Have a Remarkable Time in Gatlinburg on a Budget!

Looking to take a vacation that’s easy on the wallet? Well, look no further because Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge Area has plenty of attractions that are affordable and first-class. From shows to activities, there’s a lot to see and do on a dime. Don’t let anything stop you from taking a weekend away. Head to Gatlinburg and check out some of these fantastic options for you. We even offer budget-friendly accommodations to make your trip comfortable and convenient. Here are a few ideas to get your getaway started.

The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram is a wonderful way to travel to the Ober Gatlingburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park. It is conveniently located on the streets of Gatlinburg and is fun for all ages, providing a beautiful aerial view at the same time. It also is a great transportation system for people wishing access to the activities and attractions on the mountain.

The family and kid-friendly indoor exhibit of RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo features hundreds of exotic animal species, including venomous snakes, brilliantly-colored birds, giant tortoises, lemurs and more! A 25-foot indoor jungle waterfall and ancient ruins add to the realistic rainforest feel of this attraction, and an interactive show featuring expert handlers and plenty of animals lets the children get involved in learning about these exciting species. There’s plenty of excitement to keep the entire family entertained, and the admission price includes a keepsake RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo passport!

Add some magic to your Pigeon Forge vacation with seats at the Wonders of Magic show. The Wonders of Magic brings you the legendary talents of master magician Terry Evans who has been performing in the Pigeon Forge area for almost fifteen years. This family-friendly show will amaze people of all ages and features comedy, music, illusion tricks, impersonations, and even some Houdini-style escapes. Terry is joined on stage by an amazing support cast, and the show features spectacular sets and costumes that add pizzazz to the stage. Prepare to be wowed at Wonders of Magic.

There Is a Lot To Do in the Gatlinburg Area!

Are you looking for a place to take a getaway soon? Check out Gatlinburg, Tennessee! There are many things to see and experience in the area, you’ll have a great, relaxing time. From shows to activities, there’s a variety of attractions that will meet the interests of anyone. Stroll the zoo as you observe an enormous variety of animals, or ride the Sky Lift to get an incredible view of the city. Don’t miss out on this outstanding Tennessee destination. Search through our lodging options to find one that is right for you, and make sure to check out these recommended attractions.

If you are a fan of acrobatics and incredible performance routines then you can’t go wrong with the Cirque De Chine Acrobatics Show. Over sixty gold and silver medalist acrobats from around the world combine to make this one stunning performance filled with talent that includes juggling, thunder drums, motorcycles and more. You will be blown away and this show will surely be a highlight of your trip.

The family and kid-friendly RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo features hundreds of exotic animal species, including venomous snakes, brilliantly-colored birds, giant tortoises, lemurs and more! A 25-foot indoor jungle waterfall and ancient ruins add to the realistic rainforest feel of this attraction, and an interactive show featuring expert handlers and plenty of animals lets the children get involved in learning about these exciting species. There’s plenty of excitement to keep the entire family entertained, so make the zoo a must on your Gatlinburg trip.

Ascend to the clouds with the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! Watch the world below grow smaller and smaller after boarding in downtown Gatlinburg and climbing above the city, mountains, trees and river for amazing views from the heights of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll end up 1,800 feet above the rest of the world where you can savor the view, enjoy a picnic lunch or take some unbelievable mountaintop photos. Try it at night for a different experience!

Go Country in Gatlinburg with these Wild Western Shows!

Many attractions are available in Gatlinburg, but if you’re looking for pure country music entertainment, the city has some of the best. If you’re yearning for the twang of the steel guitar or the quick dance of the fiddle, it’s time to plan a trip to Gatlinburg. You can attend these remarkable shows when you’re not relaxing at your luxurious accommodations. Put on your boots, strap on your spurs, and get ready for a kickin’ country time with this round-up of performances.

