100 Fun Date Ideas for Asheville Couples

Couples are happier and more connected when they spend quality time together. But let’s be honest… it’s not always easy to find the time or creativity for date night. Not to worry, we’re here to help!  We’re dedicated to inspiring lovers like you to recharge through fun and romantic dates in Asheville. Here are 100 fun date night ideas for Asheville couples.

1. Make date night an oldie but goodie.

How? Hit up a flea market or thrift, vintage or antique store. It’ll be fun to discover one-of-a-kind or eclectic pieces with your one and only love.  Places like Bon Vivant Co, Screen Door and Antique Tobacco Barn are perfect for this!  (We gave away a $100 shopping spree at Bon Vivant Co with our 28 Days of Love Giveaway in February!)

2. House party (for two) in the back.

Netflix may be your go-to for at-home date nights. But your backyard can shake things up. Set up a slip-n-slide, chase each other through the sprinklers or play tailgate-style backyard games. It’s a cheap date with priceless fun… and that’s a win-win for all.

3. Get fired up!

Cozy up in front of a fire for a romantic night.  Sierra Nevada, Capella on 9, Sly Grog Lounge, Cascade Lounge, Green Man Brewery, Bartaco, The Bywater, and Salvage Station.

4. Get your game on.

Grown-ups can play games too. Have some laughs with some friendly competition to ignite a little spark between the two of you. There are lots of great places to get your game on in Asheville. Well Played, Asheville Pinball Museum, and Asheville Retrocade are just a few!

5. Hit the date night bull’s-eye.

Target memories of love and take aim with Cupid’s bow and arrow. Using an archery bow alongside your beau is sort of like hitting balls at the driving range but with sharper sporting gear.  Artemis Archery Asheville offers both private and group classes in archery, so get outside the box and take a shot!

6. Take a date cue…

Take a cue from our playbook: Rack up the solids and stripes and break out some date night fun with the cue ball. Billiards, table shuffle board and other bar games make for a true happy hour. Plus, aren’t the hottest bars cooler when you can show off your skills?  Standard Pizza has ping pong and shuffle board, Pour Taproom has shuffle board, darts and pool tables, and Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria has pool tables and team trivia.

7. Outdoor movie night.

Couples have maintained a long-standing love affair with movies. Have “reel” fun with a DIY showing with a backyard movie night date!  Or check out outdoor screenings during the summer in Asheville.  Asheville Outdoor Cinema hosts summer movies at Carrier Park’s ball field and Asheville Parks and Recreation hosts summer movies in Pack Square Park.

8. Make it home run guaranteed!

You may take your time rounding the bases of your sex life, but the batting cage can be the perfect date night home run whether it’s your first date or your hundredth date. D-Bat, Tropical Gardens Miniature Golf, and Champions Golf Learning Center are great ways to hit a home run!

9. Get crafty

We’re talking craft beer, not arts and crafts (though that’s fun too). Find an outdoor beer garden and let the ‘getting to know ya’ conversation fly with a beer flight.  Ben’s Tune Up, Burial Brewing, Twin Leaf, Hillman Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Highland Brewing, and New Belgium Brewing just to name a few but there are many, many more here is Asheville.

10. Pop a wheelie.

Bicycle tours can pave the way to adventure so put a spin on your standard go-to date with a two-wheeled tryst. No wheels? No worries. Most tour companies offer rentals. The Amazing Pubcycle, Electro Electric Bicycle Tours, and Pisgah Mountain Biking Adventures will have you cruising around town in no time!

11. Board the love boat.

Make waves with a boat ride. Set sail on a scenic pontoon, fast-paced speedboat or something in between.  Our picks include: Lake James, Lake Lure, Watauga Lake, Lake Fontana for a summer time cruise.

12. Book it.

Grab a coffee and stroll a bookstore. From skimming the pages of the best love stories to reading travel guides for your next destination date, bookshelves are stocked with date night entertainment. Our list begins with Battery Park Book Exchange and Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe.  Also check out The Captain’s Bookshelf, Downtown Books & News, Firestorm Books and Coffee.

