Everything keeps getting more expensive: food, fun, lodging, and more. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t have an affordable Gatlinburg vacation! We know how important it is to keep money in your wallet, so that’s why we created this guide for a budget friendly trip to your favorite place in the Smoky Mountains.

Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg

There’s nothing better than finding free things to do while you’re on vacation, and you’re in luck because there are plenty of exciting activities that won’t cost you anything!

You may know that a river runs alongside downtown Gatlinburg, and you can actually walk beside it on the Riverwalk! This is a great way to slow down and take in the beauty of the area.

Right outside of downtown Gatlinburg you’ll find a few public parks, like Herbert Holt and Mynatt Park. They have playgrounds for the kids, walking tracks, picnic tables, sports courts, and more.

Another free thing to do in Gatlinburg that’s fun is to walk around several shops that offer free samples. You can try different kinds of ice cream at Kilwin’s or Ben and Jerry’s before you decide which flavor you want. Pepper Palace offers a variety of salsas and hot sauces for patrons to taste, and other stores that offer free samples include Zi Olive, Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, and POP Culture. For anyone who is over the age of 21, you will find free wine and cider samples at the wineries and cider houses in town.

Affordable Things to Do in Gatlinburg

Not everything on your trip has to be free, but that also doesn’t mean it has to cost a fortune! You’ll find plenty of affordable things to do in Gatlinburg your whole family will love.

First, you’ll want to check out our coupons so you can save at some of the biggest attractions in town! Everyone loves Ripley’s Aquarium and their other attractions, so be sure to use our discount to save. Another popular place people love is Anakeesta, and we can also provide you with coupons for this Gatlinburg attraction. You’ll love getting to experience these fun things to do while still having an affordable Gatlinburg vacation

If you are over 21 years old, you can partake in moonshine tastings. All of the distilleries in town charge a $5 tasting fee, but it goes towards a purchase in their gift shops. You’ll have a blast trying all kinds of unique flavors and maybe just moonshine for the first time!

Love unique yet affordable things to do in Gatlinburg? Then you’ll want to visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. Admission is only $3, and this goes towards a purchase in their gift shop as well!

When you get to choose how much you spend, it can be as affordable as you want! Some of the best attractions in town where you can control how much you spend include Fannie Farkle’s, an exciting arcade that also offers delicious food, and Ober Mountain, the only ski resort in Tennessee that also offers all kinds of fun, from mini golf to ice skating!

Cheap Places to Eat in Gatlinburg

Restaurants are one cost that can quickly add up while you’re planning a Gatlinburg vacation. Lucky for you, we know of quite a few cheap places to eat in Gatlinburg that will help you stick to the budget!

When you’re in need of a quick bite, there are plenty of places to choose from. Tennessee Jed’s offers quick and easy breakfast and lunch options like sandwiches. If you’re looking for delicious southern food, Mama’s Chicken Kitchen is a great option.

If you find yourself craving a specific type of food, you’ll probably find it! Hungry Bear BBQ serves classic southern staples, like pulled pork and baby back ribs. Loco Burro is a Mexican restaurant right on the Strip, and the food is cheap and delicious. You’ll love how many affordable restaurants there are in Gatlinburg!

Cheap Places to Stay in Gatlinburg

The other aspect of a Gatlinburg vacation that can quickly add up is lodging. But who says you can’t find a cheap cabin or hotel in Gatlinburg?

We work with several cabin companies in the area to provide you with the best deals. Check out our deals for cheap cabins in Gatlinburg you’ll love! If you’d rather stay in a hotel, we also have deals for cheap hotels in Gatlinburg TN. No matter where you prefer to stay, you’ll find something within your budget so you can still enjoy your vacation.

We know how important it is for you to stick to your vacation budget, and we want to help you have the best affordable Gatlinburg vacation you can! For even more savings, check out our coupons page to see other ways you can save on your trip.