10 Perfect Activities For Couples Visiting Tennessee In The Fall

Summary

Enjoy a romantic river cruise on the General Jackson Showboat in Nashville, complete with a delicious dinner menu and live musical performances.
Catch a live music performance in Nashville, with upcoming concerts featuring popular artists like Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown, and Depeche Mode.
Experience a romantic picnic for two at Centennial Park in Nashville, with its beautiful lake, gardens, hiking trail, and even a replica of the Parthenon.

Love is in the air in Tennessee. And, in terms of a romance-filled getaway, there's no better destination to enjoy some much-needed one-on-one time with a significant other. For an intimate vacation for two, the state has it all: spellbinding views, luxurious accommodations, and some of the most beautiful small towns in Tennessee that are teeming with Southern charm.

From the picturesque Smoky Mountains that straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina border to the lively streets of the state's capital city, Nashville, there is much to relish in this dreamy destination. Here are some of the best fall activities for couples in Tennessee.

10 Embark On A Romantic River Cruise (Nashville)

Orange skies over the Nashville skyline

Nothing says romance quite like enjoying a meal for two aboard an alluring evening river cruise. Go rolling along the iconic Cumberland River with the General Jackson Showboat, which offers guests a delicious dinner menu and a theater for incredible live musical performances.

Address: 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Cost: Visit the website for a complete calendar of events and pricing

9 Catch A Live Musical Performance (Nashville)

Broadway lights in Downtown Nashville

What would a couple's escape to the Music City be without catching a live music performance? A number of amazing musicians will take to Nashville's stage this fall, including Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown, Depeche Mode, Queen + Adam Lambert, Shane Smith & the Saints, and so much more.

Visit Nashville Music City's website to see some of the upcoming concerts coming to Nashville this fall.

8 Enjoy A Picnic At Centennial Park (Nashville)

The shimmering lake and iconic Parthenon in Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Pack a delicious meal for two and settle down on a blanket on this park's expansive 132 acres, which boast a mile-long hiking trail, an Instagrammable lake, a lush garden, an art center, and even several historic monuments, including a replica of the Parthenon found in Athens, Greece.

Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Open daily from dawn until 11 pm

7 Go Wine Tasting At Arrington Vineyards (Arrington)

The main sign outside of Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee — Photo by P. Hughes via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons

Sign outside Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee

Located about 25 miles south of Nashville, this picturesque vineyard is an idyllic picnic setting perfect for two and one of the best fall activities for couples in Tennessee. Guests can also pick from Arrington's variety of wine tasting experiences, including a traditional tasting bar, a wine-tasting flight, and a guided food and wine pairing

Address: 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
Main property hours: Open Mondays to Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm, Fridays from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm
Cost: Prices vary; visit Arrington Vineyard's website for pricing details

A valid form of ID is required for guests purchasing alcohol. Picnic tables and other seating located on the property are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

6 Rent A Bike And Ride Along Chattanooga's Scenic Riverwalk (Chattanooga)

The lush landscape and shimmering river in Chattanooga, Tennessee

There are many free things to do this fall in Tennessee, especially in Chattanooga, which offers couples the chance to take a romantic bicycle ride down the city's charming Riverwalk.

Spanning 13 miles, the out-and-back, car-free route runs along the Tennessee River, and features many stunning sights along the way, including the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park.

A complete guide to Chattanooga's Riverwalk can be found online. A variety of bike rentals can also be found along the route, including Riverfront Parkway Bike Share.

5 Go Hiking At The Ijams Nature Center (Knoxville)

An aerial view of a grass field in Knoxville, Tennessee

Featuring fantastic wetlands and rock formations, plus more than ten miles of hiking trails, this nature center is one of the best fall activities for couples who want to spend time in the Tennessee wilds. Rent bicycles or canoes to explore the area, either on the trails or on water.

Address: 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
Hours: Open daily from 8 am until dusk
Cost: Admission is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated (activity rates vary)

The nature center also features a river boardwalk, thrilling zipline activities, a quarry beer garden, and much more.

4 Go Kayaking On Duck River (Columbia)

Jackson Falls located near Duck River in Tennessee

There are many shimmering rivers and stunning lakes in Tennessee that are perfect for an afternoon of kayaking or canoeing, including Duck River, which winds throughout the state for 284 miles.

Featuring waterfalls, cliffs, deep pools, small drops, mini-rapids, caves, and more, it's certain to be an adventure to remember.

Located in Columbia, Higher Pursuits Kayak and Canoe Rental offers visitors a variety of rental options for couples time spent on the water.

Address: Higher Pursuits, 3114 Cheeks Bend Rd, Columbia, TN 38401
Availability: Visit Higher Pursuits' website for a complete list of hours and pricing

3 Take The Scenic Route For A Romantic Drive (Gatlinburg)

Morning mist over Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Nestled in the Tennessee mountains, there's no better way to enjoy a romantic excursion than by seeing the breathtaking landscapes on Gatlinburg's most scenic drives.

Options include the six-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Foothills Parkway, as well as the breathtaking 11-mile-long Cades Cove Loop Road, which takes travelers through parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2 Take A Romantic Ride On The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City)

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad zipping down the train tracks

Another terrific way to see the stunning landscapes of the Smokies is with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which is one of the most scenic fall train rides around.

Enjoy a romantic ride along the Tennessee countryside to marvel at the area's fall foliage and breathtaking views.

Address: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Availability: Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's website for the complete train schedule and ticket pricing

1 Rent A Cabin In The Smokies (Gatlinburg)

City views during the fall at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook at sunset, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

There are a number of spots where you can rent cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall, and there's nothing more intimate than a cozy stay nestled deep in nature.

Find the perfect stay in Gatlinburg, which is a popular gateway town to the Smokies and nearby attractions like Ober Mountain, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and Dollywood.

For help finding the perfect check out the website Cabins of the Smoky Mountains, which even has a "romantic cabins" search option.

Tennessee has so many fall activities for couples, you might need to enjoy more than one!