From the sultry Smoky Mountains all the way west to Memphis, there are some fantastic romantic getaways in Tennessee full of enchanted experiences (for those who manage to leave the room). Weekend getaways for couples in Tennessee are loaded with entertainment options, while the abundance of parks, lakes, scenic routes, and waterfalls make the state perfect … Read more
The Southern Appalachian Mountains are renowned for their beauty, and in our experience there’s no better way to see them than taking scenic train rides in Tennessee. East Tennessee train rides are one of the top tourist attractions in the Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina border. But there are also great train trips that pair … Read more
Though we live just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Elkin NC, we’ve enjoyed visiting the Tennessee mountains numerous times over the last few years. In our experience, there’s something undeniably quaint and charming about the Tennessee Mountain Towns, no matter what time of year you visit. But when we visit Tennessee during … Read more
There’s something nostalgic, even romantic about Tennessee mountain towns. For me, they’ve always conjured up images of log cabins, quilts, and sitting by the fire while savoring spectacular scenic vistas. This has definitely been our personal experience while exploring the mountains in TN, and we’ve visited numerous Tennessee towns that fit the bill. But … Read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains are generally a wonderful place to spend the holidays, and celebrating Christmas in Tennessee offers myriad ways to get into the spirit. Of course, the stellar hikes and waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park get a lot of press in the summertime, as do the water recreation opportunities in Tennessee’s lakes. … Read more
[Updated October 27, 2024] Visit the Tennessee mountains around the holidays and you might feel like you’re in one of those Christmas towns from a Hallmark movie. In our experience, Tennessee mountain towns tend to feel cozy and quaint all year-round. But when Christmas time comes, the festive decor and old-fashioned charm are really … Read more
Tucked in a gap in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a tourist-driven mountain town with two different levels. The heart of Downtown Gatlinburg is chock full of restaurants, shops, and fun attractions. But there are also an array of mountaintop attractions that can be accessed by a short chair lift, gondola, or bus ride. … Read more
Train rides for Christmas chug back into our lives with a payload of nostalgia on board. Railroads come from a historic era before automobiles and airplanes had been invented. Yet they come rumbling in from afar with an odd sense of odd familiarity, even for those who’ve never been on a train ride before. In our … Read more
There’s nothing remotely dull about spending Christmas in Tennessee. In fact, there are literally millions (maybe even billions) of twinkling Christmas lights in Tennessee designed to ensure the holidays are as merry and bright as possible. If shimmering lights help to fuel your holiday spirit, visiting Tennessee in Winter offers endless options to … Read more
My wife, Heather, and I both grew up in the Mennonite community and attended Mennonite churches and schools. If you met us, you’d see that we live a modern (a.k.a. “mainstream”) Mennonite lifestyle. We both drive cars, have college degrees, and dress according to current fashion. But still we have a great appreciation for our … Read more
