9 minute read

THE PERFECT HONEYMOON GUIDE

Now that the big day has come and gone it’s time for the bride and groom to bid farewell to their loved ones and set off on their next adventure: the honeymoon. Whether you prefer a closer to home getaway or a week at a luxurious resort - we have put together a few places that would be perfect for your honeymoon!

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a top tourism destination in Tennessee. Newlyweds from all over the world travel to stay in the incredible cabins tucked away in the foothills of the Smokies and enjoy all the romantic things to do in the area. In addition to its magnificent natural beauty, Gatlinburg also boasts hundreds of fun attractions, shops, and restaurants that are great for couples. Here are a few local recommendations for newlyweds visiting Gatlinburg.

Couples Massage at Fox Place Spa

There is nothing more relaxing than a day at the spa! Fox Place Spa offers a handful of couples massages but we recommend The Fox Place Experience. It includes a brisk, dry exfoliation to stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells, followed by the One Hour Signature Massage.

Take A Ride Through Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a broad valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It is not uncommon for visitors to see black bears, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and pileated woodpeckers. All of the major landmarks in the valley are accessible via an 11-mile, one-way loop road, so couples can enjoy a scenic drive through this little slice of paradise.

Enjoy Dinner At The Peddler Steakhouse

One word: tradition. That’s what makes this Gatlinburg restaurant so special. Year after year, families return to The Peddler to enjoy an incredible dining experience in downtown Gatlinburg. From their fresh salad bar and custom cut steaks to views of the Little Pigeon River, visitors get to enjoy a meal that’s like no other.

Visit Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands Distilling Company is conveniently located in downtown Gatlinburg. Visitors who come to the barn-style distillery can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the still house and learn firsthand how they make their authentic Sugarlands spirits. Adults over the age of 21 can take a guided tasting flight of the spirits at the Sippin’ Posts. Their Back Porch stage hosts free shows covering many genres, open to guests of all ages.

Spend The Day At Anakeesta

Sitting on 70-acre forested lands, this theme park is perfect for anyone looking for exciting places to go in Gatlinburg. Although it’s relatively new, this theme park has become one of the famous tourist places in Gatlinburg. At this theme park, visitors may enjoy an assortment of exciting activities, including ziplines and 60-foot-high canopy walks.

Branson is jam-packed with good food and fun. No matter where you turn you are bound to find something to do! Experience world-famous live entertainment, thrilling attractions, outdoor beauty, delicious food and genuine Ozarks hospitality that will make you feel right at home. Here are some of our top picks to make your time well spent in Branson.

Have Lunch At Gettin’ Basted

At Gettin’ Basted, you are invited to indulge in an emerging style of barbecue found only in the Ozarks. Gettin’ Basted’s award-winning chefs specialize in cooking hot and fast, which provides world-class, unique meats in a fraction of the time. Taste the Ozarks area difference for yourself.

Spend The Day At Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City, one of America’s great theme parks, is an 1880’s themed experience that puts the words “family” and “fun” at the heart of everything they do. Experience Time Traveler, the only rollercoaster of its kind, that goes speeds up to 50 mph while you make a 10-story, 90-degree vertical drop, or be amazed by the artisan demonstrations before your eyes. Fill your belly with good Ozark Mountain cookin’ from one of many tasty restaurants and booths, or become a volunteer for the day at Fireman’s Landing. Once you leave, you’ll be counting down the days until you come back!

Visit The Aquarium At The Boardwalk

Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the newest things to do in Branson, Missouri, and is unlike any other aquarium you’ve ever visited. Some features that visitors can expect to enjoy are more than 250 different animal species, a 5D submarine adventure to the bottom of the sea, sharks, a 24-foot high Kelp Forest climbing structure for kids, stingrays, a gorgeous 16-foot view of a coral reef, two mirrored art installations that give the sense of infinite ocean lifelionfish, and more than 7,200 individual sea animals! Guests will also meet the Aquarium’s characters Aquarius, the wise and helpful Giant Pacific Octopus and Finn, the adventurous Golden Puffer.

WonderWorks

Branson’s newest attraction, WonderWorks, has quickly become a crowd favorite. Found in the heart of Branson’s Entertainment District, you can’t miss the iconic exterior of WonderWorks, a huge upsidedown house. Once inside, you can discover four stories of interactive and intriguing activities, experiments and mysteries sure to entertain, educate and inspire. incredible country-style food. You even get to be a part of some friendly competition as each side of the arena cheers for their competitors to steal the show. Before and after the show, you can visit the outdoor Horse Walk and meet the four-legged stars of the show.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is one of Italy’s top vacation destinations thanks to their spectacular towns and beautiful views. In addition to delicious, mouthwatering food and a variety of wines sure to please your palete, Tuscany is also home to historic cities, art-filled museums and breathtaking churches.

