Plan for Your Man: Sadie Hawkins Day in the Smokies

Listen up, ladies! Remember the Sadie Hawkins Dance at school — you know, the one where the gals ask the guys to a dance for a change? Well, get ready to ask out your man on November 13, because it’s Sadie Hawkins Day! That’s right, there’s an entire day dedicated to this girls-ask-out-boys tradition, so women of all ages can have the opportunity to boldly express their love. Show your man more than an evening out by inviting him on a memorable getaway to the Smokies! From scenic mountain views and delicious Southern food to fun-filled activities in downtown Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and romantic cabin nights, this will be a trip to remember.

Think of Him
Planning a getaway for 2 doesn’t have to be a strain. Start off by simply thinking of him and jotting down the first things that come to mind. What makes him smile? How does he like to spend his free time? Is he more of a sports guy or a gamer? Does he fancy a certain kind of food? Putting in the time and effort to personalize this trip for him will be truly appreciated in the end — guys secretly love that sappy stuff! If you’re not sure where to begin, check out some ideas below for inspiration.

Outdoorsman/ Adventurer

Hike various trails (see wildlife, waterfalls, changing leaves, and more!) throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Make mountain memories ziplining through the forest together with Smoky Mountain Ziplines.

Take a nature ride for 2 on the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster.

Get a birds-eye view of the Smokies — mountains, rivers, valleys, and all! – with Scenic Helicopter Tours in Pigeon Forge.

Intellectual/ Artist

Admire sea life from a safe distance at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg.

Charm him with your prison-break skills in the Escape Game at The Island.

Let him drool over the aircraft hangar and flight demonstrations at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.

Visit the Jim Gray Gallery to view lovely artwork (paintings, sculptures, etc.) housed in a 100-year-old former church building.

Cuisine Connoisseur (i.e. He loves to eat!)

Savor, juicy pulled pork, tender baby-back ribs, and smoked beef brisket from Bennet’s Pit Bar-B-Que.

Grab a manly burger with a brewed-in-house beer at the Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg.

Indulge your date with a premium quality steak for dinner and homemade ice cream for dessert at The Chop House.

Follow the Rocky Top Wine Trail for a free wine-tasting excursion – you’ll even receive a gift after 3 stops!

He’s Worth It!
Make this trip extra special by staying in a romantic cabin tucked away in the mountains! Unlike hotels, cabins are much more personal, offer unique amenities, and provide a genuine feeling of comfort. Choose lodging that is close to your planned outings or away from the crowded areas for a more secluded feel. Set aside one day without any planned activities to just spend time chillaxing! From snuggling together by an intimate fire and relaxing in an outdoor hot tub to admiring the morning mountain views and taking night swims in a private indoor pool, it’s all possible and more at a Smoky Mountain cabin.

Spoil him with in-cabin musts!

Spice up the trip by presenting your man with a bouquet of wild flowers — they aren’t just for women, you know!

Request a selection of gourmet coffee along with other assorted treats to enjoy on those crisp, mountain-air mornings with the Java Time gift basket.

Order the Mountain Breakfast, with eggs, bacon, pancake mix, banana muffins, and more — all awaiting in your cabin’s fully equipped kitchen!

Unwind and de-stress by scheduling a private 2-person massage for you and your beloved.

Ask for the Romantic Dinner for Two, which prepares your cabin’s kitchen with two marinating rib-eyes, two baking potatoes, a tossed salad, sparkling cider, and other delectable items as well as a set table with all the bells and whistles — candles, a flower centerpiece, 2 wine glasses, and more!

Show Him a Good Time
While food alone is quite satisfying, why not pair it with a show for even more enjoyment? A great combo of meal time and merriment, dinner theaters are a great choice for a special dining experience in the Smokies! For trick riding, musical numbers, comedic clowns, and a 4-course dinner, book the Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction. Plus, they begin their special Christmas production in November with holiday tunes, shimmering lights, and best of all, a live nativity — camels included! Solve a wacky murder, eat scrumptious Southern food, and laugh the night away at the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show. Four unique performances are offered, Moonshine Murders, The Killbillies, Frankly Scarlett – You’re Dead, and Scarlett Reloaded, so be sure to choose an evening with one suited to your guy’s taste.

More Feastful Fun

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures (a competitive act showcasing acrobatics, music, and more)

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show (a comedic battle between 2 families)

Soul of Motown Dinner Show (a groovy, concert-style performance of Motown favorites)

Hit Parade Dinner Show (a tribute to jukebox hits of the 50s and 60s)

Biblical Times Dinner Theater (host to multiple productions featuring various Bible stories)

Popular November Events
Sadie Hawkins Day couldn’t come at a better time of year! With cool weather, the scent of campfires, and yummy foods, fall is a blissful season, perfect for getting out and exploring Smoky Mountain events with your man.

Around early November, there’s still a possibility to see the changing leaves at lower elevations. Take a selfie with your dearest before a mountain range backdrop covered in shades of amber yellow, sunset orange, plum purple, deep red, and forest green.

Drive your car around the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, which displays more than 5 million lights from early November through the end of February. Pick up a free brochure and map at Pigeon Forge Welcome Centers or the Trolley Station. Better yet, let the trolley take you round the tour so you don’t have to worry about any traffic!

There’s nothing like a bowl of hot chili on a cold evening to put a little warmth in your belly and pep in your step! At the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff, you and yours can try diverse types of homemade chili for only $10 per sampling ticket. The street event with the ceremonial lighting and live entertainment is free, and it’s all going down on Wednesday, November 8 (2017) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p. m. So get planning, get packing, and get your taste buds ready!

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