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Anakeesta
February 12, 2024
Romantic Cabins and Hotels
The Great Smoky Mountains have a subtle charm that lends itself to love. Plan your romantic getaway to the Smokies with your beloved for an enchanting journey filled with cherished moments. From cozy cabins to things to do that'll foster new experiences and conversations and dining from candlelight dinners to relaxed cuisine with Tennessee spirit cocktails, browse this itinerary for easy travel planning.
Romantic Cabins and Hotels
Smoky Woods Lodge – Cosby
Perhaps you’re looking for a getaway with your couple friends. Located within a picturesque valley embraced by majestic mountain vistas, Smoky Woods Lodge offers an idyllic retreat, ideal for seeking solace and serenity among the tranquil beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a night of relaxation in the hot tub, watch the sunset around the fire pit or hang out in the game room for a memorable Smoky Mountain getaway with friends, but still an element of romance and privacy with your partner.
Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals
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@photos_by_louie
The Great Smoky Mountains are easily accessible from most anywhere you stay in the area. Search for your ideal romantic place to stay in the Smoky Mountains on our Plan Your Trip page. Here, you can filter based on cabin stay, hotels, RV and camping sites and so much more.
The Lodge at Camp Margaritaville – Pigeon Forge
If one of you loves camping, but the other wants to retreat to the luxury of a hotel room after a day of exploring the mountains, have the best of both worlds at The Lodge at Camp Margaritaville. The stone fireplace in the lobby adds a warm cottage feel combined with island-inspired accents throughout the hotel for a fun play on the Margaritaville inspiration. Pet-friendly rooms, pickleball courts and game room add even more to enjoy.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – Townsend
Aim at adventure when staying at this glamping resort. Just steps away from the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort provides the coziest accommodations with all the perks you love like wood-burning fireplaces, plush bedding and a 24/7 coffee lounge. Choose from Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Airstreams, Cabins, RV Sites and Vacation Homes for your ultimate romantic Smoky Mountain getaway.
Dancing Bear Lodge – Townsend
The rustic but luxurious Dancing Bear Lodge is your ultimate romantic stay in the Smoky Mountains area. Indulge in ultimate relaxation with special add-ons such as in-room massages, chocolate-covered strawberries, or a delectable cheeseboard, setting the stage for a truly serene getaway.
Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek – Gatlinburg
Enjoy a romantic Smoky Mountain cabin in the woods at Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek in Gatlinburg. If you and your sweetheart dream of a among the trees, this getaway should be at the top of your list. Located on the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, guests can stay in one of 16 specially designed treehouses with a luxurious twist. Relax and recharge by making your vacation unlike any you’ve had before – up in the trees.
Romantic Ideas for Couples
Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Gatlinburg
A Smoky Mountain getaway isn’t complete without a visit to Cades Cove, the stunning valley tucked away in the middle of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During any season, the views of the mountains from the fields below are breathtaking. It’s the perfect car date or, even better, bicycling – the Cades Cove loop is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays in the summer months. For something a little off the beaten path, take a drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Be sure to roll down your windows so you can hear the various cascades, rapids and falls at full force.
Hiking in the Smokies
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@makethephotograph
Have an adventure together with a day on the trail exploring the luscious damp greenness of the woods and the soaring wonder of the many waterfalls located within the Great Smoky Mountains. For a moderate-to-difficult trail, hike to the 80-foot-tall Rainbow Falls, which creates a rainbow from the mist on sunny afternoons. Or if you prefer an easier trail, meander along the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop. Don’t forget to purchase your parking pass from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – Townsend
Discover the rich culture and history of the Smokies with a stop at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Explore museum galleries, historic out buildings, living history demonstrations, festivals and more at this Appalachian learning center.
Douglas Lake – Dandridge
Take in the views at Douglas Lake, a gorgeous lake located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy a romantic lake cruise from Douglas Lake Marina or just enjoy the silhouette of the Smokies sitting side-by-side on the dock. If you and your honey enjoy fishing, Douglas Lake offers ample fishing opportunities and is one of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes.
