10/24/2013 1:36:00 PM by Bearskin Lodge on the River
Given the state of the economy and individual financial circumstances, many people are looking for ways to have budget friendly vacations. There are numerous no-cost and inexpensive activities to enjoy while spending time in Gatlinburg. Many of the most cost-effective things to do include experiencing the natural beauty of the area and merely require the gas to drive there and possibly a couple of dollars in donations for upkeep.
City Parks
Gatlinburg has a variety of green spaces where guests may relax, enjoy family time or just take in the view. Herbert Holt, Mills and Mynatt are the three largest parks and each features covered pavilions, ball courts, sports fields and picnic areas equipped with grills. Other amenities include hiking trails, horseshoe pits and skate parks along with streams that permit fishing. When wanting to get a little relief from the summer heat, local swimming holes, like the Midnight Hole, provide the chance to take a dip for free.
The Village
Fans of window shopping might take in this unique location situated on Parkway avenue. The area features 27 boutique shops, stores and eateries constructed in a beautifully landscaped European village like setting having old world charm. Admire the architecture, the greenery and the captivating multi-tiered water fountain.
The Arts and Crafts Loop
The eight-mile journey takes guests in a loop that travels past the shops of approximately 120 artisans hard at work creating a vast array of items using centuries old, hand-crafting techniques. Driving around, visiting the shops and watching live demonstrations costs nothing. The selection of crafts created include everything from basket weaving and handmade candy to the traditional instruments used for playing mountain music.
Take the Trolley
If preferring not to drive, for a nominal daily fee of $2.00, guests have the pleasure of traveling around Gatlinburg and through the loop via the iconic trolley buses. The vehicles journey through various sites in Gatlinburg in addition to nearby communities. Approximately 20 vehicles make the 50-mile trek continually throughout the day and into the night. Guests need only pay the one-time fee and choose the preferred route.
Winery Square
Named for the popular Smoky Mountain Winery, the square also has an old world charm and a few shops and attractions. The winery offers complimentary tours of the facility. Guests might also merely stop in to browse through the gift shop and indulge in free taste samples of the 20 wines produced here. The Smoky Mountains Farms Jams & Jelly shop creates a delicious variety of jams, jellies and syrups. The venue offers free samples to the public.
The Salt and Pepper Museum requires a small $3.00 admission fee for guests over the age of 12. However, guests may recoup the cost, as the venue discounts the cost of admission from the total if purchasing items from the gift shop. The facility contains over 20,000 salt and pepper shaker sets collected from around the world. The museum also features the largest known pepper mill collection. The reviews from past guests indicate that visitors of all ages find the collection interesting and appealing.
Cooter's Place
Fans of the television series Dukes of Hazzard make a point at stopping at this facility owned and operated by Cooter himself, Ben Jones. Jones, along with his wife established a free museum and gift shop featuring memorabilia from the show that includes the famous General Lee. Throughout the year, celebrities from the show stop by for autograph signing events. The facility also offers an indoor 18-hole miniature golf course and a go-kart track. However, entrance fees apply though family discounts are available.
The Great Smoky Mountains
One can hardly visit Gatlinburg and not venture into the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three entrances into the expanse exist in Gatlinburg alone. There are no entrance fees and activities enjoyed in the park also cost nothing. Every year, all year long, guests enjoy hundreds of miles of driving and hiking trails that lead to amazing overlooks, cascading waterfalls and numerous historic homesteads.
The clearly marked hiking trails range from easy to difficult and span anywhere from 2.5 to 16 miles in length. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Cades Cove and Newfound Gap are some of the more popular routes to begin exploration. The abundance of wildlife found here include everything from dozens of bird species to elk, deer and the infamous black bear. Guests also have the chance to view various species of wildflowers blooming at different times throughout the year and the amazing rainbow of colors in the fall.