These days, most people I know are pinching pennies and trying to stretch their dollars as far as they will go. In these seasons of saving, a lot of the fun outings your family has come to love (and expect) may have to take a back seat. While a temporary hiatus on concerts, events or even dining out may be needed to catch up on grocery bills, don’t let date nights with your spouse fall by the wayside!
As parents, we are often guilty of sacrificing our own needs and wants for our children, which can lead us to lose sight of the things that make our families truly thrive. Connecting with our spouse or partner regularly (without distractions) is one of those things. When you prioritize your marriage/relationship you’re offering wonderful examples of love and stability to your kids and that is priceless. While you may not be able to dish out $200 on your next date night, rest assured, you won’t have to!
Head to the historic, quintessential Southern town of Franklin, TN for a romantic and reasonably priced evening. You will easily find free parking and won’t have to fight crazy crowds. We put together some simple and affordable date night ideas for you and your sweetheart that ring up under $100 per couple. Now that is some serious saving!
Picnic at Arrington Vineyards
No matter the season, Arrington Vineyards offers the perfect date night. Enjoy free live music as you sip on delicious wines and take in the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Don’t forget to pack a picnic or choose from light bite options available throughout the winery.
Wine tasting flight + Simply Living Life charcuterie board = $68
6211 Patton Road | Arrington | arringtonvineyards.com
An Evening at the Factory at Franklin
Design the date of your dreams at the historic Factory at Franklin, your one-stop shop for a great evening. You can piece together your perfect evening with options that include award-winning restaurants, decadent desserts, shopping, entertainment and more. Stop by Skylight Bar to kick off your evening with a delicious cocktail and then stroll the historic halls of the Factory to continue your romantic evening.
Skylight Bar cocktails + Dinner at Daddy’s Dogs + Pottery at Third Coast Clay = $98
230 Franklin Road | Franklin | thefactoryatfranklin.com
SOAR Adventure Tower
For the adventure-seeking couple, SOAR Adventure Tower offers a perfect date night full of thrilling obstacles. Their special date night combo offers two hours of climbing on their ropes course tower and gets you back on your feet with a round of mini golf. Grab a sweet treat or snack from their lobby to end your adventure.
Date Night Adventure Tower + Mini Golf Combo = $75
3794 Carothers Parkway | Franklin | soaradventure.com
Dinner and an Art Crawl
Stroll through the picturesque streets of historic downtown Franklin as you and your sweetheart soak up local art at the Downtown Franklin Art Crawl. Some spots may even offer complimentary drinks and hors devours. Feeling peckish? Franklin offers plenty of local dining options that fit within any budget.
Dinner at Slice House Pizza + Franklin Art Crawl = $65
98 East Main Street | Franklin | artscouncilwc.org
Sunset Picnic at Historic Harlinsdale Farm
In my opinion, nothing compares to the beauty and charm of Harlinsdale Farm. This 200-acre historic horse farm offers plenty of space to find the perfect picnic spot and catch a romantic sunset. Pack a picnic or order a picnic box from Graze Craze just down the road, grab a bottle of your favorite wine and start taking in the serene views with your special someone.
The Picnic Box + bottle of wine + historic park = $85
239 Franklin Road | Franklin | theparkatharlinsdalefarm.com
Photo courtesy of Franklin Theatre
Catch a movie at the Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre, located on Franklin’s Main Street, was once known as “the place of first kisses” so I see no better reason to make this place your next go-to date night spot. Whatever your vibe, this historic theater offers everything from classic movies to live entertainment year round. After your movie, stroll down Main Street to Kilwins and share a scoop of their famous ice cream.
Movie + popcorn + ice cream = $40
419 Main Street | Franklin | franklintheatre.com
Dinner and live music in a charming village
The laid-back village of Leiper’s Fork is Tennessee’s best-kept secret. Home to eclectic shops, world-class food, high-end art galleries and famous country music artists, this charming village will make your next date night one to remember. Stroll through the village’s quaint streets, then find your spot at historic Fox and Locke, “the Fork’s” original gas and grocery stop. Witness their famous open mic night as you fill up on delicious Southern fare.
Dinner + Live Music + Stroll through historic Tennessee village = $80
4142 Old Hillsboro Road | Franklin | foxandlocke.com
Catch a local high school football game
Probably not your average date night, but the sheer nostalgia of it all will have you and your date feeling all the feels in no time. The best part? No need to dress up! Wear your favorite football-watching sweats, pack a cozy blanket and cuddle up with your sweetheart on the stands to enjoy the Friday night lights. Don’t forget to grab some of your favorite treats from the concession stand and start cheering for your favorite team.
Football game + junk food + priceless nostalgia = $55
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean
Honorable Mention: Dinner and Dancing at Plaza Mariachi
While this iconic Nashville hot spot may not be located in the Franklin area, I would be remiss if I did not offer this up as an affordable date night experience! Undoubtedly one of the most fun experiences in Nashville that tourists do not know about, Plaza Mariachi offers tons of free, live entertainment throughout the week for couples as well as the whole family. If you want to take your date night to the next level, spend the evening learning how to Salsa for free! Drink specials are offered throughout the night with over 10 different dinner spots offering authentic, culturally diverse cuisine.
Free Salsa Dancing + Dinner and Drinks = $60
3955 Nolensville Pike | Nashville | plazamariachi.com
