Great Smokies Flea Market hosts rotating vendor participation of over 200 merchants, ensuring fresh merchandise selections and diverse shopping experiences. The vendor roster includes established antique dealers, emerging artisans, food merchants, clothing vendors, and specialty merchants representing virtually every merchandise category imaginable.
| Vendor Category | Product Types | Specialty Focus | Vendor Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antique & Vintage Dealers | Furniture, toys, décor, memorabilia | Rare collectibles, nostalgic items | Regular/Permanent |
| Handmade Crafts | Jewelry, pottery, quilts, wooden items | Artisan-made products, local craftsmanship | Regular |
| Clothing & Accessories | Boutique apparel, scarves, bags | Fashion items, handmade accessories | Rotating |
| Food Vendors | Meals, snacks, beverages, fresh produce | Local favorites, international cuisines | Regular |
| Household & Garden | Tools, kitchenware, plants, décor | Practical items, home improvement goods | Regular |
| Collectibles & Memorabilia | Sports items, vintage records, comics | Specialty collections, themed items | Rotating |
| Art & Home Décor | Paintings, sculptures, furniture | Unique artistic pieces, home furnishings | Rotating |
Antique and vintage dealers attract serious collectors seeking rare furniture pieces, vintage toys, nostalgic memorabilia, and period-specific décor items. These vendors often specialize in particular eras or styles, offering curated selections that appeal to specific collector interests. Finding a vintage dealer specializing in your area of interest often leads to fascinating discoveries and valuable acquisitions.Don’t miss our full Tennessee flea market guide for top spots and local favorites.
Household and garden items complement decorative and collectible merchandise with practical goods including tools, kitchenware, plants, and home improvement supplies. This merchandise diversity ensures the market appeals to visitors seeking both aesthetic acquisitions and functional household items.
NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS & LODGING OPTIONS
For visitors traveling from distant locations, multiple quality hotel options within short driving distances of the Great Smokies Flea Market provide convenient overnight accommodations supporting extended visits and regional exploration.
Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge This modern, upscale property offers contemporary accommodations with scenic views, comprehensive amenities, and easy access to both the flea market and Pigeon Forge’s entertainment attractions. The beachfront-inspired design and water park access make this ideal for family vacations combining market visits with broader regional tourism activities.
The Park Vista, A DoubleTree by Hilton in Gatlinburg This well-established property provides comfortable, professionally-appointed rooms, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and convenient proximity to both the Great Smoky Mountains and the flea market. The central Gatlinburg location enables guests to explore scenic attractions while maintaining easy market access.
Music Road Resort in Pigeon Forge This family-friendly property features spacious suites, entertainment facilities, and convenient access to Kodak and the flea market. The suite-style accommodations provide extra space for families planning multi-day market visits combined with regional exploration.
Hampton Inn & Suites Sevierville This budget-friendly option offers complimentary breakfast, free parking, and easy driving distance to the Great Smokies Flea Market. The practical amenities and accessible pricing make this ideal for budget-conscious travelers prioritizing convenience and value.
These hotels cluster in the greater Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville areas, typically offering 15-30 minute drive times to the flea market, making overnight stays practical for visitors planning comprehensive shopping expeditions.
SMART TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Planning your first Great Smokies Flea Market visit? These practical strategies will enhance your experience and maximize your shopping success:
- Arrive Early for Selection: The best merchandise, rarest collectibles, and premium inventory often sell within the first hours of Friday and Saturday operations.
- Bring Multiple Payment Options: While increasingly accepting card payments, numerous vendors still operate primarily with cash.
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: The market spans extensive indoor and outdoor areas requiring substantial walking as you browse vendor displays, explore sections, and complete purchases.
- Bring Reusable Bags: Carrying reusable shopping bags reduces the need for plastic bags and provides convenient transport for purchases.
- Hydrate & Eat Regularly: The market’s size and activity level can lead to dehydration and hunger.
