1. Picnic in Patriot Park – This park honoring those who’ve served in the military features a ½-mile walking trail, flags of the 50 states, veteran memorials, and a gazebo and pavilion (available first-come, first-serve). It’s a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, walking, picnicking, and honoring those who have given so much.
2.Drive the loop in Cades Cove – This 11-mile loop is one of the best places to view wildlife and see historic buildings in the area. Take the scenic drive on a quiet day, and pack snacks so you can stop and enjoy some time among nature
3.Hike to a waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4.Climb up Mt. LeConte. This steep hike (Alum Cave Trail) is worth the climb when you get to the views at the top. Along the way you’ll see rock outcroppings, and huge diversity of flora, and more.
5.Go see a show (free kids) – While they aren’t free for adults, kids get in free to several of the shows around town. At Country Tonite, you get even more bang for your buck. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult, and as one of our partners, they also offer 1 FREE adult ticket per cabin reservation made with us! (ask reservation specialists for details)
6.Stroll around The Old Mill Square. Check out the historic Old Mill and stroll the grounds before spending just a little dough on homemade ice cream or treating yourself to a meal at the Old Mill Restaurant.
7.Play pool and foosball in your cabin. If you’ve rented a cabin with game tables, you won’t even have to leave the cabin to have some fun. We have cabins with everything from pool, foosball, and air hockey tables to arcade games, dart boards, and video game consoles.
8.Soak in your hot tub. What more can we say? End your busy days with a soothing soak in the hot waters of your hot tub on the deck, looking out over the mountains or surrounded by the peacefulness of the trees.
9.Explore the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The largest group of independent artisans in the country, this community is situated on an 8-mile loop that’s home to dozens of unique shops with photographs, paintings, baskets, bird houses, quilts, clothing, jewelry, toys, candles, foods, and so much more. And it doesn’t cost a thing to browse!
10.Window shop at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg – Feel the old-world charm of The Village, home to 27 unique shops featuring everything from cheese and donuts to Thomas Kinkade artwork and hiking gear. As you browse, enjoy the lovely landscaping, fountain, and beautiful brick buildings.
11.Get 2 days at Dollywood – for the price of one – While Dollywood isn’t free, they do offer lesser-known deal that will stretch your money further. If you arrive after 3 p.m. and buy a 1-day ticket, you can get in the next day for FREE! And because they’re open past dark (check website for seasonal hours), that gives you plenty of time to play.
12.Taste moonshine at a local distillery. In recent years, several distilleries have popped up in the Smokies. Stop by Ole Smoky Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Doc Collier Moonshine, or Old Forge Distillery for a taste of the mountains in flavors like apple pie, strawberry, lemon drop, and blackberry.
13.Watch the show fountains at The Island. FREE and fun, the show fountain at The Island is surrounded by dozens of rocking chairs where you can sit down and watch the water dance.
14.Listen to live music at the Ole Smoky Holler. Tap your toes to the sounds of talented local musicians while you sip on moonshine, get some Bootleggers Homemade Wine, or just sit back in the rocking chairs and relax.
15.Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Right next to Cades Cove, this is easily the most popular scenic drive in the area. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is FREE and will take you past awesome scenery and to some of the most fabulous overlooks around.
16.Take the free Gatlinburg Trolley (in summer). Each summer, Gatlinburg offers free trolley rides around town. Check their website for details about which trolleys are free during your stay, and you’ll have a fun, easy, and cheap way to get around town.
17.Play at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. Offering daily and weekly passes for visitors, the Pigeon Forge Community Center is a great place to get out some energy. They have basketball courts, a racquetball court, a bowling alley, a pool (and baby pool), a child care center, and workout equipment if you want to sweat it out while away.
18.Swim in your private indoor pool. Book a cabin with its own pool and you’ll have endless FREE entertainment at the cabin.
19.Have a movie night – in the cabin! Several of our cabins boast private home theaters with big screen TVs, Blu-ray players, surround sound, and even theater-style seating! Just pop some popcorn, bring your favorite candy and drinks, and forget the high-priced night out at the theater. But even if your cabin doesn’t have a dedicated movie room, you’ll likely have a nice TV and DVD player for fun movie nights.
20.Check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center – Offering more than just maps and park info, the Sugarlands Visitor Center offers ranger-led programs, a free 20-minute movie, and exhibits showing guests all about the area.