Date Ideas in Franklin and Brentwood, Tennessee: Romantic Date Nights, Fun Daytime Dates, & More
Whether it’s your first or your thousandth date, finding something fun to do with your someone special is not always an easy task. Here in Middle Tennessee, we’re all for true love, or simply having a nice time getting to know someone new. No matter what the occasion, there is something to be said about the intention and earnestness it takes to plan out a romantic date. If you’re stumped on where to begin, don’t fret! We’ve got plenty of date ideas in Franklin, Brentwood, Williamson County, and a few in Nashville too, to get you started.
Sticking To The Classics
There are some tried-and-true date night ideas that will simply never go out of style. Thanks to our Franklin’s timeless charm, it comes as no surprise that our county is full of classic date night spots that are as simple as they are effective.
Grabbing a drink, whether its a coffee or a cocktail, is a great way to break the ice when it comes to dating. A low pressure way to get to know someone, there are plenty of places to strike up conversation over a beverage. The Franklin and Nashville areas are known for having incredible coffee shops which can serve as the perfect backdrop for a casual, daytime date. To enjoy a glass or wine or a signature cocktail, check out 10 Franklin Bars You Can’t Miss. It’s also worth noting the fantastic happy hour options in Franklin, Brentwood, and at The Factory at Franklin.
For dinner date options, check out sushi spots in Franklin or the variety of restaurants that serve international cuisine across the county. For a more tailored list of dining options, we’ve narrowed down restaurants in Franklin by area. If you or your date has dietary restrictions, check out the variety of allergen-friendly local dining options. If you want to skip dinner and go straight to dessert, check out Sweet Spots in Franklin, Williamson County, and Nashville.
If dinner and a show are in order, consider The Franklin Theater, a gorgeous, historic destination in the heart of downtown Franklin. The theater hosts regular entertainment including live music, theatrical productions, special events, and, of course, movies. Check out showtimes of both newer films and classics. For an extra touch of romance, the theater hosts First Kiss Fridays, showing some all-time favorites in the rom-com genre. To combine all of the above, check out Where to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy Dessert Near The Franklin Theater.
Dressed to the Nines
In case no one has told you yet, you clean up nice! If you’re looking to get dressed to the nines—or at least have an excuse to wear a new outfit—a fancy date night may be just what you need. Although the night is what you make of it, no matter where you go, there are some local spots that welcome elegance, giving you and your date a chance to get dressed up (with somewhere to go).
One of Franklin’s most versatile destinations, Southall Farm & Inn is an operating farm, inn, and venue committed to sustainability and luxury. Beyond its incredible overnight accommodations and agricultural programming, Southall is also home to elegant, farm-to-table dinner and drinks options, including restaurants January, Sojourner, and their off-site dining room, Audrey. On the property, Dottie’s Speakeasy and Southall’s Wine Cellar also offer high-class sipping experiences. For seasonal specifics at the farm and inn, be sure to indulge in Fall at Southall: Seasonal Experiences for Franklin Locals.
Although you can opt to make a more casual night of it at Arrington Vineyards, the beautiful venue is a perfect opportunity to dress up and enjoy an exquisite view of Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills. During an evening at the vineyard in Arrington, you can expect locally produced wines, which you can sample via their tasting bar, wine flights, group tasting options, or guided food and wine pairing experience. Guests are welcome to pack their own picnics—sans alcoholic beverages—to complete the perfect evening. The vineyard also hosts live music every weekend April-November and food truck Fridays from May-October. Please note: if you opt for a tasting experience, reservations are required.
For upscale dining options, look no further than Franklin and Brentwood. Some of the glamorous local restaurants include Red Pony and Cork & Cow in downtown Franklin, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room at The Harpeth Hotel, The Factory at Franklin’s etch, and Mere Bulles in Brentwood. For more steakhouse and seafood options, check out Sperry’s Restaurant in Cool Springs, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille in Cool Springs, Del Frisco’s Grille in Brentwood, Serrato’s Steakhouse in Franklin and Brentwood, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill in Franklin, and Saffire at The Factory at Franklin.
