The Fruit Jar Alley nestled in the picturesque town of Newport, Tennessee, is well worth a visit when in the area. Previous guests said this brick, boutique-style store is a cool place to check out that’s all about the moonshine (more on this later). This store is the heartbeat of downtown Newport for good reason, thanks to its great selection, down-home-friendly customer service, and the fact that it is owned by some of the best people in East Tennessee.
While there are many attractions in and around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, nearby Newport, TN, where the Fruit Jar Alley is located, provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist areas. The clothing offered is, of course, superb, but what really interests many is the connection with the historic moonshine industry and Discovery Channel’s show Moonshiners in particular.
Moonshiners, for those not in the know, is a term used for illegal spirits (clear, unaged, and corn-based whiskey with high alcohol content) that were made under the cover of darkness by the light of the moon, hence its moniker. Of course, moonshiners and their lifestyle have greatly influenced the culture of the hill country, particularly, such as in Newport, TN.
Fruit Jar Alley ties into the moonshine theme and has an enclave for moonshine decor, gifts, and more that pays homage to the TV show set amidst the clothing and jewelry in its own corner. In addition, occasionally the stars of the show will often stop by the shop. Some parts of episodes have even been filmed in the upstairs portion of the building, while shop guests were looking around the store.
Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners is an immensely popular docudrama that follows the lives of some real-life East Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Appalachian Mountains, and Virginia moonshiners. The show has been going strong for 12 seasons and has fascinated viewers as it gives them an inside look at the moonshine industry (somewhat fictionalized, obviously, for entertainment purposes).
Notable beloved stars of the show, Digger and Mark, frequently make appearances at Fruit Jar Alley and have even been known to take photos with store guests and sign autographs. Customers can also request autographed t-shirts from Mark and Digger. Guests at Fruit Jar Alley can also enjoy the collection of Moonshiners memorabilia situated within the store.
In addition to the tie to the popular show Moonshiners, the Newport area, where Fruit Jar Alley is situated, is also famous for a few other attractions/celebrations as well. Newport has a population of 33,000 and features national forests and other noteworthy stops, making this century-old town with a small town appeal still worth a visit.
One notable attraction to enjoy after the Fruit Jar Alley is Newport’s own Christmas Never Ends. This attraction is a drive-through light show right outside the main town. It features sparkling lights and lively displays, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a vehicle. This unique attraction is family-owned and entices guests from miles away to come to this beloved drive-thru Christmas extravaganza. Experiencing this after spending some time in the town of Newport and shopping at Fruit Jar Alley is a great way to enjoy a fun day.
To get back to Fruit Jar Alley, this location is well-reviewed on various platforms, showcasing an overall positive reputation as being a fun visit for those in the Newport area or those passing through. If you are a fan of the Moonshiners TV series, that is all the more reason to come visit, but even guests who aren’t into that series will still enjoy the unique clothing, jewelry, home decor and trinkets offered at the Fruit Jar Alley.
Insider Tips:
-Reviewers state that the clothing within Fruit Jar Alley is both affordable and high-quality.
-In addition to the clothing and alcohol-themed items available in the Fruit Jar Alley, guests also mention their Apple Pie Moonshine Jelly as a must-try, especially on fresh biscuits.
-Don’t forget to try the limestone spring water, famous in the area. This water is described by many as the best tasting water they have ever had.