We’re 33 weeks pregnant and counting down the days to our baby girl’s arrival. Before diving into parenthood, Cameron and I decided to take one final trip as husband and wife. And wow… did we have an adventure for the books! While most couples opt for a relaxing staycation, Cameron and I ended up in Gatlinburg, TN to visit the Smoky Mountains. However, relaxation was not the only thing in store for us… Here’s what our Southern Babymoon adventure entailed.
+ Gatlinburg, TN
Oh, Gatlinburg, Tennessee… you were a trip. When Cameron and I booked our vacation to Gatlinburg, we went in blindly to explore the area that our neighbors, friends, and family raved about. Upon arrival, we were shocked at the overwhelming amount of chain restaurants, amusement attractions, and tourism located at the base of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. While we’re all for going with the flow, this was just not not the type of babymoon we had envisioned for ourselves. Perhaps we’ll come back one day with our baby girl for some family fun, but until then… this just isn’t our scene.
One notable restaurant I would like to mention is Chesapeake’s Sea Food & Raw Bar. After living in California for 32 years, you get used to a certain standard of seafood. Unfortunately, we just haven’t found that same quality in Tennessee yet (understandably so). However, Chesapeake’s quality of seafood was outstanding! With a scenic view of the Cliff Branch River and topnotch seafood food, the Chesapeake restaurant is the perfect date night spot for couples visiting Gatlinburg.
+ The Smoky Mountains
Just beyond Gatlinburg’s loud crowds and bustling streets are the Great Smoky Mountains. Now, this was the serene babymoon location Cameron and I had imagined. The Smokies are vast, so if you don’t know where to start, y’all can choose from the following options:
- If you’re craving the lux experience, Pink Jeep Tours offers a variety of Smoky Mountain adventures to choose from. Enjoy a narrated and curated tour that requires little to no physical exertion for those expecting. However, be aware that pregnant people may be asked to offboard prior to the off-road fun at the end of the tour.
- Want to adventure on your own time line? Start at the closet Smoky Mountain visitor center near you. You’ll find a staff full of rangers and guides that can provide you with maps, routes, and pointers to make the most of your adventure. Some of our favorite spots from this trip include Newfound Gap, Mingus Mill, and the Mountain Farm Museum.
+ Cherokee, NC
Once we hit the road, we couldn’t turn back. The rainstorm had cleared and there were only blue skies on the horizon. So, we kept driving from trail to trail until we crossed into North Carolina to discover the small town of Cherokee. This quaint town provides an abundance of Native American leathers, jewelry, and local goods to choose from. Unfortunately, some of the locally owned shops we visited do not have websites or social media. All the more reason to make a visit for yourself! As for bites and brews, I highly recommend Native Brews Tap & Grill for a casual lunch stop. Good food, brews, and friendly service! What’s not to love?
Not only does Cherokee have crafted Native American goods and brews, but this small town is also a go-to location for those seeking adventurous activities including fishing, river rafting, and hiking. Keep in mind, this location becomes a sleepy town during the winter months. Plan a pitstop in Cherokee during the spring, summer, and early fall months. Don’t forget to take a step back in history with Oconaluftee Visitor Center’s Mountain Farm Museum. These farmstead of structures have been carefully preserved from the last century, reveling how families lived in the mountains hundreds of years ago!
+ Asheville, NC
On our last day of vacation, Cameron and I decided to skip Gatlinburg altogether and head straight to the next city on our bucket list: Asheville, North Carolina. Known as Beer City USA, Asheville has a bounty of locally owned restaurants, breweries, and boutiques to explore. Not to mention, a rich history with deep roots involving the beautiful Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. Want to “Make the Most of 24-Hours in Asheville, NC“? Take the Grayline’s Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour to visit the city’s go-to spots and learn something new along the way.
