FIVE WAYS TO PLAN AN AFFORDABLE GATLINBURG VACATION

Mountain Laurel Chalets offers a 10% military discount available every day of the year to all active-duty and retired military personnel. A valid military ID is required to receive savings. We also frequently provide special promotions and flash sales, so be sure to check out our current offerings HERE.

While solo vacations can be enjoyable, traveling with friends amplifies the fun (and the savings)! By splitting travel expenses among families or friends, you can significantly lighten the financial load, making it easier to enjoy a stress-free vacation. We offer a wide range of spacious homes that comfortably accommodate large groups.

Dining out for every meal can quickly add up; however, preparing some meals at home can significantly reduce your vacation expenses. Our homes feature fully-equipped kitchens, making it easy to cook with friends and family while on vacation. Consider dividing meal responsibilities and assigning fun themed dinners for each night to make things fun!

Mountain Laurel Chalets is perfectly situated next to one of the world’s greatest playgrounds: the Great Smoky Mountains! Instead of costly outings, consider opting for a hike, picnic, or scenic drive. There are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy all that our special area has to offer. Some great options include:

• HIKING: Tackle the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte for one of the best hikes in the southeastern U.S., featuring picturesque creeks and breathtaking views. For a more moderate option, try the five-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls or the nearly five-mile trek to Rainbow Falls.
• PICNICS: If relaxation is more your style, pack a picnic and head to Cades Cove for lunch surrounded by stunning scenery. Known for its tranquil pastures and abundant wildlife (you might even spot a black bear!), Cades Cove also offers several fantastic hiking trails.
• SCENIC DRIVES: Enjoy a leisurely road trip through the Smokies without an agenda—just soak in the incredible views! Don’t miss overlooks at Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome (the highest point in TN), where you can see seven states from the summit.

When you stay at our properties, you receive a free ticket to over 25 local attractions each day of your stay! Our guest concierge will help arrange both your free and paid tickets for attractions like Dollywood, Ober Mountain, and SkyLift Park, just to name a few. Check out all of the available activities HERE.

We hope these money-saving tips remind you that vacationing is still within reach even when finances are tight. We can—and should—continue creating opportunities for relaxation and adventure while building lasting memories together. Vacations offer a much-needed break from reality, recharging our mental and emotional batteries so we can face everyday life with renewed energy.

Join us in Gatlinburg and experience the Mountain Laurel Chalets difference! Let us help you refuel; after all, your family is our company. We can’t wait to see you in 2025! Feel free to let me know if you'd like any further adjustments!