While the Smokies is known for being a family vacation go-to, it’s also great for couples. Gatlinburg has dozens of great restaurants, local wineries, unique shops, art galleries, museums, and attractions that couples will love. We all need a little time to reconnect with the one we love, so plan a getaway to Gatlinburg for romance and fun. From fun attractions to romantic activities, there’s plenty to do!
Rocky Top Wine Trail – Spend a romantic day on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, made up of 5 local wineries and a distillery within 12 miles. Hillside Winery, Eagle Springs Winery, The Apple Barn Winery, Sugarland Cellars, Mountain Valley Winery, and Doc Collier Moonshine are open 7 days a week, with FREE tastings at all the locations. Or you can stop by Mountain Valley Winery, Sugarland Cellars, or Hillside Winery for FREE tours from 12 – 5 p.m. each day.
Great Smoky Mountain Wheel – Soaring 200 feet above the bright lights and buzz of Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is the perfect addition to a romantic day in the Smokies. Enjoy stunning city and mountain views, along with a new perspective on the show fountain and shops of The Island.
Mini golf – Still hands-down one of my favorite date-night activities, mini golf is all over the place is the Smokies. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have tons of mini golf courses to choose from, giving you a fun and relaxed way to play as a couple!
Cades Cove – This 11-mile loop is a top spot for a scenic drive, perfect for a relaxing and romantic day. Pack a picnic lunch (or let us do it for YOU ), watch for wildlife along the drive, and find the perfect spot for a romantic picnic by a quiet stream or among the wildflowers.
Ober Gatlinburg – From indoor ice skating and shopping to the views from the Aerial Tramway and the Alpine Slide, Ober Gatlinburg has a wide range of options for a romantic and fun day in the Smokies. There are also several options for dining, so you could plan for a whole day here!
Titanic Museum Attraction – Walk the Grand Staircase like Jack and Rose, explore the rooms of the RMS Titanic, touch an iceberg, and learn more about the passengers and crew members as you tour this larger-than-life attraction on the Parkway.
Staycation – Okay, so it’s not actually a staycation if you don’t stay home, but staying in the cabin should count, right?! Instead of going out for date night, plan a night in your cozy cabin. Order a gift basket for snacks, open a bottle of local wine or moonshine you picked up on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, watch a romantic movie while cuddle up on the couch, and finish the night with a soothing soak in the hot tub. We even have cabins with private home theaters, private indoor pools, and rec rooms with game tables, so you could spend the entire vacation in the cabin!
Waterfall Hikes – Even if you’re not up for a big hike, there are plenty of shorter trails to check out on a romantic day in the Smokies. The trail to the 80-foot Laurel Falls is 2.6 miles roundtrip, and Hen Wallow Falls is a longer (4.5 miles roundtrip) but easy hike on a nice day.
The Island – You can make a whole day out of The Island, with restaurants, shops, and attractions inside and out. Grab a drink at Margaritaville, enjoy a steak at Timberwood Grill, get a sweet treat at The Fudgery, or grab take-and-bake pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Between retail and boutique shops, The Island boasts 60 unique stores to browse, offering everything from essential oils and handbags to puzzles (for cozy nights in the cabin) and Tervis tumblers.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler – Tap your toes to the sounds of live bluegrass as you sample moonshine in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Try Butterscotch, Pina Colada, Mountain Java, Snow Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb, Lemon Teashine, and more before finding the perfect flavor to take back to the cabin.
Summer Events for Couples in the Smokies
While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the fun events going on this summer. The calendar is always packed, so you can enjoy music, food, the arts, and more – even beyond the busy summer months!
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales | now – July 29
Costumed storytellers and the music of the mountains on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg
FREE Parkway Trolley | now – August 12
FREE rides on select Gatlinburg trolleys for an easy way to get around town
Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival | August 16 – 20
Performances all throughout the city by 130+ up-and-coming singers and songwriters