Sunset Spots
Mother nature is a romantic and Tennessee skies are the proof! While you and your date don’t have to ride off into the sunset together, watching it set is a surefire way to enjoy quality time, enjoying the beauty while in good company. Franklin and its surrounding areas are acclaimed for exquisite rural landscapes and the wide open-spaces that give the sunset a proper chance to make its nightly debut. As it so happens, there are some great local places to witness its natural beauty.
Franklin’s centerpiece, Harlinsdale Farm, is a lovely place to enjoy the sunset, with over 200 acres of rolling farmland and plenty of public space at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, which includes walking and hiking trails that run alongside the Harpeth River. For some elevated views, you can also check out Peacock Hill Nature Park in College Grove, which is home to some of the highest public points of elevation in the county, including 3 hilltops, a small chapel, and several stunning observation points.
To enjoy dinner or drinks with a view—bonus points if its perfectly timed with the sunset—reserve a table at Culamar Seafood Restaurant + Rooftop Bar or share a glass of wine on Vintage Vine 100’s rooftop patio at McEwen Northside in Franklin. Although these are the only true rooftop patios in Franklin, there are also some great places to dine outdoors, and even on waterfronts, in Franklin, Williamson County, Nashville, and nearby.
If chasing sunsets is the basis of your evening, consider a DIY date, complete with a homemade party for 2, sure to sweep her off of her feet. Along with the creative thoughtfulness of this idea, packing gourmet goods is a great way to support local farmers, should you choose to shop for food at local shops and markets. If you need a little help pulling off an outdoor excursion, check out these tips for throwing a picnic, tea party, or cookout in Franklin, Brentwood, and Williamson County, to find superb locations, ingredients, and ideas.
Everyday Adventures
Having someone to go on adventures with is one of life’s greatest joys, whether the adventures are to far away places or are practically in your backyard. In true Tennessee fashion, there are an abundance of outdoor experiences and novel adventures that can make date night feel straight from the silver screen. If you and your date’s sense of adventure is strong, Middle Tennessee is the place to be.
Our home is known for its thriving agriculture, a feature that has contributed to the prosperity of our region. Besides the practical elements of the industry, access to agriculture has also provided our county with something particularly unique: Agritourism. From farm tours to hands on experience, you can immerse yourself in the wonder of rural Tennessee. Some extra romantic ways to enjoy this facet of our home include opportunities to go horseback riding, seasonal festivals at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville (U-Pick sunflower and tulip seasons can be romantic), and touring or tasting local cider at Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville.
Hiking dates are a great way to walk and talk while surrounded by incredible Tennessee views. Consider spending an afternoon at one of the nature preserves in the area, including Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood, Bowie Nature Park in Fairview, or Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville. Depending on the time of year, these places are ideal spots to witness wildflowers, wildlife, and fall foliage. If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, you can check out one of the stunning waterfalls within 3 hours of Franklin. For seasoned explorers and couples, there are a variety of camping opportunities in and close to Williamson County. Want to make a weekend of it? The mountains are calling! Plan a trip to one of the crown jewels of the Volunteer State, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If food-centric date nights aren’t for you, check out What to Do Instead Of Dinner for some ideas off the beaten path. If you’d rather spend an evening playing games (the good kind), there is plenty of opportunities for Retro Fun in Franklin and Williamson County, from skating and bowling to arcades and mini golf. For an activity that’s a little more laid back, consider checking out places to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in Franklin and Brentwood, including massages, yoga classes, and other experiences to support your holistic wellness.
Enjoying The Arts
Finding creative ways to spend time together, especially as the weather gets cooler, can be a challenge. However, across Franklin and Brentwood, there are some fantastic spaces that could make for the perfect night out or daytime date—you just have to think a bit outside the box.
Franklin is home to several amazing art galleries, displaying and selling work by local artists and beyond. Spending a day or evening exploring galleries is a great way to spend quality time together while simultaneously supporting the arts. Not to mention, gallery entry is usually free! Leiper’s Fork is an especially great place to immerse yourself in the local art scene, with several art galleries in the same area including The Copper Fox Gallery, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, Southern Underground Gallery, and David Arms Gallery.
Historic Leiper’s Fork is also a great place to see live music at the iconic venue Fox & Locke. If an evening of live music sounds like a good plan, also be sure to check out other small stages and venues that regularly host live performances across the county. If you and your date are big music buffs, Franklin’s Firstbank Amphitheater is an ultimate concert destination. Find the lineup here. For musical experiences that are even more immersive, attending one of the many music festivals hosted locally and nearby could make for an unforgettable date.
