4 Different Things To Do in Chattanooga for Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day can be romantic and exciting, but it can also be intimidating when planning a special evening for your sweetheart. 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 Tennessee Valley for this annual Hallmark holiday. Romance awaits in Chattanooga and we have heart eyes for all the date-nights that escape the ordinary trends. With that said, we invite you to cancel the candle lit dinner and make reservations for two with these unique date-night adventures for your 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 with you tales of local legendary romances, including the love story that leads to the discovery and naming of Ruby Falls. Limited to only 12 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 four select dates in February and includes a professional photo and sweet surprises. Expert tip: arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy the moon-lit view of the Tennessee Valley from the historic Lookout Mountain Tower. (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 – Saturdays, you and your date can enjoy a day or evening of pure puppy love. Nothing says “I Love you” more than two people creating friendships with furry friends who need love the most every day of the year. 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 sweetheart 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 blanketing Chattanooga, there’s an array 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 excitement of discovery will provide an opportunity to connect with one another and with nature. Bring along local sweet treats from Chattanooga favorites such as mouthwatering chocolate covered strawberries from The Hot Chocolatier and a divine cheese platter from the Bleu Fox Cheese Shop to create a picturesque picnic. What’s not to love about enjoying the company of your favorite person while sharing a delicious plate of food in the great outdoors? 

Test your survival skills at the special edition Valentine’s Twisted Escape Rooms at Dread Hollow. Located at Chattanooga’s nationally ranked haunted attraction, Twisted Escape unlocks the opportunity to experience an unforgettable date night if you and your sweetheart prefer horror films and psychological thrillers over rom-coms. Four separately ticketed and terrifying rooms await as you use teamwork, communication, and wits to beat the ticking clock. Time is of the essence as you choose to face off against a notorious serial killer, solve the mystery of the box, seek safety from the Apocalypse, or encounter active spirits. A combination of frightening puzzles and horrifying scavenger hunts, Twisted Escape is opened for only one night on Saturday, Feb. 13th from 8PM-10PM. Tickets for the escape rooms must be purchased at www.dreadhollow.com in advance.

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)!