Anakeesta – Gatlinburg
Cozy up on a chair lift or enclosed gondola that brings you to the magical Anakeesta, situated above the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Begin with a stroll through Firefly Village and Black Bear Village, with plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat, cold beverage or hot cocoa. There’s no bad view of the sunset at Anakeesta – you can enjoy sundown in a rocking chair, sitting by the fire or up atop the AnaVista Observation Tower. Once the dark has settled, move through the otherworldly adventure that is Astra Lumina.
Gatlinburg SkyPark – Gatlinburg
Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of sunrise or sunset from Gatlinburg SkyPark, a must-stop on your romantic Smoky Mountain getaway. Celebrate your love story while venturing through the enchanting "Tunnel of Love" this February on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. As dusk falls, the renowned bridge illuminates with a myriad of pink lights, casting a romantic glow over the surroundings. Don't forget to keep your camera ready, as the mountaintop offers countless picture-perfect moments for you and your beloved to immortalize cherished memories.
Ole Red Gatlinburg
Spend an incredible evening partying in the Smoky Mountains with some live music at Ole Red Gatlinburg. With one of the best stages in the Smokies, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with both emerging and established country stars, enjoying the hottest talent and concert-level music in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Skyland Ranch – Sevierville
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Skyland Ranch
Taking your Valentine to experience the pure joy of the adorable miniature animals at Skyland Ranch is sure to be a hit. This Sevierville attraction also offers lasso demonstrations, exhilarating mountain coaster rides and breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Beyond the Lens! Flyride – Pigeon Forge
Go on an immersive adventure at Beyond the Lens! Flyride in Pigeon Forge. With more than 20 choices of locations to fly across America, guests can soar above mountain peaks and glide over serene lakes aboard a suspended, free-floating multi-person ride. Experience thrilling tilts and seamless glides that promise to deliver an awe-inspiring journey.
Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge - Pigeon Forge
What’s more romantic than a Ferris wheel ride with your beloved? The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel, takes you up above The Island in Pigeon Forge with the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance an all-glass gondola that seats up to eight guests.
Romantic Dining Options
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro – Townsend
Stop by The Dancing Bear Lodge - Appalachian Bistro for some award-winning Appalachian cuisine on the peaceful side of the Smokies. The Bistro uses fresh produce grown on site and sources the highest quality local ingredients. Savor a handcrafted cocktail or sample a local beer on the patio, surrounded by serene wooded landscapes. On cooler evenings, you can cozy up by the fire pit indulging in s’mores or delighting in a glass of wine.
Towns End Coffee Co. – Townsend
Staying out late for date night is overrated. Spend a cozy morning together sipping a hot cup of coffee at Towns End Coffee Co., a little coffee shop located at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Pick up a delicious breakfast sandwich with your latte or a specialty iced tea and sweet pastry. Whatever you fancy, this little cafe will not disappoint.
Company Distilling – Townsend
Perhaps award-winning spirits are more you and your date’s fancy. At Company Distilling in Townsend, you’ll find a production area, bottle/retail shop, and bar with portfolio tastings and a signature cocktail menu. Maryville-based restaurant, Amici, has a permanent menu at the distillery, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food and fine spirits, making this the perfect date night venue.
The Peddler Steakhouse – Gatlinburg
Have a romantic and delightful evening at The Peddler Steakhouse, where you can indulge in a delectable selection including stuffed shrimp, grilled salmon, custom steaks expertly cut tableside, succulent filet mignon and freshly caught rainbow trout. The desserts are to-die-for with incredible choices like hot blackberry cobbler, Kristi’s chocolate cake or a Kahlua crème brûlée.
The Appalachian – Sevierville
Enjoy a contemporary Southern Appalachian dining experience as The Appalachian in the historic district of Sevierville. The chefs excel in infusing a contemporary twist into classic Smoky Mountain ingredients and dishes, showcasing a diverse range from butterbean hummus to Buffalo frog legs – all centered around a large burning hearth the heart of the kitchen, adding the rich smoky flavors that define their signature style.
Romance is second nature in the Great Smoky Mountains. Escape to these majestic mountain towns for a weekend, or longer, of connecting with your true love.
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