I have to say that I am scared to go on this Gatlinburg family vacation. After reading all the comments...
Here's the plan. My family has booked a camping trip at Crazy Horse Campground for a week in June. We are staying beside a mountain creek, it really does sound nice!!?? My husband and I are staying in a nice camper with my family. My husband and I are also celebrating our 2nd anniversary, so for a couple of nights we are looking for someplace to stay and things to do away from the family. We need some "alone time". However I'm beginning to think we need to find something else to do. I'm basically looking for #1 a romantic place to stay for 1 or 2 nights. Away from downtown. #2 A good place to eat to help us celebrate our anniversary. Is this a possibility or should I get out now? #3 fun things to do during the day like info on the best hikes...I don't want much!! The bottom line is we like nice things. I don't want to hurt my families feelings, but I don't want to waste a week's vacation either. So if there are any good suggesstions out there I'd love to hear them. Keep in mind that I would love to salvage this trip if possible so please don't bash this vacation too badly!! Although I do want the truth. Thanks in advance!

My standing advice on G'burg is to stay in the Little Greenbriar Lodge B&B [www.bbonline.com/tn/lgl/index.html]
It is located at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Wears Valley. It is located right next to the park and 150 yards from the Little Greenbrier Trailhead, which is a nice hike, and not as populated as some of the other trails. The owners will provide shuttle service to other nearby trailheads that will lead you back to the lodge, as well as prepare picnic lunches on request. Ask for room #15- the upstairs corner room. The inn's location allows you to come down into G'burg without coming from Pigeon Forge and preserves the sense of the mountains, IMHO. It should provide a a nice 1-2 night getaway for you and your husband. For a nice dinner, try the Park Grill; the Burning Bush also is a longtime favorite. The decor at the Grill has more of a "lodge-y" feel, which may be a better background for your special meal. Good information on local hikes is available at the park ranger stations, and also at the Happy Hiker, a store in downtown G'burg. Try to take in the beauty of the Smokies where you can & accept the commercialism of Pigeon Forge/G'burg for what is is. Hope you have a good trip.

Kris,
Okay- I hate the t-shirt shops and fudge places, but manage to go to G'Burg once a year for romance! You can get a trail guide at the Welcome Center when you enter G'Burg. We prefer the tough ones- Ramsey Falls is incredible, but you must be in great shape. Cade's Cove has many nice trails. you MUST MUST visit Cade's Cove- it is gorgeous!
For restaurants- one really nice place is The Open Hearth. It sits beside a lovely mountain stream. Food is average American fare- but their fresh trout is wonderful! I thought it was very romantic!
Now....take my EXPERT advice here.For your 2 special days....rent the Mountain Primrose cabin from Wildflowermountainrentals.com. It is totally secluded, romantic....a loft with a king-size bed, jacuzzi....a huge hot tub off the deck. Ahhhh . I could write a book about the 4 days we spent there, LOL! They have a cute kitchen....stock up on some wine and goodies, then hibernate folks! Walk around naked, etc etc.....I'm booking it already for next year. No, I'm not an agent....just impressed with them!

Hi Kris,
I'd recommend the Maple Leaf Lodge in Townsend. (www.mapleleaflodge.com) This is a new bed and breakfast on a quiet hillside, with lovely rooms. I was not impressed with the cabins, however. It's away from the ruckus in Gatlingburg, but close enough for a drive over for dinner. The offer hiking trails, and I think horseback riding. The Little River is nearby for tubing. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Townsend is a wonderful place to get some "alone" time. Someone has already mentioned Cade's Cove, a great activity. The hiking is good, too. It's also a bit quieter.

Don't let people blast you about Gatlinburg. True, it can be cheezy but the mountains are beautiful and it sounds like you're staying in a nice spot. You'll have a good time with your family.

We stay totally away from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge but love the Smokies. As mentioned, Cades Cove is great, (don't go on Saturday morning because the loop road is open only to bikes then) and Townsend really is the "peaceful side of the Smokies."

We have always enjoyed the hike out of Cades Cove to Abrams Falls. And make sure and picnic along some of the streams in the park.

I agree on the Wildflower rentals. They have a place to die for with TOTAL seclusion called Homestead. If you want the Townsend side try the Dreamcatcher with Old Smoky rentals (Webb family).