If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away but are still too burnt out from holiday travel to take on the airport crowds and jet lag, never fear.
A sweet escape for you and your special someone is closer to home than you think. We’ve rounded up six luxurious locales within driving distance that are so stunning they feel worlds away.
Levi Kelly
Bolt Farm Treehouse
Bolt Farm Treehouse
Sometimes having your head in the clouds is a good thing, especially if it’s at Bolt Farm Treehouse. This cozy mountaintop wellness resort is the epitome of peacefulness located just outside of Chattanooga. The luxurious glamping experience enables guests to reconnect with nature, with their person, and with their purpose through an awe-inspiring environment and lavish accommodations. The chance to disconnect from the noise and distractions of daily life at Bolt Farm Treehouse has attracted countless celebrities and guests alike looking to create magical memories with every stay. Choose from several extraordinary lodging options, including the property’s flagship Treehouses perched high atop the mountain with unbelievable panoramic views; gorgeous Domes with luxe accommodations and incredible views available in three different styles to suit the needs of every occasion; and first-of-its-kind Mirror Cabins for a unique stay with exteriors that (literally) reflect all the beauty of the cabins’ natural surroundings. If you can tear yourself away from these incredible abodes, there’s even more to discover outdoors. Cozy up by the fire as you take in expansive views at your own private campfire, embark on a 2.5 miles of beautiful hiking trails, find your zen with mountaintop yoga, or enjoy a train ride on the Tennessee Valley railroad. Guests can also unwind with a rejuvenating indoor massage. Or, indulge in a private chef experience where divine meals are prepared right before your eyes and served in the privacy of your own dome or treehouse. From the activities to the accommodations, Bolt Farm Treehouse is a peaceful getaway to fall in love with nature, your special someone, and life at large.
Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
Romantic Standout: Although every accommodation embodies romance, the property offers new Honeymoon Treehouses that make for an extra special adventure. With private terraces overlooking stunning valley views, a hot tub, an outdoor shower with heated floors, and countless luxe amenities, it’s the perfect place to enjoy private luxury while basking in the beauty of nature. (600 English Cove Rd., Whitwell, TN; boltfarmtreehouse.com)
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
Tap into the nostalgia of traditional campgrounds without sacrificing modern-day comforts at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins. The urban cabin campground is not only a serene escape into nature, but a comfortable basecamp to explore the beloved city of Asheville. Wrong Way is conveniently located to provide easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the French Broad River Greenway located just across the street, the River Arts District only 1 mile away, and just 3 miles from downtown Asheville. The property features 16 cozy A-frame cabins with private bathrooms, a queen bed and queen sleeper sofa, a mini-fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and a private balcony/deck for maximum relaxation. There’s also a gorgeous 2.5-story River Lodge, open daily from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., where guests can mingle, play games, eat, drink, and shop. Perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring, this communal gathering space evokes all the best memories and comradery of summer camp with adult accommodations. Wrong Way also offers guests plenty of opportunities to connect with nature through a robust partner network. The outdoor-centered experience program includes a host of activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking, ziplining, river tube floats, nature photo tours, hiking, yoga, rock climbing, fly fishing trips, Jeep parkway tours, and so much more. Or, explore the city of Ashville by booking a scavenger hunt, rooftop bar tour, comedy bus tour, mural tour, or brewery tour. Whether you choose to spend your stay cozying up in your cabin or embarking on outdoor adventures, Wrong Way is a place to enjoy the simplicity of river life while unplugging and connecting with nature and each other.
Distance from Nashville: 4 hours 45 minutes
Romantic Standout: No TVs! A stay at Wrong Way is a chance to spend quality time together without the distraction of screens. Instead, each cabin is stocked with a record player and vintage records, a hammock, and a selection of books and games to unplug and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. You can even book a mobile couples massage to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own cabin. (9 Midnight Dr., Asheville, NC; wrongwaycampround.com)
Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
Approachable luxury awaits in the Virginia Highlands at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. This hidden gem of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is tucked away amidst over 450 acres of rolling farmland for a picturesque retreat. One of the most luxurious destinations in the area is the 28-room luxury boutique inn, which boasts inviting common areas, a world-class culinary and wine program, and beautifully appointed rooms ranging in size all the way up to a spacious 950-square-foot penthouse. Adjacent to the inn, and open year-round, is a gorgeous infinity pool where guests can relax and recharge while taking in 13-acre views. There are also cozy firepits to warm you up on a cold winter night with a handcrafted cocktail in hand. For an even more intimate and romantic stay, book a cedar yurt at the property’s luxury yurt village nestled under a canopy of trees. Each yurt is stocked with locally curated snacks and beers, Nespresso pods and teas, and, of course, Nicewonder Vineyards wine to enjoy while watching wildlife and soaking up the beauty of nature. The food and beverage options throughout the property are just as enticing. Experience elevated Appalachian cuisine from Chef Travis Milton at Nicewonder’s signature restaurant, Hickory. There’s no shortage of exquisite wine to sip during your stay thanks to the award-winning Nicewonder Vineyards spanning 13 acres. Visit the tasting room to experience a variety of wines all made on-site, from vine to bottle, along with perfectly paired menu options. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay, including golf, catch-and-release fishing, hiking trails, yoga, farm tours, and more.