13. Strike out!

Normally one wouldn’t aim to strike out on date night but that’s the game plan when bowling, a classic sport that you can find in any city.  Asheville has 2 options for a day of bowling.  Sky Lanes and AMF Star Lanes.

14. Honor the most important meal of the day.

Whether it’s your first relationship sleepover, wedding anniversary or just a simple Sunday, impress your partner with an unexpected romantic breakfast in bed.  Order a take away basket from The Rhu for help and inspiration!

15. Cheers to beer!

Take a brewery tour. Some breweries even offer tastings and a souvenir pint glass.  Asheville Brewery Tours, BREW-ed Brewery Tour of Asheville, LaZoom Beer Tour, Asheville Brews Cruise all offer fun and unique beer tours of beer city!

16. Broaden your (culinary) horizons.

Choose a new restaurant — someplace neither of you have ever tried. Or, maybe even a different ethnic cuisine outside of your norm.  Addissae, Pete’s Pies, Bone and Broth, Gan Shan Station, Plant, BimBeriBon, Baba Nahm, Jerusalem Garden, Korea House, and Chai Pani are great picks for a variety of ethnic flavors.

17. Build something stable.

From sandcastles to snowmen to random DIY projects, work as a team to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

18. Spice up show time.

Catch a burlesque show! This art of allure performance features sensuality with a hint of fun-loving humor that may inspire your own private bedroom show. Here a few venues that book burlesque: The Odditorium, The Grey Eagle, The Mothlight, Isis Music Hall, The Orange Peel, and THE BLOCK off Biltmore.

19. Put the amp in camp.

A camping trip can be as romantic as any other getaway. Snuggle in sleeping bags under the stars or, for a more luxurious outdoor experience, find a glamping site (aka glamorous camping).  Ready for our List?  Hot Springs Campground, Asheville Glamping, Campfire Lodging, Black Balsam Knob, French Broad River Campground, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area of Bent Creek, Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina State Parks such as Lake James State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park and South Mountains State Park, Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Nantahala National Forest, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, French Broad River Paddle Trail, and last but not least 4 Paws Kingdom Campground!

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20. Bug out!

Catch fireflies or go to a butterfly garden. Go for a stroll through the NC Arboretum and discover winged wonders like butterflies and birds.  Or take collecting fireflies to the next level by heading to the Firefly Gathering in Leicester, NC June 21 – 24, 2018.  A fun filled festival for the whole family!

21. Get cheesy together.

Pay homage to fromage with a date night cheese plate. It can be great as an appetizer while you cook dinner together, an upgrade to popcorn for Netflix binges or the perfect pairing to game night.  Or enjoy a wine and cheese pairing event at 5 Walnut Cheese and Wine Bar, Looking Glass Creamery, Asheville Wine Market or Weinhaus.

22. Take a seat at the table.

Whether served at a distinctive up-close kitchen booth, a pop-up dining event or intimate group table, a chef table experience is a fantastic way to feast on fresh, innovative fare served by a gourmet guru.  Cucina 24, and pop up events with  Curragh Chase , Braised and Confit and Punk Wok pop-up dinners at Buxton Hall are all fun ways to get the chef table experience.

23. Have some java joy.

Caffeine trigger’s the production of dopamine in the brain and, thus, triggers cheeriness. So hit the coffee shop for happy times.  Check out our list of 40 Ways to Have an Asheville Coffee Date.

24. Work your funny bones.

Go to an improv comedy show or stand-up show and be sure to adhere to audience participation requests.  Asheville Improv Collection, Dirty South Lounge at The Southern Kitchen, Sly Grog Lounge, The Odditorium, and Lazoom comedy tours are great way to get your stitches.

25. Follow the recipe.

Turn off the TV’s food shows and turn up the heat with a hands-on culinary experience. A cooking class has all the right ingredients for date night!  The Farmer’s Hands, Cooking Cottage Asheville, Asheville Mountain Kitchen, The Asheville Kitchen, Williams-Sonoma Asheville.

