Top 10 Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

With economic troubles reaching far and wide, many of us are being forced to scale back on our spending. The new craze seems to be the day-cation or stay-cation - mini-vacations that keep you close to home and keep your spending to a minimum. Whether you're staying close to home on your getaway, or just looking for a way to cut costs on a full-scale vacation, this handy guide will give you wonderful ideas to enjoy your visit to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, without breaking the bank.

1. Take advantage of freebies for kids!
Though you may not be able to escape ALL costs, it certainly helps to sidestep those you can. The Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area is famous for its spectacular dinner shows, which offer mouth-watering meals along with fun performances. Dinner show prices range greatly from $20 - $45, making the idea of attending one rather intimidating for a family of four or more. Save a bundle by scouting out the shows that offer free admission and dining for children. Some of the participating venues include: Black Bear Jamboree, Magic Beyond Belief, The Miracle, Comedy Barn, Smith Family Theater and Smoky Mountain Jubilee. Discount applies to children under 12.

2. A plethora of parks - the hidden gems!
Along with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area is home to many beautiful, inviting public parks that provide wonderful settings for picnics, play and natural relaxation. Playgrounds, fishing, sports fields, skate parks and water play are just some of the free forms of entertainment that await young and old alike. Best of all, Sevier County's public parks lay off the tourist beaten path, providing a quiet, serene setting for those desiring a break from the hustle of theme parks and shopping centers. You can also opt to spend the day at Douglas Lake, where you can find park-like fun on the borders of a 33,000 acre lake or cruise the 513 miles of shoreline on a rented boat or raft (nominal fee for sea-craft rental).

3. Stroll the streets of Gatlinburg!
The only hurdle to jump in this plan is parking. Parking spots are scarce in Gatlinburg, and oftentimes visitors find it easier to just use a pay-to-park option rather than search for a free, unoccupied spot. Once you've cleared this obstacle though, Gatlinburg is a treasure trove just waiting for discovery. Stroll the myriad of unique sidewalk shops for a fun look at some interesting, one-of-a-kind trinkets. Elvis and Confederate Flags abound, along with wood carving statues, touristy souvenirs and plenty of black bears. You'll even find fun photo ops along your path! Candy stores offer window demonstrations of fudge / candy making, taffy pulling and "Ogle-dog" dipping. Throughout the summer, sidewalk performers promote the annual "Tunes & Tales" event, providing free storytelling and musical amusements.

4. Explore your artistic side!
Cruise the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community for a glimpse into the world of quiet, country creativity. This eight mile loop is hidden within the back-roads of Gatlinburg. The "old-timers" with generations of roots in the area proudly display the handicrafts that have been passed down in their families, everything from wood carving to jewelry making - painting to broom making. Along with the brilliant demonstrations, artwork is available for purchase. You can also find thrift stores, a magic shop, art galleries, quaint eateries and pubs in the community, as well as breathtaking scenery and gorgeous little chapels.

5. Celebrate Christmas all year round...OR explore your inner Duke!
In Pigeon Forge, don't miss The Christmas Place, where it's Christmas all year long. Home to the "Singing Santa", this spectacular mega-shop has plenty that you can spend your money on, but it's just as enjoyable to wander the shop and browse the unique holiday memorabilia on display throughout this adorable little themed village. Pay a visit to Santa and enjoy the atmosphere. In Gatlinburg, don't miss Cooter's, a museum of sorts dedicated to the hit sitcom-turned movie, "The Dukes of Hazzard". Owned by Ben Jones, who played Cooter on the show, Cooter's is home to loads of Dukes collectibles and memorabilia as well as a small shop for souvenir purchases. For a small fee, you can have your photo taken in the General Lee...or keep it free by posing with your travel companion(s) outside of the vehicle.

6. Sugarlands in the Smokies
At the entrance to the National Park, you'll find the Sugarlands Visitor Center. With a host of park rangers on-hand, visitors have access to a wealth of info regarding the park and surrounding area. However, Sugarlands is much more than an information station. Here, you'll find a museum, gift shop, informational film and ample programs and scavenger hunts to help familiarize visitors with the Smokies and the wildlife that dwells within the National Park. You can also request a Junior Ranger booklet, with a variety of self-led activities that encourage youth exploration of your natural surroundings. Children who complete the activities are rewarded with a Junior Ranger badge. While some programs incur a small fee, most events are free.

7. Drive a nature trail!
Maybe exploration sounds appealing, but hiking blisters do not. Stay in the air-conditioned comfort of your vehicle while cruising a motor trail, such as Roaring Fork or Cades Cove. Roaring Fork Trail is located off Airport Road in Gatlinburg. This five mile long road twists through forests, streams, wildlife habitats and preserved historic sites (such as old log homes). Cades Cove, one of the most popular sites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a one-way, eleven mile trek through the oldest preserved settlement site in the area. Park and explore chapels, cabins and other lost gems at will as you enjoy the most breathtaking scenery and wildlife displays that Gatlinburg has to offer. A map of the area is available at the entrance to assist you in this self-guided tour.

8. Spend a day at the "Y"!
No, not the YMCA, but the Townsend Wye! This quiet little nook, tucked away in the foothills of the Smokies is a popular spot for tubing, swimming and picnicking in a cool, natural mountain setting. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of this swimming hole and get away from all the craze of the main stretch of town. Simple fun that can occupy the whole family all day long.

9. Journey to Greenbrier!
Just outside of Gatlinburg, enjoy the area the way the locals do. Find a nice spot along the river to enjoy all the natural fun you can handle: swimming, tubing, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, cycling, and exploration. Some of the area's finest hiking trails and waterfalls are accessible from the Greenbrier area. Rangers are available to assist you in finding the perfect trails to wander as you seek out preserved homesteads and other notable historic sites. Greenbrier also boasts the area's most impressive collection of wildflowers.

10. Pay a visit to the Cherokees!
Just over the mountains, worthy of an afternoon drive, is the Indian Village of Cherokee, North Carolina. Though many fun spots in Cherokee require an admission fee, there is plenty to do there without spending a penny. Cherokee is a fun place to simply meander and discover. Along with a vast array of shops sporting interesting native artifacts and collectibles, a favorite lure is the park and waterway that flows throughout the tiny town. Not only is it a relaxing place to just stop and take in scenery, but children can lose themselves for hours in the shallow waters as they track crayfish and other wildlife, skip rocks, splash around and just get back to good, old-fashioned play. Many events take place all year long in Cherokee, some at a cost, but some are free. Look into current events scheduled during your visit.