7 Fun Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga

Moms, Dads - you’ve been working hard! As a mom and Chattanooga photographer, I can tell

you that keeping kids alive and healthy is no joke!! But even amidst the times that feel tough and

challenging, you deserve to take a little time for yourselves. Yes, I’m talking about a much-

deserved date night. And I don’t mean the kind of date night where you go to your “usual”

restaurant and talk about the kids for an hour or two. I mean the kind of date night that lets you

have fun, make memories, and rekindle the kind of romance that typically takes a backseat once

the kids arrive. If you know you need a date night but could also use some inspiration,

I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite date night ideas in Chattanooga!

Dance Tonight Chattanooga

46 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408

What’s a better date experience than a night of dancing?! Dance Tonight Chattanooga offers quality dance instruction that teaches the basics of the most popular social dances while bonding with your partner and having fun. You can take a private lesson if you’re feeling a little shy, or check out their high-energy group classes for a vibrant evening of fun and play. Enjoy learning classics like salsa, swing dancing, tango, waltz, and foxtrot. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how good of a dancer you are - just that you’re open-minded to having fun and giving it your best shot. Pair a dance class with a romantic dinner or a post-class cocktail for an extra special night out on the town. Plus, I like to use dance moves as a fun way to create movement and natural connection at your photo sessions so this can be the perfect way to prepare for your next session!

Lookout Winery

11848 Highway 41, Guild, TN 37340

There are few things in life better than wine and pizza, but the two together make for an award-winning combo. Lookout Winery is known for its handcrafted wines and wood-fired pizzas, as well as the spectacular views from its location. And we’re not just talking about your average takeout pizzas here - all of their pies are made from scratch with an heirloom family recipe. They also use imported flour straight from Tuscany, Buffalo Mozzarella from Napoli, and San Marzano plum tomatoes for an authentic Italian pizza experience. Sit out on their patio while sipping a glass of wine and taking in views of the Tennessee River and the mountaintops of three states: Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. It’s a romantic spot to take in gorgeous panoramic vistas, carefully crafted wine, and some of the area’s best pizza.

Alleia Restaurant

25 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

If you’re craving Italian but looking for a more elegant and luxurious date night, you have to check out Alleia in Chattanooga’s southside neighborhood. Founded by James Beard and nominated chef and restaurateur Daniel Lindley, Alleia is a beautifully designed restaurant that serves rustic Italian cuisine that incorporates regional flavors. Their dishes feature exceptional ingredients that are imported from Italy, as well as local, regional farms for the ultimate balance of authenticity and freshness. Alleia makes seven types of hand-made pasta in-house and is home to a custom brick oven that can cook pizzas at 750 degrees. The restaurant’s ambiance is moody and romantic, perfect for a meal that feels like a true getaway from the realities of parenthood.

Bluff View Art District

411 East 2nd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

The Bluff View Art District is a family-owned and operated historic neighborhood dedicated to culinary, horticultural, and visual arts. It’s a beautiful, quiet space to explore hand in hand with your spouse, perhaps stopping for coffee at the charming Rembrandt’s Coffee House or picking up a delicious treat at Bluff View Bakery. The acclaimed River Gallery Sculpture Garden is great for taking in some beautiful artwork, or you can meander through the area’s gardens, plazas, and courtyards, stopping for a cuddle on a cozy bench. If you’re really looking for a getaway, spend the night in the Bluff View Art District’s historic bed and breakfast, taking in views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga for a rejuvenating staycation. Plus the art district makes for an iconic Chattanooga backdrop for a couple's photo session!

Chattanooga Carriage Rides

510 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37415

Whether you’re new to Chattanooga or have lived here all your life, there’s nothing quite like taking in the sights of the city from a horse-drawn carriage. Their professional and knowledgeable carriage drivers can provide you with facts about the city as you stroll by - or they can give you the peace and quiet you deserve as you enjoy the romantic experience. Their downtown tours also occur year-round. But you can also take advantage of specialty tours for Valentine's Day, Christmas, and even a fun Haunted Tour around Halloween! Experience the best and most beautiful of Chattanooga in style, curled up in a carriage in the arms of your partner.

Southern Belle Riverboat

151 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Southern Belle Riverboat offers its passengers an entirely new perspective of the beautiful city of Chattanooga. They offer a variety of specialty cruises that let you enjoy beautiful views of the river and the city, including their standard Sights Cruise that occurs throughout the day. For a more romantic experience, book their beautiful Sunset Cruise and kick back on their open-air deck with a glass of wine in hand as you take in a gorgeous Tennessee sunset. They also offer delicious dinner cruises, as well as specialty seasonal cruises designed to let you take in the beautiful fall foliage, holiday lights, and New Year’s Eve fireworks from the water.

Tennessee Valley Railroad

4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421

The Tennessee Valley Railroad lets guests experience a “slower-paced era when railroad travel

was a way of life.” This regularly scheduled, full-size train ride tours you around 6 miles of

Chattanooga countryside by railroad, taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of an era gone by.

Their Missionary Ridge Local Train Ride is a 65-minute educational exploration of the area’s

locomotive history. If you’re looking for something a little more special on your Chattanooga

date night, then check out their seasonal trips. Like the romantic Holiday Christmas Lights train

in the winter. Or the romantic Valentine Train Ride that features a full dinner served in historic

train cars. While this is also a great activity for the entire family (Thomas the Tank Engine

enthusiasts will love their special Thomas rides in the spring!), it’s also a great getaway for just

parents.

Thanks For Checking Out These Date Night Ideas in Chattanooga!

These date night ideas in Chattanooga are just what you need to let loose and have a little fun, just the two of you! You’ll have plenty of opportunities for family-friendly adventures in the days, weeks, and months to come - don’t forget to take the time for you and your partner to stay connected and love each other in the way you both deserve. Have fun on your date!!