Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee
From the energy of its cities to the peace of its mountains, Tennessee delivers the best mix of culture, music, and scenery, along with unique and sometimes underrated places that make every trip feel special.
Tennessee is filled with some of the best romantic weekend getaways in the South, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite states for couples’ escapes.
Whether you’re strolling hand in hand through the best streets of Nashville, enjoying the unique charm of Memphis, or cozying up in a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has a destination for every couple. That’s why these spots rank among the best romantic trips in the region, and why they’ve become some of my favorite weekend memories.
The best part is the variety: lively nightlife, historic landmarks, and breathtaking outdoor escapes. Think evenings with the best live music, unique small-town charm, and mountain sunsets that feel tailor-made for two. These details are what make Tennessee’s weekend getaways both unique and some of the best experiences for couples.
With destinations spread across the state, it’s easy to plan the best kind of weekend whether you’re starting from Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, Tennessee offers the best settings to spark romance.
Which Tennessee escape will you choose? If you’re searching for the best mix of scenery, romance, and unforgettable moments, these weekend getaways deliver. They’re not just trips, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite escapes in the South.
Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Tennessee:
Timeless tranquility at Sewanee Inn
We drove about 1 hour 40 minutes southeast (95 miles) from Nashville to Sewanee (population about 2,400), perched on the Cumberland Plateau. Best known as the home of The University of the South, the town feels like a blend of collegiate Gothic architecture and small-town mountain charm.
The Sewanee Inn made us feel like we had stepped into a Southern novel, oak-lined paths, a dignified campus setting, and the soft hush of mountain air. The moments were quiet and tender, like time had stretched just for us. I remember thinking, "This is where love feels thoughtful, rooted, and full of grace."
What I Loved Most: Waking early to sip coffee on the back patio, mist curling over the golf course as birds greeted the morning.
My highlights? Dinner at Green’s View Grill. I had the shrimp and grits with a side of Southern collard greens. Each bite was soulful and satisfying, like something passed down with care. We lingered long past dessert.
A downside? I loved the quiet setting, but it also meant fewer dining and nightlife options nearby. I found myself driving farther than I wanted for variety.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Sewanee, TN
- Vibe: Elegant, collegiate, peaceful
- Highlights: Campus strolls, scenic golf course, quiet ambiance
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for colorful walks and crisp air
- Cost: Mid-range
- Address: 1235 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Vintage romance on the rails at The Hotel Chalet - 2 hours
We drove about 2 hours southeast (135 miles) from Nashville to Chattanooga (population around 182,000). Set on the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, the city blends Civil War history with a revitalized downtown.
Nestled inside the historic Terminal Station, The Hotel Chalet felt like stepping into a love story from another century, complete with vintage rail cars turned into suites. I remember thinking, "There’s something thrilling about sleeping where history and adventure meet."
What I Loved Most: Relaxing in the garden courtyard with wine in hand and the sound of a passing train in the distance.
My highlights? We dined at Elsie’s Daughter inside the hotel. I had the duck breast with blackberry glaze and rosemary potatoes. The setting was just as memorable, dim lights, soft jazz, and the occasional rumble of a train outside the window.
The only drawback? I enjoyed the vintage train car charm, but space was tight. I caught myself wishing for just a little more room to stretch out.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Vibe: Nostalgic, artsy, hidden gem
- Highlights: Restored railcar rooms, garden courtyard, boutique dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring for warm days and breezy nights
- Cost: Upscale boutique
- Address: 92 Choo Choo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Bring the Family to the Eagles Ridge Resort - 3 hours 30 minutes
We drove about 45 minutes southeast (35 miles) from Knoxville to Pigeon Forge (population around 6,400), a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Known since the early 1800s for its iron forge and later for tourism, the town is now a hub of theaters, rides, and family attractions.
We arrived just before dusk, the cabin lights glowing like fireflies among the pines. Our weekend at Eagles Ridge Resort was simple and soulful, porch swings, mountain air, and no need to rush anywhere. I remember thinking, "This is what it means to get away and come home at the same time."
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunrise over the Smokies from our private hot tub, just us and the quiet of the forest.
My highlights? One night, we grilled steaks on the deck and shared a bottle of wine under a sky full of stars. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect.
One challenge? The cabins were cozy and romantic, but traffic in Pigeon Forge was heavy. Getting in and out for meals or attractions took longer than I expected.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
- Vibe: Cozy, wooded, romantic seclusion
- Highlights: Private cabins, mountain views, fireplaces, hot tubs
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage or winter for snowy escapes
- Cost: Moderate, varies by cabin
- Address: 2740 Florence Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Classic Southern elegance at The Peabody Memphis
We drove about 3 hours west (210 miles) from Nashville to Memphis (population around 620,000). Sitting on the Mississippi River, Memphis is steeped in history and soul. We toured Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, walked down Beale Street where blues still spill from neon-lit clubs, and visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel before capping the night with ribs at a legendary barbecue joint.
