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Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Founders Bridge Hikers in the nc smoky mountains

A mountain escape is even sweeter with someone special, and the North Carolina Smoky Mountains have plenty to inspire a romantic getaway. From cozy accommodations and sweet temptations to date-night ideas both fun and adventurous, here are some top activities for couples visiting the mountains.

A couple enjoying a romantic date night in the Smoky Mountains1. Enjoy a Romantic Meal for Two

Whether candlelight or BBQ night is more your speed, there are plenty of places to grab a table for two and enjoy delicious mountain fare. At Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern in Waynesville or Sylva enjoy a signature Philly cheesesteak, a flame-grilled steak or the catch of the day. The Copper Door in Hayesville also offers elegant steak and seafood dishes in an inviting dining room or patio courtyard. And at Lulu’s On Main in downtown Sylva, grab a seat at the whimsical mosaic-tiled bar and choose from an eclectic menu including Thai noodles, paella, and eggplant parmesan. Many restaurants are offering take-out options so you can dine in the privacy of your accommodation.

2. Raise a Glass to Romance

Toast to a new favorite beverage, or two, at a local craft brewery, winery or distillery. Hoppy Trout Brewing in Andrews pours house brews in imaginative flavors, such as a s’mores flavored milk stout and a Belgian saison aged on cucumbers and jalapeno peppers, while the pub’s dining room serves up brick-oven pizzas and paninis. Lazy Hiker Brewing Company in Franklin lives up to its name, offering a laid-back tap room and patio where you can sip a porter or IPA and perhaps swap stories with a hiker on the Appalachian Trail. Elevated Mountain Distillery in Maggie Valley crafts small batch whiskeys, moonshine and vodka. The distillery offers tours and tastings Monday through Saturday, with mornings and early afternoons being the best times to see the still at work. Bearwaters Brewing Company is a local’ favorite with two locations. One in Maggie Valley, and the other along the banks of the Pigeon River in Canton. They’re currently providing curb-side pickup during the pandemic.

Harrah's Cherokee Hotels & Casinos - playing craps
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

3. Plan a Date Night with Serious Fun Factor

The couple who plays together stays together! Cherokee’s Ultra Star Multi-Tainment Center combines bowling, billiards and arcade games into one location. Be sure to check their schedule for 90s hip hop theme nights, live band karaoke and DJs spinning on the lanes. In downtown Sylva, Mad Batter Kitchen features live music, trivia, and free movie showings on select evenings. Go for an old-school date night with mini golf and a milkshake at Bear Creek Adventures Mini Golf & Gem Mining, open seasonally in Murphy. Or try your luck at the tables or slots at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Founders Bridge Hikers4. Choose Your Own Couples Adventure

The Smokies offer adventure in all its forms, from adrenaline-fueled zipline courses at Highlands Aerial Park to go-with-the-flow tubing at Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground. Explore the trails on horseback with a tour at Smokemont Riding Stable, or enjoy the rush of the rapids with whitewater rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Take in the zen calm of the forest as you luxuriate in the private outdoor hot tubs at Shoji Spa & Lodge in nearby Asheville.

5. Cozy Up in a Cabin or Lodge

Find your own slice of mountain paradise at one of the many accommodations that offers that iconic mountain experience, including mountain or lake views, crackling fireplaces and an away-from-it-all feeling. Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville is set on 120 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, with an elegant lodge and classic cabins right on the banks of the Cheoah River. Nearby, the historic Snowbird Mountain Lodge beckons with panoramic mountain views, a screened-in fire pit area, and guest rooms featuring private decks with hot tubs for two. In Hayesville, discover a tranquil retreat at the Hinton Center, with a view of Lake Chatuge on the North Carolina-Georgia line. Or choose a one-bedroom tree house cabin at Watershed Resort as your mountain home-away-from-home.

Heavenly Fudge in Cherokee
Heavenly Fudge in Cherokee

6. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Put the “sweet” in “sweetheart” by sharing a decadent dessert. With locations in Bryson City and Cherokee, Heavenly Fudge Depot & Shoppe has been crafting handmade fudge and candies for more than 40 years. In Waynesville and Sylva, stop by Jack the Dipper for a decadent ice cream treat⁠—served in the parlor’s signature made-to-order warm waffle cones!

7. Take a Hike

Enjoy nature’s wonders side by side on a favorite Smoky Mountain hiking trail. The easy Whiteside Mountain Trail near Cashiers features an awe-inspiring view of the highest vertical drop in the Eastern U.S. Feel at one with the forest on the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail. Or be wow-ed by waterfalls near Bryson City⁠—a loop trail in the Deep Creek area passes right by three favorite falls. Can’t choose? Let the professionals be your guide⁠—companies like Alarka Expeditions in Cowee will tailor a trip to your specific interests, be it birds, botanicals or cultural history.

Sunset in Cherokee NC8. Enjoy a Scenic Sunset

Watch the sky come alive at a favorite sunset spot, like the mountain bald at Max Patch, which boasts stunning 360-degree views. Waterrock Knob and Cowee Mountain Overlook are two of the top spots for sunsets on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. And Clingmans Dome⁠—the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park⁠—is ideal for both sunset and sunrise views. Remember to pack a jacket for quickly cooling temperatures and a flashlight for the hike back to the car! If you prefer to pair your sunset with a delicious dinner or drink, reserve a table at Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village.

9. Stroll a Small Town Main Street

Walk hand-in-hand through a charming mountain town and discover local shopping and art along the way. Waynesville has welcomed visitors to its downtown for well over a century. Sylva is known for its all-American Main Street and iconic courthouse, while nearby Dillsboro features the work of local artisans in the historic charm of 19th century buildings. Cashiers and Highlands combine high-end shopping with delicious restaurants and outdoor outfitters.

Cloggers in Dillsboro10. Learn From the Local Culture

Get to know the history and heritage of the Smokies, and take home some skills or souvenirs to remember your visit! Learn from Cherokee artisans at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and stick around after dark for theater under the stars. Unto These Hills has reenacted the stories of the Cherokee people for 70 years. In the fall, a retelling of Sleepy Hollow takes over the outdoor amphitheatre. At the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, learn traditional Appalachian crafts, dance, music and cooking in week-long and weekend classes year-round.