Written by: Emily Huffstetler
On the Peaceful Side, winter date night doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up at home. From downtown dinner and cocktails to a heated sauna workout, these ideas make it easy to spend quality time together, no matter the forecast.
Classic Romantics – Downtown Maryville
Start with dinner at Bella, a downtown spot with Italian-inspired house pastas and elevated entrees. If you want something memorable, order Pasta in the Wheel, tableside fettuccine flambéed in a Grana Padano cheese wheel.
Afterward, head to The Raven for a nightcap in the lounge. Order The Chosen Stave for a tableside cocktail, the Bottled Old Fashioned for a classic or Black Velvet Veil for an espresso boost.
Lodge Lovers – Townsend
Have a cozy overnight stay at Dancing Bear Lodge. Their Hibernation Special runs Jan. 4 through March 19 with reduced winter rates, complimentary breakfast from the Dancing Bean Coffee House or Apple Valley Cafe, and a custom gift for two.
During the day, bundle up for a walk on the Townsend Historical Trail. It’s paved and mostly flat, and you can turn around whenever you’re ready.
Bookworms – Downtown Maryville
Browse Neighborly Books and pick out a book for each other. Bring them along to Vienna Coffee Company and settle in with one of their February specials.
Bee Mine is sweet and floral with honey, brown sugar and lavender alongside espresso and milk. Cupid’s Crush is a strawberry smoothie with vanilla, mocha and a splash of cream, and Strawberry Snowflake is a strawberry and vanilla latte topped with cold foam or whipped cream.
Workout Partners – Alcoa
Crank up the heat at HOTWORX, an infrared fitness studio with guided workouts inside a heated sauna. Book a session and follow the on-screen class, with options ranging from yoga and Pilates to strength-focused and cycling-style workouts.
Cool down with a vitamin-infused energy or protein drink from Louisville Nutrition.
History Buffs – Townsend
Spend the morning at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and take your time exploring the exhibits and historic structures.
Once you’ve wrapped up, have lunch at The Abbey. The restaurant is set inside a historic chapel, with a warm, old-world atmosphere. Then, go antiquing for the afternoon.
Related read: “10 Antique Shops on the Peaceful Side: Walland, Maryville, Rockford, Louisville, TN”
Movie Lovers – Downtown Maryville
Start with dessert at the Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor. Their menu leans into classics like sundaes and floats, with movie-themed touches.
Make a pit stop at Bigfoot Popcorn and pick out a couple flavors to share. Bigfoot Poop is their signature, made with chocolate and caramel. Ranch and Garlic Parmesan are popular savory options. Then, head home for a movie night.
Crafty Couples – Maryville
Take a class together at Creative Spark Studio. On Feb. 14, Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan covers beginner techniques like heating, hammering and bending metal while you shape a heart. All materials are provided, and the finished piece can be used as a pendant, keychain or ornament. Alternatively, on Feb. 19, create a heart-shaped gemstone pendant.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
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