A local offers 5 romantic date ideas for Valentine’s Day in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Romance is in the eye of the beholder, or maybe more accurately the eye of the beholder’s partner. I have performed a grand romantic gesture or two in my life. For instance, proposing to my now-wife in Paris (France, not Kentucky or Tennessee) comes to mind. However, my ideas of a romantic date night skew pretty traditional. Things like a good meal, a nice hotel or some time to ourselves away from the kids spring to mind.
But in Gatlinburg – and the surrounding areas – the romantic possibilities run the gamut from rustic to thoughtful, from chintzy to classy. In the Smokies, you have options. You can choose your adventure and celebrate your version of romance in a way that works for you. With this in mind, Valentine’s Day is approaching, and I’m ready to offer a handful of ideas:
1. A surprise wedding vow renewal
I don’t have hard numbers, but it seems looking back through the haze of time that one of the big adjustments over time in the Smokies – especially Gatlinburg – is a sea change in the wedding culture. I’m not old enough to remember the heyday of Gatlinburg weddings and elopements in the 50s and the 60s. But I grew up in the pop culture of those generations. It seems there was a time that Gatlinburg especially had a little bit of the spur-of-the-moment wedding vibes you’d find in Vegas.
But that doesn’t mean Gatlinburg wedding culture has disappeared. But today, there are many venues in the area, anything from chapels to Ober Mountain. They are softer, sweeter and decidedly less neon than their forbears. But they remain perfect for scheduling a “surprise” wedding or renewal of vows.
2. Fine dining
This is one where if my wife were a more devoted reader of my work, I could be in a lot of trouble. In the early 90s, my wife and I were teenagers working at the Bi-Lo in Maryville. We’d gone to the same high school, but she was a year behind me, and let’s just say we ran in different circles. Neither of us knew who the other was until she started working with me. I decided I’d like very much to start dating her, but she was with someone else who worked at the store, someone of whom – to put it charitably – I wasn’t a fan.
It turns out, her boyfriend proved very helpful. It would have been Valentine’s Day 1994 and he’d either forgotten or didn’t care. When pressed, he drove her to a little beaten-up truck stop for a “romantic” meal. He chose … poorly. That was the beginning of the end for the boyfriend. He opened the door and a couple of months later I walked through.
The point of all of that is that choosing the right restaurant for Valentine’s Day can be fairly impactful. There are a bevy of worthy options for romance in the mountains. You have the classics like The Greenbrier, the Peddler and Chesapeake’s in Gatlinburg. Also, don’t forget The Appalachian over in Sevierville, leading the blossoming foodie scene there. A nice romantic meal, a little wine and some quiet conversation? Sometimes it’s good to play it safe.
3. A fondue meal at The Melting Pot
My go-to for a romantic dinner in the mountains is a national chain restaurant with a unique cooking style that I first enjoyed in Brenda Clemens’ French III class at Heritage High School. Those were formative years, and they made a lasting impact. Look, it’s the same concept as above but with elevated romantic touches. You can’t go wrong with melty cheese and gooey chocolate. The risk of a midnight flight to the Vanderbilt Burn Unit in Nashville if the second course goes horribly wrong? What’s romance without a little danger?
Seriously, Leslie and I have a connection to France and while the Melting Pot is decidedly American, it has just enough French tradition to help put us in the mind for romance. Cooking your bites at the table, soaking up the chocolate or cheese, there’s even a little “Lady and the Tramp” eating spaghetti in the alley vibe to it. Somehow in that setting, it’s possible for two people to feel alone even in a room full of people.
4. A romantic overnight stay
Again, I’m not telling you some deep secret here. The cabins, the chalets, the nicer hotels. You and your significant other alone, possibly with access to a jacuzzi. This is how you kindle a romantic Valentine’s Day flame.
5. Watch the sunrise over the mountains
This one might be a harder sell, but it’s worth it. Take an early morning hike or maybe a drive predawn to find a spot with a clear view of the East. Some of the higher peaks are at the state line, looking down into North Carolina, and they are perfect for this. Pack a thermos of warm drink – or warming drink if you prefer – maybe some fruit. Watching the sun come up over the mountains can be a nearly religious experience if you plan it correctly and keep a good eye on the weather report. Few things in the world are more romantic than sharing the world’s wonder with the person you love. If you’re not an early riser, Anakeesta in Gatlinburg also has stunning views, especially once the sun goes down.
You can also achieve this with a well-chosen cabin chalet, but make sure your view to the East is vast. Also, some of the places above the Gatlinburg Bypass work well for this as you can see the sun come up over the town.
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