Tennessee: the land of iconic music, strong whiskey, and legendary barbeque. Whether you’re native to Tennessee or looking for a Southern escape to swoon your sweetheart, you better get those cowboy boots on and get ready for a weekend in the heart of Dixie Land.
Check out our list of the top 15 destinations for a romantic weekend getaway through Memphis, Nashville, and everything in between.
1. Loews Vanderbilt
Source: hotelsIf you’re a country music fan, visiting Nashville is like dying and going to country music heaven. Immerse yourself in the vibrant place deemed Music City where stars like Johnny Cash, Toby Keith, and Blake Shelton were born.
And when you come to Nashville, there’s no better place to stay than the Loews Vanderbilt. With the “Rhythms of the South” Package, you and your loved one get a front-row ticket to the action. Sip on Tennessee whiskey cocktails at the rustic-chic bar onsite, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and then enjoy a show at the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville venue that “made country music famous.”
Website: https://www.loewshotels.com/vanderbilt-hotel
2. Little Valley Mountain Resort
Source: littlevalleymountainresortNothing beats romance like a cabin in the mountains. Snuggle up to your loved one at the Little Valley Mountain Resort, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Located along the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this retreat is surrounded by wildlife, nature, and lush scenery. If you’re looking for a step up from camping but still want to bask in the serenity of the mountains, the Little Valley Mountain Resort is perfect.
At this expansive resort, couples can get out into nature for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more. Relax in the heated swimming pool on-site and have date night at Mini Golf. Once you’re back at your cabin, you can soak in the hot tubs and unwind for the night or enjoy a game of pool with other guests.
Website: http://littlevalleymountainresort.com/
3. River Inn of Harbor Town
Source: riverinnmemphisRated the #1 Best Hotel in Memphis by US News & World Report every year since 2011, the River Inn of Harbor Town marries the charm of the Old South with the intimacy of Europe. This crown jewel overlooks the Mississippi River and features wrought iron fixtures, gas-lit lanterns, and blooming window boxes on the outside. Looking in, the River Inn boasts a sparkling crystal chandelier, a wood-burning fireplace, original oil paintings, and warm candles to invite guests in warmly.
Dine atop the terrace as the River Inn’s appropriately named restaurant, Terrace, peering over the water. With the beautiful view in the background, you and your loved one can dig into local favorites such as the Catfish Fritters and the Fresh Fish of the Day as you sip on watermelon-inspired cocktails.
Website: http://www.riverinnmemphis.com/
4. The Carnegie Hotel and Spa
Source: carnegiehotelNamed after none other than the steel pioneer Andrew Carnegie, this luxurious hotel exudes Old World grandeur with a finish of modern comfort. You and your loved one will undoubtedly enjoy the peace and quiet of this elegant establishment in Johnson City during your next weekend getaway.
Indulge your taste buds at Wellington’s, the Carnegie Hotel upscale restaurant. In the morning, you can refuel with an egg and croissant sandwich, Southern Eggs Benedict (with a fried green tomato), Southern classic Biscuits & Gravy, and more. For dinner, feast on the Deconstructed Wellington, a filet mignon encased in a puff pastry, with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.
Website: http://www.carnegiehotel.com/
5. Eagles Ridge Resort
Source: eaglesridgeEscape from it all at the Eagles Ridge Resort. In the secluded woods of Eastern Tennessee, couples can take advantage of full intimacy by staying in one of the resort’s many log cabins.
All cabins come with fireplaces, hot tubs, whirlpool tubs, and fully-equipped kitchens. So you and your loved one can either hide away in privacy, or venture out to the resort’s outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck to socialize with guests.
Explore over 850 miles of hiking trails through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, try horseback riding through the mountains, and test your adventurous side with whitewater rafting, kayaking, or tubing. And of course, what’s this glorious state without country music? Dollywood is right around the corner from this mountain oasis.
Website: http://www.eaglesridge.com/
6. The Peabody
Source: tripadvisorKnown as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” this Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond hotel in downtown Memphis will give you and your loved one a truly imperial getaway. Opening its doors in 1869, this luxury hotel offers high-class accommodations with a historic setting right in the city.
As you walk into the Peabody, you might notice something interesting: ducks floating around the lobby fountain. These special ducks are part of the hotel’s legacy. Back in the 1930s, General Manager Frank Schutt and a friend returned to the hotel after a hunting trip to Arkansas. Filling up a little too much on that Tennessee whiskey, the men thought it would be funny to place some of their duck decoys in the beautiful fountain at the entrance. And right there started the Peabody Duck tradition, where small ducks revel in the hotel’s fountain every day between 11 am and 5 pm.
In 1940, a then-bellman at the Peabody and former circus animal trainer taught the ducks the now-famous Peabody Duck March. You can catch them strutting down the red carpet of their very on each afternoon. When the ducks are off duty, they live the high life on the Peabody’s rooftop, in a $200,000 structure made of marble and glass with its own fountain, house, and a grassy “front yard.”
Website: http://www.peabodymemphis.com/
7. The Read House Historic Inn and Suites
Source: thereadhousehotelDiscover the timeless charm of Tennessee when you stay at the Read House in Chattanooga. This refurbished landmark originally opened in 1872 and has been a site for superb hospitality ever since. In fact, this historic inn has hosted many cultural icons throughout its life, from Winston Churchill to Oprah Winfrey and Al Capone.
Located right in downtown Chattanooga, the Read House offers guests a perfect launching pad to explore the scenic city. If you visit during the summer, make sure to check out the Riverbend Festival, featuring over 100 bands ranging from classic rock to bluegrass, and the Chattanooga Beast Feast BBQ Festival, showcasing the region’s best barbeque.
