Summer is almost upon us, bringing steamy days with evenings warmed by the sun-heated asphalt and lit by starlight and moonshine. Summer is the perfect season to enjoy an outdoor date with your sweetie, and to remember the romance that brought you those beautiful children from whom you may need a break. So step outside and enjoy one or all of these date night ideas, the perfect accompaniment to summer’s sunsets and honeysuckle scented breezes.
10 Romantic Summer Dates
Barbecue and love go hand in hand, right?
Sweet P’s has two locations, one downtown and one off the beaten path, that offer delicious food with outdoor dining. Downtown is conveniently located to other attractions, while venturing out will ensure beautiful views of the little river and the boats that bob along it.
The view from Sweet P’s in the summer. Market Square offers numerous summer activities.
Window shop and stroll while holding hands, browse classics and new releases at Union Ave Books, or get creative and enjoy multiple downtown restaurants with a progressive dinner, eating a different course at each restaurant you choose. Market Square also offers free concerts, weekly farmers’ markets, and the always interesting First Friday Art Walk. Top off your evening with a frozen concoction at Rita’s Italian Ice.
If you want to go an adventure, the Cove at Concord Park offers all sorts of water-based excitement, including canoes, kayaks, recreation boats, stand up paddle boards, and tandem kayaks.
If you miss the beach but aren’t heading seaside soon, stroll along the sand at this same park to sate your sand-thirst.
The Knoxville Museum of Art provides a cool respite from the heat, while expanding your cultural and historical horizons.
After sampling the fine art and admiring sculptures, saunter down to the neighboring Knoxville Chocolate Company. Maybe you’ll get lucky and get to sample something new and delicious, but their melt-in-your-mouth goodies will sweeten your night regardless.
If you want to hit the box office, but can’t agree on a new summer blockbuster to see, check out the Tennessee Theatre’s Summer Movie Magic.
With classics such as E.T., The Princess Bride, Gone with the Wind, 9 to 5, Titanic, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off returning to the big screen, you may just find something you’ll both enjoy. The romance of the historic theatre, coupled with the anticipation of bumping hands in the popcorn bucket, makes for a great date. Another great movie date option is Maryville’s Parkway Drive-In. Snuggle up and enjoy one of America’s historic pastimes.
If you love history and learning new things, try swing dancing!
This popular dance was all the rage from the 1920s to the 1940s, and is a blast while also bringing you and your special someone close (literally!). Knoxville is home to two swing dancing groups that offer dances and social lessons. Knoxville Swing Dance Association and K-Town Swing can teach you the moves, and then you and your loved one can dance inside, outside, anytime, anywhere!
It’s easy to enjoy living somewhere without visiting some of the most popular tourist destinations.
So play tourist for a day! Go up in the Sunsphere, picnic on the green in World’s Fair Park, and/or go to a Smokies baseball game. If you only had one day in Knoxville, what would you want to do? You and your partner could each pick an activity or experience to try.
Chimney Tops Picnic area, located a short drive away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a wonderful daytime date location.
Lay in the sun on a big rock, splash in the river, enjoy brisk air and a romantic picnic for two. The meandering drive back down through the mountains gives you time to enjoy each other’s company, distraction free. Turn off the radio, roll down the windows, and breathe in the cool mountain air.
Knoxville is so green this time of year; let’s take our love outside and enjoy it!
There are loads of great picnic spots, from stopping along a greenway bike ride to picnic, or hiking up House Mountain and taking in the views while you enjoy your packed goodies, or just visiting your favorite park and laying out a big blanket.
If you and your honey each have green thumbs, a tour of Knoxville’s Botanical Gardens should be right up your alley.
Meander through gorgeous gardens, with stone walls and lovely architecture, and enjoy 47 acres of nature.
