Travel is one of the most inspiring ways to spend quality time with your sweetheart and rekindle your flame. That said, of all the worthwhile destinations in the world, there are truly none equal to a horizon of gentle, foggy blue peaks. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or looking for your next romantic escape, look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee!

Not only does the idyllic scenery make an unbeatable backdrop for romance, but the quaint mountain towns cater to a variety of love-filled experiences. From cozy cabins to stunning views to delicious treats, the most romantic things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are here to set the mood for you and your love.

Stay in a Cozy Cabin

Okay, real talk: the hustle and bustle of city and suburban life leaves much to be desired in terms of inspiring chemistry. Leave your ordinary life behind, and retreat to the slow and easy pace of the rustic South. Once you cozy up with your partner in one of Auntie Belham’s Cabins, you’re sure to witness sparks flying again. These charming mountain hideaways offer luxurious amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and extraordinary mountain views. Cuddle up together with a bottle of champagne, watch the sunset, and relax into the blissful present in your very own romantic retreat.

Enjoy the Most Beautiful Views

You can’t visit a place as scenic as the Smokies without pursuing the spectacular views as much as possible. Not only do the mountains put stars in your eyes, but they also provide a variety of fun things to do with a significant other.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

For the best photo ops in East Tennessee, take the Gatlinburg SkyLift. This chairlift ride ascends to the top of Crockett Mountain, where you can soak in the mesmerizing landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hold hands as the two of you take in the panoramic views of the mountains and the charming town of Gatlinburg below. You’ll also find food and beverages at the SkyCenter and cozy fire pits on the SkyDeck to keep you warm any time of the year.

Sky High Air Tours

Take your love to new heights – literally! The aerial tours at Sky High Air Tours will surely turn your romantic getaway into a lifelong memory. Take your loved one by the hand, and hop aboard one of their open-cockpit vintage biplanes. Sky High Air Tours offers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to soar over breathtaking scenery of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and charming towns that make this region so special.

Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Of course, you can’t miss out on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 150 official trails and over 2,900 miles of streams inside the park, your chances of stumbling upon sheer beauty while hiking are extremely high, to say the least. Remember to bring plenty of water, a trail map, and your cameras to take a sweet selfie on top of the mountains.

Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa

Once the soreness from hiking settles in, you still have an awe-inspiring way to appreciate the scenery. Experience the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on horseback with Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa. Their experienced guides will show you the ropes if you have no prior riding experience. You and your partner can have the rare experience of exploring this enchanting wilderness on horseback – just as the first settlers once did!

Unwind With A Couple’s Massage

Deepen your connection with your partner at The Spa at Riverstone. Located in one of the top luxury resorts in Pigeon Forge, this world-class facility offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments. Take advantage of their waxing and make-up services when you want to look stunning for your partner. Splurge on yourselves with facial, nail, or body treatments. Best of all – the couples’ massage involves your choice of massage style and add-ons to help you both relax and reconnect in the most intimate way.

Dinner Date In An Orchard

Nothing evokes romance quite like sharing a meal in the charming ambiance of The Apple Barn. Built in 1910, this barn was once the site of a farm and is now a working orchard with over 4,000 trees. Indulge in a mouthwatering Southern dinner at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill, and then sip on a digestif of home-made hard cider at The Cider House. If a romantic dinner date in an orchard doesn’t charm the socks off of you, then the warm Southern hospitality certainly will.

Share A Sweet Bite

One playful way to rekindle your flame is to indulge in something you both know to be quite criminal… Wrap up your romantic weekend getaway with decadent sweetness and flavors so good they should be illegal! Adina’s Sweet Shop is a small, locally-owned and -operated bakery in Sevierville, just a 10-minute drive from Pigeon Forge. Adina’s is the kind of place where you wish you could get one of everything you see inside the case.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal chocolates, jumbo cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream treats of every variety – you name it. That said, of all the worthy options, you can’t miss out on a taste of their famous moonshine cupcake. With cupcakes in hand, make a toast to a long and fulfilling relationship with your partner. This quaint and charming shop is the perfect place for couples to cap off their perfect weekend of romance.

In Conclusion

While there are millions of worthwhile destinations to choose from, there’s truly no place in the world like the Great Smoky Mountains. Between the rustic setting and breathtaking mountain sunsets, it’s by far one of the best destinations for couples. Aside from the stunning mountain landscapes, you and your lover can look forward to a long weekend of cuddles in a secluded cabin, splurge-worthy eats, and Southern charm. By the time you finish your couple’s getaway in the East Tennessee Smokies, you will have fallen in love all over again!