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Secrets of How to Save Money
& Do Things for FREE
in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN

15 Honeymoon Cabins

Long Springs Tiny Homes, Sevierville TN
Long Springs Tiny Home, Smoky Mountains

Check Availability of Gypsy Cottage ("Queenie")

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Check Availability of "Fleur" Tiny Home

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This unique little community sits in a beautiful, wooded area and has great amenities, and everything you need, but is also affordable!  

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Each unit sleeps either 2 or 4 people, and there is a community firepit, common area, playground, grills and games.

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Convenient and close to everything. Just 10-15 minutes from Dollywood and 20 minutes to Gatlinburg.

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Stay in a Tiny Home

Take Advantage of Parks for Picnics & Play

Girl on Playground equipment at a park
Metcalf bottoms picnic table by creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are so many parks hiding in plain sight amongst the tourism in Sevier County.  Let the kids burn off some steam with playground equipment, creeks to play in, trails, and picnic tables and grills.

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  • Herbert Holt Park, Gatlinburg

  • Mynatt Park, Gatlinburg (see the beautiful 2016 Wildfires Memorial here)

  • Wear Farm City Park, Pigeon Forge

  • Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge

  • The Chimneys Picnic Area, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

  • Metcalf Bottoms, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

  • Greenbrier Picnic Area, Greenbrier Road, Gatlinburg

  • Mills Park Picnic Area, Gatlinburg

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See easy Hiking Trails with Wildflowers & Waterfalls

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Stay in a Resort or Hotel with a Waterpark

Westgate Indoor Water Park Wild Bear Falls, Gatlinburg TN
Wilderness Waterpark, Smoky Mountains, sevierville TN

Check Availability for Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort

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Check Availability for Westgate Resort & Indoor Waterpark

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Save money by staying at an all-inclusive resort, where you can walk, eat and sleep all in the same location. Save gas, and play all day without having to drive, pay to park and save valuable time. 

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The 2 most popular are Westgate in Gatlinburg & Wilderness of the Smokies in Sevierville. Both have indoor waterparks so no getting rained out, and Wilderness also is right across from Soaky Mountain Waterpark too!

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They also have tons of other amenities like onsite dining and shopping & other fun activities.

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Kid Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge

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Kid Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg

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Cabins with Indoor Pools

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Cook at Your Cabin

Family and friends grill food outside on a barbecue grill
a happy young couple cooks together in the kitchen

There are plenty of grocery stores around Pigeon Forge and in Gatlinburg. 

Even better, bring your food in a cooler from your hometown grocery store if it will stay cold.

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Many cabins have nice grills, and you can really enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner inside or outside on a nice deck with some of the best views around!

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See cabins with Free Attraction Tickets

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See Cabins Great for Holidays

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Attend Free Events

people watching fireworks outdoors
Indoor Car Show at LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, Shades of the past Car show display vehicles

Parades, Car Shows, Fireworks, Music, Exhibits, Festivals and more.

All things you can find in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for free.

 

Check out the Event Calendars to see what is going on around town.  There are tons of free entertainment, you just have to look!

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See cabins with views of Fireworks

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Use a Rewards Credit Card

girl using a rewards credit card for Online Shopping and cabin rental reservations
Person Paying with a Credit Card at a restaurant

If you have one, using your rewards card for pretty much everything, from reservations to meals, to souvenirs. 

 

Then, paying it right back should have you racking up tons of rewards so when you get back home, you will have the extra reward benefits.

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Stay Downtown Gatlinburg:
Walk & Save Gas, Time & Parking

Gatlinburg Space Needle and chair lift attractions, Gatlinburg TN
Blaines Grill & Bar in downtown Gatlinburg TN, on the strip

When you stay within walking distance of the downtown Gatlinburg Strip, you won't have to worry about traffic jams, parking fees, or wasted time and gas.  Just step outside and take a little walk! Be in the middle of all the action and excitement.

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Here are some excellent places to stay downtown Gatlinburg.

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Here are some perfect cabins to stay at near downtown and Anakeesta

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Stay in a "Free Ticket" Cabin

front view of cabin rental called "Haven" in Gatlinburg, cabin with free attraction tickets, front view
Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tn, Welcome Entrance sign

Did you know that some cabins give you a variety of free attraction tickets just for choosing to stay with them? Yes, they do and it's a valuable perk!  Each cabin is different, so be sure to read the description carefully. 

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Check here for more info on these cabins

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Cut Your Price in Half by Staying Off Season

winter scene with snowy mountain, pine cone, and Christmas star
Money, symbol of saving money

Consider a January or February vacation! Also consider Monday, Tuesday & Wednesdays as check in and check out and for attraction booking dates. 