26. Massage the kinks.

You love to pamper your partner but let the pros pamper both of you. Splurge for a relaxing couple’s message and feel zen together. Enjoy a Date Night Package at Wake Foot Sanctuary!

27. Step up.

Well if it worked for Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, it can work for you too. From whimsical waltzes to hot salsa steps, a dance class or lesson can energize your relationship with intimate touch, teamwork and an unexpected burst of endorphins.  Planet Ballroom, Studio Zhiya, Tressa’s Jazz and Blues Bar, and the The Block off Biltmore offer fun dance events for couples!

28. Eat dessert (first).

Why must we always wait until the end of a meal to dig into the good stuff? Take a departure from culinary customs and make dessert front and center.  French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Old Europe, Baked Pie Company, Double D’s Coffee & Desserts and The Chocolate Fetish are decadent ways to get your sugar fix!

29. Chart your own course.

Take off on a food tour!  Asheville Food Tours and Eating Asheville offer walking tours downtown where you get to experience Asheville’s culinary highlights.  Or take a walk on the wild side and take off on a wild food tour with No Taste Like Home.

28. Reverse into movie mania.

The free Summer Movie Series at The Orange Peel is a fun, cheap and easy date night where you can see retro flicks like The Princess Bride, Wayne’s World and This is Spinal Tap. They also serve popcorn, candy and adult beverages!

29. Be on par.

Swing by the driving range to have a ball of a time with the small ball sport (giggle). It can be just as fun — and more affordable — than an 18-hole round.  Practice Tee & Golf Shop has a driving range with mountain views!

30. Do good on date night.

Spend time with the person you love (or are getting to know) with some do-good and feel-good volunteer activities. Stay tuned for our Do Good Date Night events!

31. Be one (well, two) with nature.

Embark on 7 Mile Trip down the French Broad River via kayak or canoe.  Asheville Outdoor Center offers kayak and canoe rentals where you can float your way down the river, which goes by the Biltmore Estate property.  There is a great view of the estate, including views of the Biltmore House and Inn.

32. Bust a move.

No need to hustle your way to the DJ booth to make a request. Just turn on your favorite playlist and jitterbug with your love bug in your own living room. Bust a move and bust out laughing with a private dance party and dance off.

33. Get fond of fondue.

Eat up yummy how-to guides for homemade fondue. Or, head to the Melting Pot for an interactive cooking date inclusive of melted chocolate.

34. Plan to escape.

Here’s a way to really get to know someone: Lock yourself in a room with that person and try to escape.  The Conundrum, Escape Out and Fox-N- Otter are two ways to get locked in together in Asheville!

35. Be fair.

There’s a fair or festival for every type of interest… arts, cultural, music, carnival, food and so on.  The Leaf Festival, Leaf Downtown, Barnaroo, Xpand Fest and All Go West are a few ways to experience arts, culture, food and music in Asheville.  But don’t forget the Mountain State Fair for the full funnel cake-ferris wheel experience!

36. The sky’s the limit.

Take date night to new heights with a hot air ballon ride!  Balloons Over Asheville offer hot air balloon tours with gorgeous mountain views for a unique date.

37. Walk down the aisle.

Head to a gourmet grocery store, like Whole Foods or a local mom & pop shop, to stroll the aisles. Try samples, find new goodies and grab a cafeteria-style lunch. Don’t forget to explore specialty retailers, such as cheese shops and candy stores, which may offer free tours and/or samples.

38. Try water wonders.

Take the plunge with a white water rafting trip! NOC Asheville and French Broad Outfitters offer trips and gear for all your white water needs.

39. Find freshness via u-pick.

Head to u-pick farms for fresh fruit picking with the apple of your eye. This flavorful date is great in and of itself but, for an added cherry on top, use your fresh fruit to harvest even more date night fun. Use pickings on a date night cheese plate or cooking a meal together.  Zimmerman’s Berry Farm and Flying Cloud Farm are great places to start.