Website: http://www.thereadhousehotel.com/
8. Madison Hotel Memphis
Source: madisonhotelmemphisAnd what’s a trip to Tennessee without visiting Memphis, the home of the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? This city where Elvis grew up has so much to offer, and it’s all just steps away from the exquisite Madison Hotel.
When in Memphis, you absolutely have to visit Graceland, Elvis’s extravagant home and absolute pride and joy. With a Graceland tour, you and your loved one can peer into the personal life of the King, experiencing where Elvis lived, relaxed, and changed the history of music forever. And it gets better; the multimedia iPad tour through the mansion is narrated by John Stamos!
When you’re done following in the footsteps of the King, come back to the sleek Madison for a night of romance. At Madison’s Twilight Sky Terrace, you and your loved one can take in the gorgeous sunset views over the Mississippi River while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails.
Website: http://www.madisonhotelmemphis.com/
9. Music City Loft
Source: musiccityloftJust as the name suggests, this Nashville destination makes sure music is at the center of your weekend getaway. Since each loft-style room pays homage to the country music giants, you and your loved one can choose between staying at the Willie [Nelson], Johnny [Cash], Dolly [Parton], Taylor [Swift], and more.
The owners at Music City give you an authentic experience at this hotel, making you feel like a local in a loft with hardwood floors, exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and large windows gazing over the glorious city. Get your front-row ticket to the city of country music by staying at this ideally-located downtown hotel, and then come back to a place that truly feels like home.
Website: http://www.musiccityloft.com/
10. RiverStone Resort & Spa
Source: riverstoneresortLet yourself be pampered once in a while! At the RiverStone Resort & Spa, that’s exactly how you and your loved one will feel. This weekend getaway is perfect for couples looking to relax and unwind in the peace and quiet.
Spread out in your elegantly adorned guest room complete with plush bedding and a balcony overlooking the river. Visit the full-service spa on-site for therapeutic massages, herbal mud wraps, refresher facials, and more. You’ll leave this place feeling completely rejuvenated and relaxed.
Website: http://www.riverstoneresort.com/
11. Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
Source: choochooWith a slogan of “More than a Hotel,” the Choo Choo does not disappoint. This train-terminal-turned-hotel offers guests a unique experience to stay in a historic landmark that helped drive America’s great Industrial Revolution in the latter 19th century.
In 1941, a band by the name of Glenn Miller Orchestra even wrote a song about the terminal, simply called “Chattanooga Choo Choo” for the movie Sun Valley Serenade. When you stay at the Choo Choo, you’re embracing all of this rich history in your weekend getaway.
Website: http://choochoo.com/
12. The Hermitage
Source: thehermitagehotelThis hotel is perfect for natives of the area, who have been there done that with the music scene in Nashville. When you want to spice up your love life for a weekend and impress the socks (and other things) off of your significant other, book a stay at the Hermitage in downtown Nashville.
This luxurious hotel is the proud recipient of the 2016 Forbes Five-star rating, the 2016 AAA Five Diamond rating, a member of the “Top 50 Hotels in the United States” by the U.S. News and World Report, and the list goes on and on.
Incorporating Nashville’s genuinely traditional sophistication, the Hermitage hosts guests in regal accommodations with top-of-the-line hospitality. Revel in the spacious Italian marble soaking tubs, savor the rich flavors of the Capitol Grille’s Southern recipes, and sip on a signature cocktail at the hotel’s Oak Bar, famous for its extensive 180-bottle Bourbon Library.
Website: https://www.thehermitagehotel.com/
13. Blackberry Farm
Source: blackberryfarm“Slip into a Blackberry State of Mind,” as they say at this Inn. On this 4,200-acre farm, couples can soak up the majestic haven stretching over the Great Smoky Mountains.
At the Blackberry, fresh is key. The farm cultivates its own produce, wild flower honey, and artisan cheeses. In fact, the owners at Blackberry take their food so seriously that they have delegated the duties to focused professionals: the chef, the master gardener, the baker, the cheese maker, the forger, the butcher, the jam lady (yes, the jam lady), the chocolatier, and the sommelier.
Consider signing up for a culinary class held in the 18th century Amish bank barn at the farm, where you can taste the fresh ingredients themselves. And of course, it’s still Tennessee. You can also sign up for whiskey tastings to learn more about the craft of the amber glow.
Website: http://www.blackberryfarm.com/
14. Nashville Union Station
Source: unionstationhotelnashvilleAnd the hidden gem of Nashville that must be seen: Union Station Hotel. This impeccable structure once served as the main train station in Tennessee during the late 1800s and early 1900s. This regal building features 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling, 100-year-old Tiffany stained glass, and a spectacular lobby atrium that awes every passerby.
Reserve your stay in this famous piece of Tennessee history for your next romantic getaway. Enjoy a unique guest room, as no two suites are the same. And with the “Nights of Love” Package, you and your special someone will enjoy deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two, chocolate covered strawberries, and a bottle of champagne!
Website: http://www.unionstationhotelnashville.com/
15. Evins Mill
Source: evinsmillJust east of Nashville, this lavish getaway in the mountains is just what you and your partner need to rekindle the flame.
Snuggle up in the luxurious creek-side guest room and gently fall asleep to the sound of the stream. Start your day with a farm-to-table breakfast buffet featuring eggs-to-order, buttermilk biscuits, creamy cedar grits, and more.
When you’re ready to head out of the upscale B&B for a day of adventure, Evins Mill wants to make sure you’re taken care of. Request a Lunch Package, which includes a hearty sandwich, chips, a side salad, fresh fruit, a granola bar, and a soda or bottled water. Now you won’t have to worry about finding a lunch spot to interrupt your fun in navigating the numerous lakes, waterfalls, wineries, marinas, and mountains in the region.
Website: http://www.evinsmill.com/