Romantic Getaways in Tennessee

The majestic mountain landscapes, historic city streets and incomparable country music scene of Tennessee make the state a favorite destination for couples of all ages and interests. Here you can take your sweetheart and set off for relaxing scenic drive, a walking tour or a visit to a vineyard. To make your Tennessee vacation more memorable, consider these following destinations for the perfect romantic getaway.

Knoxville

Repeatedly voted as one of the most romantic cities in the country, Knoxville is sure to steal your heart with a scintillating combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, just north of the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a fantastic riverfront which boasts of scenic views and where you can stroll down hand in hand with your beloved. Besides the riverfront is also the city’s prime recreational destination, being lined with fine dining places and busy shopping centers. Nearby there are innumerable nightlife options with bars, pubs and clubs featuring music and grub to suit a variety of tastes. Again Downtown Knoxville’s Gay Street is home to some of the region’s most intimate and beloved venues, such as the Historic Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou Theatre where you can catch a show as the highlight of a romantic evening.

Gatlinburg

Bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg in Tennessee is one of the popular places to get married in the United States. And with good reason too since it is hemmed by spectacular views of the Le Conte and Sugarland Mountain massifs rising to the south, Cove Mountain to the west, Big Ridge to the northeast, and Grapeyard Ridge to the east. Here you can take a romantic stroll or horseback ride through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where hiking trails and waterfalls abound. In winters you can head for Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski resort in Tennessee which is well-equipped with eight ski trails and three chair lifts, and is accessible via roads and a gondola from the city strip. Another popular attraction is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies which also features special exhibits covering subjects such as the Titanic, pirates and more recently the planet Mars. If you are in the mood for some spooky fun. There is a walk-through haunted house known as the "Mysterious Mansion. For a truly romantic experience though you can head for the Smoky Mountain Winery which has an extensive selection of dry and sweet wines lining the walls, all of which they produce. While you are there they will line you up for a tasting or you can venture into their gift shop and see what you can purchase for your own cellar. After a busy day of sightseeing and activities, watch the sunset from the balcony of your hotel or the patio of your cabin.

Pigeon Forge

However for a truly romantic getaway among exquisite natural settings, you need to head out five miles from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge. located along Highway 441 just north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park this is a favorite destination for couples for the beautiful scenery all around as well as varied recreational activities which include touring attractions such as Dollywood theme park, Titanic Museum, the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame or taking in a show at the Country Tonight Theatre, the Comedy Barn or Biblical Times Dinner Theater. Interestingly enough Pigeon Forge is a top draw for car and truck enthusiasts and if your interests incline that way, you can drop onto any of the car and truck show events that run from April through September. Here you can rent a cabin, stay at a family-owned inn, or book a room at a spa resort between the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway and the Little Pigeon River. most accommodations offer  breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains as well as easy access to local favorites like the Smoky Mountain Opry and the Spa at Oak Haven.

Nashville

This prime Tennessee city pampers its couples with beauty, music and typical Southern hospitality. Romance each other in the Botanic Gardens or a book a tour of the Museum of Art where an artfully restored neo-Georgian mansion houses both historic and contemporary works of art. In the evening stroll through bars and cafes in the Music Row area where most of the recording companies and studios are located. Or take a day out to visit the Music Valley which houses the Opryland Hotel, the Opry Mills regional shopping mall and the General Jackson showboat but most famously hosts the Grand Ol’ Opry which is the longest running live radio show in the world. Don’t miss the Country Music Hall of Fame though, which is another major attraction relating to the popularity of country music. In Nashville, Robert’s Western Hall is a great place to take in the vibes of the city while downing some exquisite cocktails and listening to great music. The Oak Bar and Virago are the other watering holes on the trendier side. Wind up the evening by pampering your sweetheart with a romantic dinner. In Nashville some of the best places for a fine dining experience are the Yellow Porch where the menu features Southern variations of Mediterranean favorites, the Morton’s where the heavenly steaks are complimented by the best spirits and the Sambuca which is famous for hosting performances by Grammy-winning artists amidst elegant interiors and accompanied with the finest food. If you are in a mood to indulge on your romantic getaway, stay at the Hermitage Hotel or the Union Station Hotel. Alternately head outside the city for the Butterfly Hollow which provides a romantic bed and breakfast experience in a secluded valley in Gordonsville.

Chattanooga

Named after its most prominent feature, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga is the perfect romantic destination when you wish to get away from it all. Limestone cliffs and underground waterfalls create a picturesque place to spend time with a significant other. Art-lovers can bond over the region’s largest collection of American art in Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District. This charming town has several types of lodging options galore for its vacationing couples - you can stay at a quaint bed-and-breakfast or lodge in the Art District for easy access to authentic Italian restaurants and European-style coffee shops near sculpture gardens overlooking the Tennessee River.

Memphis

Tennessee’s largest city, Memphis is the destination of choice if you wish to enjoy both Southern tradition and vibrant nightlife. A particularly romantic way of exploring the city is by taking a horse-drawn rides which will take you and your beloved on a scenic tour of downtown Memphis attractions including the antique Court Square fountain, Confederate Park and the Mississippi River. Another day set off for a leisurely walk through the Japanese and rose gardens at Memphis Botanic Garden or see a musical at the Orpheum Theatre. Memphis is famous the world over as the birthplace of rock n roll as well as the home of the blues. The Beale Street in particular is known as the entertainment district of Memphis and for a night of sheer musical ecstasy check out the B.B Kings for some live blues, the Kings Palace café for some great jazz and the easy-to-miss Black Diamond which is home of some of the great blues artists and touring acts. On the other hand if you are more in the mood of foot-tapping fun, head for the Club 152 where the three dance floors offer everything from live blues to dance music. Other equally happening nightspots in Memphis that you can drop by are the Senses with its strict dress code and six difference clubs, the Level II Entertainment Complex for its psychedelic experience or the Alfred’s for some vintage rock.

Memphis is also the city to treat your beloved to a romantic dinner since the city has dining options galore - the Automatic Slim Tonga’s Room is believed to be a favorite with the celebrities for it’s the tropical theme, Caribbean and Southwestern inspired cuisine and excellent cocktail selection. If however you are in the mood for some wholesome Southern food head to Memphis' oldest and most beloved café, the Arcade Restaurant. Memphis above all is known as the barbecue capital of the country and addresses like the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous draw its share of visitors and locals. At the Rendezvous, get a plate of its heavenly dry-rub ribs but if your partner on the other hand is longing for some European sophistication as well as authentic Italian fare, head to the Amerigo’s. As far as the bar scene in Memphis is concerned, there is a host of options to choose from like the wine and cocktail bar Chardonnays,  the sleek tapas and cocktail bar Dish or the ultra-hip sushi lounge Bluefin.