Whether you're into the classic wining and dining, or looking for a new activity to try together, we've rounded up some Music City date nights that are as unique as your love story.
One with Nature
February may be chilly, but for lovers of the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered with some ways to connect with nature (and each other) that are cold-weather approved.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Running now through March 16, Cheekwood’s Orchids in the Mansion returns for an immersive look at nature’s beauty, without any of the outdoor chill. Located in the Cheekwood Historic Mansion, marvel at the breathtaking orchid displays winding throughout the mansion at this cherished winter tradition. Cheekwood even offers orchid- themed classes throughout the winter months.
Arrington Vineyards: It doesn’t get much more romantic than cozying up with a glass of wine and the one you love, and Arrington Vineyards is the perfect place to do just that. Pack a picnic basket (outside food is allowed, just no outside alcohol), bring some nice warm blankets, buy a bottle of wine of your choosing, and enjoy the fresh air alongside stunning winery views. Arrington even offers Valentine's Day-themed specialty tastings February 14 to 16.
The Parthenon: For those milder February days, bundle up and head over to Centennial Park for a lap around the gorgeous grounds. Afterwards, warm up by heading inside The Parthenon, where museum admission is just $10 each. As the world’s only exact-size replica of the original Parthenon, the museum within is just as captivating with stunning permanent and rotating exhibits.
Nashville Zoo: There is plenty of fun to be had every day at the Nashville Zoo, even in the winter months. Running until February 9, Thursday – Sunday nights, visit the largest lantern festival in the country with more than 1,000 custom-made, dazzling silk lanterns at Zoolumination.
Elevated Evening
It might be the norm, but wining and dining is tried-and- true for good reason. If you and your special someone are celebrating a major milestone, or maybe you just appreciate the finer things, these upscale restaurants make for a dream date night.
- Bourbon Steak
- Drusie & Darr
- Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
- Carne Mare
- The Iberian Pig
- Sinatra Bar & Lounge
- Kayne Prime
- Mimo Restaurant and Bar
- Yolan
- Bad Idea
- Choy
Hands-On
If you and your significant other prefer bonding over an activity rather than staying seated at dinner, these unique and interactive date ideas are for you.
PINS MECHANICAL CO.: Express your love with a little fun-loving competition at Pins. With duckpin bowling, pinball, arcade games, and plenty of creative cocktails, you’re sure to have a date night to remember. Loser buys the next round?
PADDYWAX CANDLE BAR: With locations in Berry Hill and the Gulch, you and yours can pour your own custom candles at Paddywax. Choose your favorite vessel and customize your perfect scent for a candle you can take home that will serve as a memory of your experience together every time you burn it.
PUTTSHACK: Located in the Gulch, Puttshack is mini golf like you’ve never played before. The tech-infused, nine-hole course ditches old-school pencils and paper. Instead, each ball is linked with your personalized game profile to track your gameplay, enabling you to focus on the fun rather than keeping track of the score yourself. There are also plenty of delicious food and drink options to enjoy.
NASHVILLE GLASSHAÜS: For a truly unique date, take a glassblowing class at Glasshaüs. We recommend the one-hour intro to glassblowing class with food and drink, where each person gets to blow their own cup, and the class comes with a delicious charcuterie board and a drink of choice from the bar and coffee shop. After your class, stop by the Maxwell Gallery to gaze at some spectacular glass- focused art from world-renowned artists.
THE CLIMB GYMS: For couples who bond over fitness, winter can be a tough time to find ways to stay active together. Luckily, The Climb Gyms offer indoor rock climbing with locations in East Nashville, West Nashville, and Murfreesboro, for a fitness-forward date that can take your love to new heights (literally).
For the Art Lovers
From fine art to performing arts, museums, and more, these date ideas are perfect for couples who love art in all forms.
- Frist Art Museum
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Tennessee State Museum
- Johnny Cash Museum
- National Museum of African American Music
- Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery
- Nashville Repertory Theatre performance
- OZ Arts Nashville performance
- Nashville Ballet performance
CHRIS HOLLO
Music Lovers
One of the best things about dating in Music City is that there is no shortage of venues for a music-filled night out. Here are some to consider for a date that hits all the right notes.
- Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
- Ryman Auditorium
- Grand Ole Opry
- Bluebird Café
- Listening Room Café
- Nashville Opera at The Noah Liff Opera Center
- The Station Inn
- Analog at Hutton Hotel
VICTORIA QUIRK
Nightlife
Sometimes the best nights out are as simple as some good old-fashioned bar hopping. These are some of our favorite moody and romantic spots to cozy up with an expertly crafted cocktail alongside the one you love.
- The Patterson House
- Four Walls Nashville
- The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
- Le Loup
- Attaboy
- Old Glory
- Bastion
- PROOF Nashville
ANDREW NELLES
Budget-Friendly
You don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable date night. These budget-friendly options fit the bill without skimping on the fun.
Zanies Comedy Club: Laughter may be the best medicine, but it also makes for a great date. Any show at Zanies makes for a fun-filled night of stand-up, but if you’re looking for an especially budget-friendly option try New Material Monday, with surprise lineups every week and tickets for $16.25 each.
Nashville Farmers’ Market: Spend the day together at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, open year-round and filled with artisanal food, fresh produce, restaurants, shops, and more. Stroll the market browsing the latest seasonal offerings and pick out a few favorite ingredients to bring home and use for a homemade date night dinner in.
