Crystals, fossils, and quirky goods in the Smoky Mountains

Welcome to the Indie Solidarity Project! Part of Microcosm’s special sauce is our network of amazing retailers around the world—some of whom are traditional bookstores, but many more who aren’t book-focused—we peddle “books for stores who don’t sell books!” as our sales team puts it. Much like our Bookstore Solidarity Project, this series highlights our partners who run all kinds of small and independent businesses, blazing their own trails, supporting their communities, and growing our small world. (This week’s featured customers are pretty bookish but also a lot more—what’s not to love?)

This week, we’re happy to feature our friends at A Long Story Short Co., with marketing manager Katie Ratliff as our guide to this charming, steampunky oasis in the mountains of Pigeon Forge, TN. Dive in to learn more about their shop hauntings, grist mill history, DIY staff projects, and more!

Tell us a little bit about the store and your community
It’s the goal of the shop’s owner and staff to have a place that is unlike anything else in Pigeon Forge. A relief from the souvenir shops and attractions. A Long Story Short Co. is located within The Old Mill district of our community. The Old Mill is one of Pigeon Forge’s most iconic landmarks and one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country. Powered by the Little Pigeon River, it once provided meal and flour for local families and served as a gathering place for the community. Today, it still grinds grains daily, while also housing a beloved restaurant, shops, and a touchstone to the history that shaped Pigeon Forge.

A Long Story Short Co. began 9 years ago with a love for books, creativity, and community. What started as a small dream to bring something unique to Pigeon Forge has grown into a space filled with stories, crystals, art, and treasures that spark curiosity. From hosting local authors to showcasing handmade creations, our shop has always been about connection—between people, ideas, and the joy of discovery. Every shelf holds a piece of our journey, and every visitor becomes part of our story.

How was the store’s name chosen?
The owner Kerry, really wanted something literary and creative. He searched the web for many ideas, sayings, and play on words. He found an old coffee shop in Australia that had closed it’s doors called A Long Story Short and thought it was a perfect name for a bookshop.

How did you get into your area of business?
Kerry has had many different jobs and owned many different types of businesses throughout his life, but his favorite place to visit in his free time was always the bookshop. So, when the opportunity presented itself, Kerry knew he wanted to take the opportunity to own his own unique bookshop.

What’s something about your store that you think will surprise people?
There’s a running conspiracy that our shop is haunted. Most of the employee’s have seen and heard odd things in the shop and even some customers have had instances they can’t explain. The building our shop is housed in is one of the oldest buildings in the area and was once one of the homes on the farm that held the original Mill. So, if we are haunted, it is the friendly spirit of one of the original residents.

Something else unusual and different about our shop is that we try to make many of our products ourselves. Every staff member contributes to the shop. Every January and February we close for a “winter break” and all of the employees come together each day to create new items; everything from bookmarks and journals to birdhouses and steampunk lamps, we have pieces you won’t find anywhere else. One of our handmade pieces customers love are the piano wall mantles that are handcrafted by the Kerry himself.

What are some of you favorite ways your community supports your store?
We’re grateful for the support of our local readers who not only shop with us often, but also bring in books to share the love of reading. To show our appreciation, we proudly offer a local discount—because this shop is as much theirs as it is ours.

What are some of your favorite way to support your community?
At A Long Story Short Co., we believe stories are meant to be shared. That’s why we proudly support our community by giving local authors a place to shine—through dedicated shop space and special events that connect readers with the writers who inspire them. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a book—you’re helping keep local voices and creativity alive.

What are three things (books or not books!) you’re stocking right now that you want everyone to know about?
Our newest shop addition are our Blind Date Books. Customers can take a chance with one of our mystery selections (with a hint of course). Each book comes with a handmade bookmark and a tea bag. We also have an extensive crystal and fossil collection that is handpicked by our staff to ensure quality and beauty. Finally, one of our most notable items are our handmade dragon eye journals. They are made as one of a kind pieces by shop staff and everything is done by hand from the cover art to the aging and binding of the pages within.

How can non-local customers shop with you?
We offer shipping through USPS and are able to be contacted via Facebook, Instagram, or email/phone.

Keep up with A Long Story Short Co. at @alongstoryshortco on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!