Romantic Escapes in (and Around) Southern Appalachia

The Southern Appalachian Mountains are romantic by themselves. Here, the Cumberlands, the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains mingle. Encompassing Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia, the area offers natural beauty and friendly people. Some of the secluded spots will renew even the most strained relationships...and can launch new ones with little effort! Turn off your cell phone, leave the kids at the in-laws and take off to one of these spots. The only bad part of your trip will be the end of it!

1. Asheville, North Carolina. This has to be one of America's best small towns. It's nestled in the Smokies, just across the state line. Take I-40 West from Knoxville or Chattanooga. If you live in the Tri-Cities, you can take the back roads, going from Bristol. I highly recommend The Grove Park Inn. Reservations are required. You can spend the entire weekend here, enjoying amazing food and a five-star spa. If you want to venture out, you'll find a vibrant nightlife in Asheville. Clubs offer a variety of live music for a small cover. Of course, Biltmore House and Gardens is a good place to hang out for a few hours-if you can bring yourself to leave the Grove Park Inn. Biltmore is America's largest private home and it's breathtaking. The house itself is inspirational. The grounds are well-maintained regardless of the season. Plus, the views are worth the admission price. A free option is to take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which skirts Asheville.