As a young couple, it can be difficult to find places to go on dates that are affordable and not too mundane or too extravagant.

Many couples find themselves in "date-ruts." While things like work and school and finances (and someday, children) will often hinder our desire and ability to make it out for date night, it is so crucial to a relationship to find the time to get off the couch and out on the town! (At home date nights are great! They can be such a blessing when money and time are scarce. But it is important to get out of the house together!)

It may seem as though our little town of Maryville might not be the best place to find a date night spot, there are plenty of options here and in the surrounding areas. Here are a few ideas for your next date night!

A Scenic Drive + Sunset Picnic:

Say what you will about good ole Maryville, there is no denying the fact that we are abundantly blessed with beautiful scenery. Pick up a quick + easy dinner, pack a blanket and a deck of cards, then hit the Foothills Parkway. Pull off just before sunset, eat a delicious dinner, and snuggle up with your sweetheart to watch the sun set over the mountains.

Bowling + Ice Cream:

There is nothing I love more than a little healthy competition. Choose a bowling alley, rent some stinky shoes, and have a ball! (Check out Crest Bowling Lanes if you're on a budget, Maple Hall if you are looking for something a little fancy!) Bowling is a perfect activity for a double date. End the evening with a sweet treat and you've got the perfect date!

Gatlinburg Strip:

Some people say that Gatlinburg is a big tourist trap. And while it is often populated with vacationing families, honeymooning couples, and out of towners, Gatlinburg has a lot to offer in the date-night department. Hop on the sky lift for some gorgeous views and some top of the line hand-holding and eye-gazing time. Then grab dinner or ice cream, window shop at the cheesy gift shops, and enjoy being tourists in your own backyard. And, if you're feeling really wild, there is nothing better than a matching airbrush t-shirt to remember your time together ;)

Market Square, Knoxville:

One of the greatest treasures around East Tennessee is found in downtown Knoxville. Market Square is home to local artisans, sweet shops, delicious local food, and live music. Catch the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings, some amazing chalk drawings and flowers in the spring, an ice skating rink at Christmastime and a magnificent New Year's celebration. Release your inner child and fill a candy basket in Mast General. (Be careful though, before you know it you will have spent $50 on candy). Market Square provides locals and tourists alike with a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere that will leave you strolling and humming and snacking for hours.

Ober Gatlinburg:

Home to everything from kiddy rides and mini golf to adrenaline pumping adventures and romantic rides for two, Ober Gatlinburg is another great date night spot for local couples. For $22 you get access to a ton of activities in Ober. They've got an alpine slide, chair lift, carousel, water slides, you name it. Go during OctOBERfest for a fun, cultural experience, with great food and the most beautiful fall scenery you could imagine.

Visit the Parkway Drive-In Theatre:

Another one of Maryville's sweetest treasures. Catch the latest movies at the Parkway Drive-in from spring to fall. Pack your call full of snacks, drinks, and cozy blankets, prop open the trunk, turn on the radio, snuggle up and watch a movie. For just $7 a person, the drive-in is one of the most budget-friendly, romantic date night ideas around!

Get some exercise in a fun activity:

Check out Groupon for fun local activities that will get you both moving and grooving! There are almost always Groupons for trampoline parks, laser tag, dance classes, aerial yoga, indoor skydiving. The possibilities are endless. Pick something that sounds fun to both of you and make an evening of it. For like $15, you can have an awesome time, a great work out, and memories that will last forever.

Like I said, the possibilities are truly endless. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by some great local treasures that make date nights memorable and exciting! So, get with your sweetie and hit the town! You won't regret it.