- Check Weather Forecasts: As a partially outdoor venue, weather conditions affect comfort.
- Allow Adequate Time: Budget at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit.
- Bring Magnification Tools: Jewelry and small item vendors benefit from visual inspection.
PHOTOGRAPHY & INSTAGRAM-WORTHY LOCATIONS
The Great Smokies Flea Market offers abundant photography opportunities capturing the vibrant marketplace atmosphere and unique merchandise diversity:
Colorful handmade crafts displays featuring artisan jewelry, pottery arrangements, and textile items create visually stunning Instagram content. The varied colors and artistic presentation translate beautifully in photography without requiring professional equipment.
Rustic vintage finds including weathered furniture, vintage signage, and nostalgic décor create naturally photogenic still-life opportunities. The textured, character-filled items photograph beautifully capturing authentic marketplace charm.
Food truck culinary presentations with prepared meals, fresh produce displays, and beverage stations create appetizing photography subjects. Capturing plates of local favorites and food vendor operations adds dynamic visual content reflecting the market’s culinary dimension.
Live entertainment performances including musicians, performers, and community activities create vibrant action shots. Performers add dynamic human elements capturing the market’s energetic community spirit.
Vendor interactions and customer engagement present authentic marketplace moments. Shoppers examining merchandise, vendors demonstrating products, and genuine community interaction provide engaging social media content reflecting the market’s welcoming atmosphere.
Pet owners shopping with companions create charming moments. The pet-friendly environment means adorable animals shopping alongside their owners, providing endearing photo opportunities resonating with social media audiences.
Remember to tag the market’s official social media pages when posting to build community engagement and support market visibility.
WHY GREAT SMOKIES FLEA MARKET MATTERS TO EAST TENNESSEE
Beyond serving as a shopping destination, the Great Smokies Flea Market functions as a crucial economic hub supporting local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Over 200 vendors; many operating their own small businesses depend on market participation for significant income and customer relationship building. Every purchase directly supports local families, funds community businesses, and keeps economic activity circulating within East Tennessee.
The market preserves regional craft traditions and celebrates local artisanship. Handmade crafts vendors maintain traditional skills including quilting, pottery production, woodworking, and jewelry creation. These artisans depend on markets like Great Smokies for direct customer access and sustainable income supporting their continued practice of traditional crafts that might otherwise disappear in mass-production economies.
For families, the market provides wholesome, affordable community gathering space with free admission and family-friendly activities. In an era where entertainment often requires significant expenditure, the market’s free access and diverse attractions make participation economically accessible to families of all income levels. The casual, welcoming atmosphere encourages multi-generational participation and quality family time.
As a significant tourism draw, the market contributes substantially to East Tennessee’s visitor economy. Tourists visiting the Great Smoky Mountains often include flea market visits in their itineraries, generating spending that supports local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The market’s convenient location near major tourist destinations like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg positions it as an integral element of regional tourism infrastructure.
VENDOR REGISTRATION & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
For entrepreneurs and artisans interested in becoming vendors, the Great Smokies Flea Market maintains an accessible vendor application process. The management actively encourages vendor participation and maintains reasonable booth fee structures designed to support emerging businesses and established merchants alike.
Vendor registration information is available through the market’s official website vendor application page or by contacting management at (865) 932-3532. The application process involves standard business questions and typically requires basic insurance documentation. Booth fees vary depending on space size, location within the market, and weekend versus extended participation commitments.
Established vendors speak positively about their Great Smokies experience. Regular vendor opportunities allow business owners to build loyal customer relationships, test new product lines, and develop consistent revenue streams. Many vendors have grown their market participation into substantive, full-time business operations with the flea market as their primary sales channel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is the Great Smokies Flea Market open year-round?
Yes, the market operates Friday through Sunday year-round without seasonal closures, providing consistent weekend shopping opportunities regardless of season.
2. Are pets allowed at the market?
Yes, the market is pet-friendly as long as pets are leashed and well-behaved, allowing families to bring animal companions while shopping.
