For Active Couples Who Want Scenic Views: The Smoky Mountains For Couples Who Love Energy and Entertainment: Nashville For Retired Couples Seeking Lakeside Serenity: Fairfield Glade For Couples Wanting a Little Bit of Everything: Gatlinburg Unique Activities and Hidden Gems for Couples Budget-Friendly Ideas for Couples in Tennessee Frequently Asked Questions About Romantic Getaways in Tennessee If you're looking for a romantic getaway to enjoy as a couple, Tennessee will sweep both of you off your feet like a honey-sweet country ballad. Whenever I think back to my favorite places to visit, I'm immediately brought back to some of my favorite memories in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Nashville, and Fairfield Glade. I'm reminded of how much variety you can find, and that's what makes it so special. Get inspired to make sparks fly with these ideas for romantic getaways in Tennessee. For Active Couples Who Want Scenic Views: The Smoky Mountains If you're the kind of couple that bonds over adventure and fresh air, the Smoky Mountains make for one of the most unforgettable romantic getaways in Tennessee. The mountains seem to cast a spell from the moment you arrive, with mist rising over ridges at sunrise, winding trails leading to hidden waterfalls, and valleys that stretch so wide you feel like the only two people in the world. It's the perfect place to disconnect from buzzing phones and share quality time with each other. One thing that never leaves my mind is the haze blanketing the mountain. It's a distinctive blue-grey that makes for the perfect photo-op together. And at the heart of it all is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most iconic places to visit in Tennessee, with more than 900 miles of trails and scenic drives with stunning overlooks. Each season adds its own sparkle to the Great Smoky Mountains' scenery. Spring rains bring roaring waterfalls, summer fills the forests with birdsong, fall turns the mountains into a canvas of fiery oranges and reds, and winter delivers snow-dusted peaks. Must-See Highlights Cades Cove: A gorgeous valley full of historic cabins, churches, and wildlife. Pack a picnic, hop on bikes, or just enjoy the scenic loop together. Clingmans Dome Tower (Kuwohi): The highest point in the park. A short paved hike leads to jaw-dropping 360° views of the mountains. The Appalachian Trail: One of the most famous trails in the U.S. runs for more than 70 miles through the park. Even a short hike feels bucket-list worthy. Best Dining Spots to Refuel Five Oaks Farm Kitchen: Cute, casual, and famous for cinnamon rolls that are basically the size of your head. The Appalachian: The atmosphere is rustic-meets-modern with wood accents and an open kitchen. Menu highlights include locally sourced meats, trout, and inventive small plates. Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Grill: A charming local favorite with homestyle classics like chicken and dumplings and their famous apple fritters. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge 1425 Old Knoxville Highway Sevierville, TN 37876 | (865) 286-6480 This family-friendly resort doubles as a romantic base camp for mountain adventures. The vibe is lively yet cozy, thanks to the indoor and outdoor waterparks and the rolling Smoky Mountain backdrop. Suites are spacious with full kitchens and private balconies, perfect for uncorking a bottle of wine after a day of hiking or Dollywood thrills. FIND DATES Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains 308 Collier Drive Sevierville, TN 37862 | (865) 774-3960 Perched on a hillside overlooking Sevierville, this resort feels like a peaceful Smoky Mountain retreat. The one- and two-bedroom condos come with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and decks with sweeping views of the surrounding ridges. You're just minutes from Dollywood and The Island in Pigeon Forge, and when you're ready to relax, the indoor pool and sauna are the perfect unwind. FIND DATES For Couples Who Love Energy and Entertainment: Nashville If your idea of romance includes music, food, and nonstop excitement, Nashville is one of the most unforgettable romantic getaways in Tennessee. It lives up to its name as Music City, where you can follow the sound of everything from bluegrass to rock and roll and find a venue with an energy that matches the vibe of your evening. A Tennessee romantic weekend here means excitement, charm, and plenty of chances to create memories together. During the day, Nashville delivers everything from culture to nature. Stroll through Centennial Park, where you can picnic by the iconic Parthenon, or spend time on the Cumberland River paddleboarding and cooling off under the sun. When the sun goes down, the city turns into a date-night paradise. Catch a live show or dance your way down Broadway's honky-tonks. For something a little more laid-back, Printer's Alley offers cozy speakeasies and jazz venues perfect for a nightcap, while the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge makes for a relaxing walk at sunset with views of the skyline. I went during my anniversary, and we got his-and-hers cowboy boots — of course we already have plans to go back! Must-See Highlights The Bluebird Café: One of Nashville's most legendary music venues with an intimate, 90-seat setting—it's where countless singer-songwriters, including Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks, got their start. Ryman Auditorium: Called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” this historic venue dazzles with soaring stained-glass windows with world-class acoustics. