If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing honeymoon full of natural wonder and country charm, then a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains may be perfect for you.
Nestled deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina lay the two main cities of the mountain range, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These two small towns and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are a playground for nature lovers and those who wish partake in all of the attractions surrounding this glorious mountain range.
First and foremost, a honeymooning couple must stay in one of the many quaint and cozy chalets and cabins that are all over the area. Most of the chalets and cabins are nestled atop their own private mountain ledge, and are equipped with Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and a stunning view of the mountains. Some of these cabins and chalets even offer “honeymoon” accommodations specifically designed to pamper the new bride and groom.
After spending time being cozy in your cabin, honeymooners can try out many of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking trails and excursions. There are numerous outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains that can help the most extreme couples to the even the most relaxed couples enjoy the wildlife and scenery. A must see is the tour of Cades Cove. Whether it is done by hiking or by automobile, Cades Cove is a great place to see a sampling of everything the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. It is abound with historic structures that tell the history of the cove’s earliest inhabitants and picturesque views of the mountains. You can hike Cades Cove through any of its four trails, take the automobile tour, or even go horseback riding. The beginning points for these tours are available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center just inside the park entrance at Gatlinburg, a must for anyone planning to get the most out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Another popular destination and landmark in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is Dollywood, a city-sized shrine to its hometown heroine, Dolly Parton. In 1986, she created this theme park that explores the “roots” of her hometown mountain hollow. This theme park fits the mold with tons of rides, country comfort foods, craft classes, live music performances, and Dolly museums, a Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and even Dolly’ own Splash Country, a water park added to the lineup in 2001.
Of course, Dollywood is not the only attraction in Pigeon Forge. You can enjoy a number of attractions like the Dixie Stampede, a unique dining experience that allows you to watch thirty-two horses, trick riding, racing pigs, and other antics while you enjoy a four course meal, as well as the Comedy Barn Theater, and a number of outlet shopping malls.
In Gatlinburg, there are also a number of attractions to keep you occupied, but the most popular is the ski village of Ober Gatlinburg, which is home to a year round amusement park and ski resort with something exciting for everyone. To get to the location of Ober Gatlinburg, which rests atop Mt. Harrison, you have to take America’s largest Aerial Tramway. During the winter months, honeymooners can take a ride up the ski lift, and then ride down the 1800 foot twin track slide. If you aren’t that adventurous, you can still ride the ski lift and take advantage of the breathtaking views and photo opportunities There is ice skating year round in the in the massive climate controlled ice skating rink, as well as go-carts, or three “dry” water raft rides.
Gatlinburg is also home to tons of craft shops and several kitschy museums of interest. By far the most popular of these museums are the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the Guinness Book of World Records Museum. Both of these museums are just a few of the key places where visitors take a peek every year. There are also other downtown Gatlinburg attractions, like Ripley’s Aquarium, the Space Needle, and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
There’s no doubt that the Great Smoky Mountains make a wonderful honeymoon location, and it is no wonder it is the fourth most popular domestic honeymoon location in the U.S. With something for every type of couple, it is definitely an ideal location for even the most diverse of couples.
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