40. Break a sweat.

Exercise your date night muscle with a fitness class. Try a bootcamp style workout at Burn Asheville (Saturdays at 9:30am are open to try for free), get competitive at Summit Crossfit or Underground Fitness. Or get centered at Asheville Community Yoga.

41. Be blown away.

Fly a kite and be blown away by the beauty of this cheap and colorful entertainment.  Max Patch is a great place to take a picnic and fly a kite! For more adventure ideas, check out Asheville Trails.

42. Take a farm to table tour.

Asheville is known for its support of local foods within the culinary community. It doesn’t get more local and fresh than a farm to table tour.  Here are some tours you’ll want to check out. 

43. Keep trucking.

Keep foodie fun rolling with a food truck date. We rounded up 10 Ways to Have a Food Truck Date to get you started.

44. Disc-o on the green.

The sport of disc golf offers a fun spin on the traditional game of golf. Throw a Frisbee toward large metal basket targets on either modified golf courses or stand-alone disc golf sites. This could be a hole-in-one opportunity to do with your one-and-only.  French Broad Outfitter has all the gear and info you need to get started.

45. To market, to market you go.

Farmer’s markets are an excellent way to try local bites and more. Everything from lattes to juices, kennel corn to pickles, crepes to noodle bowls and, of course, fresh produce and locally-made goods.  WNC Farmer’s Market, Asheville City Market, Asheville City Market South, French Broad Food Coop Tailgate Downtown Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, East Asheville Tailgate Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market has everything you need for a full, fresh market experience.

46. Embrace being “board.”

Couples who play together stay together. Sure, board gaming may seem simple, but this playful act allows couples to interact face to face with opportunities to laugh and even learn something new about each other.  Well Played Asheville offers a wide variety of board games, in addition to beer, wine and snacks!

47. Let love bloom.

Stop and smell the roses (and tons of other flowers) with your love at the NC Arboretum. It’s the perfect date for any budding romance.

48. Explore Asheville’s Urban Walking Trail.

Have a gem of a date night exploring downtown Asheville together on Asheville’s Urban Walking Trail.

49. Get spooked.

Dare to be scared together on a lighthearted ghost tour.  Here are some Asheville haunted tours that will get you spooked!

50. Wave the victory flag.

Allow your competitive side to let loose racing around the track with a go kart adventure! Then, toast to your victory with a celebratory beverage.  Check out Asheville’s Fun Depot or Play Station to satisfy your need for speed.

51. Embrace puppy love.

Asheville is know for being a “dog town.”  Take your pooch along to dog-friendly hot spots. Follow it up with doggie date at Ben’s Tune Up, or Asheville Brewing downtown.  Better yet, Twisted Laurel or Posana, who have speciality doggie menus!  You’ll have a doggone great time.

52. Have a spring fling.

Cool off in a waterfall!  Our friends over at Asheville Trails have a great guide to Asheville waterfalls.

53. Be a tourist.

Hit up your town’s cherished landmarks. You know you still haven’t visited all of the local tourist traps. So go get trapped!

54. Walk the walk.

Sip and stroll during happy hour (or whenever) with a DIY beer crawl.  Asheville’s Ale Trail is a great, self guided tour of the South Slopes Brewery District.  

55. Drive it.

Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and see where it takes you!

56. Saddle up for the ride.

Head to the rodeo to watch cowboys, bulls and rodeo clowns. Think you can last 8 seconds?  Scarlet’s Country Dance Club has a mechanical bull where you can test your skills.

57. Get carried away.

Take a fairytale horse-drawn carriage ride!

58. Have rooftop cocktails.

Enjoy the Blue Ridge views with a rooftop cocktail!

59. Have a hotel hookup.

Meet at a hotel  to indulge in sophisticated music, swanky cocktails and a little role playing.  AC Hotel, Hotel Indigo and the Hyatt all have romantic bars with views!

60. All scream for ice cream.

Single scoops just won’t do. Double down by feasting on trendy ice cream treats at The Hop, Sunshine Sammies and Ultimate Ice Cream.