Happy Hour at answer.: This Sylvan Park favorite serves delicious globally inspired dishes, but if you’re not looking to splurge on dinner answer. also offers one of the best happy hours in town. From Monday through Saturday, 4:15 – 6 p.m., at the bar top only, everything is $6, including tasty bites, draft beer, wine, and a cocktail that changes weekly.
The Belcourt Theatre: For the movie buffs, catch a show at Nashville’s beloved nonprofit film center, The Belcourt. Showing a variety of new releases, independent films, documentaries, and classics, with general admission tickets for just $13.50 ($9 for Belcourt members), the historic theatre provides a place for everyone to escape into the magical world of film.
MICK JACOB
For the Foodies
Looking for a more interactive culinary experience that exceeds the traditional dinner-and-drinks date night? Look no further than these five spots.
The Catbird Seat: A true Music City dining staple, The Catbird Seat has only continued to thrive and evolve since it opened in 2011. Now led by chefs Tiffani Ortiz and Andy Doubrava, expect some of the best culinary creations in town at this intimate, 20-seat tasting menu restaurant.
Sushi | Bar: A Nashville newcomer welcomed with open arms, Sushi | Bar is an expertly curated, speakeasy Omakase experience. Enjoy 17 exceptional courses at the 12-seat sushi counter where you’ll have a front-row view as the chefs prepare innovative riffs on traditional favorites.
House of Cards: Dinner and a show finds new meaning at House of Cards. In addition to gourmet dining, you’ll also be treated to live magic from some of the top magicians nationwide for a truly unique and entertaining night out.
Goo Goo Cluster: For a sweet date to remember, try a hands-on chocolate-making class at Goo Goo. Make your own tasty candy bar while learning a little chocolate history with classes ranging from one hour to an hour and a half. You can even opt for the Goos & Booze class, which includes beverage pairings to sweeten the experience.
Kase x Noko: From the team behind Noko comes a new, unforgettable dining experience, Kase x Noko. Crafted by Executive Chef/Partner Dung “Junior” Vo, feast on a 14-course tasting menu comprised of a rotating selection of nigiri, hand rolls, and other delicious Japanese-inspired dishes. Afterwards, end the evening with a nightcap at the intimate four-seat Japanese cocktail lounge, The Bar at Kase.
SETH PARKER STUDIOS
Location is key, and sometimes planning a date is best decided based on your neighborhood of choice. We’re bringing you five of our favorites to choose your own date night adventure.
12 South: Grab a coffee from Frothy Monkey to keep you warm and shop your way through one of Nashville’s fastest-growing streets. With plenty of stores for both him and her, it’s the perfect precursor to a quintessential neighborhood date night (bonus points if you surprise each other with a gift!). Weather permitting, take a stroll through Sevier Park before grabbing a happy hour drink at Playdate. End the night with dinner at one of the street’s many restaurants. One of our favorites is Fonda for authentic, contemporary Mexican cuisine in a stunningly chic space.
East Nashville: Start the day with a trip to one of Nashville’s most beloved record stores, Grimey’s, and hunt for your favorite new and preloved vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and more. Then, head to Up-Down for lunch, drinks, and arcade games with more than 80 retro games to choose from. Dinner options are plentiful, as East Nashville is home to some of the best food in town, but you can’t go wrong with a reservation at the Asian-inspired wood-fired favorite Noko, or opt for delicious, vegetable-forward fare at Fancypants. Afterwards, catch a show at The Basement East or The 5 Spot. And if you still don’t want the night to end, a nightcap at Coral Club or Tiger Bar is sure to satisfy.
Franklin: Amp up the romance with a luxurious couple’s treatment at The Spa at Southall. With a variety of treatments to choose from drawing inspiration from the gorgeous land that surrounds Southall Farm & Inn, it’s the perfect way to rest and recharge while connecting with one another. Once you’re feeling rejuvenated, head to downtown Franklin to shop along the storybook town’s Main Street and pop into JJ’s Wine Bar for a pour. For dinner, enjoy mouthwatering Italian fare at Culaccino — it’s a Franklin favorite for good reason.
Downtown: Don’t let the honky-tonks deter you, downtown Nashville still makes for a romantic date night. Start with dinner at the swanky Japanese restaurant and vinyl-listening lounge 888 for upscale cuisine, creative cocktails, and impeccable vibes. Located on the corner of 8th Ave. S. attached to the JW Marriott, it’s right in the heart of the downtown excitement but feels worlds away with a private entrance and speakeasy feel. After dinner, head over to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for a show. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we recommend & Juliet, which runs February 11 – 16. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, it’s a hilarious new musical that flips the script on the greatest love story ever told exploring what would happen next if Juliet’s story had a different ending. End the night with a drink over live music at The Twelve Thirty Club’s Supper Club.
Germantown: For the beer enthusiasts, Germantown is your spot for a brewery hopping date with options including TailGate Brewery, Monday Night Brewing, and Bearded Iris Brewing, to name a few. Afterward, indulge in some friendly competition at Topgolf. Head over to Geist for an unforgettable dinner in a cozy, romantic atmosphere that feels straight out of New York City’s coolest watering hole. End the night with a show and some bowling at Brooklyn Bowl.