Nashville is well known across the nation as an entertainment capital. From music to fine dining and every honky-tonk and craft cocktail lounge in between, it’s a great place to plan a date. Beyond the stuffy dinner date options, Nashville affords lovers the opportunity to think outside the box and explore the city that has given rise to countless love songs. 

Explore the Great Outdoors

Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park / Photo by Sharon Mollerus / CC BY

Nashville has more to offer than just neon lights, and when it comes to the natural world, Davidson County is home to some of the American South’s most pristine parks and greenways. From bird watching to dainty picnic spots and canoe-tipping adventure, these three neighborhoods make outdoor activity and appreciation accessible. 

Oak Hill

This neighborhood is home to Nashville’s treasured Radnor Lake State Park. The more than 1,300 acres of protected natural area and nearly 8 miles of trails and walking paths around the pristine lake are fit for every season. Radnor probably isn’t right for a picnic (off-trail congregating is prohibited), but a mid-morning stroll amidst the picturesque landscape will make a poet out of anyone.

Belle Meade

Home to one of the nation’s largest municipal parks, Nashville attracts every manner of outdoor enthusiast. The most popular (and architecturally stunning) entrance to the city’s biggest park is located at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard and is marked by massive stone gates and a historic stone staircase that ascends the hillside into the hiking, biking, and equestrian trails within Percy Warner Park.

On a pretty day, the hillside is the perfect place for a picnic or frisbee toss, and lovers can even look into the future as wedding parties pose for pictures on the steps.

The Nations

This one might seem counterintuitive, but from a bird’s eye view, it is clear that the whole northern boundary of The Nations is marked by the winding Cumberland River. Sure, a canoe is no date venue for the inexperienced sailor, but for the outdoor-loving couples in our midst, this neighborhood will supply the adventure.

Take in a Show

Exit/In Theater in Nashville
Exit/In / Photo by EVula / CC BY

It wouldn’t be right to ignore the diverse musical offerings on display every night across music city. While most residents are not technically connected to the music industry, the fact remains that many are, and it’s safe to say that everyone in town appreciates a good performance.

The Gulch

For lovers of fine art and elevated musical styling, Rudy’s Jazz Room offers a break from the musical monotony. This intimate “New-York-meets-New-Orleans” venue is perfect for an intimate evening of dancing and cocktail-sipping alongside some of the smoothest tones and most innovative melodies within 100 miles. Whether it’s the last stop of the night or the only stop, Rudy’s never disappoints.

Elliston Place

Nashville’s indie and rock music scenes are alive and well, and couples who enjoy bands like R.E.M., Kings Of Leon, Sharon Jones, and Lucinda Williams will love catching a show at the iconic Exit Inn and/or it’s much more grungy and DIY neighbor, The End. Come prepared to smell like cigarettes and beer by the end of the night—evidence of an evening well spent.

SoBro

Every town has its tourist traps, and Nashville is no exception. The neon lights of the city’s honky-tonks on lower Broadway attract music lovers from across the nation like moths to a flame.

While locals tend to avoid such venues as Tootsies and Legend’s Corner, there is something to be said for the rush of feeling like a tourist in one’s own town. To this end, throw caution to the wind and dance like no one is watching on a honky-tonkin’ date night—because you can be sure that nobody you know is on Broadway, and that’s just as good as nobody watching at all.

The Classic Date Night

Counter seating at Henrietta Red
Henrietta Red / Photo by Lou Stejskal / CC BY

Sometimes the best path is the road most traveled by. When it comes to Nashville’s romantic offerings, it would be negligent not to include the city’s best mainstream spots for lighting a spark.

As is true with any major city, there are some classy settings that invoke the opening scene of your favorite romantic comedy. Put simply, if Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan went out for a fictional night on the town, this is where they would go.

Hillsboro Village

Nashvillians cherish their one and only independent, nonprofit film center, The Belcourt. This theater offers more than just an action flick and a bucket of popcorn. Locals love to take in the year’s most obscure international films as well as classics and critically acclaimed indie darlings. With craft beer on tap and local baked goods, The Belcourt is the perfect place to begin a classic date night. 

Germantown

The culinary scene in this neighborhood is unparalleled, so when it comes to that fancy, once in a blue moon dinner you’ve been saving up for, consider Rolf & Daughters or Henrietta Red. It is an actual fact that everyone looks better by candlelight. 

Downtown

It never hurts to have an upscale, urban cocktail lounge queued up at the end of a classic date night. Noelle Hotel on 4th Avenue provides options for any vibe at any time. From a rooftop bar to a secret basement speakeasy, this beautiful art deco spot is fit for any date, day or night.