This winter, kiss the Netflix-and-chill routine goodbye. Instead, surprise your special someone with a romantic day or evening out in Chattanooga. With dozens of unique date spots all around the city, it’s easy to create a memorable experience with your sweetheart in Chattanooga. Here are 11 of the dreamiest places for a date night this winter.
1. Tennessee Valley Railroad
Transport your date back to the early 20th century with dinner and a ride aboard a vintage train car. The Tennessee Valley Railroad offers a variety of scenic tours throughout the year, including a special Valentine Dinner Train complete with a four-course meal. You and your loved one will spend two romantic hours dining and relaxing in an elegant 1924 train car as it travels 14 miles around Chattanooga.
2. The Hunter Museum
Built on a ninety-foot limestone bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and comprised of a 1905 classical revival mansion, a low-slung 1970s building and a 2005 contemporary structure, the Hunter Museum of American Art showcases 100 years of architecture and houses the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. You and your date can browse the collection of colonial-era paintings to modern-day masterpiece, spanning across a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass, and crafts.
3. Look Out Winery
Enjoy a scenic, laid-back afternoon or evening at Look Out Winery, a worthwhile 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. You and your sweetheart can sip unique wine blends while taking in a stunning view of the Tennessee River Gorge. All the wines are crafted to pair perfectly with the winery’s fresh woodfired pizza.
4. Alleia
With its low lighting, rustic interior, and beautifully presented dishes, Alleia is easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Chattanooga. Start your evening with artisan cocktails and seasonal wines before moving on to elegant Italian fare that’s been handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients.
5. Bluff View Arts District
It’s easy to imagine that you’re in a romantic European city as you walk the cobblestone sidewalks, sample fresh-baked bread, and admire the outdoor sculptures of the riverfront Bluff View Art District. You and your date will love warming up with coffee and chocolates at Rembrandt’s, indulging in handmade pasta at Tony’s, and spending a quiet night at the quaint Bluff View Inn.
6. West Village
This vibrant neighborhood has become one of Chattanooga’s hotspots for evenings out. Begin with drinks and snacks with a view at Alimentari. Then make your way down to Gilman Grill for dinner. Extend your fabulous date by spending a luxurious night at the Westin, which offers one of the city’s best views from its rooftop bar.
7. Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
Explore Chattanooga Cinderella-style with a trip through downtown in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. You can choose to have the driver regale you with history and trivia as you travel around town, or opt to enjoy a quiet ride snuggled up with your date. You can take tours with either the Chattanooga Carriage Company or Chattanooga Horse Trams.
8. The Southern Belle
As one of Chattanooga’s most iconic attractions, the Southern Belle Riverboat hosts lunch and dinner cruises that are a must-do activity for any couple. You and your sweetie can enjoy a meal and music as you drift through one of the most unique and romantic settings imaginable—the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge.
9. Rock City
Perched atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City is truly a bucket list item for anyone living in or visiting Chattanooga. This fascinating outdoor park is a local tradition, and guests have been awed by its rock formations, caverns, and waterfalls for nearly a century. You and your special someone will have a blast exploring Rock City’s many nooks and crannies while enjoying the expansive views of the surrounding states.
10. The Sweet and Savory Classroom
Cooking isn’t a chore when you take your date for an evening at the Sweet and Savory Classroom on Chattanooga’s Southside. Choose from dozens of classes including steak dinners, desserts, and international cuisine, and then get ready to spend an exciting two hours creating your dish with step-by-step instructions. This is truly a special date night that you will remember for years to come!
11. Dance Tonight
Is there anything more romantic and adventurous than going out dancing? At Dance Tonight, couples can attend group classes or private lessons to learn everything from the Salsa to the Foxtrot. You’ll be guided by a certified instructor, and no experience is required to twirl and spin the night away at Dance Tonight.