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: A romantic spot for daytime wanderings among flowers. Grand Ole Opry: World-famous Nashville stage that's been showcasing live country music legends and rising stars for nearly a century. Best Dining Spots to Refuel The Treehouse Nashville: Lively and creative, offering farm-to-table dishes with a fun, casual vibe. The Authentique: Intimate French dining with wines, crepes, and charcuterie boards — perfect for a romantic night out. The Catbird Seat: A one-of-a-kind experience with rotating chefs and inventive tasting menus—make sure to make reservations! Where to Stay Club Wyndham Nashville 2415 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37214 | (615) 871-4666 Couples who want to be close to the action but still enjoy a peaceful retreat will love Club Wyndham Nashville. Located near the Cumberland River and just a 20-minute drive from Broadway, it strikes that sweet balance of city excitement and quiet relaxation. The resort features spacious suites with full kitchens and living areas — perfect for cooking breakfast together before heading out for a day of music and sightseeing. FIND DATES Margaritaville Vacation Club - Nashville 425 Rep. John Lewis Way S Nashville, TN 37203 | (615) 986-9300 Just steps from the iconic Broadway Street, this resort is ideal for couples who want to walk to live music venues, rooftop bars, and iconic attractions. The décor has that signature island-inspired Margaritaville style, with bright colors, tropical accents, and a carefree atmosphere. Suites come with mini-kitchens and comfy living spaces, and the rooftop pool is a standout for cooling off by day or enjoying skyline views by night. FIND DATES For Retired Couples Seeking Lakeside Serenity: Fairfield Glade For couples who prefer their romantic getaways in Tennessee with a slower, more tranquil pace, Fairfield Glade is pure perfection. Tucked into the scenic Cumberland Plateau, this lakeside community offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind, where mornings start with a quiet coffee overlooking the water and afternoons are spent boating, golfing, or simply strolling hand-in-hand along wooded trails. Speaking of golf, Fairfield Glade is home to five championship golf courses, and for many couples it's a highlight of the experience. Whether you're casual players out for a fun round or golf enthusiasts chasing your next great game, the courses here are beautifully designed and surrounded by rolling hills and lake views that make every swing scenic. We tried our luck on the Stonehenge course one evening and, while our scorecards weren't exactly “on par” with Tiger Woods, the sunset over the fairway was the real highlight. Fairfield Glade is home to 11 lakes, each inviting you to linger on the shore or get out on the water. Whether you're fishing together, renting a canoe, or just relaxing on the shore, the lakes set the stage for simple, memorable moments. It's relaxed, simple, and endlessly charming—making it one of the best places to visit in Tennessee for couples ready to soak in the beauty of nature without rushing a thing. Must-See Highlights Boating at Dartmoor & St. George Marinas: Rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, or paddle boats. It's a fun, relaxing way to explore the lakes at your own pace. Endless Golf Courses: Fairfield Glade boasts five gorgeous golf courses that are a dream for any golf-loving couple — lush greens and scenic fairways as far as the eye can see. Robin Hood Park on Lake Catherine: It's perfect for couples who love simple pleasures – think picnics by the water and quiet afternoons stretched out under the trees. Just a short walk takes you to the Community Gardens, which invite you to slow down in a different way: wandering through seasonal blooms, chatting with locals who tend the plots, or even planting something side by side to leave a little piece of your love behind. Best Dining Spots to Refuel Red's Ale House: A local tavern-style ale house featuring karaoke nights, live entertainment, and a great craft beer selection. Stonehenge Grille: A resort-casual but romantic setting with an outdoor patio offering scenic views of rolling greens. The Grove at Fairfield Glade: An open-air amphitheater and biergarten on the shore of Mirror Lake for an unpretentious food-trucks-and-picnic-tables vibe. Where to Stay Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade 