Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Cullowhee

"Spend the night in one of the NC towns that offer access to the Smokies such as Bryson City, Waynesville or even Cherokee (it can be tacky but there are some authentic Native American sites there, too, such as the Museum of the Cherokee and Qualla Arts & Crafts, as well as the largest casino, Harrah’s, in the Southeast). Try to get out of your car as much as you can. There are great short hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Smokies and at state parks such as Mt. Mitchell (the highest mountain peak east of the Rockies)."

"This remarkable modern museum traces Cherokee history from their Paleo-Indian roots onwards. Its villain is the perfidious Andrew Jackson, who made his name fighting alongside the Cherokee, but, as president, condemned them to the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears. One fascinating section follows the progress through 18th-century London of a Cherokee delegation that sailed to England in 1762."

"For an unforgettable sunset view, head to Black Balsam Knob trail in Pisgah National Forest. It’s only about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Asheville, then a 10-15 minute easy hike to the summit, which boasts amazing views into the surrounding ridges and valleys below. In the summer, you can set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the last few rays of golden light to end your trip in the most beautiful way."

"Wandering Llamas, LLC, has brought joy to the Smoky Mountains for years by offering hikes with llamas. Yep, just walking along beautiful nature trails with a cute llama friend by your side. RELATED: 25 Of The All-Time Best Views From Mountains Around The World"

"You’ll find this excellent date night spot located right next door to Chef’s Table. Frogs Leap takes local, sustainable, organic ingredients to create special dishes that are as vibrant as they are tasty. If you’re looking to spend your evening ordering round after round of shareables and cocktails, this is the place for you!"

"On this hike you get the benefit of seeing two Smoky Mountain Waterfalls. The first is the 80 feet high Toms Branch Falls. The park service has installed benches so you can sit and admire the falls."

"The Green River Adventures Waterfall Trek shows you the best of the Big Bradley Falls and Cove Creek Gorge. The hike starts with a 1 mile hike towards Big Bradley Falls before sending you rappelling a 30 foot vertical wall to access the base of the falls and the Cove Creek Gorge."

"The Green River Adventures Waterfall Trek shows you the best of the Big Bradley Falls and Cove Creek Gorge. The hike starts with a 1 mile hike towards Big Bradley Falls before sending you rappelling a 30 foot vertical wall to access the base of the falls and the Cove Creek Gorge."

"Hikers will reach Indian Creek Falls via the Deep Creek Trail, which was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. In addition to visiting the 45-foot waterfall, hikers will also pass by the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls along the way. This is another great hike for early spring wildflowers."