Businessman Brownlee Reagan and wife Kelley announced today the plans to open the new Carousel Gardens in March of 2010. Carousel Gardens, originally Carousel Mall and owned by Reagan, will feature 6 new businesses which will inspire and reflect the early days of Gatlinburg.

Carousel Mall, the original landmark located at the corner of the Parkway in Gatlinburg and Highway 321 opened in mid ‘60’s. The Carousel Mall was home to shops filled with arts and crafts, a restaurant, the famous Polly Burgin Dress Shop and Jim Gray Gallery. In December, 2007, a fire ripped through the Carousel Mall damaging one business and destroying the Jim Gray Gallery, which was an art fixture on the corner in Gatlinburg since the early 1970’s.

“After listening to numerous presentations and requests of what to do with the mall, I decided it was time to bring the heart of Gatlinburg home. We came up with the concept of Carousel Gardens to fit into the local tradition that made Gatlinburg the premier destination of the Smoky Mountains,” said Reagan.

Jim Gray

Reagan, a native of Gatlinburg is a prominent and respected business owner in Gatlinburg. His dedications to the community and society have continued throughout his distinguished life. He owns the Reagan Resort Properties and his community service is endless. . Some of his services include: Sevier County Commissioner and, Justice of the Peace for 30 years, Gatlinburg City Council, Gatlinburg Mayor, Gatlinburg Vice-Mayor, Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Charter Member and Chairman of the Board for Tennessee State Bank and more..

The following six (6) businesses will be in Carousel Gardens and are scheduled to open in March of 2010.

1. The Shops at Carousel Gardens – will feature a beautiful garden setting with 76 shops offering unique antiques, furnishing, crafts, and accessories inspired by the local traditions of the Smoky Mountains. Rental of booth space is available.

2. Sweetpea’s Café & Antique Lounge (Desserts and More presently in The Village) will be moving to Carousel Gardens. The café will be a focal point at Carousel Gardens will offer just great food and fabulous desserts. After serving 15 years of serving freshly prepared food in the Village, the popular menu will remain the same with the addition of new items. Local artwork and antiques will be featured throughout the restaurant.

3. Lulu’s Cookie Gallery will present mouth watering homemade cookies baked with the finest ingredients. They will also feature smoothies, specialty drinks, and coffee, along with fresh baked goods daily and unique treats. Lulu’s will offer indoor and outdoor seating at the Carousel Gardens Courtyard.

4. Sounds of the Smokies – Marvel at the beautifully hand-crafted musical instruments from one-of-a-kind guitars to the wash tub bass and spoons. Whether you’re searching for the perfect instrument for your beginner or that special heirloom for your favorite experienced picker, Sounds of the Smokies offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of Gatlinburg. Sounds of the Smokies will also feature recorded music fresh from the Great Smoky Mountains as well as provide live entertainment from the Pea Pickin’ Hearts and others that will take you back to the early years of Gatlinburg. Sit for a spell, and ya’ll come back.

5. Gatlinburg Heritage Museum : “Changing History—the Power of One” – Take a uplifting glimpse into how just one family–Gatlinburg’s first settler’s Timothy Reagan and John Henegar Reagan, First Postmaster General of the Confederacy –could effect change and start a family heritage of contribution and public service that would stretch for decades. Discover how the kin of just one man would influence all that Gatlinburg was to become and remain part of the heritage of the many local families that still form the backbone of Gatlinburg today. Enjoy interactive exhibits that invite you to touch, smell, hear and see the Smokies unlike any other museum can. Be transported to a place and time long past. Let your children be inspired to change the world. It is History…without the History Lesson.

Carousel Gardens is located at 458 Parkway in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For More Information about Carousel Gardens, call Project manager Jami Lee Weathers, at 865-436-5348 or jamileew@ShopsAtCarouselGardens.com .