Planning to spend Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains this year? From mountain-gazing to wine-sampling to chocolate fondue, we’ve got some sweet ideas about how you and your sweetie can make the most of your romance-filled retreat.
Read on for our morning-to-evening guide to a perfect Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains:
Start the Day Off Sweet
What says romance more than a fresh, hot crueller – unless it’s a chocolate-glazed donut and a latte? Or a slice of cinnamon bread and a cappuccino? Whatever your flavor, we love the idea of treating your love to a special breakfast at the Donut Friar where you’ll get the best donuts and coffee around (earn bonus points by bringing it back to the cabin while they sleep in).
Go Mountain-Gazing
Next, cozy up to your special person (whether out of true love or fear of heights) as you rise 1800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Want an even more impressive view? Try the glass elevator up to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Smokies.
Book a Massage for Two
Enjoy a Swedish Valentine’s Day couples massage at Quiet Reflections Massage in Gatlinburg. You’ll be treated to 90 minutes of Swedish-style relaxation, which involves long, flowing strokes that promise to rejuvenate your muscles. Chance of leaving relaxed and happy: 100%.
Gaze into Each Other’s Eyes Over a Glass of Wine (or Three)
Italian author Edmondo de Amicis said that “wine adds a smile to friendship and a spark to love,” and we agree. Visit Sugarland Cellars for a leisurely wine tasting, and leave with a bottle of Martha Jane Rosé to enjoy. Make it two bottles, and enjoy yourself twice as much.
Dine on Seasonal Fare at Buckhorn Inn
2140 Tudor Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4668
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Photo Credit by @barrybirdwhistell on Instagram
After you’ve picked out your favorite bottle of wine, head over to the Buckhorn Inn for a special Valentine’s Day dinner with a seasonal, local menu offering dishes like Rack of Lamb with Cumberland Sauce (bonus: You can bring your wine, and they’ll uncork it for no charge). An alternative would be to visit the Park Grill and enjoy the live piano music. Other good options for a romantic dinner include the Greenbrier and the Cherokee Grill.
Have Your Dessert and Eat It Too
The Melting Pot in Gatlinburg offers the quintessential Valentine’s Day dessert: chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. Their original chocolate fondue is swirled with crunchy peanut butter and comes with fresh strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, marshmallow treats, pound cake, and brownies. Also, try the Flaming Turtle: milk chocolate, caramel, and candied pecans flambéed tableside.
Talk Long Into the Night at Your Smoky Mountains Condo
Remember that second bottle of wine? It’ll come in handy when you and your sweetheart retire from a long day (and night) of romance to enjoy a little privacy in your cozy Smoky Mountains condo. Who knows? Maybe Valentine’s Day in the Smokies will become your special tradition.