Distance from Nashville: 4 hours 45 minutes
Romantic Standout: The Vineyard Romance package makes for a lovely addition to a romantic getaway. The package includes a wine flight for two and a Hickory Provisions Board upon arrival, a wine tasting for two at the tasting room, daily breakfast for two, dinner for two at Hickory Fine Dining, gourmet nut and fruit amenity at turndown, and a two-night stay. (22010 Nicewonder Dr., Bristol, VA; nicewonderfarm.com)
The Read House
Travel back in time to the grandiose days of the 1920’s with an unforgettable stay at The Read House. This historic Chattanooga hotel captures all the splendor of the roaring 20’s while catering to modern-day comforts. The walls of this 241-room hotel are filled with rich history, as The Read House is the longest continuously operating hotel in the southeast and has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The Read House has seen both milestones and tribulations since its opening in 1872, and its restoration transports guests to a time of glitz and glamor that Gatsby himself would approve of. Guests can opt to stay in the hotel’s Tower Rooms, Manor Rooms, or Penthouse, all of which are spacious and stunning. Tower Rooms feature historic touches, art deco décor, custom bathrooms, and plenty of modern amenities all located in the historic tower of the hotel. Manor Rooms are dapper and contemporary, with deluxe accommodations, mixed prints, and city views of bustling downtown Chattanooga. And the hotel’s massive Penthouse is fit for a king (and queen) with sprawling living and sleeping spaces, enviable amenities, and plenty of seating to host an elegant and intimate dinner or cocktail party. Dining at The Read House is just as dazzling. Enjoy a mouthwatering steak or soaring seafood tower at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Bridgeman’s Chophouse, for an elegant and upscale experience. Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap at the Bar & Billiards Room, a sophisticated speakeasy and cocktail bar. Along with classic libations, the speakeasy also serves lunch and dinner. From morning to night, you and your special someone are sure to feel the magic of this jazz-era gem.
Distance from Nashville: 2 hours
Romantic Standout: A decadent treat for couples, The Read House offers a unique in-room dining experience, Martinis and Pearls. With this service, guests can indulge in their perfectly chilled made-to-order martini and a dozen freshly shucked oysters (“pearls”) adorned to your liking all from the comfort of your room. The lavish service is available to overnight guests on Friday and Saturday evenings and must be ordered 24 hours in advance. (107 W. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga; thereadhousehotel.com)
Southall Farm & Inn
A romantic escape is as close as Franklin at Southall Farm & Inn. The property encompasses over 325 acres in the lush and rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and preserves all the natural beauty of historic Franklin. Southall features 62 spacious guest rooms and suites, along with 16 separate cottages for an intimate escape. All rooms boast remarkable views, large soaking tubs, premium linens, and many feature fireplaces for those chilly winter nights. For optimal relaxation, there’s also a stunning spa offering transformative treatments and mindful rituals rooted in natural elements. At Southall’s signature restaurant and culinary program led by Chef Andrew Klamar, guests are treated to a dining experience that incorporates ingredients grown, raised, and foraged in Southall’s fields, forests, conservatories, and greenhouses, because at the heart of this gorgeous property is the farm itself. A true immersion in nature, a visit to Southall is an opportunity to be nurtured, nourished, and inspired. Guests can explore the great outdoors with two outdoor pools, a hilltop sundial for meditation and yoga, a ropes and obstacle course, and an assortment of activities including archery, falconry, horseback riding, wellness classes, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and standup paddleboarding on the seven-acre Lake Mishkin, over five miles of hiking and biking trails, and so much more. Everything at Southall works in harmony with its breathtaking surroundings to evoke the nostalgic feelings associated with the old farms and farmhouses of America’s past, enhanced by modern amenities for the ultimate getaway.
Distance from Nashville: 40 minutes
Romantic Standout: Southall’s standalone cottages make for the perfect romantic retreat where couples can enjoy all the scenic beauty of the property while feeling like they are in a world of their own. (2200 Osage Loop, Franklin, TN; southalltn.com)
RT Lodge
Nestled in lush woodland on the peaceful side of East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, just minutes from Maryville College, lies RT Lodge. The 58-room boutique inn is filled with elegant amenities and engulfed in scenic beauty for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Refined yet approachable, RT Lodge provides an immersive and relaxing experience inside and out. The Main Lodge is a welcoming gathering space complete with an elegant dining room and lounge along with intimate communal spaces complimented by cozy fireplaces and leather club chairs. Plus, the newest addition, the gorgeous Morningside Room bar makes for an especially romantic locale to tuck away and enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and bites. For an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to check out The Restaurant at RT Lodge. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Trevor Stockton, the restaurant serves intentional and technique-driven dishes hinged on regional culinary traditions and local ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a house-made charcuterie board outside by the koi pond or a four-course seasonal dinner in the dining room, there are plenty of delicious dishes to satisfy every guest. Outside, the gardens and grounds offer tranquility at every turn. Relax in handmade rocking chairs while taking in the beauty of nature or take a stroll down one of the secluded, greenery-laden paths in the woods. Just a short drive from Nashville, RT Lodge is the perfect escape into the serenity and beauty of the mountains.
Distance from Nashville: 3 hours
Romantic Standout: RT Lodge is offering a special Valentine’s Weekend Getaway Package to celebrate your sweetheart. On Feb. 17, the package for two includes overnight accommodations Saturday night, sparkling wine at check-in, and a candlelit four-course dinner. Breakfast on Sunday is also included with your stay. (1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN; rtlodge.com)