Candy hearts

February 22 , 2024

Valentine’s Day Reinvented:
3 Extraordinary Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga

Get ready to spice up your Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga beyond the usual chocolates and dinner routine! 

Planning a special evening for your sweetie can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no worries – we’ve got the inside scoop on unconventional date night ideas right here in Chattanooga. Break free from the clichés and give Cupid a run for his money with these unique adventures that will make your heart skip a beat. Say goodbye to the same old candlelit dinner and hello to a Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga that’s as extraordinary as your love!People at Ruby Falls with red lighting

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 tips: Arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy the sweeping moon-lit view of the Cumberland Plateau from historic Lookout Mountain Tower. 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 stone fireplace in Ruby Falls Castle until it’s time for your reservation. (For greatest availability, purchase tickets early as reservations fill quickly.)

Girl with dog

Share the love this Valentine’s Day

Cuddling up and play 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’s content.

Not only is 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.

Cheese board

You Don’t Have to Spend Big Bucks to Enjoy a Romantic Date

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. The incredible chocolate covered strawberries from The Hot Chocolatier and a divine charcuterie board to-go from the Bleu Fox Cheese Shop 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 for Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga?

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)! 

Lara Caughman

Corporate Communications Manager

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