Top 10 Romantic Dates Ideas in Atlanta

For anybody who has not yet had the pleasure of visiting Atlanta, this beautiful city probably brings to mind fake nails, hair extensions, and catty in-fighting. Yes, this rather remarkable region has now become famous – all across America – for The Real Housewives.

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Fortunately, there is more to life here than NeNe Leakes (even if she is hilarious), weekly facials, and parties in the Suburbs. The city is easily one of the most exciting and dynamic in the country and it offers visitors a huge variety of things to do, see, and experience. If you do live in Atlanta, count yourself lucky, because there is no better place to take your new beau on a hot date.

It is time to put some sexy tunes on, pull out the biggest box of chocolates you can find, and sit down to this list of the 10 most romantic ideas for a first date in Atlanta. There will be some old favorites, a handful of treasured attractions, and a whole bunch of brand new ideas – impressing a first date has never been so easy.

1. Cocktails at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

If you head on down to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens on a Thursday evening, you will hit cocktail hour, and who doesn't enjoy a cocktail or two? On most nights, there is a DJ spinning tunes, live cooking stations in the Edible Garden section of the Botanical Gardens, and a bar full of crazy beverages like the Frog-arita and the Banana Creamsicle. You can stare deeply into the eyes of your date and maybe even have a little dance, if the mood takes you.

2. Strawberry Picking at The Adams Farm

The Adams Farm is located in Fayetteville and it is an extremely romantic spot for a first date, especially if the weather if good. You can cavort in the fields and meadows here in the summer (maybe even share a passionate embrace if you find a secret spot) and you will get the chance to pick as many blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries as you like. How better to convince your date that you think they're super sweet?

3. Study the Fish at the Georgia Aquarium

For $100, you can treat your date to a very special evening 'under the sea.' The Georgia Aquarium offers package deals which include drink tickets, tapas plates, and access to all of the aquarium galleries. If you are feeling really adventurous, you can even arrange for a 'Couples Sleepover' session – this gives you the chance to stay behind after closing time, take advantage of adult only guides through the galleries, and explore behind the scenes areas.

4. Secure a Strike at the Painted Pin

The Painted Pin in Buckhead is a combination bar, restaurant, and bowling alley – and everybody knows that bowling is a sure fire winner on a first date. It is entirely up to you whether you 'throw the game' and win yourself some sneaky date points, but what is not up for debate is the quality of the food here. After an intense session throwing balls, you can sit down to wood fired pizzas and a fish bowl of Bourbon or gin punch.

5. Plane Spotting at Downwind Restaurant

For something a little more down to earth, check out Downwind Restaurant in Chamblee. It is certainly not the swankiest place in town, but if you are on a budget or you just like to keep things simple it can be a great place to have dinner and sip on cocktails. The Downwind is a little different to other eateries in the area, because it is located right next to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. This means that, if you secure yourself a place on the deck outside, you can watch pilots taking off in private jets and planes.

6. A Night at the Movies with IMAX Theatres

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is home to not just ancient creatures, but it also houses an extraordinarily huge IMAX theatre. Now, if you are going to take your date to see a movie, there is is surely no better place to do it than here. It is a classic date idea for a reason – grab some popcorn, snuggle up close, and steal a secret kiss in the dark when nobody is watching. If things go well, you can head off to watch a salsa performance or listen to live jazz in the nearby Fernbank restaurant and bar.

7. Living Large at the Sky Lounge

If you are looking for a date idea which will dazzle your companion and leave them eager to hang out again as soon as possible, opt for the Sky Lounge on the eleventh floor of The Glenn in Midtown. Here, you can feast on the finest dishes and sup on flawlessly mixed Martinis, all whilst admiring a pretty remarkable view. You can get up higher if you like, but if this is the plan, make sure that your date brings a warm coat – it can get pretty chilly up there. Or, maybe you can use it as an excuse to lend your own and win some brownie points.

8. Dine Like Kings at Apres Diem

This spot is one of the hippest in the city; its French themed décor and food, innovative cocktails, and cosy patio makes it a wonderful place to spend a romantic evening. If you are a fan of jazz, you can catch a performance inside the bar, where the cocktails flow freely – just avoid ordering your date the famous Ugly Maria. You might have some explaining to do afterwards. There are plenty of spots to get comfy and close in here, so curl up together, and spend some time finding out what makes your date tick.

9. Catch a Film in Central Park

If the weather is fine and you want to be super romantic, you can whisk your special friend off to Central Park, in Atlantic Station, and catch a retro or modern classic. The Movies in Central Park organization has screened flicks like Jaws, Super 8, Casablanca (super romantic), Airplane, and many more. It is a great idea to prepare a little picnic too; whip up some sandwiches, grab some drinks, and spend the evening in the open air.

10. Become a Champion at Joystick Game Bar

This is an unconventional choice, but it can be a really fun night out, especially if your date is willing to let go and be a little silly. The Joystick Game Bar can be found in the Old Fourth Ward and is filled with retro game machines like Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. You do not really know somebody until you have tested their mettle in an arcade booth – and, a kiss to soothe the sting of an ultimate defeat should always be on the cards.

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