To love and be loved back is the most precious feeling in the world. What better way to express love than going on a romantic getaway. Tennessee is a landlocked state located in the southeastern region of the US. Nashville, its capital, is the heart of country music. Tennessee has taken center stage in the development of some genres of popular American music such as rock and roll, blues, country, and rockabilly. Tourism is one of the major industries in Tennessee as some of its attractions in different towns attract many tourists throughout the year. Some of the top tourist attractions in the state are; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Graceland, Dollywood, the Ryman Auditorium and the Tennessee Aquarium. Bring your loved one and explore these attractions creating fond memories. Read on to find out more about romantic getaways from Gatlinburg, Tennesse, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 08, 2024.
1. Nashville (from USD 335)
Nashville is 222 miles (352 km) and approximately 3 hours 37 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Take your date to the Grand Ole Opry House, home of Grand Ole Opry stage and radio show and enjoy a country music concert that showcases a mix of famous singers and contemporary art toppers. Get to admire the building’s great architectural design and an extensive music collection at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Have a feel of Athens at the Parthenon, an art museum which is a replica of the original Parthenon in Athens and houses the statue of Athena Parthenon. Other attractions include Ryman Auditorium, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art and Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Stay at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, a luxurious hotel that is near all these attractions. Enrich your soul with music in this town.
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Address: 2100 West End Avenue
96.74 km (60.2 mi) from Canoe the Caney
2. Johnson City (from USD 159)
Competitive pricing with upscale experience and discounts for frequent guests.
Spacious rooms, fitness room, attentive staff, historic decor, and outdoor courtyard.
Excellent location near ETSU campus, shopping, and restaurants.
Excellent restaurant with delicious breakfast, fun happy hour, and diverse nearby eateries.
Johnson City is located in East Tennessee and is 108 miles (174 km) from Gatlinburg. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 54 minutes. Here, visit the fast-moving Watauga River and indulge in activities such as; whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing and angling with fishing reels. Go on hikes holding hands or for bike rides or horse riding while admiring the unique scenery in parks such as Warrior’s Path State Park, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, and Buffalo Mountain Park. Play games at the Winged Deer Park which features five lighted softball fields, three lighted soccer fields, two sand volleyball courts, and an eighteen-hole disc golf course. While here, stay at the classic Carnegie Hotel & Spa.
Carnegie Hotel & Spa
Address: 1216 West State of Franklin Road
302.46 km (188.0 mi) from Canoe the Caney
3. Memphis (from USD 229)
Reasonable pricing for a charming, European-style hotel with included breakfast.
Lovely location in a calm, walkable neighborhood with river views and on-site dining options.
Situated in a beautiful, safe area near the Mississippi River and a short drive to downtown Memphis.
Fantastic breakfast options and delightful dining experiences at on-site restaurants.
Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River in Southwest Tennessee, known for being the origin of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. It is 432 miles (695 km) and 6 hours 48 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Take your date for a tour at the Graceland Mansion which was home to the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. The mansion is now a museum that showcases the jumpsuit, automobile, and airplane exhibits and offers a tour of the mansion. Meditation Garden next to the mansion has his, his parents’ and grandmother’s tomb. You can also visit the blues clubs and restaurants that line Beale Street. Festivals and outdoor concerts often attract large crowds here. Other attractions include the National Civil Rights Museum and Sun Studio. As you explore the home of Rock & Roll, stay at the River Inn of Harbor Town, a boutique hotel that has a rooftop with panoramic views.
River Inn of Harbor Town
Address: 50 Harbor Town Square
404.04 km (251.1 mi) from Canoe the Caney
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4. Chattanooga (from USD 152)
Chattanooga, a city in southeastern Tennessee, is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is 153 miles (246 km) and 2 hours 37 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Visit the Lookout Mountain that features, Ruby Falls which is an underground waterfall, Craven’s House and Rock City Gardens that has a walking trail with scenic views and garden. Tennessee Aquarium is another attraction that showcases different marine and aquatic life in the river and ocean journey exhibits. Other attractions include museums like International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and Tivoli Theatre which is home to Chattanooga Symphony and Opera (CSO). Tour this town while staying at the elegant Sheraton Read House hotel.
The Read House
Address: 107 West Martin Luther King Blvd
120.62 km (75.0 mi) from Canoe the Caney
5. Knoxville (from USD 209)
Reasonable pricing for downtown location, but some guests found it a bit high compared to other options.
Quaint, artsy decor with valet parking, spacious rooms, and a speakeasy bar.
Prime location in Market Square with easy access to restaurants, bars, and university.