If you’re more interested in creating art for yourself, taking a class might be the perfect way to spend the afternoon or evening. For date night pottery classes, check out paint your own pottery sessions at Third Coast Clay at The Factory at Franklin or Posh Pottery in Cool Springs. Franklin’s Hawaii Fluid Art also offers unique date night experiences for artists of all skill levels. If learning something new is appealing, find the perfect recipe for date night at Kitchen Social Brentwood or Black Diamond Culinary, which offer hands-on cooking classes to help you perfect a variety of cuisines.
What’s New in Franklin and Nashville
There are exciting new additions to Franklin and Nashville’s food and entertainment scenes that—among other advantages— can provide some fantastic new places to take a date. Now is your chance to switch up the usual plans by trying something new for date night.
Perenn Bakery opened in downtown Franklin of May of 2025. The artisanal, European-style bakery and cafe is already a local favorite. Alongside a sustainable, locally sourced menu of homemade baked goods, seasonal ingredients, and quality recipes, Perenn is beautifully designed, set in the historic Boat House building that overlooks the Harpeth River. Perfect for a daytime date lunch or coffee date, the bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Due to its popularity, it may be a good idea to make reservations for the indoor dining room or outdoor patio.
Pastis is a New York City based Parisian brasserie. The bistro opened its Nashville location on June 26, 2025, in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, also known as WeHo. The dining experience is punctuated by a reputable menu full of French cuisine. To pair, wine is available by the glass or bottle, along with a selection of signature cocktails. An elegant, bustling atmosphere is to be expected, as the restaurant pays homage to a night in Paris or the Big Apple. The developing area, lovingly referred to as WeHo by Music City locals, is set to be reminiscent of NYC boroughs with artistic, ambient spaces like Pastis, Americano Lounge, and CASS Contemporary, an art gallery set to open September 12.
McEwen Northside is a developing Franklin destination renowned for its modern amenities and walkability. Conveniently located, the district is a one stop shop for upscale dining, commercial destinations, work, and residential spaces. When it comes to planning a night out, date or otherwise, walkability is an important factor to consider. Being able to bounce between destinations without having to get in the car is a freeing, safe way to enjoy the evening. Other great local spots that have a similar appeal include The Factory at Franklin and the incoming Canteen on Carothers set to open in Cool Springs. Take notes: McEwen Northside’s newest dining destinations set to open include Culinary Dropout and Hawker’s Asian Street Food.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery House of Spirits hosted an official ribbon cutting on August 21, 2025. An extension of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the house of spirits in historic downtown Franklin is a wonderful place to gather. In true Tennessee fashion, the space features a Tennessee whiskey history wall, curated whiskey flights, a distillation lab, a cocktail bar, and curated small plates. The moody atmosphere and small-batch, pre-prohibition style whiskey could certainly make for an ideal date night right off of the square.
PopStroke Nashville is set to open in early 2026, so mark your calendars in advance! The indoor-outdoor entertainment space includes 18-hole mini golf courses, 2 indoors and 1 outside, along with a full-service bar, restaurant, and ice cream parlor. The space is designed for all ages and is set to be a huge hit. PopStroke began in 2019 and has operating locations in warmer climates like Florida, Texas, and Arizona. The Tennessee expansion marks the first to feature both indoor and outdoor mini-golf, making the entertainment space fit for all seasons. For a fun, casual night out, PopStroke will be located just off of Interstate 24, easily accessible from Franklin and Brentwood.
First Comes Love
A little romance goes a long way! Getting your date a bouquet from a Franklin florist is a lovely way to support local business and show you care. No matter what, spending quality time with one another is truly the best way to create community.
If your dates in Franklin and Brentwood go especially well, we have resources for the next step! Check out Proposal Guide: Getting Engaged In Franklin And Williamson County, Tennessee. Ready for “I Do?” Find the best of the best in Wedding Dresses, Venues, Bakeries, & Florists: Getting Married In Franklin And Williamson County.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next outing, whether you’re setting aside time to nurture your current relationship or your getting to know someone new!
