Banner image courtesy of Chris Ried
Planning a trip with other couples sounds exciting, right? A few days away with your favorite people, beautiful mountain views, and zero work emails. But let’s be real – group travel takes some thought. You’ve got different preferences, budgets, and expectations to juggle. The good news? A little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re headed to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Here’s how to organize a retreat that keeps everyone relaxed and happy from start to finish.
Choose the Right Base for Your Trip
Start with where you’ll stay. For a multi-couple trip, having your own space matters. You’ll want a cabin with enough bedrooms and bathrooms for privacy, but with big living areas where everyone can hang out. It’s more fun when you can cook together, play games, or sit around a fire without squeezing into a small space.
Eagles Ridge Resort is a solid option for groups like this. Their cabins are close to the action in Pigeon Forge, but still tucked away enough for a peaceful stay. That balance is key when you’ve got different personalities in one group.
Plan Shared Experiences (and Find the Best Food)
Once you’re settled, it’s time to think about what your group will do—and eat. Some couples love staying active, while others prefer more low-key outings. A solid mix of both will keep everyone happy. That might mean planning one big shared activity a day and letting people do their own thing the rest of the time.
While staying close to town, food will naturally become a big part of your retreat. You don’t need to cook every meal, and honestly, you shouldn’t have to. There are so many great places to eat in Pigeon Forge TN, it’s easy to find something for every taste.
If your group loves hearty Southern meals, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen serves up comfort food with generous portions and warm hospitality. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Q is a go-to for slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that hits the spot after a day out. For breakfast lovers, Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin delivers fresh-from-scratch pancakes loaded with all kinds of fillings—from chocolate chips to pecans.
Just don’t overbook yourselves. Some of the best moments come from downtime—hanging out at the cabin, chatting over drinks, or making breakfast together.
Get Everyone on the Same Page Early
Before you book anything, talk it out. Use a shared group chat, Google Doc, or planning app. Get clear on who’s in, what dates work best, and what kind of vibe everyone wants. Some people love a jam-packed schedule. Others just want to chill. If you don’t figure this out early, you might run into issues mid-trip.
It also helps to agree on a rough budget. Not everyone spends the same way on vacation, so find a range that feels fair. That way, no one ends up stressed about costs, and it’s easier to make group decisions later.
You don’t need to plan every minute, but having a few core ideas in place makes it easier once you arrive. Everyone will know what to expect—and you can avoid a bunch of last-minute decision-making that eats up your vacation time.
Sort Out Transportation Before You Go
This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it matters. Decide early how you’re getting there and how you’ll get around once you arrive. Are you carpooling? Renting a larger vehicle? Bringing separate cars? Fewer cars mean simpler parking and less chaos, especially at attractions with limited space.
It also helps to map out where you’re going ahead of time. Cell service can be hit or miss in some mountain areas, so saving directions offline is smart. Even better, print out a few key addresses just in case.
If you’re planning to visit a lot of different spots, split up driving responsibilities so no one person gets stuck behind the wheel the entire time. It makes the trip feel more balanced and gives everyone a chance to relax.
Balance Group Time with Couple Time
Yes, you’re there to hang out as a group. But that doesn’t mean every second needs to be together. In fact, giving couples some time to do their own thing keeps everyone feeling refreshed. Maybe a few want to go shopping while others hit a trail or take a nap. That’s totally fine.
Plan at least one group meal or activity each day—something to anchor the schedule. The rest can be open. Trust us, people will appreciate the flexibility. And you’ll all have more to talk about when you regroup later.
This setup also prevents group fatigue. It keeps things fun and avoids situations where someone feels like they’re being dragged along to something they don’t enjoy. A good retreat strikes a balance between togetherness and personal time.
Pack Like a Group, Not Just a Couple
Packing smart saves time and money. Talk with the group before you go to figure out what shared items you can bring. One person can bring a cooler, someone else grabs board games, and another brings firewood or folding chairs for outside. This works especially well if you’re driving in.
Weather in the Smokies can shift quickly, so pack layers. Comfy clothes, shoes for walking, a jacket—even in warmer months, nights can get chilly. And don’t forget a few things that make group hangs easier: a portable speaker, snacks, a deck of cards, or marshmallows for the fire.
It’s also smart to bring a few essentials for the cabin—things like paper towels, trash bags, and cooking basics. Even if the cabin has a stocked kitchen, those little extras make life easier, especially with a larger group.
Group trips don’t need to be complicated. With the right mix of planning, flexibility, and communication, a couples’ retreat in the Smoky Mountains can be everything you want it to be—easygoing, fun, and full of great memories. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just make space for good food, good company, and a few unforgettable views. The rest falls into place on its own.