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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountain Attractions
You spend so much of of daily life handling problems: work issues, school project deadlines, sports activities scheduling, and maintenance and repair surprises. When it is the too short timeframe to enjoy being with the person that you love, make each moment count! Here are some ways to ensure you create great shared memories when visiting the Smoky Mountains this month.
1. Try a fun activity together like ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg. Whether a new experience for one or both of you, it is a simple pleasure to circle the Olympic-sized ice rink hand in hand. Bonus hand holding time is available if you park in downtown Gatlinburg, and ride the aerial tramway car to the summit. Descending from the resort at dusk grants a lovely panoramic view of the sunset over the surrounding ridges and the lights of Gatlinburg below.
2. Enjoy a leisurely, peaceful dinner at the Peddler Steakhouse, seated at a table overlooking the Little Pigeon River. Located in an historic Gatlinburg landmark cabin, it's an intimate atmosphere to enjoy a steak, hand cut to your liking at tableside. The salad bar is extensive and can even be a meal in itself. Plan to finish by celebrating with delectable homemade desserts like hot blackberry cobbler, peanut butter mud pie, or Kahlua Creme Brulee.
Extra tip: If the Peddler is too crowded during your planned visit, try its co-owned sister restaurant, the Park Grill. Located a couple of blocks away, this larger, more contemporary lodge restaurant also can be a pleasurable dining experience for two.
3. How about going for a drive together on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail? I have written previously in detail about this popular roadway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although extremely beautiful in the spring when the native rhododendron bushes are blooming, the driving loop offers mountain serenity every season of the year, and will most likely not be very crowded in the February winter. Be aware that it is within the national park boundary, so this road can be closed at times due to inclement weather. There are multiple stopping points along the roadside: streams, trailheads, and historic homesites all can be explored along the way. Donate a dollar for a self-guiding booklet in the honor box at the driving trail entrance. If local rainfall has been recently adequate, make a beautiful photo op stop at marker #15, the Place of a Thousand Drips. This waterfall is just off the roadside near the end of the trail. An umbrella can make a fun photo accessory!
4. Perhaps you should forge a closer bond by surviving danger with your bestie at Smoky Mountain Ziplines. Full disclosure, such activity is weather permitting in the winter months (call the office to check for tour availability). This adventure park has a selection of zipline tours, from novice to advanced, for those with previous experience. I suggest you test your courage on their new canopy tour (opened in 2016). It features multiple lines with manmade platforms. Some platforms are independent towers and some are tree platforms that encloses a selected trunk. The mix provides both wide open scenic views and zips that are immersed among the forest trees. SMZ also is the only local company with a rappelling feature (descending vertically from a tower platform) to move from one line to the next. Not your typical date, but a fantastic adrenaline rush, guaranteed! This video gives you a taste of the tour.
5. Perhaps the best romantic spot of all is to relax in each other's arms, in front of the fireplace in your secluded Smoky Mountain cabin. Whether you choose an old movie favorite on television, or just gaze at the flames with some quiet conversation, it's the perfect setting for time that is all your own.
As you plan your visit, enjoy one or all of these suggestions to make this special time everything you hope for it to be. Let Volunteer Cabin Rentals help you with the details, and we look forward to seeing you both here soon.
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