Question 1

What is the "Overpriced "VIP" Moonshine Tasting Upsells at Distilleries" scam in Gatlinburg?

Accepted Answer

Several moonshine distillery shops on the Parkway and at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler in the arts and crafts corridor offer free samples but use high-pressure tactics to upsell expensive "VIP tasting flights," souvenir jars with inflated pricing, or exclusive "reserve batches" not available elsewhere. Staff create urgency with limited-quantity claims while ringing up items tourists did not explicitly request. Ask for itemized receipts before paying. Review your bill before swiping a card. Politely decline add-ons and verify that nothing extra was added. Free samples are genuinely free — you are not obligated to purchase.

Question 2

What is the "Photo package pressure at attractions" scam in Gatlinburg?

Accepted Answer

Attractions including Ripley's Aquarium, Anakeesta, and Ober Gatlinburg capture photos of guests at entrance and mid-ride, then pressure families to buy printed packages for 40-80 dollars. Staff can imply the photos are included in admission when they are not. Know in advance that ride and entry photos are add-ons. Politely decline at the photo counter without looking at the package. Request that unpurchased photos be deleted.

Question 3

What is the "Roadside "Indian arrowhead" and fake Cherokee crafts" scam in Gatlinburg?

Accepted Answer

Roadside shops on Hwy 441 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee sell "ancient Cherokee arrowheads," "Indian artifacts," and "handmade Cherokee crafts" that are mass-produced reproductions or foreign imports. Misrepresenting Native American goods violates the federal Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Buy genuine Cherokee crafts at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual in Cherokee, NC, which certifies artisans as members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Authentic pieces carry the artisan's name and tribal affiliation.

Other Tourist Scams in Gatlinburg

Overpriced "VIP" Moonshine Tasting Upsells at Distilleries

Photo package pressure at attractions

Roadside "Indian arrowhead" and fake Cherokee crafts

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