By Melissa Lewis
Inexpensive Gatlinburg Vacation Tips
Gatlinburg, in the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, is rich in history and natural beauty. People from across the nation visit each year, but it still has a small-town feel. Visitors will find many things to do, which can begin to add up financially, especially for a family with children. Fortunately, there are several things to do in Gatlinburg that are inexpensive, worthwhile and fun.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg is near one of the entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the one of the only major national parks with free admission. Stop at the Sugarlands Visitors Center, which is located two miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441, and pick up a hiking map and a schedule of ranger talks and walks, all of which are free. Take a picnic lunch, and enjoy a day at the park--be sure to keep an eye out for bears and white-tailed deer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Rd.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-1200
http://www.nps.gov/grsm
Community Events
Watch a Civil War reenactment, ride a wagon, enjoy a parade, or hear tales, music and folklore by the locals. There are also several festivals throughout the year, including the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games and Gatlinburg's Ribfest & Wings street party. To see what's going on when you're visiting, go to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce's events website (see Resources) and select your vacation dates on the calendar on the bar on the right. Most events are free or cost just a couple of dollars.
Smoky Mountain Wildlife Encounter
For $5 per person (as of 2009), you can visit the Smoky Mountain Wildlife Encounter at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski resort. You'll encounter animals such as bears, river otters, flying squirrels and snakes. A curator is on hand to answer any questions.
Smoky Mountain Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-5423
http://www.obergatlinburg.com/bear.htm
Mountain Mall
Go shopping, or at least window-shopping, at the Mountain Mall in downtown Gatlinburg. You'll find homemade candies, dolls, quilts and even a few places to eat.
Mountain Mall
611 Parkway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 436-5935
http://www.gatlinburg-mountainmall.com
Resources
About the Author:
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/75464
