5 best date spots in Cobb County

Sure, you can race cars in video games at home, but how about something a little more real? Kadri Ozee leads Holly Pourhassan down the straight away at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in Marietta during a recent visit. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Sure, you can race cars in video games at home, but how about something a little more real? Kadri Ozee leads Holly Pourhassan down the straight away at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in Marietta during a recent visit. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM

Whether you've finally secured a coveted first date or you're spending time with a significant other, Cobb County has a great variety of spots that provide the perfect setting for a fun date.

These five locations will give you a variety of choices, depending on your mood or interests:

Red Sky Tapas & Bar

The Market Plaza Shopping Center, 1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 16, Marietta. 770-973-0100. http://www.redskytapas.com

Indulge in some sharing-size portions of tapas – including scrumptious offerings such as lobster and roasted corn dip – and linger with a glass or wine or cocktail. A dueling piano show that's part music and part comedy is also featured every Friday and Saturday night from 9 until midnight.

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Andretti Indoor Karting and Games

1255 Roswell Road, Marietta. 678-496-9530

You and your date are sure to have fun at Andretti Karting, which will bring out the kid in both of you. Get behind the wheel of a high-speed go kart, or play laser tag or arcade games. You can also enjoy bowling at racing-themed lanes that have leather couches right at the lane, where you can relax and order food from the Andretti Grill to munch on. There's no admission fee, so you only pay for the activities you want to try.

Spend some alone time with your date as you relax and stroll through the peaceful Smith Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw.

Credit: From smithgilbertgardens.com

icon to expand image

Credit: From smithgilbertgardens.com

Smith Gilbert Gardens

2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248.

Spend some alone time with your date as you relax and stroll through the peaceful gardens, stopping at points of interests that include a bonsai garden as well as a rose garden. You'll also be able to see some interesting sculptures along your walk.

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The gardens are open on Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., so you can start your date at the gardens and then head to another activity. Admission is $7.

Marietta Food Tours

Marietta Square, 1-866-736-6343

Why settle for dining at just one restaurant when you can take a tour that includes a visit to seven food stops? You'll get to try a variety of 10 tastings at locally owned and operated restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops. When you and your date find some of your favorites, make plans to return for a full meal.

Tours are held on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. They last about three hours and require about a mile-and-a-half of easy walking. Tickets are $45, and reservations should be made in advance on Marietta Food Tours' website.

Sope Creek Trail winds through 1.5 miles of beautiful terrain.

Credit: From atlantatrails.com

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Credit: From atlantatrails.com

Sope Creek Trail, Marietta.

Hiking Sope Creek Trail allows the two of you to see plenty of interesting sights as you spend time together exploring the outdoors, including streams, ponds and the ruins of an old paper mill.

The trail covers 1.5 miles that wind through wooded areas, and it provides a welcome, romantic escape from the hustle and bustle.

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