Travelling with family is fun and priceless. However, it can also add some financial burden. However, many ways exist to save dollars without decreasing your vacation experience.
If you plan a family vacation to Pigeon Forge this summer, here are some tips to help you maintain your budget. The more you save, the happier you will be, as you can pay the credit paying bills a month later.
Rent a cabin
As you travel with family, renting a cabin instead of several hotel rooms is sensible for everyone. You gain the luxury to spread out because some cabins have 9 to 10 bedrooms.
On Smokey Mountains By Owners, you will find a suitable cabin rental in Pigeon Forge. The Cabins For You Pigeon Forge profile page displays the available cabin types. Cabins have a fully-equipped kitchen, just like your home.
Cooking at the cabin is much cheaper and healthier than hotel or street food. Just buy groceries at the local store and cook independently to save dollars.
Strategic snacking
There are plenty of hotels catering to every taste. However, dining every meal outside can deplete your budget quickly. Consider preparing a daily sit-down meal or lighter lunches and dinners in your cabin.
For in-between meals, you can pack snacks to carry. Don’t forget water bottles to keep everyone hydrated.
Your reusable water bottles save you significantly, and you save the planet by not using disposable bottles every time you feel thirsty.
Plan off-season visits
Summer and holidays are peak tourist seasons because of longer days and bustling activities. Therefore, choose either spring or fall. In the shoulder seasons, the rates of cabins and attractions are significantly lower.
You will also encounter fewer crowds, which allows you to explore the town and mountain at your own pace without feeling rushed. If you are flying, the flight ticket prices are much cheaper.
Some hotels and cabins even offer free nights if you book during these seasons. Remember, holiday weekends can be busy, so consider checking with the cabin rental owner.
Discount Coupons
The official Pigeon Forge website offers printable coupons for shopping, dining, attractions, and accommodations.
Other sources to get extra coupons are visitor centres, hotel lobbies, and local magazines. Never hesitate to use these discounts….every penny you save will add up!
Packages & bundles
Many attractions and lodging establishments in Pigeon Forge offer appealing vacation packages that bundle accommodation with attraction tickets at a discounted rate.
Contact the establishment you are interested in directly or research these package deals online. It is a great way to secure significant savings, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Choose free fun
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is a paradise for outdoor fans. Hiking trails cater to different difficulty levels, displaying a scenic route through spectacular vistas, wildlife and cascading waterfalls, free to explore.
You can pack a picnic lunch for the family and immerse in the natural splendour of the Smokies. You can even plan a picnic trip to Cades Cove to disconnect and experience the beautiful views with your family.
The Island
There are multiple things to enjoy on the Island. For free entertainment, you can sit back and enjoy the fountain and lights as they dance to the music.
You can spend some dollars, book a ride on The Wheel and show your children the fantastic views of Smoky and Pigeon Forge from above.
Trolleys
The transportation system in Pigeon Forge is well-developed. The Fun Time Trolley is a convenient and affordable for moving around this town. With a multi-day pass, you can save significantly.
There is no need to rent taxis and pay parking charges all the time. You can explore with ease and enjoy the landscape without the driving stress. Just hop on the trolley!
Matinee Magic
Many attractions offer discounts for tickets purchased after a specific time in the afternoon. It is referred to as ‘evening or twilight’ tickets.
You can experience the attraction at a low cost without breaking your budget. When you purchase tickets, inquire about these options.
Entertainment
There are plenty of live shows, stage performances, and dinner theatre. Look for combo deals that combine multiple attractions or shows at discounted rates.
Some shows offer low-cost matinee performances. Besides, consider attending free outdoor concerts or events all year round in the area.
Admire the local artisan
You can browse the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The array of shops is a short distance from the town centre. It is a great place to stroll and admire the wares.
The local artisans are talented and will keenly share the making process of traditional items. You can get inexpensive souvenirs or pick moderately priced items to reward the local artists.
You can even craft a souvenir at the workshop and carry it home. Market shopping is fun, but at Arts & Crafts, you can look around and chat without spending a penny. You get to know a lot about the community or their work.
Historic Old Mill tour
The Old Mill has been fully operational since 1830. There are lots of things to see at this family-friendly location. You can stroll across the mill’s ground, taking photos and experiencing the archetypal old environment.
Your kids will adore watching the live demonstrations at the old-fashioned candy shop or the pottery studio.
Live music performances are often hosted on the grounds. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the outdoor country music.
Adults can cool down with free beer tasting from Old Mill Distillery. You can spend the whole day without opening your wallet.
Patriot Park
A family day spent at the Patriot Park is a tribute to the local war veterans. It is beside the Old Mill and along the Little Pigeon River.
You will see a vast liberty bell, a historic patriot missile, flags from approximately 50 states and a picnic area.
Picnic tables are strategically positioned on the grassy areas, which makes enjoying a snack before exploring the Old Mill Square nearby.
Annual events like craft workshops and Easter Egg hunts are hosted in the Patriot Park. During the Holiday season and Winterfest, the park has holiday light displays at night.
Conclusion
There are no limitation to enjoy things in Pigeon Forge for FREE or with a couple of dollars. You can plan a memorable family trip within your budget.
When you stay at the Whispering Pines Pigeon Forge TN, there is no need to be concerned about your budget.
You can balance the big-ticket events with some free local attractions. Never let budget constraints prevent you from enjoying the glamour of Pigeon Forge.