Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains have been top destinations for many decades and will continue to be for many years to come. Every year we have the honor of witnessing young love that’s just starting to bloom, countless proposals, weddings, guests visiting on their honeymoon, and many that return for anniversaries year after year. The Smokies are packed with never-ending possibilities for romance and we wanted to help you plan the perfect romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Here are 25 of our top romantic things to do in Gatlinburg TN during your stay with us.
Dinner at The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is cozy, beautiful, historical, high-end, and perfect for a special occasion with your sweetheart. Want a laid-back mid-week date night? Stop on a Wednesday for their $8 burger special at the bar, it’ll save you some cash but you’ll still enjoy the beautiful experience of dining at The Greenbrier.
Stargazing in the Smokies
If you’re in town on a new moon night that’s clear, head up to Clingmans Dome for the sunset and stick around for some quiet time with your honey while you take in the beauty of the Milky Way and a billion stars hovering above you!
A Picnic in the Park
It’s a classic romantic moment and staying with us makes it extra easy to pull off. Stop in at Old Dad’s General Store that’s just down the road from our hotel and pick up everything you need for a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg entrance to the park is located in the same area so you’ll be on the way to your picnic destination in just minutes.
Ride the SkyLift
Speaking of classic moments, one photo and experience that you need during your time here in Gatlinburg is of you and your significant other riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift. Once you get to the top you can explore the SkyBridge, have a drink, kick back by the fire pits and take in a breathtaking view of the Smokies. Tip: Your ticket can be used all day so be sure to head back up for the sunset!
Sunrise/Sunset
Planning on skipping at sunset at the Gatlinburg SkyPark? No worries, the Smoky Mountains are filled with stunning spots for both the sunrise and sunset. Sunrise, head up to the Gatlinburg Bypass Overlook, Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. Wanting to chase sunset? Morton’s Overlook, Clingmans Dome, and the Foothills Parkway are great spots to wrap up the day! This just goes to show there are things to do in Gatlinburg TN from sunrise to sunset and beyond!
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, Baskin Creek Falls, Ramsey Cascades, Cataract Falls, Fern Branch Falls, Laurel Falls, and many more waterfalls are located near Gatlinburg, TN. Pack your hiking clothes and chase a few during your romantic getaway in the mountains!
Horseback Riding/Carriage Ride
Sugarlands Riding Stables is a short drive from our downtown Gatlinburg hotel and is a great spot for exploring the Smoky Mountains on horseback. For a little more relaxed experience, head up to Cades Cove and take advantage of their carriage ride option.
A Bird’s Eye View
If you’re really wanting to get an amazing view of the Smokies and impress your sweetheart, book a helicopter tour of the area! We guarantee this is one of the more unique things to do in Gatlinburg TN!
Wine Tasting
Gatlinburg and the Smokies are well-known for our abundance of moonshine and whiskey, but we have plenty of great wine around town as well. From our hotel, you can access numerous locations within just a short walk. One of our favorites? Sugarland Cellars that’s located just down the road from us! Pick up one of their special bottles of wine that are wrapped with the beautiful art of Robert A. Tino and you’ll also be supporting Friends of the Smokies, one of the top non-profit organizations that support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
An Evening by the River
Chances are while you’re in town you’ll have plenty of days that are packed with activities and adventure. One evening, just kick back and enjoy some time by the river from your private balcony here at Old Creek Lodge. All of our guest rooms have a balcony overlooking the river as well as a fireplace and other great amenities.
Spend a Holiday With Us
An anniversary, a birthday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and more. You can’t go wrong with spending a holiday with us in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Browse the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Do you love art and local culture? If so, then you’ll enjoy spending a morning browsing the amazing shops that are located throughout the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community. Pick up a couple of unique pieces to remember your trip by and you’ll also be supporting local artists that work hard to keep the art of Appalachia alive here in Tennessee.
Play A Round of Putt Putt
A little friendly competition never hurt anyone and it’s always extra fun if you toss in a bet with your sweetheart. Good luck!
Fall In Love All Ober Again Above Gatlinburg
During your stay with us, you’ll be a 3-minute walk away from Ober Gatlinburg’s Aerial Tramway. Take a stroll over, take in the views on your way to the top and then enjoy time ice skating or skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during the winter months.
Enjoy a Mid-Week Escape
Plan a spontaneous romantic getaway with your significant other to break up the monotony of your everyday routine. A mid-week escape to Gatlinburg is a great way to score some excellent deals on rates, avoid the crowd, and just mix things up a bit.
Windows Down, Music Up
There’s no shortage of scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. Take a trip up to Clingmans Dome, follow the river up Little River Road, spend time watching for wildlife as you cruise Cades Cove, explore the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, or enjoy the views from the Foothills Parkway. Take one drive, or take them all, either way, you can’t go wrong.
Capture The Moment
When was the last time you had your photo taken by a professional and with your sweetheart? Book a portrait session with one of our local photographers during your time in the Smokies and we can promise you that you’ll be thankful that you did when you look back on your trip many years from now.
Paddle The Day Away
Book a flat water kayaking tour with one of our local guide companies for a unique outing along the Tennessee River, on the Townsend side of the Smokies, or on Douglas Lake. You’ll find info for the tours by looking up Smoky Mountain Guides or Hike The Smokys.
Take A Stroll Among The Sharks
The Ripley’s Aquarium is a short distance from our hotel and it’s a great place to enjoy an evening among the sharks, take a glass-bottom boat ride, some Turtle Time, or Splash with the Stingrays. Grab dinner at No Jose’s Cantina or stop off at Ted & Earl’s Back Alley Grill.
Embrace A Rainy Day
In the Smokies, a rainy day is common, or at least a rainy morning or afternoon. However, that shouldn’t damper the vibe of your romantic getaway and if anything, it can add to the romance. Pack umbrellas and take a stroll through town in the rain. Grab a coffee and a pastry at The Donut Friar, browse a few shops, or taste some moonshine while you wait for the sunshine to return.
An Adventure in the Treetops
Go zip lining. The views, the thrills, the memories, you’ll get it all.
Popcorn and Movie Night
If you find that your trip is packed with hiking, attractions, and hustling about but decide that you want some chill time, just stay in. Take a trip to Carmelcorn or Pop Culture Popcorn in Gatlinburg and load up on some treats then head back to your guest room here at Old Creek Lodge. You can pull up a movie, relax on your private balcony, enjoy the fireplace and just spend some downtime together.
Views and Brews
One of the benefits of staying at our downtown Gatlinburg hotel is being able to explore the area without having to drive. During your stay check out the local breweries and take in the views from Anakeesta, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, or Ober Gatlinburg.
Pancakes and Pottery
Pick a pancake spot in town and then schedule a pottery class with Fowler’s Clay Works in Gatlinburg for the afternoon for the perfect pancakes and pottery day.
A Getaway Fit for a King and His Queen
We may be a little biased but we think one of the top most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg TN is to spend a few nights with us at Old Creek Lodge. We’re located perfectly between the national park and downtown Gatlinburg as well as along the river. Our Amenities provide everything you need for a home-away-from-home experience and Our Guest Rooms are perfect for a Smoky Mountain getaway with your sweetheart!
Click Here to book your stay today and check out all the fun things to do in Gatlinburg TN with your sweetheart!
