Are you looking for the ultimate romantic getaway? How about a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains and to the thriving little town of Gatlinburg.
In the city you will find comfortable accommodations, delicious restaurants and attractions of every description. Waterfalls and wilderness await in Smoky Mountain National Park just outside the city limits. We'll show you a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, perfect for adventure-loving, nature-loving couples.
Romantic things to do in Gatlinburg – also known as Friday night on the town
There are plenty of romantic things to do in Gatlinburg. It's a bit like the Las Vegas Strip in the mountains. To be fair, it's like finding romantic things to do in Orlando; You need to separate the wheat from the chaff. Ignore all the touristy shops selling MAGA hats and T-shirts. Chuckle at the flashy attractions aimed at the “not tall enough to ride this ride” crowd, but check out the creative ways the owners merge the mountains with the city with their Gatlinburg adventure tours. Here's a sample of what you can do:
- Fly on Skylift to Gatlinburg Sky BridgeIt is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
- Tram ride Uber Gatlinburg To the ski area for alpine slides and summer tubing.
- Take From Anaki Step up to their adventure park which includes Treetop SkywalkIt is the longest tree-stayed bridge in North America.
- Race down Gatlinburg Mountain Coasterthe fastest mountain roller coaster in Tennessee.
- Fly on Rudy Bear Mountain Coaster While it was hanging in the belt.
Take a Tour of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail (Moonshine and Beer, too)
Much like tourist attractions, Gatlinburg restaurants are everywhere, and you have to find the good ones. We'll make it easy. Stopped in for dinner on a Friday night Smoky Mountain Beer For good pub food and great company. They have live music after the dinner rush on weekend nights and a great selection of premium craft beers. Additionally, they validate parking if you need it.
Your lustful explorations of Gatlinburg don't have to end there. We created a Gatlinburg wine trail Colored purple on our map. There are dozens of different tasting rooms in town from a variety of Tennessee wineries and distilleries. It's the perfect way to sip on free samples while strolling down Gatlinburg's Downtown Parkway.
Make sure you bring your ID. There is a strict 100% identity verification policy, regardless of your age. A cunning person can use this to his advantage to say how young his companion looks – a vacation with libations and appeasement. But, if you can't attract your crafty language skills, you can always buy a bottle to take back to your room.
Saturday morning outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg
Don't overdo it on Friday night, because mornings in Great Smoky National Park are magical. Thick fog spreads in the valleys, and bears are common. Pack a day pack and choose from waterfall hiking, mountain hiking, white water rafting, exploring the Cades Cove Loop, or more hiking near Gatlinburg. We put a short sampling of outdoor adventures in Gatlinburg below:
- NOC Gatlinburg – White water rafting at its best
- Laurel Falls -An easy route to the most photographed waterfalls in the Smokies
- Cave waterfalls – The waterfall that you can walk behind
- Rainbow Falls – Moderate rise to massive fall
- Ramsey Cascade – The largest waterfall in the park
- Cataract Falls – The easiest waterfall to reach from Gatlinburg
- Clingman Dome – Drive to the highest point in Tennessee
- Chimney tops – Moderate walk to a beautiful view
- Mount Leconte – The third highest peak with the most strenuous route (11 miles, 2500 steps!)
- Roaring Fork Motor Trail – A fun drive through the mountains on a slow, narrow, winding road 5 miles one way
Saturday afternoon in the arts circle
Just three short miles outside of the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg is The Glades, the largest collection of independent artisans in North America. The historic 8-mile loop is designated a Tennessee Arts and Crafts Heritage Trail with more than 120 artists and craftsmen. We place our featured stores on the map in orange. If you're more into hiking, grab a sandwich for the road at Old Dad's.
If you love arts and crafts, head in for lunch Wild plum tea room Or an afternoon treat in Glades Soda Fountain Before exploring the arts and crafts trail. No matter what you do, be sure to make a reservation and stay for dinner at Red Oak Bistro. It is a refined gastronomic experience where the tastes and aromas of tapas fill your senses.
