What to do Instead of Dinner: Unique Date Ideas in Williamson County, Tennessee
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s officially the season of date nights. While you can never go wrong with a tried-and-true classic—flowers, dinner, and a movie—there are other, less conventional ways to sweep your Valentine off of their feet this year. Here in Williamson County, we have an abundance of unique ways to spend quality time with your sweetheart, all year round.
For the Couple Who Likes Game Nights
Feel like kids again with these fun, interactive date night ideas. Spend an evening immersing yourself in storylines and secret identities, building teamwork skills and playing to win. Shed the stress of everyday life to put on your detective hats for the evening; together, solve mysterious happenings and mind-bending crime.
Go on a double-date or out with friends to Extreme Escape Games, the largest Tennessee escape facility located right here in Cool Springs. Choose from a variety of scenarios: save humanity from a zombie apocalypse, convict a secret agent gone rogue, discover the internal secrets of a candy factory, steal a book of secrets back from an evil magician, or hunt for treasure. The creative, fast-paced environment is an exciting way to work together in a fully immersive experience. If it’s just you and your partner, you can join an existing team and work to solve the task over the course of an hour, with the hope victory and sweet escape!
Crack the case at The Dinner Detective. This idea does include dinner, but with a murder mystery twist. Find yourself part of a puzzling and beguiling story-line over your entree of choice. The story will unfold throughout the dining room of Franklin Marriot Cool Springs. Actors will be dispersed and undetectable, furthering the plotline through an action-packed sequence and a macabre turn of events. The murderer will with you in the room, but you could be roped in as suspect number one. As clues start to pile up, detectives will wander from table to table, working to help you solve the mystery. This is an interactive dinner, and may include various props, sound effects, and lighting changes. Tickets start at $84.95 and include the show, dinner, and wait-staff gratuity. There is a secret prize for the top sleuth!
For the Outdoorsy Couple
Spend some time getting fresh air with your breath of fresh air. Slow down, get outside together, and experience the natural beauty of the Volunteer State. Whether you’re looking for a cozy staycation or a rugged adventure, there are many opportunities to get out in nature with the one you love!
One of the most beautiful natural spaces in Franklin is Southall Farm & Inn. Whether you’re local or from out of town, here you can experience the serenity of Middle Tennessee. For a romantic getaway, consider booking a night in one of the 16 private cottages on the property. Along with your stay, you can partake in the luxurious amenities of the surrounding farm from complimentary tours, wellness sessions, and adventurous activities to additional classes and experiences available for purchase. For an incredible, retreat-like experience with your person, consider booking a refreshing evening or weekend full of the best Tennessee has to offer.
Live out your Wild West dreams at Creekside Riding Academy and Stables, a company that offers year-round, hour-long trail rides for $65 per person. Creekside also offers riding lessons, horse boarding, parties, and summer camps at their new location, Cheval Stables, only 6 minutes away from their previous location in Franklin. If you’re looking to embark on an adventurous daytime date, a guided trail ride through over 4 miles of woods is the perfect way to connect with nature and one another. Keep in mind that they don’t take payment via Debit or Credit cards, so have either cash, a check, Venmo, or Zelle handy when booking a trail ride!
For the Couple Who Keeps it Eclectic
Is your partner effortlessly cool? If you’re looking to impress them with a quirky date or a matchless memento, browse these Franklin favorites.
Capture the image of true love at The Portrait Lab, an incredible photography experience you truly cannot get anywhere else. Your portrait will be a culmination of state-of-the-art lighting, tech equipment, and technique. The Portrait Lab emphasizes the significance of portraits that stand the test of time, truly capturing the art of human beauty and emotion. The studio is led by artist and founder Jeremy Cowart, who’s work has been featured in some of the world’s biggest publications—not to mention the long list of household names who’s portraits he’s done. His renowned expertise is available to you, right here in The Factory at Franklin. Whether you’re looking to capture a significant moment in your relationship or simply want to preserve a piece of your love, as it is right now, consider booking a one-of-a-kind session.
Whether you’re looking for something special or simply want to explore, sift through over 12,000 square feet of unique items at the award winning Franklin Antique Mall, located in the historic downtown area. Not only will you be wandering past remarkable antique pieces, the building itself is a piece of Franklin history. Though it’s been an antique mall since the 1980s, the 19th century building was once an operating flour mill and an ice house. If you’re the kind of couple that likes to find good bones in old furniture, collect wacky memorabilia, or step out in your finest vintage outfits, you can spend a lovely day together finding the most storied of pieces in this Franklin location with a story all its own.
For the Couple Exploring Tennessee
Experience the charm and pride of Tennessee by partaking in some regional classics, whether you and yours are Volunteer State natives, new to the area, or just passing through.
Did you know Tennessee is one of four main whiskey making regions in the world? Leiper’s Fork Distillery aims to keep that legacy alive with small batch whiskey production right here in Williamson County. Book a tour to taste Tennessee Whiskey and learn more about how its made. For $24 per ticket, enjoy a 50 minute tour through the distillery (be sure to dress sensibly, as it is an operating facility) and a 25 minute tasting session. The Distillery is open every Tuesday through Sunday with the exception of holidays. If you and your partner enjoy whiskey and knowing more than the average person the nuance of your favorite beverages, this is the perfect date idea for you!
Music lovers should head out to Fox & Locke’s famous Open Mic night, hosted every Thursday from 6:30-10 p.m. for the chance to hear up-and-coming artists of all ages. Fox & Locke has been a Leiper’s Fork staple since 1947, and a legendary live music venue since 2002. Today, the country store is considered by musicians to be a gateway to our industry neighbors in Music City. You never know who you might see there; Grammy-winners are known to pop on by from time to time! There is a $7 cover, and it’s recommended you reserve a spot before hand, as the weekly event often fills up fast. Grab your honey and spend the evening with good company and guitar strings!
For the Warmer Weather
When, at last, the warmer weather comes around, we have you covered! Keep these ideas in your back pocket for a romantic excursion when spring and summer make their debut.
If you’re looking to lock down an especially romantic date this spring into summer, Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures offers sunrise flights daily, April through November. The family-owned, Franklin company boasts the longest hot air balloon rides in Tennessee. Date-wise, this is on the pricier end, costing $325 per passenger on a shared flight, or $1,500 for a private flight, where you will be accompanied only by an expert pilot. However, soaring over Middle Tennessee at sunrise is sure to be unforgettable. If you want the full sunrise experience, there is a special “Dawn Patrol” option, which launches about an hour before the sun rises, so that passengers can watch dawn emerge over Tennessee’s rolling hills. Each ride ends with a traditional champagne toast, celebrating a morning of adventure and breathtaking views.
At Wines in the Fork, you can enjoy a charcuterie board paired with Tennessee wine while sitting in the creek that is the namesake of Leiper’s Fork. You read that right—in the creek. You can get a table for two and step into the shallow water for a time-honored Leiper’s Fork tradition, a community novelty that has allegedly been around since the 1800s. At Wines in the Fork, the Wine-tasting creek experience is accompanied on weekends by live, local music and costs $90 per person for a 90 minute reservation. Participate in the wild beauty and legacy of the South, while enjoying the classically romantic pairing of wine and cheese.
Whether this is your first date or you’ve lost count, spending fun and intentional time with one another is incredibly important, Valentine’s Day season or not. While a dinner-date is always a safe option, it’s perhaps not the most creative way to get out and about with the one that you love. If you and your special someone are looking to mix things up, explore new going out options while getting to know our corner of Middle Tennessee a little bit better. No matter the season, take the opportunity to celebrate your true love right here in Williamson County, Tennessee!
