Do you want to know about any specials, last minute deals or when we publish a new newsletter?  If so, input your email address and press the Signup button.

This is a 2 step process.  You will receive an email that will require you to confirm this process, as well as provide a link to our FREE Smoky Mountain Screensaver!
 

The  Smoky Mountain area can be a great vacation place for almost anyone, from couples, families to those who are retired!  There are unlimited things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, and although you can spend tons of money you can also have a wonderful time on a limited budget.  The recent increases in the cost of gas have discouraged many travellers, but it is not difficult to make up the difference during your stay.  We have several tips to help you in doing just that:

• Stay in a Cabin rather than a Hotel/Motel:  We may be a bit biased on this suggestion, but please read on as this has the greatest potential for saving you some hard earned dollars.  We have often had comments from guests  where they indicated "we didn't want to even leave the cabin".  Abide With Me has been designed to be a vacation destination in itself ... if you want it to be, with amenities that are second to none.  The games room can provide many hours of quality entertainment, and just spending some quality time in the cabin "away from it all" has its benefits.  Cooking you own meals in the fully equipped kitchen can easily save the perceived additional cost of renting a cabin, or if you are travelling as a family or with friends, renting a cabin can even be less expensive than renting multiple hotel/motel rooms.  A cabin provides added value when a rainy day prevents you from visiting elsewhere in the area, or when you simply want to kick back and relax, both of which can be difficult in the cramped quarters of a hotel/motel room!
• Visit the park:  Believe it or not, many people visit the area on vacation and never set foot in its biggest asset ... the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  This in itself is unbelievable since the park of miles of hiking trails that are not only good exercise, but also a way to see one of the most diverse biospheres in the whole USA!  These trails range from simple paved walks to strenuous climbs to some of the greatest views on earth!  Many trails end at or pass by breathtaking water falls and historical buildings.  Another area of the park that is well worth visiting is Cades Cove.  This preserved community is as it was when the park was created, and includes a loop tour that takes you back into time.  The best part about spending time in the park is that it is FREE!  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of very few national parks where there is no charge for admission.
• Visit in the Off Season: Although the area is quickly becoming a year round destination, the months of January to May are sometimes considered "Off Season".  Our calendar also reflects this, providing luxury accommodations at budget rates.  The Smokies are beautiful year round, and some of its finest moments occur in the off season.  The summer crowds have will never experience the pure beauty of an overnight snowfall, or the splendor of the blooming rhododendrons in May!  Many area attractions also offer discounted rates in the off season.  Not all attractions are open year round, so it would be advisable to check ahead if you have your heart set on one of these.
• Take the trolley: Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have a trolley system that will take you almost anywhere you care to visit in the area.  Both have park and ride lots where they offer free parking.  These trolley systems are very economical with fares being in the range of .50 to 1.00.  Not only does this save you money on gas and parking, but it also helps to limit the areas ever increasing traffic!  The most common park and right lots are at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge, at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center or at the Gatlinburg City Hall.  Parking at all of these is FREE!
• Visit the Gatlinburg Craft Loop:  The arts and crafts shops that are available on this loop are worth visiting, even if you don't plan to purchase anything.  You will find many unique shops, and most of them include the opportunity of seeing the products that they sell being made.
• Use Discount Coupons:  Almost every attraction in the area, as well as many restaurants have discount coupons.  These are available at many locations in the area, either individually or in FREE coupon books.
• Come Prepared:  Nothing is more frustrating than spending your vacation funds on things that you could have or should have brought from home.  Things like:  1) Groceries:  If you are staying in a cabin and plan to cook some or all of your meals, it is worth your while to come prepared and bring your groceries with you.  Groceries can be expensive in an area where tourism is the only industry.  2)  Will you be using a charcoal grill at your cabin?  If so, you will be expected to provide the charcoal etc.  Bringing this from home can save that last minute trip!  3)  Make sure you bring the proper clothes for the season, as well as for your planned activities.  Are you staying at a cabin (such as Abide With Me) that has swimming pool privileges?  Don't forget the bathing suits!  
• Be Prepared: The Great Smoky Mountain area is an extremely popular vacation destination.  As a result, there are literally thousands of websites that deal with this area.  Use these sites to your advantage, and before you arrive to investigate any attractions that you don't want to miss.  There are many sites that provide online coupons, so print these out before you leave home! Taking the time to plan your trip can be a great help in keeping within your budget, and can help to make you aware of what their is in the area before you even arrive.
  
  Don't allow a tight budget to keep you from having a great vacation.  The Smokies is a fantastic vacation destination, and it can also be enjoyed on a budget.

List Available Newsletters