Top Twenty "Cheap Dates" in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a

great time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Here are our Top 20 "Cheap Dates"

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Take advantate of free access to more than a half million acres of beautiful mountains with 4,000 species of plants and 800 miles of trails. Begin at the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. See our Great Smoky Mountain Guide.
2. Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Read about our top picks for auto tours.
3. Hiking: There are 800 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National park. Read about our favorite Smoky Mountain hikes.
4. Cades Cove: Tour the most popular area of the Smokies with many historic structures and beautiful vistas. See our Cades Cove Guide.
5. Walk Downtown Gatlinburg: It's part carnival midway, part first-class mall, part amusement park.
6. See Amazing Arts and Artists: Explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, the largest group of independent artisans in North America, located along 8-mile loop. Read more
7. Browse the Outlet Malls: Pigeon Forge and Sevierville has more than 300 outlets stores full of great bargains. See our shopping guide.
8. Tour and Taste at a Winery: Take a free tour of the Smoky Mountain Winery production area and taste more than 20 wines. Go to their Web site.
9. Frolick in the Park Park: Have a picnic in Patriot Park, located on the Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, walk on the trail and see the Patriot Missle.
10. Best View from the Gatlinburg: Instead of paying to ride the chairlift or the tram to the top of a mountain for great views, drive a short distance up the Gatlinburg By-Pass (from the National Park end) to the first overlook on the right for the best view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. See a map of Gatlinburg.
11. See an Historic Mill: The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is one of the most photographed in the country. It still functions as it did when it was built in 1830, daily grinding thousands of pounds of grains with every turn of its giant water-powered wheel. Turn at traffic light #7.
12. Attend a Free Festival or Events: There are many city-sponsored events year-round in each town. See events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
13. Ride the Trolley: Don't worry about finding parking places. Hop on one of the trolleys, where you can ride for as little as a quarter! See maps for the Gatlinburg Trolley or the Pigeon Forge Trolley.
14. Go Fishing: Enjoy great trout fishing in the Smokies and the surrounding area. Just get a fishing license and bring your equipment with you. The city of Gatlinburg stocks its rivers... you can even fish in the middle of downtown! Read more about fishing in the National Park. Read more about fishing regulations in Gatlinburg.
15. See Dolly: Well, at least a statue of Dolly at the courthouse in downtown Sevierville (her hometown).
16. Visit Ye Oldest House: Gatlinburg's first home is Ogle's Cabin, built in 1802. You can see if with no admission charge beside the Arrowcraft Shop. Be sure to see the great crafts in Arrowcraft while you are there!
17. Tour a Leading International Craft School: While walking through downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway, take a short detour near light #6 to see the well-known Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Their main building has a great gallery with rotating exhibits (free admission). Check out their Web site if you want to splurge and take a class during your visit.
18. Explore The Apple Barn: This landmark in Sevierville has the famous cider mill, winery, restaurant, creamery, general store, and candy factory. Located on Apple Valley Road, just off US 441 in Sevierville near Pigeon Forge. Go to their Web site.
19. Take a Timeshare Tour: Stop at one of the many "free information centers" along the Parkway in either city to see the latest giveways that you receive for taking a tour of a timeshare. Many times you will get free tickets to shows or even cash!
20. Book a Hotel Deal: Take advantage of our hotel and motel deals. Book online with us and save money to spend on other parts of the trip!

Thanks to Romantic Gatlinburg for the tips!

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