Along the gorgeous foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find a truly wonderful place to enjoy an affordable honeymoon in Gatlinburg. Whether you spend time strolling through town or basking in the beauty of the Smokies, magic is always in the air.
Better yet, you don’t even have to break the bank to experience all the best that the region has to offer. As long as you know where to go and what to do, you can keep your spending to a dull roar while still having the time of your life.
Ready to start planning your perfect Gatlinburg honeymoon? Here’s what you need to know.
Stay in a Romantic Cabin
Skip the basic hotel room in favor of a cabin rental in the heart of the Smokies. Save money while maximizing the romance. Plus, you can keep even more money in your pocket by using the kitchen to make meals instead of eating out.
The quiet, wooded setting and homey atmosphere set the mood for love in an instant. At the same time giving you plenty of alone time without any chance of disruptions. Plus, with their hot tubs on the deck, jetted tubs in the bedroom, and so on, the cabins let you enjoy each other’s company to the fullest.
You can usually find cabins for rent in the Great Smoky Mountains for under $100 per night, although prices vary depending on the location, floorplan, and features. You definitely need to book your spot early to avoid missing out because many cabins have a waiting list of a year or more.
Explore the Smokies in Style
Across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you and your love have over 500,000 acres to explore side by side. As long as you have your own gear on hand, you can hike and bike through the trails for free.
If you want to shell out a little cash, you can explore the trails by horseback by visiting one of the four stables in the park. Want to cruise past the sights instead? Take your car on a whirlwind tour around the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail while relaxing in pure comfort.
No matter how you choose to travel, set out to see at least one waterfall. Although Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Ramsey Cascades are the most popular, there are over 100 waterfalls throughout the park. Beyond that, you can go fishing for trout along the streams or have a picnic amongst the trees.
Snuggle Up for Sunset and Sunrise Views
There’s perhaps nothing more romantic than snuggling up together while taking in phenomenal sunset views. If you want to take that experience to the next level, get up before the world starts stirring for sunrise views as well.
The top spots for sunrise and sunset views in Gatlinburg include:
- SkyBridge at the SkyLift Park
- Aerial Tramway at Ober Gatlinburg
- Top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Vista Garden Walk at Anakeesta
If you prefer to enjoy the views from the park instead, go to the Morton Overlook on US 441. Watch the skies turn a rainbow of colors over the scenic landscape.
Go Stargazing at Clingman’s Dome
The Observation Tower at Clingman’s Dome takes you up 6,643 feet. It almost feels like you can touch the stars. For that reason, stargazing from that point is absolutely breathtaking, especially when shared with the one you love. For the best views, you’ll want to go between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM when the skies are clear. Without a cloud in the sky, you can easily see thousands of twinkling stars overhead.
Although it might be tough to take your eyes off your beloved for more than a few minutes at a time, you’ll want to watch closely for shooting stars flying through the night sky. If you get a chance to see one, be sure to make a wish for a long, bountiful life together or whatever else you might want.
Visit Mom and Pop Restaurants
All across Gatlinburg, you have many fantastic mom-and-pop restaurants to visit every time hunger strikes, such as:
- Hungry Bear BBQ
- Timbers Log Cabin Restaurant
- Mama’s Chicken Kitchen
- Tennessee Jed’s
- Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin
With their quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and friendly service, you’re sure to have a dining experience to remember at each eatery. Furthermore, most small eateries have truly affordable prices, allowing you to stay within budget without compromising on flavor. For even more value at every visit, tell them you’re on your honeymoon for a chance to enjoy dessert on the house.
Sample Local Wines and More
At the many wineries, breweries, and distilleries across Gatlinburg, you have the chance to fill the day with samples of all the best drinks in town. For just a few dollars per flight, you can get a taste of the top offerings at each location. Making it much easier to choose your favorite in the end.
For wine, beer, or liquor tasting experience to remember, go to:
- Sugarland Cellars
- Smoky Mountain Winery
- Gatlinburg Brewing Company
- Smoky Mountain Brewery
- Ole Smoky Whiskey & Moonshine
Once you find your favorite, skip the glasses in favor of buying a bottle (or two!) to share back at the cabin. You can build a charcuterie board, get cozy under the blankets together, and then savor your selections all night long.
Watch a Show at the Iris Theater
For ample entertainment at an affordable price, enjoy a show at the Iris Theater. For under $100, you can get a great bundle. Such as two tickets to a magic show, comedy night, or play, all of which promise to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Since it is a small venue, there’s no bad seat in the house. Although the front row is always best, of course. They pick people from all over the theater for audience participation moments. So don’t worry if you can only get a spot all the way in the back.
By using these tips, you can easily plan an affordable honeymoon in Gatlinburg even if you’re working with a shoestring budget. You can then simply focus on celebrating your union and each other while enjoying all the best activities in town and across the Great Smoky Mountains.
