A Luxury Resort Tucked Away In North Carolina's Smokies Offers A Perfect Romantic Getaway

When you think of a romantic getaway, what comes to mind? A luxurious room with all of the special touches? All-inclusive fine dining? Lying in front of a roaring fireplace? Adventurous experiences to share that will connect you with your partner? Nestled away along the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina is a secluded mountain resort that defines the meaning of an intimate retreat, giving you all this and more.

Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville is a historic dwelling that opened to the public as an escape from the bright city lights of Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina in 1941. Named for the Cherokee tribes that inhabited the land in the 18th century, the lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Snowbird Mountain Lodge offers a deep sense of the past coupled with the contemporary amenities guest's desire.

Choose from three lodging options. You can stay in one of 15 well-appointed rooms in the Main Lodge that reflect the history of this sublime wilderness destination with expansive mountain views. You'll find cozy handmade quilts, plush robes for snuggling, and a coffee maker with a selection of coffees and teas. Upgrade your stay to one of the rooms in the secluded Wolfe Cottage with a private screened porch, hot tub, and a gas fireplace. Accommodations in the Chestnut Lodge offer premier suites that include a private deck, steam shower, and rainfall shower heads. The resort also offers daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a selection of reading materials.

At the all-inclusive Snowbird Mountain Lodge, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered by the resort as part of your stay. Choose from a full menu of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, prepared by their culinary experts. A hearty hot breakfast is a delightful way to start your day with options like blueberry pancakes, avocado toast, or fish and grits. The resort will pack you a picnic lunch that includes a tasty sandwich, fruit, cookie, and more to keep you nourished for your day's adventure.

Before dinner, relax and unwind at the Fireside Bar with a full selection of cocktails and craft beer. Begin your evening with dinner in the Dining Room, featuring a four-course meal that changes daily, including a seasonal soup, salad or appetizer, a main entrée, and dessert. Filet mignon, North Carolina mountain trout, and vegetarian options, like forest mushroom risotto, are some of the delicious menu options sourced from local farms. Save room for their spectacular orange olive oil cake or lemon crème brûlée to end your meal.

With easy access to Lake Santeetlah, the resort offers complimentary usage of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Glide down the waters with your significant other, and be on the lookout for all kinds of wildlife like otters, beavers, and woodchucks in their natural habitat. Borrow one of the resort's fishing rods and head to Santeetlah Creek to catch smallmouth bass, trout, and walleye. Plan a trek using the resort's mountain bikes. Hike in the Joyce Kilmer ​Memorial Forest, about 15 miles from the resort with two hiking loops and more than 100 types of trees, a fitting tribute to the poet.

Couples can play tennis or pickleball on the resort's courts or arrange for a massage or yoga class. Check their website for special packages and discounted offers for your romantic getaway. Of course, the big draw is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about a half-hour away, for the ultimate in outdoor recreation. Read here for additional ideas on the top 10 family-friendly things to do near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to this maker's mecca. Try taking a hike to a Great Smoky Mountain National Park swim hole while staying at this hidden gem of a luxury resort.