100 Stonehenge Drive Fairfield Glade, TN 38558 | (931) 484-3715 This resort makes your lakeside retreat even better, placing you centrally near Lake Catherine and the community's award-winning golf courses. Suites are condo-style with full kitchens and plenty of space to spread out. Spend your mornings by the marina, your afternoons golfing or exploring, and your evenings unwinding. With indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and even mini golf, it's the kind of stay where relaxation and recreation go hand-in-hand. FIND DATES For Couples Wanting a Little Bit of Everything: Gatlinburg Gatlinburg is one of the most popular romantic getaways in Tennessee because it has something for every mood. Great for couples who crave both city and nature, you can lace up your hiking boots in the morning and then swap them for dancing shoes at night. By day, Gatlinburg is your gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And when you're ready to explore, indulge in any of the park's 150 or so hiking trails. There's something for every energy level. Take your sweet time with gentle waterfall walks like Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail or Cataract Falls to more challenging climbs such as the Rainbow Falls Trail, which leads you up toward Mount LeConte. By night, the scene shifts to Gatlinburg's lively downtown strip. The Parkway is buzzing with shops, candy kitchens, and quirky attractions. One evening, we gave in to our inner tourists: sampling fudge, listening to street musicians, and playing a round of arcade games — spoiler: I lost badly at skee-ball. Must-See Highlights Newfound Gap Road: The ultimate scenic drive with overlooks that make you feel like you've stepped into a painting. Gatlinburg Skypark: A mountaintop attraction that's home to the iconic SkyLift, a scenic chairlift that carries you up Crockett Mountain, and the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walking across the bridge at night, with glass-floor panels beneath your feet and the glow of the town below is one of those “hold hands a little tighter” experiences that gets your heart racing. Dollywood: Soar down the mountainside on the Wild Eagle Coaster, enjoy live music, and bask in the irresistible scent of buttery cinnamon bread at this iconic theme park full of charm. Best Dining Spots to Refuel The Pancake Pantry: Famous for heart-shaped pancakes and great boxed picnic lunches. Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse: Enjoy an upscale mountain lodge dining experience with steaks like filet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip. Ole Smokey Candy Kitchen: Indulge in sweet treats like fudge and taffy, perfect for sharing. Where to Stay River Terrace Resort and Convention Center 240 River Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | (800) 428-1932 Right in the heart of downtown, River Terrace combines convenience with cozy mountain charm. Its location along the Little Pigeon River means you can hear the water rushing by as you sip coffee on your balcony. Step outside and walk straight to the Parkway for candy shops, restaurants, and attractions, and retreat to a quiet riverside room at the end of the night. FIND DATES Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park 915 Westgate Resorts Rd Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | (800) 428-1932 Those who like variety will love Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort. It offers both relaxation and built-in fun. Nestled between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the property has incredible mountain views from its villas and a huge perk: its own indoor water park. The villas come with full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies that are perfect for watching the sunset together. FIND DATES Unique Activities and Hidden Gems for Couples Beyond the big destinations and famous attractions, part of what makes a trip truly ours are the unique experiences and little discoveries along the way. While you're visiting any of its gorgeous cities, be sure to try some of these date ideas that will add a personal, playful spin to your Tennessee getaways. Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains I love finding hidden gems to explore, and found one of them completely by accident! It's a small winery in the hills in Gatlinburg, the Old Mountain Wine Company. We arrived near closing after getting a little lost on our way back to the resort, but the owner still invited us in for a quick tasting. For a quirky, fun experience, you'll be pleasantly surprised and have way more fun than you'd expect at the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg. Believe it or not, it's home to more than 20,000 pairs of shakers in every theme imaginable. Who knew browsing kitschy shakers could be romantic? Another way we've deepened our connection is by learning or creating something together. Tennessee has plenty of opportunities for that! In the Smoky Mountains arts & crafts community near