6 DATE IDEAS IN ANDERSON COUNTY

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are here to help you plan the perfect date in Anderson County. It doesn't matter whether you're in love, single, somewhere in between, or just looking for a fun Valentine’s Day activity with your friends, you can ensure your Valentine's Day is fun and creative with these 6 date ideas in Anderson County, Tennessee.

If you are a nature lover, we have the perfect date for you. Hit the trails at Norris Dam State Park and then reward yourself with a delicious meal and craft beer at Clinch River Brewing. With over 15 different trails to choose from, you’ll have the option for a relaxing stroll with amazing views or a strenuous hike to burn some serious calories. When you’ve finished taking in all that beautiful nature, stop in Clinch River Brewing and replenish those calories with a creole inspired dish and your choice from over 12 different beers on tap. You can make this date idea a day trip or turn it into a romantic overnight stay at one of Norris Dam State Park’s cabins.

If you’re looking for an unconventional date idea, how about some target practice at Windrock Shooting Range and dinner at the iconic Big Ed’s Pizza. You can’t go wrong with this duo. Windrock Shooting Range is perfect for both beginner and advanced shooters. Their covered rifle range extends out to 140 yards and they not only offer targets and ranges for different experience levels, but they also have rental firearms including full auto that even a seasoned shooter will enjoy! Once you finish up at the range, round out your date with dinner at Big Ed’s Pizza. We recommend trying Big Ed’s Special. Trust us, it will be some of the best pizza you’ve ever had! Make it an overnight or weekend stay by staying in a cozy cabin at Windrock Park or an area hotel.

Ride the trails at Windrock Park and enjoy a picnic style lunch at the overlook. If you are seeking an adventurous date, we highly recommend hitting the trails at Windrock Park. You can enjoy the trails on an atv, side by side, jeep, or basically anything that will take you off-road. If you don’t own something to ride the trails, don’t fret. Windrock offers side by side rentals. Just be sure to call ahead and reserve one. If you’re an adrenaline junky and want to climb some serious hills, Windrock has just the thing. If you would rather take a less treacherous trail and just enjoy the beautiful views, Windrock has that too. With over 350 miles of trails, it’s easy to find just what you’re looking for. What takes this date to the next level are the views you’ll encounter. Mountains, streams, waterfalls, wild-life – you name it, you’ll see it. We recommend packing a lunch and enjoying it at the overlook. And don’t forget to take some pictures. Views like that are definitely picture worthy! Windrock offers a huge campground including a variety of cabins to choose from.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back and even a little nostalgic, the perfect date can be found in Historic Downtown Clinton. Start your day with a stop in a cozy downtown cafe for a delicious coffee or cappuccino. Spend the day walking the streets of downtown while browsing over 20 antique and specialty shops. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for your special someone. When you need to rest your feet from an afternoon of shopping, stop in Apple Blossom Cafe for a good southern meal or check out Hoskins Drugstore and enjoy a delicious burger and milkshake from their 1920s soda fountain. Your date doesn’t have to end there, you can also catch a movie at the Historic Ritz Theater while you’re downtown! Don’t let the fun stop there, cozy up for the weekend with a stay at the Cabins on Cedar Ridge.

Hit the open road for a tour of the Devil’s Triangle and end the trip with a delicious dinner at the Vol’s Diner in Rocky Top. A nice drive, great conversation and beautiful views sounds like a pretty good date to us. The Devil’s Triangle is 45 miles of twist and turns and beautiful views of rural East Tennessee. Some highlights of the trail include Brushy Mountain Prison which is now a tourist attraction complete with a restaurant and distillery, Tennessee’s only windmill farm and the trail will wind you through much of East Tennessee’s coal mining country. For a map of the trail click here.

Our list just wouldn’t be complete without some fun and games. How about a little competition with an evening of bowling and a romantic dinner at Calhoun’s in Oak Ridge? Start your date at the Oak Ridge Bowling Center and see who can take the win. You’ll be able to enjoy an appetizer and drink to keep you refreshed while you bowl. If a little putt putt is more your speed, check out The Greens by Oak Ridge. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at Calhoun’s along the beautiful Clinch River. If you’re not quite ready to end your evening, you can enjoy a romantic stroll along the river after dinner.

To find other things to do in Anderson County and places to stay, be sure to visit our website at www.adventureanderson.com.

Updated 2024