The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for a Romantic Getaway in Gatlinburg TN
It’s no secret that Gatlinburg is one of the best places for a romantic getaway in Tennessee! When you and your sweetheart are in need of some time away together, come visit this beautiful mountain town. There is nothing more special than spending time with the one you love surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. To help you plan your trip together, we’ve created the perfect 2-day itinerary for a romantic getaway in Gatlinburg TN!
Day 1
The first full day of your romantic getaway in Gatlinburg is going to be packed with fun! The two of you will have a blast experiencing the best that downtown Gatlinburg has to offer.
1. Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry
The perfect way to kick off your trip is with breakfast at the most popular pancake house in town. The Pancake Pantry is Tennessee’s oldest pancake house and has visitors coming back year after year to enjoy made-from-scratch pancakes, real butter and fresh whipped cream. Pancakes aren’t the only thing on the menu though! In addition to the 24 different varieties of pancakes, there are waffles, farm fresh eggs, butter-fried hash browns and more.
2. Stroll Through Downtown Gatlinburg
After your breakfast, spend some time walking hand-in-hand through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. You can browse some of the shops and look for souvenirs to take back home with you!
3. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
You don’t want to miss the chance to visit the top aquarium in the country! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to more than 100,000 sea creatures. You can see and interact with sharks, sting rays, all kinds of fish, a green sea turtle, jellyfish and so much more. We recommend trying the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, which takes you into the heart of Shark Lagoon, with just 3 inches of glass separating you from the 12-foot sharks who live there! You’ll love being able to see all the aquatic animals swimming below you.
4. Grab Lunch
If your pancakes have worn off by this point, stop to grab some lunch somewhere in downtown Gatlinburg! The streets of Gatlinburg are lined with restaurants. If you want a quick bite to eat, some good places to visit are Blaine’s Grill & Bar, Gatlinburg Brewing Company, Johnny Rockets and Joe and Pop’s Sub Shoppe. Other great lunch spots are Loco Burro, Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery and New Orleans Sandwich Company.
5. Ride to the Top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle
After your meal, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle and take a ride in the glass elevators to the top! At the top of the 407-foot observation tower, you’ll have 360-degree views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. You’ll also get to learn more about the area with the Higher Learning exhibit, an educational experience from the Space Needle’s perspective. The stunning view from the top of the observation tower makes it perfect for your romantic getaway in Gatlinburg TN.
6. Spend the Rest of the Afternoon / Evening at Anakeesta
Spend the rest of your day at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Start your journey to the top of the mountain on a scenic chondola ride next to the one you love. Once you’re at the top, the real adventure begins! Explore the shops in Firefly Village, go on a Dueling Zipline Adventure side by side, or go for a stroll along the Treetop Skywalk. Once it gets later, head to Cliff Top Grill & Bar at Anakeesta and enjoy a drink and dinner as you watch the sunset! In the evening, you can gather around the fire pit and see the city all lit up below you.
7. Relax at a Gatlinburg Honeymoon Cabin
There’s no better place to stay for a romantic getaway in Gatlinburg TN than a cabin! We have a great selection of Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins that come with everything you need and more for a special stay. When you return to your cabin for the night, curl up in front of the fireplace indoors, soak in the hot tub outside, or watch your favorite movie together. Some honeymoon cabins even come with heart-shaped Jacuzzi tubs!
Day 2
The second day of your romantic getaway in Gatlinburg should be spent exploring the natural beauty of the Smokies and taking in all the gorgeous views!
1. Watch the Sunrise from Your Cabin’s Deck
Start your morning off by waking up early, making coffee, and watching the sunrise from the deck of your cabin! It’s such a great way to start your morning and such a special moment to share with your loved one.
2. Grab a Sweet Treat from the Donut Friar
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to try one of the sweet treats from the Donut Friar! You’ll know when you’re close because the smell of freshly made donuts, cinnamon bread and pastries will be drifting from the shop. You can also get coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and espressos all made to your liking.
3. Browse The Village Shops
The Donut Friar sits within The Village Shops, so while you’re there, take some time to see what other things you can find! There are 27 unique stores and eateries that are set up in a European-themed village atmosphere. Some of the popular shops in The Village are Pepper Palace, Celtic Heritage and The Spice & Tea Exchange!
4. Explore the National Park
The Village is near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means you’re close to your next adventure! Something special to do with your sweetheart while you’re in town is to take in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. One of the best ways to do so is to go for a hike! Some of the most popular hikes are Laurel Falls, which features an 80-foot waterfall, and the Alum Cave Trail, which features a concave bluff and plenty of gorgeous mountain views. If you don’t want to hike, explore the national park by taking a scenic drive! Some of the most popular scenic drives are Cades Cove and Newfound Gap.
Please note: If you visit Gatlinburg before March, the Cades Cove Loop Road is closed.
5. Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
The gorgeous views won’t end when you leave the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The next best activity on your romantic getaway is a visit to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Climb onto the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which will take you up 500 vertical feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. Along the ride, you’ll be able to take in gorgeous views of Gatlinburg. Once you get to the top, you can step off onto the SkyDeck. If you’re hungry after your adventure in the national park, grab a snack or a quick meal in the SkyCenter, where you can enjoy the Gatlinburg scenery from inside. After you eat, spend time relaxing on the SkyDeck, or walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! The Gatlinburg SkyBridge is quickly becoming one of the most romantic attractions in the town. You’ll love being able to share this experience with each other. After all the fun at the top of Crockett Mountain, ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift back to downtown Gatlinburg.
6. Have Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse
After your fun at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, head back to your cabin to freshen up before enjoying a nice dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse! The Peddler is one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg and allows you to take in views of the Little Pigeon River while you dine. Enjoy flavorful food, a fresh salad bar, steaks grilled over Tennessee hickory charcoal and more. Because of its comfortable, intimate surroundings and a beautiful mountain setting, this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. You can even split a slice of cheesecake or strawberry shortcake!
7. Spend the Evening at Your Cabin
After your dinner for two, end your romantic getaway in Gatlinburg TN by spending the evening in your cabin. Not only do cabins have relaxing amenities, but they have fun amenities too! There are cabins with pool tables and other games, big screens that are perfect for movie nights and even indoor pools. No matter what you choose to do, the best way to close out a fun-filled trip with your sweetheart is by spending quality time together in the comfort of your cabin.
Find Where to Stay for Your Romantic Getaway in Gatlinburg TN
Now that you know what to do on your visit to the Smokies, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay for you and your sweetheart! Take a look at all our honeymoon cabins in Gatlinburg and book your stay.