Gatlinburg, we signed up for a ceramics class on a whim. By the end, we were laughing uncontrollably at my lopsided “masterpiece,” but also feeling oddly proud that we did it together. Nashville If pottery isn't your thing, how about a cooking class for two? During a weekend in Nashville, we joined a small group class at Eat The Art. There's plenty of classes customized to your skill level, like pies, chocolate, and pasta. We took a class to learn how to bake French macarons. Fairfield Glade And finally, while Fairfield Glade may be known for its golf courses and lakes, it also has a few underrated gems that make for memorable couples' experiences. One of my favorites was an impromptu sunset paddle on Lake Dartmoor. You can rent a small pontoon from the marina, pack a simple picnic, and drift into a quiet cove as the sky turns pink and gold. Budget-Friendly Ideas for Couples in Tennessee Romance doesn't have to come with a high price tag. In fact, some of the best moments my partner and I have had were when we kept things simple. If you're planning a trip full of love but need to mind your budget, Tennessee is a fantastic place to be. Here are a few tips we've learned for inexpensive or free date ideas and ways to snag deals on travel and accommodations without sacrificing any of the fun or charm. Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains Nature is basically one giant free romance booster in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee, so you can hike to your heart's content, pack picnics, and drive scenic routes for just the cost of gas. Consider a drive up to Cades Cove in the Smokies. Pack some sandwiches and it's a 5-star picnic with million-dollar views. Or, wander the trails at a state park like Fall Creek Falls where you can even take a refreshing dip under a waterfall without paying a cent. Another of my favorite “cheap dates” was riding the Gatlinburg Trolley for a small fare. It's a fun, easy way to explore town together without worrying about parking. And in the evenings, simply find a quiet overlook or walk along the riverfront; with the town lights glowing and the mountains as your backdrop, it feels just as romantic as any high-end experience. Nashville City fun can be affordable too. In Nashville, many venues offer free live music. We often hop between honky-tonk bars on Broadway, like Tootsies Orchid Lounge, where there's no cover charge, just great bands playing. Grab a local beer and enjoy hours of music and dancing. Worth another mention is Nashville's Centennial Park. It's free and perfect for a laid-back couple's afternoon, especially if there's a festival or art fair going on. Fairfield Glade Fairfield Glade also proves that romance doesn't have to cost a thing. With all the lakes, miles of wooded trails, and beautiful public spaces, couples can spend entire days outdoors without ever pulling out a wallet. Some of my favorite simple moments here were renting a canoe for just a few dollars and paddling across Lake Catherine, or packing sandwiches and finding a shady spot by the shore to picnic and people-watch. Frequently Asked Questions About Romantic Getaways in Tennessee Where is the best place to vacation in Tennessee for couples? For couples, the Smoky Mountains top the list. Between stunning hiking trails and evenings spent by the fire after exploring, the area offers the perfect mix of adventure and intimacy. If you want more city energy, Nashville delivers with live music, rooftop dining, and riverside strolls. What is the number one attraction in Tennessee for adults? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the #1 attraction for adults – and it's free! With panoramic views, waterfalls, and scenic drives, it's ideal for couples who love the outdoors. For nightlife seekers, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is another top contender, where you can enjoy legendary live music in an iconic setting. Is Tennessee a good honeymoon spot? Absolutely! Tennessee makes a fantastic honeymoon spot because it has a little bit of everything: mountain views, vibrant cities, and charming small towns. Whether you want a cozy stay with a hot tub in the Smokies or a luxury stay downtown Nashville with fine dining, Tennessee delivers. What is the prettiest place in Tennessee? It's hard to beat Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains – rolling meadows surrounded by misty peaks create a dreamy backdrop. On the flip side, if you prefer a city view, the glow of Nashville's skyline from the Cumberland River pedestrian bridge is pure magic. Take a Tennessee Vacation for Two From the misty peaks of the Smokies to the lively streets of Nashville, from Gatlinburg's mix of mountain charm and downtown fun to Fairfield Glade's peaceful lakeside serenity, Tennessee proves time and again that romance comes in several styles. That's the beauty of these romantic getaways in Tennessee: you don't have to choose between adventure and relaxation, or history and modern energy — you can have it all.
