Now’s the perfect time to start planning for Valentine’s Day. February is an ideal time to visit the Smoky Mountains. The holiday crowds have cleared out, and a peaceful
atmosphere awaits.
With scenic views and an abundance of activities for two, romance is in the air.
Here’s a list of everything you need to know for planning a trip to the Smokies this Valentine’s Day.
- Cozy mountain weekend in Townsend: Savor fresh mountain air and delectable
farm-to-table cuisine at Dancing Bear Lodge with a cozy cabin just minutes from
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cuddle up while roasting s'mores
over a fire and enjoying their expansive wine list or craft cocktails. The next
morning, head out in the brisk air to see historic Cades Cove and warm up with
coffee at the Dancing Bean.
- Valentine’s Day at Blackberry Farm: Relax and enjoy Valentine’s Day with a
specially curated getaway at Blackberry Farm. Start the morning with a Birding
Walk at Oak Cottage before heading over to The Barn for a special palate tasting
or to a couple’s massage at the spa. End the day with a romantic dinner for two
at the Dogwood.
- Blue Goose Vineyards: Enjoy the scenery at this small, family-operated farm and
vineyard located just outside the city limits of Maryville. Sample the 17 farm-to-
table labels of wine crafted at the vineyard before
heading back into town for your next experience in the
Smokies.
- Blackberry Farm Brewery: For a more laid-back date
night, visit Blackberry Farm Brewery to enjoy food and
drinks. Sit front row during dinner to see how their beers are made in house.
- Little Arrow Outdoor Resort: Stay in the great outdoors of the Smokies in comfort
and style at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Choose from an array of cabins, tiny
houses or glamping set ups and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of
the mountain scenery. This Valentine’s Day enjoy on-site massage services from
Tula Blu.
- Dancing Bear Lodge: Enjoy cozy cabins with hotel-style amenities at Dancing
Bear Lodge. Cuddle by the fire pit while roasting marshmallows in the fresh,
Smoky Mountain air while sipping Company Distilling bourbon and conversing
over award-winning Appalachian-inspired cuisine.
Best activities for winter in the Smokies
- Hiking
The national park has more than 800 miles of trails ranging from leisurely strolls to
challenging adventures for advanced hikers. Since the park is open 365 days a year,
anyone can enjoy a cold weather hike any day of the week. Foothills Parkway provides
visitors to experience the view of the park in 360 degrees. When traversing this path,
make sure to stop at Look Rock. This natural observation edge is the highest point along the
Parkway and is one of the best vantage points to look out on the snow-topped trees that cover the
park. If you are looking for a quieter trail to spend your time on, Middle Prong Trail is the perfect
scenic trip. This 8-mile round-trip trail takes you past several streams and waterfalls that are
gorgeous year-round, but especially when they are frozen. Cades Cove is the perfect picturesque
spot to take in the peaceful sounds and views of the season. The cove is surrounded by
an 11-mile loop allowing you to take in the views, with several pull-offs for trails and site
seeing. Hiking site AllTrails lists 34 moderate trails in Townsend ranging from 1.7 to 20
miles and from 1,135 to 5,036 feet above sea level. One trail in the cove, Abrams Falls
is a popular hike because it’s well-maintained, and easily manageable for all levels of
hikers with a powerful waterfall to greet you at the end.
A variety of other fun activities:
- Cades Cove Cellars: A winery with a great selection of wine offering free
tastings.
- Tuckaleechee Caverns: Underground caverns with stalactites and stalagmites,
with an intriguing tour of an underground stream and waterfall.
- Cades Cove Riding Stables: Offering carriage rides and individual guided rides,
horseback riding is a fun way to explore Cades Cove.
- Antique Shopping: In Blount County, especially in the town of Townsend, there
are great opportunities for antique shopping at the Antique Outlet Mall, Foothills
View Antiques, Good Ole Girl Antiques, and many others.
- Tremont Institute: Inside the park, the Tremont Institute delivers experiential
learning for kids and adults alike. Tremont offers classes and programs for all ages.
- Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center: With the Smoky Mountains also comes rich
history of the area. To see what life was once like and transport yourself to a time before us, be
sure to stop by this amazing museum seated right in the Smokies.
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