It’s date night in Gatlinburg, where are you headed?
Well…here are some suggestions!
Watch the sunset behind the mountains
There are many different spots scattered throughout East Tennessee where you can see the best sunsets. On the Parkway, the Space Needle will take you 407’ up to an observation deck with a 360 degree view of of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Also located on the Parkway is the Sky Lift. This chair lift will take you 1,800 feet high at the very top of Crockett Mountain. Once you reach the top you will enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg on the overlook platform. After the sun sets, enjoy the twinkling lights of Downtown Gatlinburg as they light up the night sky.
If you thought that the mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park couldn’t get anymore beautiful, you’re wrong! Watching a sunset is an experience like no other. If you drive up Newfound Gap Road, you can stop at various overlooks along the way and take in the view. Just 7 miles south of the Newfound Gap parking lot is Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is a popular sunset spot. There, you can enjoy the view from the parking lot or walk the extra mile up to the dome, which is the highest point in the National Park.
Picnic in the park
Pack up that picnic basket and head for the hills! Well…the mountains.
Various picnicking areas are located within the park such as Chimneys picnic area, Cades Cove picnic center, and Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion. The picnic areas in the park are great for cooking out and have different hiking trails in nearby to explore.
Rocky Top Wine Trail
This “trail” is comprised of five different wineries, offering over 60 unique varieties of wine to sample for free. That’s right…free. Visitors pick up a Rocky Top Wine Trail Passport at their first stop and have it stamped at each location. At the third stop you’ll receive a free logo wine glass and a free gift once the trail is completed. Free wine tastings are offered at every location and free tours of the wine cellars and tank rooms are given from 12-5 p.m. at Mountain Valley Winery, Sugarland Cellars, and Hillside Winery. This type of date is perfect for those on a budget considering that it’s all free. However, You’ll definitely want to purchase a bottle of these homemade, specialty wines to enjoy for later!
Spend the evening downtown
The Parkway is filled with so many activities, how do you chose?! The best way to plan date night in downtown Gatlinburg is to have have no plan at all. Park your car and just walk down the parkway and see what comes your way. Browse through The Village shops, stop for a sweet treat at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, explore one of the many Ripley’s Attractions, listen to live music, sample some moonshine, go mini golfing… the list is endless! Whether it’s your first or hundredth time in Gatlinburg, you’ll find something new at each visit.
