Situated in the Old Mill District, Pigeon River Pottery offers handcrafted artisan dinnerware and pottery suitable for the home and garden. The colors and designs reflect the charm and beauty of the Smoky Mountains, while the fired glazes give them their signature finish. Artisans at Pigeon Forge Pottery proudly continue the 70-year-old tradition established by Douglas Ferguson and use the same clay recipe created those many years ago.
There are plenty of pottery studios to explore in the area, but we feel Pigeon River Pottery outshines them all. Aside from an opportunity to watch the potters working the clay, you’ll find the showroom to be spotless, the staff knowledgeable and friendly, and the prices competitive. It should be no surprise that with accolades like these, Pigeon River Pottery won the 2020 TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice” award.
When you finish shopping, you can explore the Old Mill District tucked away on the banks of the Pigeon River. There you will find restaurants, a general store, and the old mill using water power to stone grind grain as they have since 1830. There is an ice cream shop, a candy store, and the newest shop, Sassafras, that sells jewelry, accessories, and apparel.
If you think dinnerware is all that Pigeon River Pottery crafts, think again. Many visitors love the wide variety of coffee and tea mugs as well as vases and similar works. There are iced tea tumblers whose colors are as varied as an Appalachian Sunset and matching salt and pepper shakers. If you love cooking, their casserole dishes, chicken cookers, and pie plates may be of interest. All of these come in various sizes and colors.
We discovered that many customers love their candles, especially the Love Spell Candle. The candle pot is handmade, glazed, fired, and then passed on to the candlemaker, who fills it with scented soy wax. Aromas of Mandarin, bergamot, and tangerine mingle with hints of peaches, strawberries, and raspberries. Since each Love Spell Candle is handcrafted, colors will vary, which will make yours unique. There are other varieties of candles, too, each with a varied scent and stunning glaze.
Another distinctive piece of pottery is the Spring Liquid Soap Dispenser. Toss aside the generic plastic hand pump in your bathroom and replace it with this eye-catcher. Glazed in what Pigeon River Pottery describes as “our beloved Greenbrier Moss,” this dispenser will impress all your guests. Add a matching soap dish and tumbler for an even more dazzling display.
For the wine enthusiast, there is the stemless wine goblets gift set. Each goblet holds 8 ounces, and you get two goblets per set. Like all of their pottery, these are handmade, and although they feature the Flowering Dogwood glaze, each group will look slightly different.
Pigeon River Pottery even has pottery for your front porch or garden. The patio table planter has room for plants and flowers, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dining room table. The birdhouse will not only impress your guests but your feathered friends as well. For the garden, a woodland frog or pottery mushrooms will be a nice touch.
Whether you’re a pottery enthusiast or a visitor in search of a memorable experience, we think the Pigeon River Pottery should be at the top of your “must-see” list.
Insider Tip:
When you visit, be sure to check out the clearance section. You’ll find discontinued pottery and those with blemishes for 20% off.