4 Best Date Night Ideas in Tyler, TX

Date nights are always a special time for a couple to reconnect with each other. They allow you to relax and enjoy each other’s company while putting aside everyday worries, even for a few hours. When you’re looking for something to do on your next special outing, Tyler, Texas, has an eclectic list of ideas to explore. Whether you’re on a budget or on a special date and want to splurge, there’s something for everyone in town. Read on to find out the team at Classic Toyota’s top picks for date nights in Tyler.

Take a Walk

When the weather is comfortable, you can enjoy your date while taking a stroll. One of the more romantic locations is the Tyler Rose Garden, which is the largest rose garden in the United States. You’ll be able to see over 32,000 rose bushes from over 500 varieties while you explore the garden’s 14 acres. A camera is recommended so you can take pictures of the stunning roses.

The city is working on its master plan for the future of the gardens, so it’s recommended that you enter through one of the main garden gates or the Rose Garden Center. The garden is free to explore and opens from sunrise to sunset daily.

If you’re looking to plan your day around your walk, consider Tyler State Park. The park has a 64-acre lake and several historical places you can explore. You can also camp, geocache, bird-watch, fish, or plan a romantic picnic for two to enjoy during your walk. There are over 13 miles of trails available in various levels of difficulty throughout the park and plenty of shelters and scenic places to enjoy your picnic meal together as you explore. If you choose to extend your date into an overnight adventure, cabin and tent camping sites are available, although you’ll need to reserve them before arrival.

Catch a Local Band

Yes, Tyler is well-known for its music festivals. However, the music doesn’t end when the festivals do. You can find great music year-round throughout the city. Someone is always playing, whether you’re looking for a more relaxed jazz vibe or a live country band. As you plan your next date night, check out the local schedule to see where the shows are that night. Since many concerts take place downtown, you may consider exploring the area before or after the music.

Many bands play at venues that offer food, such as the Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse or Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, so you can enjoy your dinner together while you take in the music.

Paint Together

Are you looking for a fun indoor idea for date night? Try a painting class. No, you don’t need to be a master with the brush to enjoy the experience. Enjoy a paint-and-sip night at Pinot’s Palette at 322 E. Southeast Loop 323, Suite 156. You can book a private event for a special night if you want the place to yourself. Otherwise, you can participate in one of the many class offerings; Pinot’s Palette post the calendars a month in advance. The themes of each class change with the season. When you book the evening, you’ll know what type of brushes you’ll use to make your creation.

The studio provides art supplies, corkscrews, glasses, ice buckets, napkins, plates, and silverware. All you need to bring are the snacks and drinks that you want to enjoy together while you paint. The studio also reserves your seat, and your easel is set up for you before you arrive.

Go Out to Dinner

The food in Tyler is as diverse as anywhere in the country. Try dinner and a movie at Studio Movie Grill at 8954 S. Broadway Ave. The theater allows you to enjoy the show and eat dinner simultaneously. When you arrive, you can place your order right from your seat, and it’ll be delivered right to you so you don’t miss a minute of the movie. There’s also a full bar on site.

Check out Dakota’s if you want a more romantic option for your special night. The restaurant is at 4803 Old Bullard Road, Suite 101 and opens for lunch and dinner for an authentic fine dining experience. It’s recommended that you make a reservation either online or over the phone. The dinner menu includes appetizers such as the seafood platter, cheese platter, or lollipop lamb chops. You can pair your choice with your favorite drink from the bar or various non-alcoholic offerings.

You can choose oysters prepared in six different ways for the main course. There are also salads available as well as four different soups, including tomato basil and wild mushroom. If you’re looking for a steak to enjoy the night, Dakota’s offers filet mignon, prime ribeye, and Cowboy Cut bone-in prime ribeye. You can also have lamb chops or a surf and turf meal that pairs a filet mignon with a lobster tail. Seafood lovers can enjoy their favorite soft-shelled crabs, stuffed flounder, grilled salmon, Gulf redfish, or three different types of scampi.

If you’re looking for a pasta option, you could try the Fettuccine Alfredo with your choice of grilled chicken or shrimp. Finish your main course by adding grilled onions and sauteed mushrooms to your steak or adding a lobster tail or Alaskan king crab to the meal. The side dishes include gourmet macaroni and cheese. You can also have baked, scalloped, or garlic mashed potatoes. The vegetable options include corn, spinach, wild rice, steamed broccoli, or a mix of sauteed vegetables.

Whether it’s just a nice night out or you’re celebrating a special occasion together, the team at Classic Toyota invites you to stop by our dealership in Tyler, Texas, before the fun begins for the night. We can answer any questions about a vehicle or start the night with a test drive. We understand if you’re curious about a test drive but have other plans. Before visiting us, you can pre-book the drive, so we’re ready to hit the road when you arrive.

Image by Jamie Street Is licensed with Unsplash License