Staying at The Peabody Memphis felt like slipping into a piece of history, polished marble floors, warm lighting, and a timeless charm that wrapped around us the moment we arrived. I remember thinking, “Romance lives here, in the echoes of jazz, the clink of glasses, and the quiet thrill of dressing up just because.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the famous Peabody ducks march through the grand lobby, charming and completely unforgettable.
My highlights? Dinner at Chez Philippe. I had the filet au poivre with cognac cream sauce, followed by a slice of lemon chess pie. Refined, indulgent, and exactly what a night at The Peabody calls for.
A downside? I loved the history and the famous marching ducks, but the lobby was always busy. It didn’t always feel like the private escape I had hoped for.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Memphis, TN
- Vibe: Glamorous, historic, classic
- Highlights: Duck parade, rooftop bar, grand décor
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for walking Beale Street without the summer heat
- Cost: Upscale luxury
- Address: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Dancing Bear Lodge: Forest Quiet & Smoky Flavors
We drove about 40 minutes southeast (25 miles) from Knoxville to Townsend (population about 550), home to Dancing Bear Lodge on the “quiet side” of the Smokies.
The cabin door shut behind me with a soft click, and the woods took over, rustling leaves, birdsong, and a breeze that smelled faintly of pine and fire. I stepped onto the porch at Dancing Bear Lodge and thought, “This is what stillness feels like when it finally catches up.”
What I Loved Most: Waking to morning light spilling across wide-planked floors, the promise of breakfast in the air and the mountains just out of reach but always watching.
My highlights? Dinner at Appalachian Bistro: hickory-smoked trout with heirloom grits and a side of honey-glazed carrots, the fish flaking perfectly, the scent of woodsmoke curling above the plate. It tasted like the Smokies distilled onto a fork.
The only drawback? Cell service was spotty.
Plan your day trip:
- Vibe: Cozy, refined, deeply Appalachian
- Highlights: Private cabins, Appalachian Bistro, hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color, spring for wildflowers
- Cost: Lodge from ~$300/night; dinner entrées ~$30–40
- Hours: Lodge check-in 3pm; Bistro open Wed–Sun evenings
Gilded glamour and ghost stories at The Read House - 2 hours
The Read House didn’t just tell a story, it whispered it from behind velvet curtains and chandeliers. Staying at The Read House was like stepping into 1920s opulence with a dash of mystery. I remember thinking, “Romance doesn’t always have to be sweet, sometimes it’s rich, dark, and thrilling.”
What I Loved Most: Exploring the haunted Room 311 tour together, spooky, fun, and surprisingly intimate.
My highlights? Dinner at Bridgeman’s Chophouse downstairs. I had the dry-aged ribeye with roasted garlic butter and a wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese crumbles. The cocktails were strong, the service warm, and the ambiance unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Vibe: Lavish, vintage, slightly eerie
- Highlights: Art Deco design, haunted history, grand dining
- Best Time to Visit: October for a romantic ghost-hunting getaway
- Cost: Upscale, great value for ambiance
- Address: 107 W M.L.K. Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402
The Chattanoogan, a Weekend Getaway - 2 hours from Nashville, TN
Tucked between Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River, The Chattanoogan gave us a quiet place to exhale. It felt warm and contemporary, like being wrapped in a soft robe after a long soak. I remember thinking, “This is exactly what we needed, to be still, to be here, to be together.”
What I Loved Most: Relaxing in the hotel’s spa followed by drinks on the terrace, surrounded by soft-lit mountain views.
My highlights? Dinner at the on-site restaurant, Nooga Q. I had the Southern fried chicken with honey drizzle, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Comfort food with a gourmet twist, it hit every note.
One challenge? Being right downtown meant city noise at night. I caught myself wishing for a little more quiet once I went to bed.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Vibe: Relaxed luxury, urban mountain hideaway
- Highlights: Spa, rooftop terrace, walkable downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for mild weather and outdoor dining
- Cost: Mid-range luxury
- Address: 1201 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Moments Made for Two
From candlelit dinners to misty mountain mornings, Tennessee has a way of turning ordinary weekends into meaningful memories. Each of these destinations brought us closer in a different way, through laughter, stillness, and the simple joy of discovering a place together. If you're looking for a romantic retreat that feels both grounded and magical, Tennessee is waiting with open arms.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how Tennessee gives couples the best of everything, Nashville’s music scene, Memphis’s soulful energy, the unique beauty of Chattanooga, and the underrated charm of Smoky Mountain cabins. Each feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite romantic getaway experiences.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
