3 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga

Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be romantic, but it can also be nerve-wracking to plan a special evening for your sweetie. Will it be a heart-shaped box of chocolates or dinner and a movie? The most romantic day of the year doesn’t have be limited to the cliché wine and dine evening. There’s an array of alternative date night options that even Cupid himself would approve of right here in the Chattanooga area for this annual Hallmark holiday. Romance awaits in the Tennessee Valley and we have heart eyes for all the date-nights that escape ordinary trends. Read on and cancel the same old candle lit dinner and instead make reservations for two with these unique date-night adventures for you and valentine.  

Discover the legendary love story at the heart of Ruby Falls’ history with a special after-hours date night. Hidden 1,120 feet below the summit of Lookout Mountain, Romance at Ruby offers an adventurous twist on celebrating Valentine’s Day. During this unforgettable date night, an expert guide will share tales of local legendary romances, including the love story that led to the discovery and naming of Ruby Falls. Limited to only 10 couples per tour, you and your honey will stroll along the cavern trail, seeing the beauty of the waterfall and ancient stone formations with only the soft glow of hand-held lanterns. Romance at Ruby is a reservation-only event, available on select dates in February and includes a professional photo and sweet surprises.

Expert tip: Arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy the sweeping moon-lit view of the Cumberland Plateau from historic Lookout Mountain Tower and take a photo by the iconic "My Trip Thru Ruby Falls" arch, which is decked out for Valentine's Day with flowers, lights and handcrafted hearts before cozying up by the newly restored stone fireplace in the Ruby Falls Castle until it's time for your reservation. (For greatest availability, purchase tickets early as reservations will fill quickly.) 

Share the love this Valentine’s Day, by cuddling up with the sweet pets at McKamey Animal Center. With the center open Tuesdays – Sundays, you and your date can enjoy a day of pure puppy love. Nothing says “I Love you” more than two people creating friendships with furry friends waiting to find their forever families.  Teach them new tricks, shower them with affection, or snuggle them close until your heart is content. Not only is all of the attention a welcomed treat for the animals, the playdate is also a great way to bring awareness to adoption and all the wonderful work the center does on a daily basis. Instead of gathering around a candle-lit dinner for two on Valentine’s Day, happily sit around a water bowl and let your new furry friends entertain you and your beloved with their excitement. 

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a romantic date with your valentine. Thanks to the beautiful and pristine mountains just minutes from Chattanooga, there are oodles of hiking trails to explore and many breathtaking views to soak in. From Sunset Rock to Edward’s Point, you and your date will not be disappointed with the journey as the joy of discovery will provide an opportunity to connect with one another and with nature. Bring along local sweet treats from Chattanooga favorites such as the incredible chocolate covered strawberries from The Hot Chocolatier and a divine charcuterie board to go from the Bleu Fox Cheese Shop to create a picturesque afternoon picnic. What’s not to love about enjoying the company of your favorite person while sharing a delicious spread in the great outdoors? 

There you have it! Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga is anything but ordinary.  The only hard decision is narrowing down the options to one or two (or three for the overachievers)!