Pigeon Forge, TN is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the United States! While there are definitely plenty of opportunities to spend money, there are also a number of great things to do in town that are free or only cost a few dollars. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Eagles Ridge Resort has put together a guide to six of the best free and cheap activities in Pigeon Forge.
1. Feed the Ducks at The Old Mill Square
If your kids would like to make some new feathered friends, they will have a blast at The Old Mill Square. The Little Pigeon River, which runs beside the historic gristmill, is home to a number of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl who are always on the lookout for snacks. Bird food is available at The Old Mill General Store for about $1 per bag. While you’re at The Old Mill, there are a number of other affordable activities you can enjoy:
- Enjoy free samples at The Old Mill Candy Kitchen and the Old Forge Distillery
- Watch blacksmiths at work in the Iron Mountain Metal Craft Shop
- Take tours of The Old Mill for $3 (when available)
2. Go Wine Tasting
The Rocky Top Wine Trail is a collection of five wineries in the Pigeon Forge area that offer free tastings and tours. Guests can visit the wineries in any order and no reservations are required to take advantage of this promotion. Be sure to pick up a Rocky Top Wine Trail Passport at your first stop, because guests who get a stamp at each winery receive a free gift at the end of the trail. Remember, you can space out your visits to the wineries throughout your vacation(s); you don’t have to visit them all in one day!
3. See a Movie at The Forge Cinemas
Watching a movie at The Forge Cinemas is another one of the best cheap activities in Pigeon Forge. This awesome theater only charges around $6 for new releases. Featuring all-digital projection, digital surround sound, and reasonably priced concessions, this awesome theater is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon or a lazy evening with the family. The Forge is located in the Walden’s Landing shopping complex.
4. Hear Live Music at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn
Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn is a great place to hear free live music. This popular distillery regularly hosts local and touring bluegrass bands, who perform concerts for everyone to enjoy. Guests don’t have to buy anything to stop in and enjoy the tunes, but interested adults can sample Ole Smoky’s signature moonshine for a $5 fee. Participants in the tastings receive a $5 coupon that can be used in the store, so the samples are “free” if you make a purchase.
5. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Pigeon Forge is just a short drive away from the most visited national park in the United States! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an admission fee, so outdoor enthusiasts can hit the trails without spending a cent. In addition to its spectacular hiking, the park is also home to a number of scenic drives. Some of the most popular auto touring destinations include the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road, and Cades Cove.
6. See the Winterfest Lights (Seasonal)
Each year, from early November through the end of February, the city of Pigeon Forge is decorated with over 5 million gorgeous holiday lights. These glittering displays depict traditional Christmas scenes along with local landmarks and icons. Driving around and seeing all of the lovely lights is one of our favorite free things to do during the winter. Vacationers can pick up a complimentary map of the “Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights” at the Pigeon Forge Trolley Office (next to The Old Mill) or the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center.
When you stay at Eagles Ridge Resort, you will be minutes away from all of these awesome free and cheap activities in Pigeon Forge. Our cabin community is only a mile from all of the fun on the Parkway. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 9 bedroom cabins, we are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodations for your getaway. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!