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See more about Winter Attractions and Why I Love "Off Season"

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Cabins with No Scary Roads

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Cabins with Biker & Motorcycle Friendly Roads

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Excellent Holiday Cabins

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Look Out for Coupons: They are Everywhere

Nascar Speedpark racing cars, fun attractions for families in the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge
GiGis Cupcakes, girl smiling with specialty cupcakes, attractions in Pigeon forge

Local grocery and retail stores often put coupons on the bottom of your receipt.  Small savings add up over time.

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Also check brochure displays that are everywhere in town, many contain coupons.

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Get discounts here too!

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Free Things to Do
in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville

  1. Free Friday Night Movies on the Lawn at The Mountain Mile (seasonal)
  2. Take a beautiful drive on "The Missing Link" beginning on Wears Valley Road
  3. "Mt. Ton of Fun", Sevierville City Park, all-inclusive playground
  4. Take your pet to the Sevierville Dog Park
  5. See a Car Show - Car Shows Schedule

  6. (September) Free Kid's Festival at Pirate's Voyage Dinner & Show

  7. (September) Free Dolly Parton's Stampede "Whoadeo" Kids Festival

  8. Watch baseball at The Cal Ripken Experience-free admission and parking
  9. Ripley's Attractions in Gatlinburg have many outdoor exhibits you don't have to pay for 
  10. Drive and explore historic Roaring Fork Motor Trail
  11. Browse the many area flea markets 
  12. Visit the Old Mill District and feed the ducks on the Little Pigeon River
  13. Walk Gatlinburg Trail
  14. Relax with the kids at the playground at Herbert Holt Park, Gatlinburg
  15. Explore Hiking Trails
  16. Hike to a Waterfall like Cataract Falls (video here) Laurel Falls or Rainbow Falls
  17. Walk a trail in the National Park 
  18. Take a photo with Dolly at the Dolly Parton Statue in Sevierville
  19. Attend (formerly known as) Dolly Homecoming Parade                                                               (Now Music in the Mountains Spring Parade)
  20. Visit Mynatt Park, and grill out in Gatlinburg
  21. See Elkmont, an abandoned ghost town in the National Park
  22. Visit Cades Cove, pet the horses, and see history and wildlife 
  23. Visit Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and feed the ducks on the Greenway
  24. Watch free demonstrations in the Old Mill District shops
  25. Visit Cooter's Duke's of Hazard Museum in Pigeon Forge
  26. Meet the Dolly's Stampede Show horses at Dolly's Stables in Pigeon Forge
  27. Watch the Fountain Shows at The Island, Pigeon Forge
  28. Walk up to Clingman's Dome
  29. Visit Sugarland Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  30. Attend Festivals or Events (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville)
  31. Go to Douglas Lake and Overlook for a picnic, then take some floaties to the lake
  32. Visit scenic overlooks & sight see in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
  33. See Treasuring the Word Rare Bible & Book Museum, Sevierville
  34. History Buffs - Go into Smoky Mountain Knifeworks and check out The Relic Room!
  35. Swim at Swimming holes - Midnight Hole and The Wye in Townsend
  36. Take a Free tour at Sevier County Heritage Museum
  37. Sample a Free Moonshine Tasting at Thunder Road Distillery (call ahead for details)
  38. Sevierville Historic Walking Trail-Self guided. Maps at Chamber of Commerce
  39. See the Free Entertainment Downtown Gatlinburg at Ole Smoky Moonshine
  40. See the Christmas lights on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
  41. Attend the Sevierville Annual Christmas Parade
  42. Window shop and people watch on the Gatlinburg Parkway and get free food samples
  43. Visit the Arts and Crafts Community 8 mile loop-see craftspeople at work
  44. Ride to the top of Knoxville Sunsphere and experience the Observation Deck
  45. Ride Shadows of the Past Biking and Hiking Trail
  46. Visit Little River Railroad and Lumber Co. Museum in Townsend
  47. Visit Wear Farm City Park & Playground in Pigeon Forge
  48. Go Fishing (get a permit)
  49. Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Townsend
  50. Have a picnic at The Chimney Tops, Greenbrier or Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
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​QUICK LINKS:

My Cabin Suggestions

My Hotel Suggestions

Attractions

Car Shows

Food & Restaurants

If you can't make it to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or the Smoky Mountains right now, check out these live Smoky Mountain WEBCAMS 
 

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Commission-based affiliate partnerships, help to support in fulfilling the goals for this site.  The goal of this site is to shine a light on the best of the Smokies by providing helpful information so that visitors can have a better experience while visiting the area.

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 Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. 

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