CADES COVE

Tucked in the western end of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the valley of Cades Cove is quite possibly the perfect place for a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables. There are plenty of open fields. There are plenty of wild animals, hiking trails, historic buildings and beautiful scenery. And there are plenty of places to take a nap after you gorge yourself on an entire basket full of food.

And besides that, where else in East Tennessee can you go out on a romantic picnic date, and if all goes well, have a quick wedding by nightfall at the Primitive Baptist Church?

Runners-up: Cove Lake State Park and Norris Dam