5 Fun Date Night Ideas in Downtown Chattanooga | Couples Photographer
Whether you can believe it or not, Chattanooga used to have some of the worst air pollution in the country. You also wouldn’t even walk around downtown after 9 PM for fear of something happening. However, when the EPA instructed the city to clean up its act, Chattanooga started to revolutionize everything. After the Tennessee Aquarium was built, it set in motion what we all now see as a fun and vibrant city with one of a kind restaurants, entrepreneurial start-ups, and plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. This city has so much history that there are all kinds of fun things to do, especially when it comes to date night! Being someone who is from this area, I’m always excited to try new places and discover tasty restaurants. Now that cities have started to open back up after the pandemic has begun to settle, couples are eager to get out of the house. Here are some fun ideas for your next date night in Chattanooga!
When it comes to Chattanooga, hiking locations and outdoor areas are abundant! There are always plenty of places to enjoy stunning views and waterfalls. Planning a fun picnic and a hike to a spot to view the sunset overlooking downtown is one of my favorite date night ideas! You can pack anything you want to eat and spend some quality time with your special someone surrounded by Mother Nature.
One of the best restaurants in Chattanooga is STIR, located at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo off Market Street downtown. With plenty of outdoor seating during the warmer months and an eclectic full menu with a crated cocktail list, this location makes it one of the best places for dinner in town. After you finish the last sips from your Whiskey Bramble and pay your tab, head on over across the street to the Hot Chocolatier for dessert. From pastries and chocolate truffles and their famous drinking hot chocolate (that you can take home!), you’re sure to find something you like! Even if you can’t have chocolate 🙂
If you’re looking for just a casual day date, check out Agave and Rye near the river off Chestnut Street.I have personally been here for lunch, and I can say that it’s the most fun Mexican place around! With lots of tasty taco combinations that I never would have thought to make, you will definitely find something you will like! If you don’t try any of their 90+ tequilas they offer while you’re there, then your next stop is the Chattanooga Brewing Company just a few miles down the road. Dating back to 1890, it’s the oldest brewery in Chattanooga. My favorite is the Chestnut Brown Ale! If alcohol isn’t your thing, then take a stroll on the Walnut Street Bridge together and admire the surrounding city.
For a nice and fancy dinner, definitely make a reservation at Tony’s Pasta Shop at the Bluff View Art District. Tony’s offers hand made pastas and authentic Italian fare made with herbs and tomatoes from their garden. Afterwards, take a quick walk over to Rembrandt’s Coffeehouse, grab a latte and one of their scrumptious pastries, and sit outside on the patio. Before you leave, be sure to get some pastries for breakfast the next morning. If you want to exercise your muscles, take a walk in the Sculpture Garden near the bridge.
Make a visit to the West Village and grab dinner at Easy Bistro and Bar and then head up to the roof top for the Paloma Bar at the Westin for after dinner drinks. Easy Bistro’s new home on Chestnut Street is known for its raw oysters and seafood, but also boasts rich small plates for sharing. The views on the roof top bar at the Westin speak for itself! Indulge in a glass of wine you sit next to a fire pit with your loved one and enjoy the city.
While there are so many restaurants and places to visit and dine here in Chattanooga, you can’t eat everywhere. However, everyone can find somewhere to fine that speaks to them for that perfect lunch or dinner date!
Where do you love to eat or grab a drink in Chattanooga? Share in the comments below so I can try some new places!
