Honeymoons aren’t just typical vacations; the destination needs to have beautiful scenery, plenty of activities, and endless opportunities for romance — and Eastern Tennessee checks all those boxes.
Spending your honeymoon in Gatlinburg, TN, is a way to experience small-town charm in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This Appalachian town provides a pristine backdrop for a romantic trip and features budget-friendly fun, premium cabins, and a secluded, yet convenient environment.
Read on to learn about nine ways to make your honeymoon unforgettable in Gatlinburg.
Explore the Smoky Mountains with your partner for memories (and pictures) you’ll never forget.
Embarking on a Smoky Mountain honeymoon is a perfect way to capture a picture-perfect moment with your significant other.
With over 500,000 acres of natural beauty, visitors can get lost in the abundance of nature and natural wonders. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you can explore one of the 800 miles of hiking trails, immerse yourself in the changing fall colors, or hunt for frozen waterfalls and snow-covered hills.
No matter when you visit, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops to get lost in — just make sure to bring a camera.
Head to the Gatlinburg Skypark to experience a unique birds-eye view of the area.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the Smoky Mountains, but that’s nearly an hour from Gatlinburg. Instead, experience similar views from a closer vantage point at the Gatlinburg Skypark.
This facility is situated in the heart of town, offering a picturesque scene of the surrounding area. Start by taking the chairlift up 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. From there, explore North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge or climb the Tulip Tower to see the area from every angle.
Finish up at the SkyDeck, where visitors can grab a snack and a beer while overlooking the town — and come in the evening to experience Gatlinburg’s twinkling lights and nighttime views.
Cozy up on the couch, in the jacuzzi, or beside a fire while surrounded by the Smoky Mountains.
When planning a romantic getaway to Gatlinburg, you’ll want to check off the important activities: exploring the Smoky Mountains, taking in the city, and any other suggestions on this list. However, the cherry on top of a Gatlinburg honeymoon could be simply spending a romantic evening in with your partner.
At Elk Springs, we offer several one-bedroom cabins with amenities like premium spa baths and indoor pools. Spend a night in front of the fireplace, discuss your trip in the jacuzzi, or sit outside on your balcony overlooking the vast wilderness just feet away.
Alternatively, treat yourself to an indoor picnic, or plan a game night — no matter how you spend your night with your partner, our cabins provide the perfect setting for a romantic evening.
Melt away aches and pains with your partner at one of the many spa facilities in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area.
Some seek adventure in their honeymoon planning, while others value complete relaxation. If you and your partner are in the latter, treat yourselves to a romantic spa day.
There are plenty of spas and massage facilities in Gatlinburg where you can receive a massage, foot scrub, hot stone therapy, and various other self-care treatments. You’ll also find several unique opportunities, such as yoga flow classes, moonlight massages, and chakra alignments.
From Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, you’ll be sure to find a location that can give you some much-needed treatment — whether you want a relaxing afternoon or a few hours of rest after a day of hiking.
Experience the city in a unique way by embarking on the Gatlinburg Wine Trail.
Once you’ve experienced the scenic views of the surrounding area, become more familiar with Gatlinburg via a self-guided or VIP wine tour.
The Gatlinburg Wine Trail proudly showcases the most prominent wineries in town: Cades Cove Cellars, Little Bear Winery, and Sugarland Cellars. This self-guided tour has three parent companies and five total locations and features a passport system that grants free tastings and gifts along the way.
Opt for the VIP tour if you and your partner want a more intimate adventure. This experience involves a personalized visit to each winery, complementary items, and a discount for any bottles of wine purchased during the tour. Buy a bottle on the trip to enjoy later in your cabin.
Or, if you are more of a beer or moonshine drinker, try out the Gatlinburg Brewing Company or one of the distilleries in Gatlinburg.
Catch a thrill with your partner at one of the largest recreational areas in Tennessee.
Located just five miles from downtown, Ober Gatlinburg is the best spot in the area for an exhilarating afternoon with your partner.
This one-stop activity center boasts many experiences that will get your heart pumping no matter the season. In the warmer weather, enjoy downhill mountain biking, an alpine slide, or taking a ride on their mountain coaster. In the winter, try your hand at ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, and other winter sports activities.
Afterward, finish up with a ride on their aerial tramway – the longest tram in North America, which gives a panoramic view of the surrounding area — one that reaches 1,000 feet higher than any other in the state.
Get lost in the season among city decorations and events in Gatlinburg year-round.
No matter when you visit the Smokies, there are endless possibilities for celebrations in Gatlinburg throughout the year.
The city erupts in decorations and festivities to celebrate the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival beginning in mid-September. This two-month-long event features hay bales, pumpkins, and more, all scattered around the town, pairing perfectly with the emerging fall colors.
In mid-November, Gatlinburg transitions to a Christmas-themed wonderland as holiday lights, decorations, and trolley rides permeate throughout the city until the new year.
In the spring and summer months, check out the Smoky Mountain Springfest in nearby Pigeon Forge, or take part in one of the many summer events in Gatlinburg, such as celebrating National Moonshine Day at a local distillery.
Try something different with your partner by going to a live dining experience.
Even though Nashville is four hours away, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is home to several live shows and dining experiences that bring that country music capital flair to East Tennessee.
If you’re in a country-western mood, head to Dolly Parton’s Stampede — a dinner attraction filled with home-cooked food, horse races, stunt riders, and other equestrian spectacles. If you want something a little different, the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show offers three-course meals alongside an interactive whodunit that blends comedy with suspense.
From country-themed displays to comedy shows, there are plenty of dining experiences in the area to keep you and your partner entertained.
Book a honeymoon cabin to plan the finishing touches on a romantic getaway.
Gatlinburg and the surrounding area can be magnificent places to celebrate your honeymoon — make sure your accommodations are as romantic as the scenery.
At Elk Springs Resort, we offer a number of Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins that provide the perfect setting for your trip. Whether you’re in the market for a cozy, one-bedroom cabin or a creekside cabin, we can guarantee a romantic getaway you’ll never forget.
If you and your partner want to celebrate your union in style, choose Elk Springs for your honeymoon cabin in Gatlinburg, TN.
