7 Cheap Things to Do in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains

It doesn’t cost much money to have fun when you visit Gatlinburg, TN! We’ve told you all about the awesome free things to do in Gatlinburg. Now, we wanted to follow up with a guide to some of the best budget-friendly attractions in the area. Although they might not be free, these activities are definitely light on the wallet and make having fun without overspending easy. Here are 7 of the most popular cheap things to do in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

1. Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg is home to over 20,000 pairs of salt and pepper shakers from all around the world! You can see everything from animal salt and pepper shakers to NASA shakers. Admission to the museum is only $3, and that money is applied to any set of shakers purchased in the gift shop. This unique museum in Gatlinburg is also free for children 12 and under!

2. Feed the Ducks at The Old Mill

The Little Pigeon River beside The Old Mill is frequented by ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. For about $1, you can pick up a bag of bird food at The Old Mill General Store and make some new feathered friends. Other budget-friendly activities in The Old Mill Square include free moonshine tastings at Old Forge Distillery, complimentary samples at the Candy Kitchen, and tours of The HistoricOld Mill.

3. Visit Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler

Another one of the best cheap things to do in Gatlinburg is visit Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler! Here, you can sample the distillery’s famous moonshine flavors, like White Lightnin’ and Apple Pie, for just $7. Even better news — $5 of that can go toward any purchase in the store, including their jars of moonshine! You’ll also be able to see the authentic-working moonshine stills and take in the process from beginning to end. Use your $5 on a jar of shine to take back home, or get an Ole Smoky t-shirt!

4. Enjoy Cider and Donuts at the Apple Barn

Located next door to an apple orchard, the Apple Barn is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh apple cider and apple cinnamon donuts. The Apple Barn Cider Bar also serves mouthwatering fried apple pies, apple dumplings, apple stack cakes, and other treats that cost just a few dollars. The Apple Barn Winery, which is just steps away from the general store, offers free wine tastings for guests who are over 21, and the Apple Barn Cider House offers free tastings of their hard ciders!

5. Conquer the Rock Climbing Wall at NOC

A visit to Nantahala Outdoor Center in Gatlinburg isn’t your typical shopping experience! This awesome outdoor outfitter includes an excellent rock wall that you can climb for around $5. Other highlights of the shop include a “bear cave” for the kids, swinging rope bridge, and large fireplace.

6. Watch a Movie at The Forge Cinemas

If you’re looking for a cheap night at the movies during your vacation, you can’t beat The Forge Cinemas. Tickets are only $5 for all movies! Concessions at the theater are also reasonably priced. You’ll love being able to see catch a film with your family without spending too much!

7. VIP Wine Tasting

Would you love to try some of the sweetest wine in the Smokies? Visit Tennessee Homemade Wines in Gatlinburg or Sevierville! This winery does offer free tastings, but if you want to sample all their delicious flavors, you can pay $5 for a VIP tasting. The tasting includes sips of all their sweet Smoky Mountain wines, along with one of their famous wine slushies! Enjoy classic flavors like Apple Orchard and unique flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly. You can also enjoy the Gatlinburg Wine Trail for only $10 and enjoy tastings at 5 popular wineries in the Smokies, including Tennessee Homemade Wines!

Enjoy Coupons and Discounts

For even more cheap things to do in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, check out our Smoky Mountain Coupons and Discounts! These great deals will help you save money at some of the most popular shows, attractions, and restaurants in the Smokies.