Winter is a great time for a quiet mountain getaway in the Smokies and with the long Valentine's Day / President's Day weekend coming up Bryson City NC has some great options for travelers looking for a special weekend in the mountains.
Feb. 11, "Uncorked" – Full-service all-adult first class wine experience train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Tuckasegee River excursion (includes a stopover in historic Dillsboro). Narrator onboard to discuss each pairing of four wines with a meal that includes a sampling of local cheeses, a surf & turf entree and a selection of locally-made chocolates. Each passenger receives a souvenir stemless wine glass. Age 21 and over only. 11 a.m. 800-872-4681, GSMR.com/uncorked.
Feb. 10-13, Nantahala Brewing Company will host the annual release of their Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout in both a regular and barrel-aged version. Celebrate at the Tap Room as well as at their new restaurant The Warehouse, NantahalaBrewing.com.
For Valentine's, The Fudge Depot will feature their signature fudge and chocolates, as well as chocolate baskets filled with chocolate-covered strawberries. La Dolce Vita Bakery will have Valentine's cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and chocolate-covered strawberries. The Chocolate Shoppe will offer heart-shaped assortment boxes as well as chocolate-covered strawberries with milk, dark and white options. The Village Florist will offer long-stemmed roses and other bouquets.
Bryson City has a variety of restaurant choices for that romantic dinner — from juicy steaks and hamburgers to gourmet meals and Italian or Mexican dishes. GreatSmokies.com/dining
Lodging options include B&Bs and Inns, condos and lofts, motels and hotels, and cabins. The Folkestone Inn is offering their guests a four-course gourmet dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville; two hours from Knoxville, Greenville/Spartanburg and Chattanooga; and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.