4 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains
If you are looking to treat your special someone to a romantic vacation this Valentine’s Day, there is no better option than the Smokies! Between all the romantic restaurants and breathtaking scenery, your date will be truly mesmerized by the entire adventure. Here are 4 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner
One of the best ways to truly impress your sweetheart is by treating them to a romantic dinner. Whether you are vacationing in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, there are plenty of delicious places to enjoy a quiet meal. Of course, one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day entrees is steak. In Gatlinburg, you will find one of the best steakhouses in all of the Smokies, The Peddler.
During your romantic evening, you and your date can treat yourselves to one of the most extensive salad bars you will ever see. They have a variety of different vegetables, meats, and homemade salad dressings to help create your own masterpiece. Afterwards, you can pick out your favorite cut of meat and let The Peddler Steakhouse cook it to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning!
2. Take a Ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
You can find one of the most romantic attractions in Pigeon Forge at The Island. Standing nearly 200 feet in the air, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel can take you and your date on the ride of a lifetime. As you make your way to the top, cuddle together and take in the beautiful scenery of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. The best part is that the gondolas are made with glass walls, so you will have no trouble seeing the beauty of the mountains! Be sure to bring your camera along so you can capture a selfie from the top of the ferris wheel.
After your romantic ride, be sure to check out all the other amazing things to do at The Island. There are plenty of stunning shops where you can find the perfect souvenir to take back home, plus dozens of thrilling attractions, such as The Escape Game and SkyFly: Soar America! After you are done exploring, there are a variety of delicious restaurants where you can have a fantastic meal!
3. Experience a Winter Hike
If you want to escape the busyness of the city with your Valentine, there are a ton of amazing hiking trails in the Smokies. Because winter is typically a quieter time on the trails, you can enjoy some quality time with your loved one and the nature that surrounds you. If you need help finding the perfect winter hiking trail, there are quite a few that have become popular for this time of year.
Rainbow Falls is an amazing winter hiking experience that will take your breath away. The spectacular 80-foot waterfall is incredible during all times of the year, but there is something extra magical about it during the winter months. During long cold spells, there is a chance you might even get to see unbelievable ice formations built up around the falls. To see more ice sculptures, take a trip on the Alum Cave Trail. Along the hike, you can often see frozen icicles hanging from the side of the cliff and the treetops! No matter which hiking trail you decide to visit, you will enjoy having some alone time with nature and your special someone!
4. Ice Skating at Ober Mountain
Bring out your inner child and enjoy some ice skating at Ober Mountain! You and your date can hold hands as you soar from one side of the rink to the other. If you want to make a competition out of it, see who is the fastest skater between you two and the winner will have a few extra bragging rights in the relationship. There are plenty of other activities to check out while you are there, including snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and even mini golf!
After you are done playing in the snow, you can return back to the Ski Mountain Grind Haus where you can warm up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also serve tasty treats to enjoy with your toasty drink, including homemade cookies and pastries. A trip to Ober Mountain is the perfect way for you to spend Valentine’s Day in the Smokies!
Now that you know some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out some other fun things to do on your trip! We look forward to seeing you and your date soon!