Exceptional dining experience with a Michelin-level restaurant and a cool speakeasy for bourbon enthusiasts.
Posted by Ijams Nature Center on Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Knoxville is a city on the Tennessee River in Eastern Tennessee that is 34.5 miles (56 km) and 55 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Situated in the Great Appalachian Valley, it is characterized by long, narrow ridges and broad valleys. Knoxville is home to a rich arts community and has many festivals throughout the year. Visit Ijams Nature Park and go hiking, biking or canoeing. Go to Zoo Knoxville where you will see about 800 animals and various exhibits. If you both enjoy history, visit East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum and learn about the history of East Tennessee. Stay at the spacious Oliver Hotel that offers easy access to these attractions.
The Oliver Hotel Knoxville, by Oliver
Address: 407 Union Ave
163.17 km (101.4 mi) from Canoe the Caney
6. Pigeon Forge (from USD 50)
Are you an eagle or a chicken? #WildEagle
Posted by Dollywood on Friday, 8 April 2016
Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort city in Sevier County that is 6.9 miles (11 km) and 12 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Visit Dollywood Theme Park and feel the adrenaline rush as you go on the amusement park thrill rides. This park also showcases historical eras and culture of East Tennessee and some aspects of Dolly Parton’s life. Take a photo with Dolly Parton’s statue. Another amusement park you can visit and create fun memories is the Island in Pigeon Forge. In the evening, go for a date at Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show which features themed theater performances accompanied by dinner. Other attractions include Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, and Grand Majestic Theatre. Stay at the beautiful Island Drive Lodge which is near all these attractions.
Island Drive Lodge
Address: 2760 Parkway
196.54 km (122.2 mi) from Canoe the Caney
7. Townsend
Townsend is a city in Blount County and is 22 miles (36 km) and 41 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. It has one of the three entrances with least traffic to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tour the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center whose focus is preserving the heritage and culture of the inhabitants of the Great Smoky Mountains through indoor and outdoor exhibits. Enjoy an outdoor date by exploring Tuckaleechee Caverns which has an immense cavern room that a football stadium could fit inside and also has stalagmites and the tallest underground waterfall (210 foot-64 m). Other attractions include Foothills Parkway and Little River Railroad/Lumber Museum. Enjoy the adventure this town has to offer while staying at the quaint Sanctuary Home.
Sanctuary Home
179.11 km (111.3 mi) from Canoe the Caney
8. Sevierville (from USD 109)
Situated in eastern Tennessee, Sevierville is located 13.5 miles (21 km) and 23 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. Enjoy going for a date at Sevier Air Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park for a fun and competitive experience. It is an amusement facility that has a variety of obstacle courses, trampolines, and climbing nets. Go to Forbidden Caverns and be taken on an educational tour by a tour guide through an underground river and cave formations. Other attractions are Dolly Parton statue and Sevier County Heritage Museum. Stay at the sparkling clean and bright Clarion Inn Willow River that features an outdoor river pool and a hot tub.
Clarion Inn Willow River
Address: 1990 Governor Winfield Dunn Parkway
193.83 km (120.5 mi) from Canoe the Caney
9. Smithville (from USD 150)
Located 677 miles (1090 km) and 10 hours 34 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg, Smithville is a city in DeKalb County, Tennessee. It is home to the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival which it has hosted annually. The Retreat at Center Hill Lake is a resort that features a seasonal outdoor pool. Stay in this resort from which you can go for an intimate hike around Center Hill Lake and admire the shimmering water. Other attractions include; Cul-car-mac Falls, Ragland Bottom Recreation Area, and local artists’ studios.
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake
Address: 358 Relax Dr
6.03 km (3.8 mi) from Canoe the Caney
10. Byrdstown (from USD 297)
Byrdstown is a town in Picket County, Tennessee. It is 169 miles (272 km) and 3 hours 2 minutes’ drive from Gatlinburg. One of its attractions is Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park which focuses on educating visitors about the Nobel Prize winner, Cordell Hull through a library that has his complete book collection. This Park also has Bunkum cave to explore and a lookout spot. Stay at one of the cozy cabins near Dale Hollow Lake. At the lake, get to do romantic activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and skiing together or simply sit on the shore and watch the sunset together.
Irish Eagle
Address: 96 Falcon Drive
74.85 km (46.6 mi) from Canoe the Caney
Choose your romantic getaway destination
Whether you want to drive far or near, these cities have a lot of attractions for you and your loved one to enjoy and create fun and sweet, cherished memories. Visit one of these romantic getaway destinations from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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