3. Is there an admission or entry fee for visitors?
No, admission is completely free for all visitors with no gate charges or entry fees of any kind.
4. Can I apply to become a vendor and sell merchandise?
Yes, interested entrepreneurs and artisans can apply for vendor spaces by contacting the market at (865) 932-3532 or visiting the vendor application page on the official website.
5. Does the market provide food options and dining facilities?
Yes, the market features an on-site food court with multiple food vendors offering meals, snacks, beverages, and fresh produce from various regional suppliers.
6. What payment methods do vendors accept?
While many vendors accept credit cards and digital payments, cash remains widely accepted and often preferred, so bringing cash ensures transaction flexibility.
7. Are there special events or themed market days scheduled?
Special events and themed markets are periodically scheduled; check the official events page or call management for current event calendars and seasonal programming.
8. What is the best time to visit for optimal shopping experience?
Friday and Saturday mornings between 8:00-10:00 AM offer the freshest merchandise selections and least crowded shopping conditions for serious collectors and bargain hunters.
9. Is handicap accessibility available for visitors with mobility considerations?
Yes, handicap-accessible parking is located near the main entrance, and the market provides accessible facilities accommodating visitors with mobility needs.
10. Can I reserve or hold merchandise before making a purchase?
Reservation policies vary by vendor; some hold items for brief periods while others maintain first-come, first-served policies, so inquire with individual vendors about their specific policies.
VISITOR AMENITIES & MARKET FACILITIES
The Great Smokies Flea Market provides comprehensive visitor amenities enhancing the shopping experience. Clean restroom facilities are conveniently located throughout the market. The on-site food court offers diverse culinary options, allowing visitors to refuel without leaving the premises. Water stations provide convenient hydration options. First aid stations and assistance personnel are available should visitors require help or experience emergencies.
Customer service representatives are available to assist with vendor location information, facility inquiries, or questions about market operations. Management maintains professional standards ensuring safe, welcoming, family-appropriate conditions throughout the market.
NEARBY MARKETS & ADDITIONAL SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES
Visitors interested in expanding their East Tennessee flea market exploration can visit nearby alternative markets offering complementary shopping experiences and merchandise selections.
Sevierville Flea Market Located minutes from the Great Smokies Flea Market, this alternative venue offers different vendor rosters and merchandise selections. Strategic visits to both markets maximize marketplace exploration and comparison shopping opportunities. Sevierville’s location provides convenient access for visitors planning multi-market shopping expeditions.
Tri-Cities Flea Market in Bluff City, TN This market, located in the northeastern Tennessee region, offers distinct vendor participation and regional merchandise characteristics. For visitors exploring broader East Tennessee, combining Great Smokies with Tri-Cities Flea Market creates comprehensive flea market tourism experiences capturing regional marketplace diversity.
Regional market hopping allows serious collectors and bargain hunters to maximize their flea market experiences while exploring diverse vendor communities and merchandise selections across East Tennessee’s vibrant marketplace scene.
FINAL THOUGHTS & PLANNING YOUR VISIT
The Great Smokies Flea Market represents everything that makes traditional American markets special: authentic vendor-shopper connections, diverse merchandise selections, affordable pricing, family-friendly environments, and genuine community spirit. Whether you’re a serious collector hunting specific vintage items, a bargain enthusiast seeking deals, a family enjoying quality time, or a tourist combining market visits with broader Smoky Mountains exploration, the market delivers meaningful experiences transcending typical retail transactions.
Plan your Great Smokies Flea Market visit today. Arrive early on Friday or Saturday mornings, bring cash and comfortable walking shoes, allow ample time for thorough exploration, and prepare for an exciting day of discovery in one of the Southeast’s most vibrant and welcoming marketplace environments. Whether this is your first visit or your hundredth, the Great Smokies Flea Market promises experiences worth the journey and memories worth preserving.
