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by MADELYN MILLER

Talk about cost-effective vacations! You'll probably save more than you spend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The beautiful Smokey Mountain setting is a surprising spot for the Outlet Mall Capital of the World. But the combination of discount shopping opportunities, musical entertainment, quirky museums, family amusement and breath-taking vistas has something for everyone. All at bargain prices!

My focus was on shopping and I explored most of the over 200 outlets. The mix of upscale stores like Ralph Lauren and a "Everything $1.00 Store", means there are savings in every price range. Liz Claiborne's outlet offered me the best buy of my shopaholic life. Who could resist wool knit dresses originally $180, marked down to $19.99, then further discounted with 25% off red dots plus another 25% coupon. Final cost - $10.00 each. So I bought a wrap dress in 6 colors.

One of the greatest joys of outlet shopping is that the deals are good to start with - but if you add on extra coupons or special savings, the prices can't be beat. Holiday weekends and the surrounding days are always great times to find extra savings, i.e, for President's Day or Veteran's Day.

It seemed to me like some of the best bargains were on shoes in the numerous shoe outlets. I'll treasure my $24.99 black leather and suede cowboy boots (originally $115 from the Nine West Outlet) and only resisted some casual walking shoes at the Bass Outlet because I was out of suitcase space. But I could have bought a sturdy duffle bag there for $17.99.

For gift items, there are numerous china and glassware shops. Some had clearance rooms for even better deals. I even found bargains on music in a big barrel of demo tapes at the Pigeon River String Music Store at the Old Mill. For $5.00 you can pick an unknown, but maybe they will be the next Dolly Parton and you can say you discovered them.

Shopping for hours on end can work up an appetite. And you'll find hearty home cooking at penny pinching prices.

My favorite meal was at the Cornflour Restaurant at the Old Mill. As the name suggests, corn is a major ingredient. Everything is so well seasoned that you don't get overwhelmed by the corn chowder, corn fritters, corndrop biscuits and waffled cornbread served with each meal. Dinners also include homestyle vegetables and just baked desserts. Another bargain when entrees range from $8.95 to $17.95, with most in the $10.95 range.

I tried Southern Pan-Fried Pork Chops ($11.95). The portion size was enough for two even without all the extras. My companion loved the Southern Pan-Fried Catfish ($13.95). Jack Hatfield's live background banjo music added a fun folksy touch, and I enjoyed it so much I bought a tape. Many people were buying loafs of the home-baked bread and desserts to go. I sampled the Cornflour Cake - a spice cake with caramel icing that is deservedly the signature dessert.

For breakfast, the Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store, 250 Apple Valley Road, 615-428-1222, is a must do. Everything is "applicious" from the applesauce muffins, apple fritters, and apple butter to the Apple Julep starter. I loved the biscuits and red-eye gravy and hickory smoked bacon. The rooms are decorated with orchard print wallpaper and matching curtains that give a colorful, cozy-feeling.

After these two meals, I was beginning to feel like I was in a gourmet theme park where each restaurant has an overriding ingredient that they try to use in as many ways as possible. I just wonder that they would do with artichokes or kiwi.

If you have any energy left after shopping, there are numerous musical performances, the Rainbow Jamboree, Memories Theatre (a musical salute to Elvis) or The Dixie Stampede in Dollywood which includes a family style dinner.

Even non-shoppers will find plenty to do in Pigeon Forge. The Guinness World Record Museum, the Police Museum, the Elvis Presley Museum and The Knife Museum are just a few more of the funky things to see in Pigeon Forge.

Children will love the go-carts, miniature golf and bungee jumping opportunities. But what impressed me most was that everything is affordable in Pigeon Forge - whether it be food, lodging or admissions. Saving money has never been this much fun.

Pigeon Forge is about 45 minutes from Knoxville, Tennessee. For more information, contact the Dept. of Tourism, 1-800-251-9100.

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