Pro Tip: Seating is limited at Red Oak Book.
Sunday brunch in Gatlinburg
Sunday brunch is all about tasting what you like and getting what you want. This philosophy extends beyond dining and extends to the entire Sunday and Friday schedule. Start your day in Breakfast camp at Crockett For the best Sunday brunch in Gatlinburg. Then fill your day with your favorite activities from your list of romantic weekend getaways in Gatlinburg.
Want to do more hiking or backpacking? Cataract Falls On the way out of town? Did you hike all day Saturday and want to explore the craft trail and tea room on Sunday? Came too late on Friday to fully explore Gatlinburg? Maybe your romantic getaway to Gatlinburg is just about lying in bed? It's Sunday, lunch, baby!
Where to stay in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a busy tourist town with plenty of places to stay, but you have three basic options: cabins, hotels, and B&Bs. Cabins are a great way to escape into the woods while still playing in the city. B&Bs come with a host, and some are close enough to accommodate them Gatlinburg Trolley In the heart of the city. With a more traditional hotel, you can stay within walking distance of the attractions and are not subject to minimum stays (of course, this is a 3-day and 2-day itinerary).
Romantic cabins in Gatlinburg
Hills honeymoon cabin rentals in gatlinburg -There's nothing more romantic than Honeymoon Hills Cabins! Think indoor heart-shaped jacuzzis, private decks with outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, king-sized beds and full kitchens! All this goodness in a secluded and private place.
Wildflower Mountain Rentals Luxury Cabins for Honeymoon -Their most hidden cabins in the Smoky Mountains. All come equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, heart-shaped stone-encrusted Jacuzzi, sunken hot tub (sensing a trend?), stone-encrusted breakfast bar, hanging wooden swing, and/or rocker chairs to enjoy the views.
Gatlinburg Falls Resort – Gatlinburg Falls Resort has a variety of cabins for rent ranging from 1 to 20 bedrooms in size (yes 20!! in case your romantic idea is on hold with 20 other couples, but you have to bring your own aquarium). Each has a large kitchen, wide-screen TV, DVD/VCR player, outdoor hot tub, indoor jetted tub, vertical spa shower and pool table, and many have classic games as well. Consider one of our romantic packages to take the heat off.
Pro Tip: Come in the first week of November to avoid October's crowds but still see fall color.
Gatlinburg hotels
Bearskin Lodge on the River – This cute mountain lodge has comfortable rooms and a quiet river. Best of all, it's located right in the heart of Gatlinburg, so you'll never have to worry about finding a parking spot.
Zuder Inn & Suites – Located in the woods near the river in the heart of Gatlinburg, this property has modern amenities with all the comforts of home. Many suites offer gas fireplaces and in-room whirlpool tubs.
Gatlinburg Falls Resort -The lodge features rustic elegance at its finest combined with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the spacious bathtub, fireplace and private balcony with your loved one.
Charming bed and breakfast in Gatlinburg
Laurel Springs Lodge Bed and Breakfast – This very cute bed and breakfast has comfortable rooms and a relaxing hot tub for two. It's close enough to take the trolley into town but away from the hustle and bustle. Our gourmet breakfasts will delight your taste buds and tempt you to sleep and stay warm.
Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast – This comfortable hotel features delicious breakfasts, private bathrooms with whirlpool or whirlpool tubs, and stunning views of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains. Be sure to check out their packages for additional value.
Wrap up your perfect romantic getaway in Gatlinburg
A romantic getaway in Gatlinburg is a great mix of urban excursion and mountain adventure. Gatlinburg can be the best of both worlds if you're prepared for the hustle and bustle, traffic and parking on the Parkway. Leave early for a hike, explore Gatlinburg on foot or by stroller, and find escapes like the Art Loop to reset. Romance and adventure await in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.