sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4 Romantic Things to Do in Gatlinburg on Your Next Vacation

Gatlinburg at night
January 22, 2026

Gatlinburg is the perfect place for a romantic retreat with your sweetheart! Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our charming mountain town offers spectacular natural beauty in a fun setting. When you stay at our romantic hotel in Gatlinburg TN, you will enjoy wonderful accommodations and proximity to everything there is to see and do in the area. To help you make the most of your getaway, we have put together a guide to some of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg.

1. Ice Skating at Ober Mountain

Nothing is more romantic than ice skating in Gatlinburg TN! Ober’s year-round ice skating rink is located indoors, perfect for a rainy day or cold weather when you can’t be outside. Holding hands as you skate around is sure to be a memorable part of your Smoky Mountain romantic getaway.

2. Walk Through the Village

fountain at The Village Shops

The Village Shops in Gatlinburg is one of the most romantic spots along the Strip. This lovely shopping area located behind the Pancake Pantry is designed to look like a quaint European village, complete with brick walkways and a beautiful fountain. Couples will find 27 unique shops and eateries to explore during their visit. Some of our favorite romantic things to do in Gatlinburg TN at The Village include:

  • Enjoying a sweet treat at the Donut Friar or Maddie Mae’s Cafe & Creamery
  • Admiring the artwork at the Master’s Editions Village Gallery
  • Shopping at The Honey Pot, The Silver Tree, and Mist Mountain Soap Co.

3. Sample Some Moonshine

Moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg is another one of our favorite romantic activities for couples. Gatlinburg’s distilleries offer a variety of fun moonshine flavors to try, including Apple Pie, Root Beer Float, Blackberry, and Peach. Tastings are very cheap, and several distilleries allow you to put that money towards any purchase you make in the store!

Not into moonshine? Try hard cider instead! Tennessee Cider Co. and Tennessee Stud Cider are a couple of great places for complimentary cider tastings with unique flavor combinations.

4. Relax at Sidney James Mountain Lodge

King bed and fireplace in Creekside Jacuzzi Room

Sidney James Mountain Lodge is minutes away from all of the most popular romantic things to do in Gatlinburg. Of course, there are also plenty of great activities for couples to enjoy right at our hotel! Choose one of our hotel rooms in Gatlinburg with a jacuzzi, a fireplace, or a balcony overlooking a beautiful creek to set the perfect mood for your escape in the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also choose one of our downtown Gatlinburg cabin rentals for a cozy, private retreat in the woods.

Our indoor and outdoor pools are also great places for couples to relax. No matter how you decide to spend your getaway, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience when you visit Gatlinburg for your romantic retreat. Looking for even more ideas? Explore this list of additional things to do in Gatlinburg for couples!

Plan Your Gatlinburg Romantic Getaway

Now that you know about a few of the most romantic things to do in Gatlinburg, you just need to find the perfect place to stay for two. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of affordable Gatlinburg lodging options and book your romantic getaway to the Smokies today!