Nashville, Tennessee is home to spectacular restaurants and cultural experiences perfect for date night. From attending country music concerts to tasting the city’s renowned hot chicken dish, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do and try in Nashville. Book a stay at a Nashville vacation rental for a night, then spend the weekend on a road trip to one of the many surrounding cities. From resort towns to quaint villages, there are plenty of romantic vacation destinations within easy driving distance of Nashville. When you’re ready to start planning, check out the top romantic weekend getaway spots from Nashville.
1. Pigeon Forge
There is something for every couple with a weekend away in Pigeon Forge. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, the town is home to the Appalachian-themed amusement park, Dollywood. Turn up the heat on the playful side of your romance as you hold hands on the roller coaster or sit closer together during one of the country music shows in the park. In the evening, stop by the Island at Pigeon Forge for a little shopping or to watch the fountain put on its evening light display. Cuddle up close together as you rise high above the town in your pod on the Great Smoky Wheel and enjoy stunning views of the mountains.
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2. Townsend
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without all the crowds of Pigeon Forge when Townsend is your romantic destination. When you’re ready to explore this national park, start at the visitor’s center. You can sign up for one of the tours led by a ranger who knows the area extremely well or grab a trail map and head out together. This area has been inhabited for the last 2,000 years, and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is the place to learn about the town and region’s rich history and past Native American tribes. Explore Tennessee’s history with the railroads at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum that includes a train engine.
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3. Gatlinburg
The other resort town in the Great Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg, and this town offers you and your sweetie a comfy fireplace to cuddle up together after a day of skiing in the winter months. Uber Gatlinburg is a winter hot spot with its trails of varying length and required skill level. You can bring your own skis or rent them there. Year round, take the Uber Gatlinburg Tram to the top of the mountain for shopping, an indoor ice rink, and yummy meal. While in town, take a ride up on the Gatlinburg Space Needle for amazing views. For more amazing views, hold hands as you walk out to the end of the observation deck at Clingman’s Dome that sits high atop the mountain.
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4. Arlington
In Arlington, you find a small town where all you and your sweetie need to do is spend time together. Enjoy an afternoon, meandering through the small downtown area with its historic buildings, and stop by the SY Wilson. This is the town’s general store, and even though the name has changed throughout the years, the location has remained the same since the first one opened. As you talk to the locals, you learn that many of the residents have ancestors who helped found this small town. Learn more about the town at the Rachel H.K. Burrow Museum. For a romantic meal in a small town, try Cazadores Mexican Grill to spice things up.
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5. Lynchburg
In Lynchburg, it feels like time has stood still as you wander past the brick buildings with their awnings and antiques spilling out onto the tree-lined sidewalk. Hop on the Big Blue Chair and get your photo taken together when you arrive at this kitschy landmark. Stock up on everything you need for your vacation rental at the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store, and check out its selection of Jack Daniels merchandise. That’s right, this little town is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery, where you can take a tour to learn more about the process of making whiskey.
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6. Franklin
During the American Civil War, the town of Franklin saw a lot of action, and today, you and your sweetheart can take tours of some beautiful homes that date back to the antebellum period. Discover the fact that the Carter House was the command center for the Confederate Army during your tour. The Carton Plantation and the Lotz House offer tours of the homes and grounds. In the Battle Of Franklin Civil War Museum, find out the details of one of the battles fought in the area. Gaze out over the infinity pool when you have a romantic dinner on the patio of the Wild Ginger Restaurant with its Asian fusion dishes.
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7. Bristol
If the two of you enjoy NASCAR, then schedule your weekend in Bristol for one of the race weekends and reserve tickets at the Bristol Motor Speedway. You can take a tour of the speedway when there isn’t a race in town. When you think of country music, you naturally think of Nashville, but it was here in Bristol that country music first found its voice. Take a tour of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and see where the first songs were put onto vinyl in the 1920s. Nestle closely together for warmth, when you take a tour of the Bristol Caverns and the Appalachian Caverns with their stunning rock formations.
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