⛰ The Cloudland Trifecta & Chasing Sunsets
Go together.
G r o w T o g e t h e r .
We’re so glad you’re here!
Here at The Dating Initiative, we believe in empowering couples to make the most of their time together. We love providing date ideas for you to go together so you can grow together.
This blog is one of the ways we're working to provide you with a simple, easy-to-use tool that helps you plan a fun, meaningful date. If you would like to receive these Date Plans straight to your inbox, you can subscribe below.
Every couple weeks, you’ll receive a Date Plan in your email from us, designed with a variety of ideas for your upcoming dates in the Chattanooga area. With a range of fun and unique dates, relaxing dates, dates with little to no cost involved, and even fancy options for those special occasions, there are date plans for every type of couple to enjoy within every edition of our Newsletter.
To our couples with kids…
Dating with kids is just not the same as it was before kids. We recognize that for couples with kids sometimes the biggest hurdle you face when it comes to having regular dates is finding a way to have that quality time together, apart from your kids.
- Parenting is hard -
With the children’s schedules to plan around, the difficult task of finding a good babysitter, and the extra financial burden that comes with it all, it can feel daunting to plan a date. Most times it gets put on the back burner, or abandoned all together.
- No judgement here -
We get it, truly. And we’re not here to add on a burden of guilt for not making your dating life a priority - parenthood is HARD and there’s no judgement coming from us.
- We’re here to help -
We DO know that the challenges of parenthood make it even more important to prioritize intentional time with your person, and we DO want to help relieve the burdens so that couples can thrive - and that includes helping parents get some much-deserved quality time together.
S U R P R I S E !
As a treat for our parent couples in this Father’s Day edition, we’ve invited a special guest for a newsletter takeover today! We’re honored to introduce to you our friend and Chattanooga local, Hope Henchey.
Hope is the founder and author of the resource and newsletter Family Scripts, a whole-life curriculum for every kind of family that includes activity suggestions, meal plans, parenting pep talks, book clubs, themes for personal growth, and so much more.
She’s taking over our newsletter today to share some helpful ideas and resources for dating with kids.
Family Scripts TDI Takeover
Hi, my name is Hope Henchey, and I'm writing this week's TDI for Father's Day! My husband and I have five kids, so we have learned to create special, romantic times together even if the kids are still with us. In fact, our kids really do make our time more meaningful and remind us that we are on the same team.
So here are my tips for some family-friendly dates. (Note - these are all great if you don’t have kids, too.)
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Date Plan ① - The Cloudland Trifecta
Have you ever had an evening that just feels certifiably perfect? That’s the vibe when we have a special family day on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain. It’s about 30 mins from downtown Chattanooga, but totally worth it.
First, enjoy a family hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park. You can get breathtaking views from the easy 1-mile Overlook Main Trail, but if you can take something more strenuous, I recommend adding the 2-mile Waterfalls Trail to your plans.
After your hike, drive only a mile down the road to get some fabulous wood-fired pizza from Lookout Mountain Pizza Company. Check online for their hours. The grassy field behind the restaurant is perfect for kids to run in the grass, hide behind trees, and have an altogether idyllic time as you snuggle up on the picnic benches and wait for your pizzas to be made.
To finish your evening, drive nine minutes to Lookout Mountain Flight Park and watch hang gliders take off into the sunset. It’s a very steep drop-off, so hold your kids tightly, but it’s truly a magical experience to watch people run off the ramp and fly like birds. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see a pro do what’s called “catching a thermal” and fly higher than he started.
Date Plan ② - Dating with Kids
If you want time alone but can’t get a sitter, you’ll appreciate that Common Table has both an indoor and outdoor playground for the kids to get some exercise and quality playtime while you and your person enjoy good food and conversation together in a little peace and quiet.
Date Plan ③ - At-Home Date
Bleu Fox Cheese Shop can help you prepare for a romantic evening at home with their cheese platters and wine selection. The staff is super knowledgeable and can help you find fine foods and drinks you love.
After the kids are in bed, enjoy some wine and cheese by candlelight. Don’t forget the background music; we love local artist Jaron Utt. And why not watch a movie after? If you need a suggestion, Logan Lucky is a pretty hilarious heist film.
Date Plan ④ - Chasing Sunset at Raccoon Mountain
If you are able to get a babysitter (or you don’t need one), you might want to do a romantic date at this often-overlooked spot: Raccoon Mountain! Driving on the one-way levee loop will take your breath away, with views of the reservoir and a steep gorge on the other side. There’s also a parking lot for a pretty overlook, and the view of the Tennessee River from behind the visitor center is just marvelous.
My husband and I enjoyed a brisk little hike at golden hour, trying to watch the sun set from as many different overlooks as possible.
Practical Tips for Dating with Kids
Here are a few ideas for how to keep your dating game strong even when you have kids:
-Babysit-swap with another couple. Team up with another family and offer to take turns watching all the kids and going on dates. It really isn't that much more work for the couple who's babysitting, because the kids keep each other busy since they get to hang out with their friends!
-Bring toys to keep the kids busy when you're at a restaurant! We really like Story Cubes, Wikki Sticks, and the classic paper and a pen!
-Take your kids on one-on-one dates to show them the value of focused time together. When your kid(s) cherish the memories of special time alone with you, they might not feel as excluded when Mommy and Daddy go out for some alone time too. You’re also teaching them the value in being intentional with the time you have with your loved ones.
Hopefully this gave you some good ideas for ways to connect as a family and a couple.
If you would like more parenting encouragement and ideas for things to do with kids, you can check out my newsletter, Family Scripts!
***TDI Exclusive Promo***
TDI subscribers receive 15% off when you visit FamilyScripts.substack.com/TDI.
Happy Dating!
Warmly,
Hope Henchey @ Family Scripts
June Promos
Check out our exclusive promos for your dates in June.
15% off Family Scripts Subscription
Receive 15% off a Family Scripts subscription as a TDI member - use this exclusive link to redeem your TDI perks.
20% off SUP Adventure Date with Outshine Adventures
Use the code TDI20 to receive 20% off your paddleboard tour with Outshine Adventures.
10% off tea from Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary
Show this promo coupon at checkout when you visit Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary to receive10% off in-house service of tea.
#Vanlife Date Experience with Nomad Be Happy
When you book your van life date with Nomad Be Happy, be sure to mention The Dating Initiative and they will waive the cleaning fee as a TDI member perk.
Ultimately, our desire at TDI is to see you and your relationship thrive.
We hope you enjoy these date plans and look forward to seeing your posts about how you’re going and growing together.
H a p p y D a t i n g !
With love,
Jen @ The Dating Initiative
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