Each part of Tuscany has its own personality that is sure to wow you. Although it is nearly impossible to share all the amazing things to do in Tuscany, here are a few of our top picks!

Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli

An icon of Italy, the famed leaning tower stands slightly off beside the cathedral and baptistery in the field of miracles. The buildings are indeed a miraculous combination of artistic talents, and the delicate marble arcades of Pisa’s 12th-century bell tower would have made it one of Italy’s great landmarks even if it stood perfectly straight.

Ride A Vespa Through The Countryside

If you are looking to go on a romantic adventure through the countryside then you need to book a vespa! You can either go explore solo or join a guided tour and taste local Tuscan products, enjoy a light lunch, and soak up the character of the Chianti countryside.

Book A Food Tour

Food from the Tuscan region really is the crème de la crème of Italian cuisine. Pizza! Pasta! Gelato! What more could you want?

Wine aside, one of the most famous food and drink exports from Tuscany is that of world-class olive oil. As a result, a favorite among the locals is fettunta, which is a bruschetta rubbed in creamy garlic and drizzled in local olive oil.

Explore The Castles

Much like the rest of Europe, there are plenty of castles in the Tuscany region. While some of the castles have been turned into luxurious hotels, others remained family homes and are still occupied to this day.

Some of the castles have been transformed into museums in which the public can visit. A few to name are Castle of Brolio and the 13th century Castle of Poppi.

Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. She welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. Being the only nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return.

Snorkeling and Diving in Anse Chastanet Marine National Park

Anse Chastanet coral reef is home to gorgeous and diverse sea life. Divers can see colored sponges, soft corals, boulder coral, and brain corals. Frogfish inhabit a large nearby cavern, and divers may spot many varieties of fish in the coral gardens, to include parrotfish, goatfish, wrasse, chromis, barracudas and many more.

The edge of the plateau is a wall that drops 46 meters to a lace coral ecosystem inhabited by lobsters, crabs, and eels. While above the surface, Anse Chastanet is a breathtaking beach with beautiful views of the Pitons. About a 10-minute walk from here, Anse Mamin is less crowded, with a lovely secluded feel and great snorkeling.

Visit The Pitons

Standing tall and covered in green vegetation, The Pitons are the most iconic sight in all of Saint Lucia. Sitting between the two towns of Soufriere and Choiseul, these volcanic plugs are easy to spot from pretty much anywhere.

Hiking through the trails of the twin peaks is breathtaking once you reach the top according to the locals. However they advise you admire the beauty from the ground if you’re not a pro-climber as the trails are extremely steep. There are guides you can book though for the hike if you dare!

Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens

If you’re tired of laying on the beach but not up for a hike through The Pitons, then spending a few hours at Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens is sure to be a relaxing, and eye-catching option. This 6-acre attraction is filled with vibrant greenery, including hibiscus, ixora and heliconia, along with many others. The Diamond Falls waterfall is also a gorgeous view to see, changing colors throughout the year due to the mixture of rainwater and volcanic minerals that flow down the falls. Here, you can also take a dip in the on-site mineral baths, dine at the Old Mill & Waterwheel Restaurant, or explore the Soufrière Estate.

Rainforest Adventures St Lucia Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour

Explore St Lucia’s rainforest via aerial tram and zipline. During this outdoor eco-adventure, enjoy a guided tour that allows a bird’s eye view of the lush tropical forest. Then clip into a harness to zoom through a 10-zipline canopy tour and enjoy a hike through the rainforest accompanied by an expert adventure guide.

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bridal LAVENDER PARK

Lavender Park Bridal is not your average wedding gown shop. We offer a boutique style wedding gown shopping experience that is 100% focused on you, which means we only allow two brides in at a time.

“We pride ourselves in making the dress shopping experience all about the bride and what she wants. This moment is all about you! You should feel comfortable and supported by your consultant. If you want a modest gown, a good consultant doesn’t pull a dress that is has a deep V down to the navel. We listen to you and want you to feel your absolute best,” says owner Kayla Eaton.

You’ll notice when you first enter Lavender Park that we sit down with you and get to know you, your style, your vision, and your squad before heading straight to the racks. This is important to fully support you in finding your dream gown.