Valentine’s Day is around the corner, which means it’s that time of the year again for all things roses, romance and weekend plans. But whether you have a significant other in your life or not, February 13’s unofficial “Galentine’s Day” holiday might just be the excuse you and your gal pals need for a weekend away. So grab your girlfriends and get inspired with our complete list of reasons for escaping to the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee this season.
The Spa Is Calling
Whether your idea of relaxation is a mountain view and a glass of wine or a full-on mani-pedi, Gatlinburg supplies no shortage of ways for you and your besties to pamper yourselves. Pop on over to Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg and treat yourselves to a luxurious day at their St. Somewhere Spa, which welcomes both resort guests and day spa visitors alike with the simple scheduling of an appointment. Their team of professionals provides a number of beauty services and products that are guaranteed to have you feeling your best kind of self at the end of the day.
Toast of the Town
Raise a glass to your weekend at some of Gatlinburg’s most renowned moonshine distilleries and wineries. Distilleries such as Ole Smoky Moonshine and Sugarlands Distilling Company provide a fun and refined take on the spirit that made Southern Appalachia famous, with small tasting sessions and live music happening throughout the week. If moonshine isn’t to your palate, Tennessee Homemade Wines is just steps away and offers over 16+ wines and ciders that you and your gang can sip and purchase. Discover a full list of Gatlinburg breweries, wineries and distilleries here.
Get Outside
No epic girls trip is complete without a little adventure. One of the largest natural areas in the East, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 520,000 acres worth of adventure and is mere minutes from Downtown Gatlinburg. Teeming with wildlife, picturesque trails and the misty panoramas that give it its name, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers amazing opportunities for pastimes such as cycling, hiking and wildlife-spotting for groups looking for an outing that gets them back to nature.
Get Crafty
Nothing says lifelong memories like trying something new together. Take your getaway to the next level and schedule a time to take to the canvas or the potter’s wheel with a class at Cliff Dwellers Gallery or Fowler's Clay Works and make your group’s vacation that much more memorable. Located in the historic Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, both studios offer affordable group classes and will work with your busy travel itinerary.
Rise and Dine
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then it certainly is the most important meal in any girlfriend getaway. Thankfully, Gatlinburg is a town built for brunchtime outings. Unofficially known as one of America's greatest pancake capitals, breakfast lovers can take their pick of traditional Southern pancake houses and restaurants like Flapjack's Pancake House, Log Cabin Pancake House and Pancake Pantry (just to name a few) for a delicious homemade brunch that you and your group will love.
