Looking for a Charlotte date night idea? You aren’t the only one! As Valentine’s Day approaches, people are scrambling to finalize the perfect romantic plans. There are plenty of amazing activities to be found in the Queen City, you just have to know where to look!
Here are nine ideas for a romantic date night that you are sure to love whether your idea of a good time is a chill dinner or something more adrenaline-inducing. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell you to picnic at the airport overlook.)
Make Your Own Cocktails
Need a date night you can do from the comfort of your Charlotte, NC apartment? Even if you can’t find a babysitter or don’t feel like braving the weather, you can still enjoy a romantic evening. Liberate Your Palate offers virtual mixology classes that teach you and your significant other how to create a sophisticated cocktail.
Classes run from 1.5 to 2 hrs depending on which options you choose, and the company will ship you all the supplies you need to make your drinks. This is a great way to have a double date with friends in another state!
Sip Artful Cocktails
If you don’t want to be responsible for making your own cocktails, you can head to the private club Dot Dot Dot and have one handcrafted for you. This members-only spot (don’t worry, it is easy to become one!), has a menu that was designed to “stimulate conversations”. The small plates have been created with care to perfectly pair with various whiskeys, wines, and cocktails.
Don your fanciest attire, and you can make it a truly memorable evening at this classic lounge. Reservations may be required.
Scale a Wall
If you and your significant other are the adventurous types, then you probably won’t be satisfied with the usual dinner and a movie type of date. A trip to Inner Peaks may be just the thing to get the blood pumping! Besides, what better way to express your trust for one another than being each other’s anchors!
This indoor climbing center offers day passes, and it is suitable for newbie to advanced climbers. There are two locations in the metro area: one in Matthews and one in South End.
Street Mural Stroll
For couples that don’t mind braving the chilly winter air, a stroll around town looking at the city’s street art could be just the thing. You can stick to your favorite city neighborhood or explore a few other corners as well. With more than 50 wall murals to find, you can keep the romance going for hours.
Share Some Tapas
The city certainly doesn’t lack for options when it comes to dining out, but when you want to get close with your significant other, sharing tapas is always an excellent idea. And when it comes to delicious small plates, no one does it better than Soul Gastrolunge.
Soul is located in Plaza Midwood and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. Reservations are required, and they sometimes collect a deposit that goes towards the price of your meal.
Visit a Winery
This romantic date night option is a little further away from your Charlotte, NC apartment as Veronét Vineyards is located approximately 45 minutes from Phillips at Mallard Creek. However, you won’t mind the drive once you arrive at this spot where the “foothills just begin to ripple towards the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
If the views aren’t enough to put you in the romantic mood, the wining and dining options surely will. You can purchase Veronét Vineyards options by bottle, glass, or flight. They offer a few snacking options onsite, but there are rotating food truck options to satisfy your meal-time cravings.
Search for Antique Treasures
Want to pretend you are in a quirky, romantic indie film? Take your date to The Sleepy Poet, and browse the 60,000 square feet of vintage, antique, and handcrafted goods. You are sure to take amazing couple’s Instagram photos while also finding a great piece for your Charlotte, NC apartment!
Dine on Dessert
While Crave Dessert Bar does offer a delicious savory menu, it is definitely the desserts that take center stage. You and your sweetheart can explore your sweet tooth at this Charlotte fav. Pair your cakes, cheesecakes, s’mores platter with something from their extensive wine menu or one of their handcrafted cocktails.
Keep Your Options Open
For the couple that has trouble deciding, Optimist Hall may be the perfect date night destination. Previously the Highland Park Gingham Mil, this industrial building has now been turned into a foodie destination. You will find plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options complete with a view of the city skyline.
Dining options in Optimist Hall run the gamut! You can nosh on Neapolitan pizza, ramen bowls, Argentinian pastries, and classic grilled cheese sandwiches (among tons of other options!) In addition to all the good eats, there are also a few stores that you can browse to round out the date night activities.
As you can see, there are romantic date night options all over the city — no matter what type of activities you enjoy, you and your partner can find something perfectly suited!
If a day trip is more your speed for the perfect date… check out this blog post titled "Awesome Day Trips From Your Charlotte, NC Apartment".
