With beautiful mountain landscapes, wonderful accommodations, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an affordable paradise for those seeking a traditional romantic getaway.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Without doubt, Gatlinburg's largest attraction is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most popular park in the United States. Each national park has its own unique landscape and beauty, and G.M.S. is no exception. With incredible mountain vistas, numerous popular campsites and hundreds of miles of both trails and streams, the park is an outstanding location for outdoor romance. Hike to any of the parks many waterfalls for an afternoon picnic, your bodies being cooled by the mist of the white veils of water.
Or, take a trek to Newfound Gap, with amazingly extensive views of the Tennessee / North Carolina border. Summer is the busiest time for the park, and winter the off-season, perfect for cold weather sports like snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In spring, the meadows are ablaze with a fully-colored pallet of wildflowers. In the fall, you'll see the intense colors of the fall foliage on a pleasant afternoon horseback ride. Regardless of the season in which you visit, this jewel of the national landscape is sure to ignite your romantic imagination.
In Gatlinburg
The town of Gatlinburg is quaint and lovely, home to just 3000 souls, and nestled in a verdant valley at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Walking through the town, you'll come across more than four hundred shops, filled with collectibles, curios, and the handicrafts of local artisans. As you continue your stroll, you'll be sure to bridge at least one of the four quick-running streams that crisscross the town. If your dogs are barking, you can always catch the colorful and affordable Trolley that runs daily, with its primary stop at the local Chamber of Commerce.
In the mood for some fine dining or a sweet treat? Gatlinburg features a number of candy shops that make great fudge and taffy, and outstandingly crisp, flavorful apple cider is locally available as well. This small town also boasts over 100 restaurants from which to choose, including excellent pancake houses and breakfast bars to start every day of your honeymoon on the right foot.
Beyond Gatlinburg
Beyond the town proper, there are a number of things to see and do in Gatlinburg's general vicinity. If you're visiting during the winter months, you and your honey might take a trip to Ober Gatlinburg, the local ski resort, by way of the world's largest sky tram, which leaves from the middle of town.
If it's a bit warmer, a trip to Dollywood amusement park might suit your fancy. With a one-price admission and lots of country music stars passing through, this can be a fun-filled afternoon of rides and shows.
The Nascar Speedpark is also a short drive from the town, as is the Lost Seathe, the world's largest underground lake, reached through a trek through breathtakingly huge caverns in the nearby town of Sweetwater.
No matter the season, no matter the budget, Gatlinburg has what you're looking for in a traditional honeymoon. With wonderful shopping, lodging, and dining, numerous local attractions and easy access to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this beautiful, charming town in eastern Tennessee is a classic spot for honeymoon romance.
