Spend an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Weekend in Tennessee

Beautifully-decorated suites with grand architectural details can be found when you book a stay at The James Lee House, built in 1848. The bed & breakfast exudes opulence with its mid-19th century details of marble mantels, shaped moldings and plaster ceiling medallions. You’ll feel right at home at this luxurious accommodation.

To treat your special someone, head to the hidden gem of Itta Bena where sleek libations and southern cuisine with a Delta twist are served in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy entrees like jumbo shrimp and grits or the 14 oz. bone-in pork chop, and desserts like a Godiva liqueur cheesecake, the cobbler of the day or the classic Crème Brulee.

Take in the sunset on Big River Crossing, the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi in the U.S. The bridge gives expansive views of downtown Memphis and West Memphis, Arkansas across the way. 

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, the Germantown Inn was constructed in 1865 and has been converted into beautiful accommodations with six suites all named after presidents. Traditional and modern architecture fuse to give you a special stay. All suites come with complimentary Wi-Fi, LATHER toiletries, Frette linens and more.

Let the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony serenade your sweetheart by catching a performance of classical, pops, jazz or world music in the building inspired by some of the world’s best concert halls. The main venue is one of few in the nation to have natural interior light through 30 soundproof windows as well as some of the best acoustics you’ll ever hear.

Local favorite The 404 Kitchen serves up deliciously locally-sourced plates and cocktails in a romantic atmosphere. The extensive cocktail list has names that nod to Nashville and Tennessee’s music heritage with names like The Man in Black, the Minnie Pearl and Honky Tonk Girl among others. Order the wood-fired catch in a ham broth with delta blues rice, black eyed peas and collard greens or the fried chicken leg with corn grits, braising greens in a neonata calabrese sauce.

Reconnect with your special someone at The Harpeth, a boutique hotel in downtown historic Franklin. Timeless Southern design, luxury accommodations and special offers like the Enchanted Evening package. Book this two-night stay to enjoy a welcome amenity, $100 food and beverage credit, valet parking and an extended 1 p.m. check-out. For added local fun, book the Tennessee Whiskey package which includes discount tours at Leiper's Fork Distillery.

Franklin was at the forefront of the Civil War with the Battle of Franklin. Today, the town has done an exceptional job preserving the battlefields and homes that were on the front lines. Learn this rich history at Carnton, Lotz House, the Carter House and Rippavilla in nearby Spring Hill to learn the battle lines, the lives of the residents of these homes and what happened to the homes post-Civil War. It’s a great way to get a tangible view of some of Tennessee’s rich history.

With a seasonally-changing menu, you can be sure you’ll taste only the freshest ingredients at Red Pony. Sophisticated southern cuisine is paired with crafted cocktails and finished with to-die-for desserts. Start your meal with wood fire oysters and brussels with butternut squash, pecorino, bacon-balsamic vinaigrette and cornbread crisps. Order the pan seared tuna in crispy sushi rice, a carrot-ginger puree, dynamite aioli and cucumber wakame or the seared scallops with fresh ricotta, fried brussels in a sundried tomato-caramelized onion beurre blanc.

Break up the work week with a stay at Saltbox Inn in one of the four suites that include private baths – the Saltbox Suite even has a claw foot bath tub! – Wi-Fi and comfy beds. The Saltbox Suite includes a queen bed, a master bath, a large front porch with a wrap-around deck, an expansive living area and four large sky lights. Rustic furnishings complete the suite that welcomes you home after an adventure-filled day exploring Cookeville.

Venture to this 883-acre park to see some of Tennessee’s finest waterfalls, about a 43-minute drive from Cookeville. Great Falls, for example, is a 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall that is actually located underneath a 19th century cotton textile mill that it powered more than a century ago. Enjoy scenic overlooks, limestone paths, fishing spots and more. Rent one of Rock Island State Park’s cabins which are open year-round and feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms in each.

The locally-owned restaurant, The Putnam Room serves a lovely date night during a romantic getaway. Begin your experience with craft cocktails or a glass of wine from their wide variety. Taste the ceviche, crab cake or the carpaccio to start followed by upscale entrees like the pan seared duck, lamb chop or truffle pasta and steaks. Share sides like balsamic Brussels, grilled asparagus and charred broccolini. 

You’ll have fond memories of your stay at THE TENNESSEAN Hotel that has quality luxury linens on pillow-top mattresses, private bathrooms with high-end amenities, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology compatible with all smart phones. Gorgeous views of Knoxville and the mountains beyond can be experienced as well as the great dining options offered in The Drawing Room at Fairgrounds.

Have a fun night of entertainment at the Tennessee Theatre whether it be a Broadway show, classic film, opera, symphony or a concert. The world-class performing arts center was originally a 1928 movie palace but has since been full restored to its original glory, complete with a beautifully painted dome you can’t help but admire as you take your seat.

As a nod to the iconic movie, Chef Tim Love has created a menu that is a nod to the ingredients and cultures of the West at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. Dine on pheasant, wild pig, catfish, rabbit-rattlesnake sausage and elk-foie gras sliders among other tasty selections. Order the 1888, a crafted cocktail featuring Buffalo Trace bourbon, Amaro, mint, lemon juice and mixed berry preserves. Finish off the meal with the Ancho Chile Chocolate Cake, peach empanadas or the Birthday Surprise paired with coffee from Maryville, Tennessee-based coffee company, Vienna Coffee Co.

Have an historic stay with great views of Chattanooga at The Read House Hotel. Enjoy spacious rooms with a queen or king-sized bed, plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, an indoor heated swimming pool and a Starbucks in the hotel. The hotel even has pet-friendly rooms for dogs up to 50 pounds, just let the hotel know when booking. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, easily accessible to local dining, attractions and shopping.

Set sail along the Tennessee River to see Chattanooga from a different perspective on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Valentine’s Sweetheart Luncheon and Valentine’s Be Mine Dinner cruises are offered each year, a perfect way to make a Valentine’s Day memory. Daily cruises last 1.5 hours and include commentary on river history and legends while showing off the beautiful Chattanooga skyline and Lookout Mountain.

Head to Hennen's Steakhouse to savor high-quality steaks and seafood, more than 100 wines by the glass and creative side dishes. Located on the River Front/Ross’ Landing District, enjoy bustling city views as you dine on pan roasted duck breast, chicken picatta in a white wine lemon butter sauce with capers, stone seared salmon or one of the perfectly cooked steaks they have on menu. Classic cocktails like Manhattans, martinis and Negroni’s can be found on the menu to complete your dining experience.

Luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains meet you during your stay. On 26 acres, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek offers 14 suites ranging from 650-775 square feet of space. Rustic decor reminiscent of the Adirondack Great Camps include soaking tubs, private balconies, kitchenettes with full-size appliances and fireplaces. It’s a stay you won’t soon forget.

Anakeesta features a treehouse-themed village, Firefly Village that includes artisan shops, Pearl’s Pie in the Sky pie shop, firepits and expansive views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Stroll the Tree Canopy Walk, challenge your soulmate on the dual-racing zip lines, enjoy 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains in the Enchanted Gardens and stay until the stars come out to witness the audio and light experience of Astra Lumina.

Have a lovely dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse where you can dine on stuffed shrimp, grilled salmon, custom steaks cut tableside, filet mignon and fresh caught rainbow trout. Finish off your meal with the hot blackberry cobbler with vanilla cream, Kristi’s chocolate cake with hot fudge and vanilla ice cream, or the Kahlua Crème Brulee.