Whether you’re an active-duty military member visiting Gatlinburg from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base or a veteran on a trip with your family, you have plenty of options to save money on your trip to Gatlinburg. The city is home to lots of businesses that offer military discounts, making it easy to save on entertainment, shopping, dining, and lodging.
Before you explore the city, make sure to review our guide to the top Gatlinburg attractions with military discounts.
Key Takeaways
- Typical discount: Many Gatlinburg businesses offer 10%–15% off for veterans and active-duty military.
- Where you’ll find them: Adventure parks like Anakeesta (discount extends to an immediate family member), art retailers such as Fowler’s Clay Works, local restaurants like Bennett’s Pit BBQ, plus many hotels and cabin rentals.
- What to bring: A valid military ID is commonly required to receive the discount.
Table of Contents
23 Businesses With Military Discounts in Gatlinburg, TN
Ready to save money while visiting Gatlinburg? Review our guide to the top local businesses in East Tennessee that offer military discounts to veterans and active duty personnel:
Attractions & Parks in Gatlinburg With Military Discounts
1. Anakeesta
Set high above the Parkway, Anakeesta blends relaxed mountaintop vibes with family thrills, from the scenic gondola ride and AnaVista Tower to mountain coasters and seasonal night experiences like Astra Lumina. The many restaurants, shops, entertainment options, and firepit overlooks make it easy for families, couples, and groups of friends to spend most of their day at the park.
Military Discount: 10% off single-day admission for active or retired military and their immediate family, available in person with your military ID at the ticket window.
2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Right on the Parkway, this museum packs 50+ screen-famous vehicles—from Batmobiles to Fast & Furious icons—into an easy, self-guided walkthrough that’s equal parts nostalgia hit and photo op. It’s a quick addition to any downtown itinerary and stays open late most evenings.
Military Discount: While the Hollywood Star Cars Museum doesn’t have a military discount policy listed on its site, it traditionally offered $2 off to members of the military and $1 off tickets for their children.
3. Mysterious Mansion
Gatlinburg’s long-running haunted house sends you through creaking corridors, hidden passages, and three Victorian-themed floors at your own pace. The mansion also offers some old-school scares and great “we did it!” photos at the exit. It’s an easy evening add after dinner downtown.
Military discount: Like the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Mysterious Mansion doesn’t list a military discount on its site, but it’s historically offered $2 off to those who present their military ID at the door.
Shopping & Arts in Gatlinburg With Military Discounts
1. A. Jann Peitso. art!
A watercolor studio and gallery in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, A. Jann Peitso, art! showcases bright, Smokies-inspired originals and offers small, hands-on watercolor workshops. It’s an intimate, artist-run stop that fits easily into a morning loop around Glades Road.
Military Discount: Historically, A. Jann Peitso, art! has offered a 15% military discount.
2. Paul Murray Gallery
This fine-art gallery features Paul Murray’s portraits of Appalachian life, with originals and prints in a rustic setting located close to downtown attractions. It’s a good fit for travelers seeking locally rooted art with strong storytelling.
Military Discount: Historically, Paul Murray Gallery has offered a 10% military discount of up to $50 or more
3. Alewine Pottery
A beloved pottery studio and shop in the Arts & Crafts Community, Alewine Pottery sells functional, hand-thrown pieces like mugs, bowls, and bakeware, often featuring its signature glazes. The storefront is a popular stop for Smokies souvenirs that actually get used at home.
Military Discount: Historically, Alewine Pottery has offered a 10% off military discount.
4. Fowler’s Clay Works (Arts & Crafts, pottery)
Family-owned and hands-on, Fowler’s offers a watch-them-work studio, a retail gallery of Smokies-made pieces, and bookable wheel classes where guests create a souvenir to ship home. It’s both an experience and a shop, making it easy to pair with other East Parkway stops.
Military Discount: Fowler’s Clay Works offers a 10% military discount on purchases.
5. The Leather Works
Operating since 1979, The Leather Works focuses on belts, wallets, purses, holsters, hats, and guitar straps, with classic customization like name stamping while you wait. You’ll find it in the Arts & Crafts Community at traffic light 3A.
Military Discount: Historically, The Leather Works has offered a 10% off military discount.
6. The Day Hiker
A compact, locally owned outfitter on the Parkway, The Day Hiker stocks day-hike essentials, maps, tees, and small gifts that fit easily in carry-ons. It’s a quick gear-up stop before Sugarlands or the Roaring Fork loop.
Military Discount: Historically, The Day Hiker has offered a 10% off military discount.
Things to Do at Night in Gatlinburg With Military Discounts
1. Astra Lumina
Anakeesta’s after-dark, star-themed night walk transforms the forest with glowing constellations, soundscapes, and photo-ready installations. You can purchase Astra Lumina–only tickets at night or choose a combo with daytime park admission.