61. Keep cool with ice ice baby…

Lace up some skates and glide hand-in-hand ice skating around the rink.

62. Jazz it up.

Hit pause on the Top 40 playlist and tune into some more soulful music alongside your soulmate. Nothing beats the energy of jazz music with a live band in a classy lounge.  Check out Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues.

63. Sexertainment!

Let Webster’s Dictionary know that we’ve coined a new word: sexterainment = sex-focused entertainment. Sure, you could watch a lusty video… but how about reading a romance or erotic book together or listening to one on tape?  Perhaps get some inspiration from VaVaVoom!

64. Aphrodisiac points.

You know what they say about oysters….  Bull and Beggar offers a regular Seafood Happy Hour where you can enjoy half-off their raw oyster bar Mon-Sat from 5-6pm!

65. Be sweet.

Roast s’mores, make cookies or bake another sweet treat together.

66. Create star-studded memories.

The stars aligned to create your luminous love! So, cuddle up together for romantic stargazing or moongazing.

67. Be ‘scene.’

Catching the latest blockbuster at the cinema rocks. But it’s worth checking out art and independent films at Fine Arts Theatre or Grail Moviehouse, Asheville’s alternative cinema’s.

68. Get artsy.

Spend a rainy day at Asheville Art Museum or the Folk Art Center, where you can appreciate rotating galleries and local art.

69. Make it a duel.

Hit up a dueling piano bar where you know the entertainment is on key! We like Off The Wagon Rocks and Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar at The Grove Park Inn.

70. Have an al fresco affair.

Whether you’re picnicking in a park after an adventurous hike or snacking under the stars by the lake, there’s nothing quite as romantic as a laid-back picnic surrounded by nature.

71. Have an out of this world night.

There is a science to love… so visit the UNCA’s Lookout Observatory for a list of stargazing events.

72. Understand words matter.

Let the artistic words of poetry entertain and inspire you at an open mic night. Hearing originally crafted poems can make for an original date night experience. Check out Poetry Slam Asheville for a full list of poetry events!

73. Get holed up.

Putt putt golf is fun… it’s that simple. Maybe add a naughty wager to intensify the game stakes.  Tropical Gardens and Asheville’s Fun Depot will help you get a hole in one.

74. Turn back time.

Rekindle that spark by rekindling your favorite relationship moments. For example, redo your first date by visiting the same locations that you did on that very special first date.

75. Do the pool hop.

Sometimes lounging poolside is just what you need. Get a day pass at The Grove Park Inn Spa so you can soak up the heated mineral pool (and enjoy music underwater!) and the sauna while enjoying the mountain views. The Spa offers day passes Mon-Thurs on a first come, first serve basis starting at 9am.  Passes are $110/person.  Passes must be purchased in person, with all persons present.

76. Mold your love.

Visualize the classic “Ghost” scene of pottery molding! Asheville has local art studios offering date night events including instruction, adult beverages and appetizers. Let love be your muse!  Check out Fired Up Lounge and Claying Around for events.

77. Progress to the next level.

The concept of a progressive dinner is simple: pick an area where there is a cluster of good restaurants within walking distance from each other and eat one dish at each of three to four places. Sit at the bar for an easy in and out.

78. Let love peak.

Trust in one another to scale a mountain. Climbax Climbing Center is located on Wall St downtown within walking distance to restaurants and bars.   Smoky Mountain Adventure Center is in West Asheville, across from Carrier Park and close to Asheville Food Park.

79. Roll with it.

Head to the roller rink to roller skate or catch the Blue Ridge Roller Girls in action!

80. Be formal.

Get dressed up — like super fancy — to try out romantic restaurants like Vivian, Curate, or Bouchon.

81. Kept it clean (or dirty)!

Soak up good, clean fun with a romantic at-home spa experience.

82. Whisper the secret.

Speakeasy bars are hidden gems among loud, sticky-floored pubs. Find out the night’s code word and knock on the secret door. Delicious cocktails made by mustache-clad bartenders await.  Asheville’s Conundrum is a fun speakeasy with code words and escape rooms!