Step into the amazing Dixie Stampede to witness an all-in-fun look at the rivalry between North & South in this action packed dinner and show extravaganza. You’ll witness amazing performances by the cast, as well as the stars of the show – 32 amazing performing horses! Ostrich races and a fantastic patriotic finale highlight this family adventure that has made a name for itself around the country. You’ll also feast on a hearty four-course meal featuring Southern favorites like rotisserie chicken, homemade biscuits and much more. Mmmmmm.

Featuring an all-star cast of performers of all ages, this Country Tonite features current hits, country classics, gospel tunes and patriotic melodies. There’s also plenty of humor in between the stunning vocal and musical performances to keep you laughing, tapping your toes and singing along. The variety and talent of this performance will leave you speechless!

Lee Greenwood may be best known for his patriotic tune “God Bless the USA,” but he has released many other chart-topping hits over his career and now is your chance to see the great Lee Greenwood live. With Lee Greenwood’s popularity across the decades and his incredible number of chart-topping hits, this show is the ideal entertainment option for the whole family to enjoy together.

Gatlinburg Gives You Activities You Will Never Forget!

Looking to do something out of the ordinary? Spend the weekend in Gatlinburg and you’ll have a variety of unique options to experience. Not only is there Dollywood Adventure Park, where you can find those tummy-turning thrills, and WonderWorks Interactive Experience, where wacky science provides one-of-a-kind entertainment, but there’s also lots of other attractions around the area. So make sure you get out of your Tennessee hotel and enjoy some crazy fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Climb aboard a real monster truck, complete with 66” tires and a 454 motor, and take a Monster Truck Ride. These giant trucks can hold twelve passengers and they tear up the dirt, rocks, and anything else that gets in their way. The power and intensity of these vehicles will have your adrenaline pumping and give you an unforgettable experience. You’ll be able to tell everyone you’ve rode in a monster truck!

With the Lazer Combo, you’ll get a ticket to WonderWorks and the chance to shoot some lasers! After exploring WonderWorks, if you have this combo you’ll grab a laser gun and a laser tag vest. Then, it’s time for a laser war in the darkened laser room. Blast your gun and try to tag others out until your team wins! This is a lot of adventure with both WonderWorks and Laser Tag, so get ready to have an outstanding time.

Get yourself strapped into a ZORB (an eleven foot tall inflatable globe) and then bounce, roll, and race your way down an 820 foot hill! There’s two unbelievable ways to choose to do the Smoky Mountains ZORB Ride, the ZYDRO and the ZORBIT. ZYDRO sends you down the hill with five gallons of water in your globe, making the experience almost like a wild water ride. ZORBIT is dry and flies you down the hill at exhilarating speeds, feeling more like a rollercoaster than a wet ride. This activity is hard to come by and its uniqueness may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Dollywood’s KidsFest Kicks Off in Mid-June in Pigeon Forge!

Families can come to one of the best theme parks in the state, Dollywood, to participate in the celebration during KidsFest on June 17 – August 7 in Pigeon Forge. As a special treat, the Gazillion Bubble Show will be performing all types of tricks with literally thousands of bubbles onstage. Watch as they shape and blow bubbles in every direction. Meet some of Dollywood’s favorite characters, including the Scarecrow named Patches, Trapper, Baxter Bear, Walker and Cas, the amazing outdoorsman. You can sing along to some of the tunes written by Dolly at the Imagination Playhouse, where your kids can hear three different children’s stories, all performed by the talented Penguin Players. If you’d like to participate in this event and bring your family, be sure to book your Pigeon Forge hotel room.

You can take your kids on even more great adventures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which pulls visitors into a deep, watery world of aquatic beauty. Visitors can walk through the pathways as they’re surrounded by the blue reflections of aquarium glass with each step. There is 350 species of wildlife here, assuring that you’ll never be bored of viewing the more than 10,000 animals. You can lead your children along as they view special exhibits like Touch a Ray Bay, Shark Lagoon, Gallery of the Seas and Coral Reef.

