If you’re seeking a romantic weekend getaway with an unparalleled connection to nature, I know the perfect spot.  Treetop Hideaways in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Below is an itinerary I’ve put together for a magical weekend full of whimsical fun that is sure to spark the inner child in you and bring you closer together.

Treetop Hideaways’ treehouses are built with a rustic farmhouse charm full of interesting quirks and oddities like record players with vintage albums, exposed copper piping, a barn door closet and impressive floor to ceiling reclaimed warehouse windows.

Ruby Falls Lantern Tour - Book a late evening, after hours Lantern Tour at Ruby Falls where you can experience the magic of the caverns in a new, romantic light. This specialty tour takes you down 260 feet in a glass elevator to the intricate maze of caves below. Guests are given hand-held lanterns to light the way with no other artificial light as a guide leads you to the incredible 145-foot-tall waterfall, the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the United States. Experiencing the thundering falls illuminated only by the light of lanterns is incredible.

If you’re still hungry before leaving for home, head over to Urban Stack for a late lunch/early dinner on the outdoor patio. Urban Stack has an extensive and impressive burger menu. Their meats are either all-natural, organic, grass fed, free range or from sustainable, humane farms. They also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

WHERE TO STAY

Treetop Hideaways

Maybe it’s childhood nostalgia, or that sense of awe and adventure you feel perched high above the ground in the trees, but there is just something extraordinary about staying in a treehouse. Perhaps it’s that deafening quiet that can only be found in nature or the bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

Each treehouse has a hammock built for two as well as a private firepit so you can spend romantic evenings cozying up to a fire under a canopy of stars as you take in the city lights and views of the Tennessee River below.

Some even have heated floors, private and luxurious outdoor rain-head showers, or a walk-in shower big enough for two with a glassed-in tree growing through it.  

A weekend stay here is sure to rekindle the spark in your relationship.

If you don’t feel like making a fire, relax in the hammock built for two and gaze up at the canopy of stars blanketing the sky and breath in the cool night air.   

After Breakfast Stroll - Take a walk along Chattanooga’s Riverwalk which spans over 16 miles along the banks of the Tennessee River with dozens of places you can connect to it. There are all types of quaint shops, coffee

Lunch & Rock City

Over 90 years ago, in 1932, the couple who owned Rock City decided to share their incredible “backyard” with the public. Take a stroll through over 4,100 feet of trails that wind you through these enchanting gardens past giant rock formations, a wooden swinging bridge spanning 180 feet suspended in air, the Fairyland Caverns, the Mother Goose Village and magical caves. You will feel like a kid again wandering around.

Explore Chattanooga Choo Choo – After brunch, marvel at the architecture of the old historic train station especially the intricate dome ceiling of what was once the station lobby. From here you can take a ride on an electric trolley, stroll the gardens and enjoy the gift shop outside that stretches from room to room as if you are making your way through old train cars.

DAY 1 - FRIDAY

Check In - Get settled in your treehouse. Standard check-in is at 3 pm.

Dinner - Reserve a table at Main Street Meats for a romantic dinner for two. Both their food and cocktails are fantastic. I think they make the best drinks in town.

Late Evening Fire – When you return to your treehouse enjoy your complimentary bottle of wine around the outdoor fire pit as your body relaxes into vacation mode.

DAY 2 - SATURDAY

Morning - Enjoy your morning coffee on the private patio of your treehouse in bathrobes looking out at the breathtaking views of the city below.

Breakfast – Some great breakfast options are Bluegrass Grill, Aretha Frankenstein’s, Maple Street Biscuit Company and Milk & Honey.

After lunch, continue through the gardens to the legendary Lover’s Leap viewpoint that sits above a 90-foot waterfall. Cherokee legend has it that two young lovers Nacoochee and Sautee from two feuding tribes met their fate here. The young brave Nacoochee was captured and thrown from the top, and Sautee leaped to her own death following her lover.

On your way out, visit the cute gift shop and Rock City’s Fudge Kitchen near the exit for a special treat.

Coolidge Park is a cute place to stop to rest and check out the indoor antique carousel and calliope band organ – an additional touch of nostalgia after spending the night in a treehouse.

Make your way up to the magnificent viewpoint at the top where you can actually see seven different states all at once. Grab a bite to eat and sit al fresco in the fresh air. They even serve beer and wine.

Dinner – Some great dinner options include Calliope, Two Ten Jack, The Meeting Place, Neidlov's Bakery, and Kenny's. Look into making a reservation as Chattanooga restaurants tend to be busy especially on weekends.

Visit a Hidden Speakeasy – Behind a discreet bookcase in the lobby of the Kinley Hotel Chattanooga, an exciting adventure awaits. You must request a secret key from the front desk to enter this intimate spot decorated in Prohibition era neon-lights and décor. The Kinley Hotel Speakeasy serves some of the best cocktails from that era and is always a fun time.

Another option is to grab an after-dinner drink at the Unknown Caller, located in a former bank vault. They have an ever-changing, extensive cocktail menu (and an extensive non-alcoholic list).

DAY 3 - SUNDAY

Morning - Enjoy a leisurely morning sipping coffee on the private patio before checking out. Standard check-out is at 11 am.

Sunday Brunch – Once you are packed up and ready to go, enjoy Sunday brunch at Chattanooga Choo Choo, a Victorian style train station that is now home to several restaurants. The best spots for brunch here are The Frothy Monkey and Stir, although all of your choices are great.

Walk Around Town – After exploring the train station, enjoy a stroll through town and enjoy the historic architecture. 

Need a pick me up or have a sweet tooth? Stop by Mean Mug Coffee for a specialty coffee or homemade pastry.