Bear Enters Gatlinburg Tea Shop During Couple's Anniversary Trip

A couple's anniversary getaway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, took an unexpected turn when a bear entered The Spice & Tea Exchange on Friday. Victoria Puyol and Joshua Card were celebrating their seventh anniversary when Card noticed the bear near the entrance. Puyol initially did not understand the situation until she saw the bear standing in the doorway. Following guidance to back away from bears, the couple moved behind the register as the bear explored the store, showing interest in the merchandise. An employee from a neighboring store attempted to scare the bear away with an air horn, but it had little effect. Card recorded the encounter as the bear jumped onto the counter. He expressed uncertainty about the bear's behavior, noting it seemed more curious than aggressive. The couple estimated the incident lasted about 10 to 15 minutes before the bear exited the store. Employees mentioned that the bear had visited the shop earlier in the week. The couple reflected on the experience as an unforgettable part of their anniversary trip.