If you’re looking for more discoveries on land, you can head to the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo, which holds many of the world’s most unique and beautiful animals inside. Look for gargantuan tortoises, slithering colorful snakes and ringtailed lemurs. Visitors can walk through gorgeous environments and see animals habitats like the 25 foot jungle waterfall and lush surroundings. Be sure to come early to see some of the live animals being fed by knowledgeable handlers, and you can stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to take home with you.

Head to the Smoky Mountains for the Scottish Highland Festival!

Formerly held in Gatlinburg, this year’s Scottish Highland Festival will be held about 20 minutes away in Maryville, Tennessee, May 20-22. Gather around your clan tent to watch athletic competitions which include the Caber Toss, Stone Put, Scottish Hammer Throw and Sheaf Toss. Other less athletic competitions include highland dance, pipes and drums, a dog show and a clan challenge. There will be plenty of musical entertainment on hand as several bands perform traditional and original Celtic songs; you will surely be dancing a jig after hearing these bands. Food vendors will be selling everything from fish and chips to the true Scottish delicacy of Haggis. There will also be plenty of unique merchandise readily available for purchase such as handcrafted Celtic jewelry, Scottish kilts, bagpipes, and clan attire. Don’t forget to book your Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge lodging!

While in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area, enjoy a peaceful hour-long Horseback Ride through the Smoky Mountains. Geared towards beginners, the guided tour will take you along a beautiful mountain stream, through lush forestry and by wonderfully colorful wildflowers. All of the horses used are extremely gentle and mild-mannered, due in part to the fact that they live in a pasture, not in stalls, and get the opportunity to run and play regularly. This is truly a wonderful way to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains!

For a more adventurous activity, hitch a ride aboard the ZORB, an 11-foot-tall inflatable globe that takes you down an 820-foot hill for a ride you won’t soon forget. The Zorbit, or dry ride, harnesses the rider into the globe and rolls head over heels down a straight track while the  Zydro, or wet ride, places you in the globe with five gallons of water and lets you slip and slide your way down the straight track or the more thrilling zig zag track. You and two friends can even ride the Zydro together for a really wild time. ZORB is the only one of its kind in the United States so make sure and plan an afternoon for a ride like no other!

Head to Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge for the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival!

Those that seek entertainment and excitement will want to be sure to attend the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival, taking place May 14 – 15 in the downtown area. There will be plenty of crafts and paintings available throughout the area that visitors can admire, in addition to great photography, beautiful glass works, metalwork, and jewelry. The exhibits have received many awards in the past, and up to $4,500 will be awarded to the 2D and 3D film productions going on this year. Be sure to come out and visit the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival this May, and reserve your Gatlinburg lodging as well.

If you’re interested in additional entertainment in the area, be sure to reserve your tickets to the Wonders of Magic, an astounding performance by one of the greatest illusionists in the area – Terry Evanswood. Watch closely as he performs escapes that resemble those of Houdini, and keep your eyes peeled to see if you can learn the secret behind his tricks! Evanswood has performed all across the continent, including Mexico, Canada and various states.

As you wrap up your vacation, be sure to visit Lee Greenwood, an extraordinary country singer that has provided audiences with more than 35 singles that have been put in the country music Billboard charts. You’ll receive a dose of both modern and classic country as you hear great tunes like, “IOU,” “Dixie Road,” Ring on Her Finger,” and “Going, Going Gone.” You won’t want to miss this show!

Don’t Miss Gatlinburg’s Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage!

What better way to see the Smokies than during the Wildflower Pilgrimage now through May 1. As the dark hues of winter begin to fade into the vibrant colors of spring, take the chance to get outdoors and experience the unique flora and fauna of East Tennesee. Since 1951, the Wildflower Pilgrimage has offered more than 150 programs for visitors including instructional walks and guided hiking tours that focus on the endless varieties of trees, shrubs, mosses, flowers and everything in between. Guests will also have the opportunity to attend demonstrations and lectures by skilled botanists and wildlife experts. If you plan on visiting Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge this Spring, you won’t want to miss this annual event!

