Christopher Place serves up the romance

If you're looking to spend some quality time with the love of your life, no need to go to Napa Valley, New Orleans, or even Savannah. One of the top spots for romance is only about an hour's drive from the Sunsphere.

Christopher Place in Newport has a vibe that's pure Gone with the Wine. Located on a 200 acre private estate adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains, Christopher Place has been called one of the most romantic inns in the nation.

Thirty-five year old owner Marston Price has family roots that go back two hundred years to Lebanon, Tennessee. President Andrew Jackson had a racetrack on Clover Bottom, the property of Marston's ancestors. With his first visit to Christopher Place, Marston knew he'd found something special atop English Mountain.

Built in 1976, the three story, fourteen thousand square foot building was a private home known as The Pinnacle. The original owners lost it in the Butcher banking scandal.

But Christopher Place has come back a long way from those days. Adorned with majestic columns and twin colonades, the inn has nine rooms and suites. It's like the owners hve thought of everything to rekindle the spark of romance. With names like Roman Holiday and Mountain Sunrise, the rooms boast four poster canopy beds, wood-burning fireplaces, deep whirlpool tubs, antiques, French tapestry rugs, and breath-taking views of the Smokies.

And when you're done walking the historic halls, you can put your walking shoes on, take a deep breath of mountain air, and take a quiet stroll on the private hiking trails.

If there's another star in the show, it's what's waiting for you in the Grand View Dining Room when you get back. It's a four course candlelit dinner prepared by chef Karen Valentine. You dno't need to be a guest of Christopher Place to enjoy the romantic dinner. For reservations, call (800) 595-9441.

Christopher Place, An Intimate Resort, was awarded a four diamond rating from AAA. They're located at 1500 Pinnacles Way, Newport, TN 37821. You can give them a call at 423) 623-6555 or (800) 595-9441 or visit them online at www.christopherplace.com