10 of the Most Romantic Places in Memphis

When you're looking to put the moves on that special someone, take him or her to one of these 10 romantic Memphis locations:

1. National Ornamental Metal Museum

The National Ornamental Metal Museum is located high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, which means it's got an amazing view. The grounds, which are dotted with metal sculptures, are free when the museum is open, so pack a picnic and take some time exploring the smithy. The museum itself is open daily and showcases some of the best metalwork from the U.S. and beyond. (374 Metal Museum Dr.)

2. Oaklawn Garden

Yes, Germantown's Oaklawn Garden is pretty much someone's backyard, but it's more of a park, open to the public at no cost every day. Frolic among the flowers, check out vintage railroad cars and historic artifacts from old Shelby County, have a picnic or snap some photos of your sweetheart. (7831 Old Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN 38138)

3. Cheesecake Corner

There are few local dessert places more romantic than the Cheesecake Corner in the South Main Arts District. Order a giant slice of cheesecake to share (because the slices are so big that one each is excessive, and sharing equals romance) and two glasses of wine and take your time eating by candle light in their intimate white dining room. Cheesecake Corner, 113 E. G.E. Patterson Ave.

4. Ridgeway Four Movie Theatre

Dinner and a movie is a date cliche, but it's a little more special when you do it at the Ridgeway Four. Because the theatre carries fresh food from Ciao Bella Italian restaurant as well as wine and beer, you can have dinner while you watch a movie (usually something independent, foreign or hard to find). Also, because the theatre is well hidden, it's not usually very crowded. Just try to remember that you're in public. (5853 Ridgeway Center Parkway)

5. Riverfront Loop Trolley

Picture this: it's reasonably late in the evening. You've finished up a nice dinner downtown but aren't ready to go home. You hop on the River Front Loop trolley and grab a seat near the back and sit and chat with your date as the trolley slowly chauffeurs you down the Main Street Mall, past the Mississippi River and back. It's quiet, there's no basketball game letting out, and the tourists have all settled back at their hotels. Sounds good, right?

6. Upstairs at Earnestine & Hazel's

I know that this is a bit of an odd choice, conisdering Earnestine & Hazel's storied past. But trust me – I've been on some amazing dates to E&H. The trick is to hang out downstairs for a bit, then grab your drinks and head to one of the tiny rooms upstairs for some semi-privacy. You can still hear the slow jams from the jukebox, and if it's a nice night, the windows will be open. Plus, E&H stays open very, very late (especially on weekends), and the beers are icy cold and incredibly inexpensive. (531 S. Main St.)

7. The Mississippi Riverfront

No matter where you choose to access the riverfront – Harbortown, Greenbelt Park, Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, the nearly-complete Beale St. Landing – there are few things more romantic than taking in an expansive, panoramic view of the sunset over the Mississippi.

8. The Madison Hotel Rooftop

The rooms at the Madison Hotel are lovely, but the publicly accessible rooftop is a great place to woo your date (even before the proposed renovations are complete). The view of downtown is one of the best, and since it's not usually crowded, its' an intimate place to take in the city with your special guy or lady. (79 Madison Ave.)

9. Elmwood Cemetery

There are a lot of love stories hidden in Elmwood Cemetery. Spend an afternoon walking around Memphis' most beautiful resting place, with or without the optional audio tour. Take pictures, check out the unique headstones, and take turns on the wooden swing. It's free to visit, but check the list of special events and tours before you go. (824 S. Dudley St.)

10. Collierville Town Sqaure

If retro school charm is your thing, you can't beat Collierville's quaint town square. There's a swingset, vintage trains that you can go into, a gazebo, and plenty of antique shops, restaurants and places (like the cute old white church just off of the square) to get dessert.  (Collierville Rd, Collierville, TN 38017)

Where are your favorite romantic spots in Memphis?