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Take the road less traveled with one of these unique date night ideas in Memphis! (Photo: Inkwell)

Out of the Box Date Night Ideas in Memphis

Dinner? Been there, done that. Movies? Old news. A romantic walk along the beach? Fake news.

It may seem like you’ve already maxed out your mind on interesting date night ideas in Memphis, but we’re here to help you dig a little deeper. Whether it’s your first meet and greet, you’re just playing the field, or you’re hella boo’d up, take the road less traveled with one of these unique dates.

Pick up a new plant baby at a local nursery or plant shop

Anyone can keep a puppy alive, but a plant, that’s a different story (I would know. RIP to all the plants I’ve ever neglected) If responsibility and horticulture get your willies all silly, make your way to a local nursery or plant shop to grab a new bud. Not only do fresh air and fresh flora do the body good, but you can also use this as an opportunity to drop hints about your favorite flowers…for no reason at all, of course.

Find a local shop:

A store filled with potted plants and pots, perfect for date night ideas in Memphis.
Date Night Ideas in Memphis: Pick up a plant from Terra Cotta

Test your Axe Throwing abilities

All of the best love stories begin with a little medieval, modern-day romance, right? Axe Throwing will have you showing off your skills while simultaneously showing that you’re not one to be trifled with. Go head to head and make a game out of it or do that rom-com thing where you get close and show the other how to aim perfectly. 

Where to go:

 

A woman wearing a mask participating in Date Night Ideas in Memphis.
Photo: Go Ape Memphis

Lace it up and hit the skating rink

No matter where you came from, you probably spent some time, somewhere between elementary and middle school, making laps around the skating rink, cruising for cuties or holding hands with your “honey”.

Might we suggest going back to those much simpler times and bringing bae along for the ride?

Hit up East End, or Cordova Skating Rink and get down like the ATL-Roll Bouncin’ fool that you are.

Date Night Ideas in Memphis: Roll around at East End Skating Rink

Toss some clay at Belltower Artisans

Coffee shop dates are an easy standard, but why not see if bae is up for getting down and dirty?

Roll up your sleeves and hit up Belltower Artisans where you can try your hand at mug making and wheel throwing.

Their core values are craft, caffeine, and community, but maybe with your help, they can add chemistry to that list of “c’s”.

If clay and coffee beans don’t mix well for you, keep it cute and clean at a local cafe!

A group working in a pottery studio in Memphis.
Date Night Ideas in Memphis: Make a masterpiece Belltower Artisans

Smash some sh!t at Craze Memphis

We all have pent-up emotions. Take them to Craze Memphis where there are all sorts of breakables waiting to be on the receiving end of whatever you’re feeling.

Sessions start at 10 minutes and go all the way up to one hour, so spend as much time as you need releasing those inner demons to make some room for that heart to grow a couple sizes.

Taste your way through Old Dominick Distillery

The bottling of Old Dominick spirits is just like any relationship. From grain to glass, it takes passion and dedication to see it all the way through, and what better way to get a taste of commitment than with a look into the 100-year-old story of Old Dominick Distillery?

It’s a 45-minute “sensory-journey” of traditions told and sips shared, so at the very least, you’ll leave full of knowledge and liquid courage.

Looking for more bars in Memphis? We’ve got you covered!

 

Three glasses of whiskey sitting on a table at Date Night Ideas in Memphis.
Photo: Old Dominick Distillery

Catch a flick

Yes, technically I said, “been there, done that” to the whole movie  night thing—but Memphis has too many theaters to take advantage of!

Watch from the comfort of your own car, see something bizarre at Black Lodge, experience the movie mayhem at Indie Memphis… Like I said, you’ve got options!

Click here to see the A Local’s Guide to Movie Nights in Memphis!

An outdoor movie theater with cars parked in the parking lot offering budget-friendly dates in Memphis.
Photo: Malco Summer Drive-In

Take your love to new heights at Go Ape Memphis

Is that love in the air, or is it just you making your way through a ropes course that’s 36 ft high? The Go Ape course at Shelby Farms Park is filled with tree-to-tree crossings, ziplines and heart-stopping Tarzan swings. You remember how that movie ended; He found his Jane, and maybe you will too!

Make it permanent at a local tattoo shop

I am in no way condoning that you proclaim your love, like, or mild toleration of someone on your skin. For those of you that have, we hope it lasts, because that tattoo sure will.

But think about how cool, or shocking, it would be to have a story of a date night tattoo session. Honestly, we stan.

Bite the bullet and get that piece you’ve been wanting.

Here are a few of our favorite shops:

A tiger and flower tattoo for date night ideas in Memphis.
Photo: @ jordaneppersonart at Bluff City Tattoo

Indulge yourselves with tasty cocktails at a boutique hotel bar

Tourists aren’t the only one who should get to experience the fancy hotels that Memphis has to offer. Each of our boutique hotels features its own unique vibe, and there’s nothing like getting all gussied up to bar hop with your boo.

Some of our favorites include:

  • Arrive Hotel
  • The Guest House at Graceland
  • Central Station Hotel
  • The Memphian
  • Hyatt Centric Beale Street

Find more boutique hotels here

 

Date Night Ideas in Memphis: Cocktails on a marble table.
Photo: Eight & Sand Memphis

Peruse a local farmers market

If your partner loves Memphis as much as you do, then they probably do their best to eat and drink local too! 

Our local farmers markets are filled so many artisanal treats and handmade goods, and there’s nothing more attractive than a person who wants to support small businesses!

Find a Farmers Market near you:

  • Cooper Young Farmers Market
  • Memphis Farmers Market
  • Agricenter Farmers Market
Outdoor market
Photo: Memphis Farmers Market
Pink macarons with sprinkles on top.
Photo: Primas Bakery & Boutique

Go on your own cookie tasting tour

This may just stem from our personal affinity for cookies, but I’m sure you’ll agree that the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach (both physically and emotionally).

Cupcakes and pies get their own level of love, so why not switch things up a bit. You’ve got Sweet Lala’sMakeda’s CookiesFrostMuddy’s Bake ShopWhimsy Cookie CompanyRicki’s Cookie Corner17 BerkshireMilk Dessert BarPrimas Bakery & Boutique, and honestly who knows what else.

Start at one and make your rounds.

We’re all looking for love in different places!

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