Anyone have recommendations from locals or repeat visitors on what to do that is relatively free or really cheap when visiting the area that could work to fill in 4 or so days.
Already on the agenda for all is:
Dollywood (2 days) Splash Country (1 day possibly 2 for the kids)
A dinner show - undecided on this one still...but will most probably want to have 2 or 3 choices for people to decide on/go to.
Go carts - which one to go to that is fun but best value for your dollar...
Gatlinburg - alpine slide - which one? The tram and ski lift don't seem to have more than one choice.
Some want to go ziplining and white water rafting -- recommendations on what companies to use would be great or which companies to steer clear from...
Miniature Golf -- any favorites? In Ft Walton Beach, there is an old/fun/classic/cheesy course called Goofy Golf that we absolutely adore and love. Its got to be from the 50's. Its cheap and super fun and never miss going to it even if we are vacationing in Pensacola/Seaside/Destin areas. Do they have any gems/local favorites like this in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area? If not, what's some good ones?
Free/Cheap ideas -- This is where I need the most help.
Cades Cove - how bad is this drive in the mountains? Personally not too keen on mountain roads but other people can drive but would like to know how scary it is as its only one way traffic...
Gatlinburg walking down the strip and visiting the local shoppes but are there some you shouldn't miss. Definitely want taffy and fudge.
Hiking? But where if you aren't experienced trail people? Everyone can walk.
Is there tubing down any of the rivers? Do you just go buy a tube and go to the public area to go float down the river?
Restaurants -- any favorites? any not worth the time/money? any local diner/dives for BBQ?
Not really a big planner but feel like we need to have some sort of idea before hand so we can get some decent prices, good discounts or look for groupon codes for the summer.
Thanks so much for any advice!!!
We go to Dollywood often; I wouldn't spend more than 1 full day there, but we've also seen it several times. If you want to be able to see all the shows, etc, it might take 2 days. It's a pretty small park, though. You can definitely find Groupon deals to make the trip more affordable.
For dinner shows - we love Dixie Stampede! I've also wanted to go to the Comedy Barn but we're never there without the kids.
Mini golf - we haven't been, but there are lots and lots of options. I'd drive around and see which one suits your needs best. You'll be able to see them from the main road.
Cades Cove - it's beautiful! The mountain roads aren't really the problem - it's the people who park right along the road and run out in front of the animals to take photos. Totally worth it to see for the scenery. Very annoying with the crowds.
Another fun thing we've done that was very cheap (and not crowded) - we drove through the artist strip. There are lots of little pottery shops and things, so fun to see.
I think you can buy a pass that will let you get into all the Ripley's attractions, and there are a BUNCH of them. That would fill up 4 days! We also love the Titanic Museum.
For a really cheap food plan, I'd get fried chicken and other picnic foods from Food City, and take it up the mountain for a picnic.
There are so many great restaurants. Calhoun's is my favorite, but it's pricey.
If you don't mind driving just a bit for one afternoon, I would take the party to see the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. It's about an hour + half drive from Gatlinburg, I think. It is a full day activity that is amazing to see.
