What is that in the air for February? Is it love? Is it romance? Well, it’s not Superman, so it must be that time of the year when we look for creative ways and activities to show our partner how much they mean to us and take in the wonderful ambiance of winter to help accentuate that feeling. In Gatlinburg, we have the added benefit of the huge, magical and dignified Smoky Mountains as close around us as we can operate and the cool, crisp air that comes down from the snow-covered peaks and ridges helps make us feel that we are worthy to be here and that we are lucky to get to experience such an atmosphere with our partners. There really is no better natural aphrodisiac here in the Smokies than the Smokies themselves!
And what could be better than experiencing the romantic air the Smoky Mountains have to offer visitors? Experiencing them from a great elevation above the city, that’s what! There are many attractions here within a reasonable driving distance that can make you almost feel like you’re flying, and something about that just seems to naturally activate the part of the brain that operates on the level of romance. There’s probably a lot of poetic things to say there about human’s instinctual contact with nature and such, but for now let’s leave the talking behind and get to the showcase:
Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Our favorite next-door neighbor is also our favorite provider for sky-high views of the Smokies and a place to chill out for a while as close to literally “at the top of the world” as we can get. From their website:
“1,800 FEET HIGH at the top of Crockett Mountain, experience breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. The best seat in Gatlinburg. Hop on and enjoy a smooth glide to the top of Crockett Mountain. Installation of an entirely new chairlift has just been completed and we are thrilled to again be welcoming riders at the Sky Lift and visitors to the great town of Gatlinburg. Spectacular views of the lush forests and majestic mountains are enjoyed on the downhill ride since the area is surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!”
See their website at CLICK HERE
Ober Gatlinburg
Another favorite and classic winter fun station for all ages, Ober Gatlinburg gives you not only the option to experience an elevated romantic air through their tram ride and mountaintop park, but with winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and more (as long as you don’t mind some of that air contains some collateral snow!) From their website:
“Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park offers mountaintop fun for visitors of all ages. Ice skating, outdoor activities, shopping & dining…plus Skiing, snowboarding & tubing (winter). The Aerial Tram station is located at Parkway and LeConte Street in downtown Gatlinburg (1001 Parkway). Departing regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, this cable car will take you on a breathtaking 2.1-mile ride up to the Amusement Park & Ski Area. The two 120 -passenger counter-balanced cars provide an experience for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.”
See Ober Gatlinburg’s many amenities at CLICK HERE.
The Space Needle
Possibly the coup de grace of enjoying the view and atmosphere of the mountains in a way that only the birds could until the last century, the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg is only a few minutes walking from Gatlinburg Inn and you’ll know how to get to it immediately. It stands 400+ feet above the ground and provides an awesome observatory that two elevators can take you to. From their website:
“The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks beautiful Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Our tower is served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each. Ride our safe and comfortable glass elevators over 400’ to our observation deck for a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. The view from the Gatlinburg Space Needle is an unequaled panorama of beauty year round which is only enriched with our free view finders. But, it’s more than a view; it’s also an information-packed experience thanks to our Higher Learning exhibits, an educational feature rich in facts and history about Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.”