83. Up your game.

Snag seats to an Asheville Tourist’s game for casual date at the ballpark!

84. Just stay.

Staycations are a great way to experience vacation pleasures without depleting your bank account or PTO stash! Pack an overnight bag for an over the top sleepover.  In the Spring and Summer, try a glamping staycation! 

85. Cheers to brunch bliss.

Satisfy your craving for Sunday Funday with tasty combinations of breakfast and lunch items. Make brunch pop with a bubbly mimosa or bold Bloody Mary.

86. Rise to the occasion.

Sunrises and sunsets are epic times for dates. Watch your love beam too!  Check out the best spots for Blue Ridge sunsets.

87. Bite down!

Tapas or small plates are great for date night sharing. Find a Spanish or Latin-fusion restaurant or order pub-style nibbles.  Try Zambra, where they have rotating tapas specials and an absinthe cocktail called The Green Fairy!

88. Let love steep.

Brew up a date night fit for a king and queen with a tea house experience. Tea can be served hot, cold or spiked and paired with finger sandwiches, pastries and more.  Dobra Tea offers an Eastern experience with a delicious vegetarian menu and Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen offers a more traditional tea service with sandwiches and cakes.  The Spice & Tea Exchange of Asheville offers loose leaf teas and tea accessories for the tea lovers!

89. Show up.

Go to a symphony, play, ballet or opera. Traditional performing arts may be nontraditional for you, but you might end up begging for an encore.   Asheville Symphony, The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville Community Theatre and North Carolina Stage Company put on remarkable events worth experiencing.

90. Be amused.

Themed parks, water parks and carnivals can be the ultimate amusement… even for adults.  While the Mountain State Fair only happens at the WNC Agricultural Center in September,  Splashville is a fun way to cool down in downtown’s Pack Square.

91. Take your mark…

You don’t have to be an outstanding runner to enjoy themed runs. Sure, you want to cross the finish line but many themed events invite participates to focus on having fun together on the course rather than watching the clock.  Check out Asheville’s fun run events!

92. Be unique.

Why settle for a standard hotel room when you can book a unique rental, like a treehouse or a dome?  Asheville Glamping offers an array of unique overnights in domes, yurts and airstreams, while Treehouses of Serenity takes you up in the trees for an unforgettable view.

93. Be smart!

You can win a prize for drinking beer! Well, for using your trivia knowledge while drinking beer. Quite simply, pub trivia is fun. You get to work as a team with your date, nosh on pub grub and guzzle drafts.

94. Always wine (never whine).

We may be beer city, but we do like our grapes! Visit a winery to roam sprawling vineyards arm-and-arm. Then, tantalize your taste buds with a wine flight poured in a luxurious tasting room.  A few notable wineries in and around Asheville are Addison Farms Vineyards, The Biltmore Estate Winery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Burntshirt Vineyards.

95. Clown around.

Sometimes you just want to clown around with your partner, right? Live out your circus clown dreams by taking a trapeze class at Empyrean Arts, Dare to Fly Trapeze or Aerial Space.

96. Zip it up.

Zip line to soar like Tarzan and Jane. See our guide to Ziplines in Asheville to begin your adventure!

97. Unleash animal instants.

Take a date to the wild side with a visit to the WNC Nature Center!

98. Have a combo meal.

From Medieval competitions to murder mysteries to magic shows, themed dinner shows make the concept of dinner and a show come together with a blended union.  We loved Le Vine Noir- a wine tasting in the dark at Conundrum!

99. Uncork your creativity!

Art and wine pairings are among the latest date trend thanks to The Paint Bug, Painting With A Twist and Claying Around! You don’t need to be a skilled artist to have fun because wine has a way of unleashing one’s inner Picasso.

100. Let it smoke.

Sure, standard backyard BBQs are fun but you can’t beat the amazing barbecue in Asheville!  Buxton Hall, 12 Bones Smokehouse, Bonfire Barbecue and Luella’s BBQ bring a strong BBQ game!

Written in collaboration with Nancy DeVault.