While in area, keep with the nature theme and stop by the Rainforest Adventure Discovery Zoo. This wonderful attraction features a simulated rainforest ecosystem with interesting animals like giant tortoises, ringtailed lemurs and venomous snakes. You will surely enjoy strolling through the rainforest and admiring the 25-foot waterfall while awe-inspiring tropical birds fly overhead.

For a more nautical adventure, head to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies where you can see more than 10,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Spend some time in one of the many exhibits, such as the Ocean Realm or Shark Lagoon. For those really adventurous souls, drop by Touch a Ray Bay where you will have the chance to mingle with these gentle, smooth-skinned creatures. On your way out, don’t forget to drop by the Cargo Hold Store for any last minute souvenirs or gifts to commemorate your trip.

Don’t Miss Cinco de Mayo in Gatlinburg!

On May 5, three local attractions are teaming up to present the first ever Hispanic event with Cinco de Mayo Celebration in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area. Ripley’s Entertainment, No Way Jose’s and Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium are planning events ranging from musical entertainment, food and beverages, dancing and more. In the morning, children will have the opportunity to learn about Latin music, taste authentic Latin food, and work on arts and crafts. This is definitely an event you will want to participate in from start to finish. You and your family can also make lodging reservations in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area as well.

While staying in the Smoky Mountains you will want to stop by Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction for another educational experience. This interesting attraction features artifacts directly related to the legendary ship and its tragic sinking. The museum is shaped like the ship and houses an extraordinary number of exhibits that teach you all about the Titanic, from its ill-fated beginnings to its ending at the murky depths of the Atlantic Ocean. You won’t want to miss this impressive attraction!

During your vacation in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area, you can also add a trip to WonderWorks Interactive Experience. At WonderWorks, you can enjoy a variety of exhibits that are sure to bring you jaw-dropping surprise. You can feel the surge of a powerful simulated hurricane, experience a simulated 5.3 magnitude earthquake or even lie on a bed of nails. You can enjoy hours of entertainment exploring the fascinating exhibits at WonderWorks, and it is sure to provide you with great memories of your vacation!

Enjoy the Friendly Street Fair Style Ribfest & Wings in Gatlinburg!

Barbecue lovers can eat to their heart’s content at the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area’s annual Ribfest & Wings in Gatlinburg on April 28. The festival will allow visitors to sample tender ribs and wings from various barbecue cookers all over the city’s parkway until they food is gone. The delicious setup will include a full stage with music from talented song artists. If visitors are up for it, they can even participate in some of the challenges provided for them, including a hot wing tasting in which the wings are dipped in steaming sauces like the “Scorching Screaming” and the “Treacherous Tongue!” Make sure you mark Ribfest & Wings on your calendar, and check out options for Gatlinburg hotel reservations for your upcoming vacation.

Other delicious cuisine is readily available in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area, and you can head to fun places like the Dixie Stampede – Pigeon Forge, TN, for another hearty meal. This exciting show will feature several top performances of the rodeo genre, including several types of racing, from barrel racing to ostrich racing. Enjoy a delicious four course meal consisting of hickory smoked barbecued pork loin, rotisserie chicken, herb-based potato and a fluffy biscuit. Come hungry and walk away full as you enjoy an entertaining, comedic performance that includes the highlighted 32 show horses and their riders.

Great American food and rock star legends are featured inside the Hard Rock Cafe – Gatlinburg, and you can discover it all with the amazing memorabilia of such recognizable names as Buck Owens, The Grateful Dead and Tom Petty. Several classic instruments, clothing and recordings rest in their cases for restaurant goers to admire. You’ll be able to hear your favorite songs from the classic rock genre as you chow down on delicious options such as a bacon cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, fries or salad.

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