Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to NOOGAtoday.
Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time).
Regardless, of whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 20+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
See the sights with that special someone.
Photo by @jacobtimpa
For the ones who want a night out on the town
- Find out how to make them laugh by watching a show at The Comedy Catch. Feeling confident? Take them to an open mic night on the first + third Wednesday of the month to show off your skills.
- Climb aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s various themed train rides to enjoy a journey through history + scenic views.
- Head to Memorial Auditorium during the Tivoli Theatre Foundation’s Broadway season to see a high-end production like “Hamilton.”
- Get a boatload of good times on the Southern Belle for one of its cruises touring the sights of the Scenic City. We recommend the Sunset Cruises for an even more romantic night.
You could even try to eat your noddles “Lady and the Tramp"-style.
Photo via @sweetandsavoryclassroom
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
- Take a cooking class offered by the Sweet & Savory Classroom where you and your plus one can learn the craft of making anything from bread to Italian delicacies.
- Have a wine-tasting experience paired with homemade wood-fired pizza at the Look Out Winery. Pro tip: Go before the sun sets for the most breathtaking views overlooking the Tennessee River.
- Pick one (or all) of the six local restaurants that were featured by Forbes as a “culinary gem” in the Scenic City.
- You’ll always have Paris by having breakfast at Adelle’s Crêperie — make a dynamic duo of flavors that showcases both you + your special someone by ordering a “create your own” savory or sweet crepes.
- Plan for a candle-lit dinner in the comfort of your own home by heading to Queen’s Kitchen and Market to shop artisanal pastas, sauces, and other fresh ingredients to cook together.
For when the love makes you feel like free fallin’.
Photo by Alliance for Dade via @lookoutmtnflightpark
If you love the great outdoors
- Take to the trails to get to know each other along the way.
- Grab a cheese spread from Bleu Fox Cheese Shop and head to Coolidge Park for an easy-going picnic by the water. Bonus: Make it extra special with our help.
- Any thrill seekers in the chat with us? Try out Ruby Falls’ High Point ZIP Adventures or glide with Lookout Mountain Flight Park.
- As they say there are other fish in the sea — so take your special someone to get up close to the creatures at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Who doesn’t want someone who brings out the little kid in them?
Photo by @classicarcadepinballmuseum
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
- Spend an afternoon at the Chattanooga Pinball Museum playing unlimited rounds of the classic arcade game.
- Spare some time at Southside Social for a game of bowling at this bar.
- Test each other’s wits with a game of trivia around town.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
- Join Fleet Feet for different runs around town like every Wednesday at Oddstory Brewing Co.
- Take different walking, yoga, and other outdoor fitness activity classes with the Chattanooga Fitness Center.
- Test your climbing skills at High Point.
If you’re looking to make something special
- Get your hands dirty and clay around together by taking one of Scenic City Clay Arts’ classes where you can learn how to wheel throw or handbuild together.
- Seal the deal by stopping by Love, EROS to treat your date with the charm bar and permanent jewelry + custom hat stations.
- Take a class from The Chattery — we’re talking arts and crafts to exploring mood boards and yoga.
The view from the rooftop is bound to set the mood for your evening.
Photo via @whiskeythiefchattanooga
If you want an “old fashioned”-style date
- Have conversations with a breathtaking view and an old fashioned in hand at the rooftop bar Whiskey Thief.
- Adventure to a speakeasy-style bar like Unknown Caller or Company inside of the Kinley hotel.
- Get cozy in Matilda Midnight’s intimate bar space with the perfect mood lighting.
- Meet love on the battlefields at the historical Point Park in Lookout Mountain.
- Live out the romcom moment by booking a special horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the downtown area, keeping the spark alive before or after dinner.
If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town
- Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
- Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Chattanooga with our events page (and check out this guide for our tips on navigating the page).
Bonus: Start your date on the right note by heading to one of Chattanooga’s local flower shops.
What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction.