Military Discount: Anakeesta officially offers 10% off single-day general admission tickets for active/retired military and immediate family when purchased on-site with ID.
2. Appalachian Ghost Walks
This company runs lantern-led ghost and history tours across East Tennessee (including in Gatlinburg) with year-round, reservation-only evening walks. Their site details routes, prices by group size, and booking policies for night tours.
Military Discount: Historically, Appalachian Ghost Walks has offered military members an extra $2 off the already discounted rate for groups of 6 or more.
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
Ride glass elevators 400 feet up for 360° night panoramas of downtown and the Smokies before heading down to the large on-site arcade for late-evening play. It’s an easy walk-up attraction that stays open late most nights.
Military Discount: The Space Needle’s official pricing page lists a Military ticket at $12.95, which is a $3 discount.
Restaurants With Military Discounts in Gatlinburg
1. The Peddler Steakhouse
A classic riverfront steakhouse known for custom-cut steaks at the table, a beloved salad bar, and a cozy dining room overlooking the Little Pigeon River. It’s a classic “first-night in Gatlinburg” pick with online reservations and a loyal following.
Military Discount: Historically, The Peddler SteakHouse has offered 10% off to people with a valid military ID.
2. The Park Grill
Built to feel like a grand Smoky Mountain lodge, The Park Grill serves hickory-grilled steaks, trout, and Southern sides near the national park entrance, with free on-site parking and group-friendly space. It’s an easy walk from downtown attractions and trailheads.
Military Discount: Historically, The Park Grill has offered 10% off to those with a valid military ID.
3. Bennett’s Pit BBQ
This Johnson Family spot smokes pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs low and slow over hickory, with scratch sides and a casual vibe at the River Road location. Expect wood-smoked meats, a kids’ menu, and takeout that travels well back to cabins.
Military Discount: Historically, Bennet’s Pit BBQ has offered 20% off entrees to active duty military and veterans.
4. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
This popular pizza spot fires Neapolitan-style pies in a 550-degree wood-burning oven, with three Smokies locations, including Gatlinburg on River Road. Expect scratch-made dough, house sauces, and a laid-back, kid-friendly vibe.
Military Discount: Historically, Big Daddy’s Pizzeria has offered 20% off for active duty military or veterans.
5. Smoky Mountain Winery
East Tennessee’s oldest producer of premium wines offers complimentary tastings in a low-key tasting room just off the Parkway, along with a gift shop stocked with local wine accessories. It’s an easy pre- or post-dinner stop with free samples and bottle sales.
Military Discount: Historically, Smoky Mountain Winery has offered a 10% discount to members of the military.
Gatlinburg Lodging with Military Discounts
1. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Beach-chic meets mountain views at this resort steps from the Parkway, with a spa, pool, and breezy rooms that keep you close to downtown and the national park. It’s a walk-friendly base with on-site dining and family-friendly amenities.
Military Discount: The resort’s Hometown Heroes offer provides discounted rates for active military and veterans (ID required at check-in.
2. Greystone Lodge on the River
A locally owned favorite beside Ripley’s Aquarium, Greystone pairs river-view rooms and a seasonal pool with free parking and easy Parkway access. It’s a convenient, park-adjacent base with a friendly, laid-back vibe.
Military Discount: 15% off for active and retired military (present ID at check-in).
3. Bearskin Lodge on the River
Set on River Road near the park entrance, Bearskin Lodge offers cozy rooms with balconies over a mountain stream, plus easy trolley access and walkability to downtown. Guests often praise its relaxed atmosphere and parkside location.
Military Discount: The Bearskin Lodge offers 10% off for military and government personnel. Use promo code MIL10 to receive the discount.
4. Old Creek Lodge
A quiet, creek-side hotel on the national park side of downtown, Old Creek Lodge features fireplaces, balconies, and free parking within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It’s a solid pick when you want a calmer spot near the trails.
Military Discount: Their specials page advertises a 10% discount for American Heroes, including military personnel, first responders, and government personnel, with promo code MIL10 (ID required).
5. Parkside Cabin Rentals
This large cabin agency offers a wide range of Gatlinburg and Smokies rentals, from cozy one-bedrooms to big-group lodges, with frequent seasonal and advance-purchase deals. It’s a flexible option if you prefer a cabin over a hotel and want to compare many inventory types in one place.
Military Discount: 10% off your stay for current and former military with promo code MIL and ID at check-in.
Take Advantage of Anakeesta’s Military Discount
If you’re looking for an adventure park in Gatlinburg with a military discount, Anakeesta has you covered. We’re proud to extend our thanks to active duty military and veterans with a 10% discount for retired and active duty members and their immediate family. At our adventure park, you’ll find dueling ziplines, mountain coasters, adventure zones for children, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Review our ticket options today. If you have any questions or want to learn more about Anakeesta’s military discounts, review our answers to frequently asked questions about our park.
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