Ready for a vacation that doesn’t break the bank? The Smoky Mountains have you covered! There’s no shortage of fun activities to participate in while balancing a budget and keeping your child’s college fund in tact. Here are 6 things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge under $6:
1. Visit Ole Smoky Moonshine
For just $5 you can sample a variety of moonshine flavors from Ole Smoky! Visit The Holler in Gatlinburg or The Barn in Pigeon Forge to sample options including Butter Pecan, Strawberry, Mountain Java, Margarita, Pumpkin Pie and White Lightnin’. You’ll also receive a $5 off coupon for any purchase, making this deal essentially free! Dogs and children are welcome to attend, just save the drinking for adult humans.
2. Watch a Movie at The Forge Cinemas
Enough of paying an arm and a leg for a movie! The Forge Cinemas in Pigeon Forge features new releases for an affordable $5 (before tax), just like it was when you were a child. Is it time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of outdoor attractions? This state-of-the-art cinema with all-digital projection is the perfect way to spend a rainy day!
3. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Quirky? Perhaps. Unique and strangely interesting? Definitely! Featuring over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from across the world, this Gatlinburg museum is the biggest of its kind in America. Just $3 gets you through the door and that money is applied to any purchase in the gift shop! Children 12 and under get in for free!
4. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains
Did you know that most national parks are free to enter? That’s the case for the Great Smoky Mountains! An endless number of hiking trails are available for people of all skill levels, including kids, making it another one of many exciting things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re looking to see waterfalls, scenic views or old-growth forests, you can find it all in the Smoky Mountains.
5. Feed the Ducks at The Old Mill
Ducks, geese and other waterfowl have made their home at the Little Pigeon River beside The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. All you need is about $1 — or roughly what’s floating around in your pockets or car — to become best friends with the creatures! Bird food can be purchased at The Old Mil General Store for roughly the same price as a soda. The waterfowl will be glad you did! While you’re there, explore The Old Mill Square and participate in free moonshine tastings at Old Forge Distillery or take advantage of free samples at the Candy Kitchen.
6. Travel the Rocky Top Wine Trail
Did someone say free drinks?! The Rocky Top Wine Trail in Pigeon Forge features five local wineries that each offer free tastings. Offering over 75 wines, the trail includes Apple Barn Cider House, Apple Barn Winery, Hillside Winery, Mill Bridge Winery and Mountain Valley Winery. Start at any of the five locations and receive a passport that will then be stamped at each winery you visit as part of Tennessee’s most-visited wine trail. Visit three locations and you’ll be gifted a souvenir wine glass! Stop by all five and another free gift is on its way!
Looking for more things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for little to no cost? We’re happy to offer all of our guests free attraction tickets with their stay in one of our cabins. Check out our Luxury Pass to see what other attractions you can visit at a low cost!
