Date Night Ideas in and around Asheville: Romantic, Cozy & Adventurous

Book Lovers Date Night  Asheville has a strong literary identity, and its independent bookstores reflect that. Our top picks are Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar at the Grove Arcade—where you can browse used books over a glass of wine—and Malaprop's Bookstore & Café on Haywood Street. Round out the evening with a visit to the Thomas Wolfe House, where Asheville's most famous literary son grew up.

When planning a date night, Asheville does the heavy lifting for you. The mix of mountain landscapes, world-class food, art, music, and outdoor adventure makes it easy to create something memorable. Here are some of our favorite date night ideas, perfect for everything from first dates to an anniversary. Further down, find ready-made date plans for every mood, plus tips for turning date night into a getaway. (Feature Photo: The Omni Grove Park Inn)

Picnic & Sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway  
Few things beat watching the sun drop behind a ridge of blue mountains with someone who makes you curious. Pack a picnic or, for something simple, order a to-go meal and place it in a basket. Then head to one of our favorite scenic Picnic Spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the show. Also, see our Mile-by-Mile Guide and 5 Places to See the Sunset or Sunrise around Asheville. 

Art-Focused Date Night
The River Arts District​ is the beating heart of Asheville's art scene. Wander through working studios, visit galleries, and explore graffiti-clad industrial buildings that house some of the city's best restaurants and breweries. You might find art that you want to buy so you can take a piece of Asheville home with you. If you want to keep your date moving, literally, drive or bike to visit the Murals of Asheville.  

Want to make art instead of just looking at it? 310 ART, Western North Carolina’s oldest independent, woman- and artist-run fine art school, offers single-day painting workshops with no experience needed. Ask about a private workshop for just the two of you, or try their Watercolor Wednesday Evenings. The studio is now at Re.Imagine Studio in Fairview, about 10 minutes from downtown.

Spa Date Night 
A couples spa experience in Asheville won't be forgotten. Many places, including Shoji Spa & Retreat, offer couples packages that include soaks, massage, sauna, and more. See our Top Spas & Massage, plus Wellness Experiences, and even plan a full Wellness weekend with our dedicated guide. 

Food-Focused Date Night 
Asheville punches well above its weight as a food city. From downtown to Haywood Road in West Asheville, world-class restaurants are within walking distance of each other. You might start with drinks and apps at one spot, move on to dinner, and then close out the night at a dessert shop. Find what you're craving in our Restaurants by Category guide or browse our Romantic Foodie Spots. If you want to do the cooking, try a cooking class or consider the Wild Food Foraging Tours on our Guided Tours page. 

Adventure Date Day or Night 
Nothing breaks the ice like an adrenaline rush. Try ziplining through the tree canopy, riding whitewater rapids, or climbing a mountain trail on two wheels. Adventure Center of Asheville is a great starting point with activities on land and in the air. 

 
Photo: Adventure Center of Asheville

Low Budget, High Impact Downtown Date Night  
A great date in Asheville doesn’t need a big budget. Stroll through Pack Square Park for prime people-watching, then visit French Broad Chocolate Lounge for something indulgent. (It’s not cheap, but it costs less than dinner.) Grab appetizers at a brewery, cidery, or wine bar. Most offer mocktails and other nonalcoholic drinks. On third Fridays in spring and summer, catch free live music at Downtown After 5 held in different locations each year. On Fridays from spring through fall, join the free Drum Circle at Pritchard Park, where dancing is encouraged.

Hiking Date (Day or Night) 
If you’re drawn to waterfalls, wildflowers, and mile-high views, share that love with your date. Asheville sits at the edge of Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Smokies, and the hiking here is varied and extraordinary. If you hit the trail at night, pack flashlights. Use our Summit Hikes guide for big-payoff views, or browse 75 Blue Ridge Hikes to find one that fits your pace. Chase waterfalls with our guide to 60+ Waterfalls Near Asheville.

Biltmore Date (Day or Night) 
Walking onto Biltmore Estate feels like stepping into another world. Picture touring the 250-room Biltmore House, wandering the formal gardens and conservatory, then heading to Antler Hill Village for wine tasting at The Winery, live music, and dinner. If that sounds like your date’s idea of a good time, this one will be hard to top.

Pro tip: This can turn into a very long date. Just driving in and parking takes 20 minutes due to the size of the estate. And count on needing the same amount of time to leave. If you have less than four hours, pick one or two things, like wandering the grounds and sharing a meal, or touring the house and tasting wine. Biltmore sells two main ticket types. House & Grounds tickets include Biltmore House, and Grounds-only tickets don’t. House visits need a timed reservation, so buy online ahead of time. 

Date Night at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa 
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa was built for exactly this kind of occasion. Gourmet dining, sunset terraces with sweeping mountain views, and one of the most celebrated spas in the Southeast make it a natural choice for anniversaries and special nights out.

 
Photo Courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa 

Date Day or Night at the NC Arboretum  
The North Carolina Arboretum is one of Western North Carolina’s most underrated date spots. Make it casual or dress it up, whatever suits you both. Hike wooded trails, explore the gardens and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, check out the current exhibit, and grab a drink or a bite at the café or the outdoor food and drink vendor. The only fee is for parking. From mid-November into early January, Winter Lights turns the grounds into something magical. Tickets are required and sold online in advance. Check their website for more seasonal activities.

Yoga Date Night 
Asheville has a deep yoga culture, and most studios here are genuinely welcoming to all levels. This is a great active date when the weather is bad or you want to share an invigorating or relaxing experience with your date. Many studios and some tours offer couples classes, if you prefer the one-on-one instruction. See our Top Yoga Studios, then follow it up with great food at one of our favorite Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants, or wind down at one of our favorite Tea & Coffee Houses in Asheville. 

 
Couples Yoga with Namaste in Nature

​A Date on a Lake (or River) 
Western North Carolina has seven lakes within easy driving distance of Asheville. A day or weekend on the water makes for an exceptional date. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, or a pontoon boat, or simply find a cabin with a view. Lake Lure offers sunset cruises. Prefer to stay close? Float the French Broad River on tubes. See 15 Ways to Enjoy the French Broad River.

Downtown Tours  
Dig into Asheville's layered history and culture with a guided tour. Choose your speed: on foot, by electric bike, trolley, or purple bus. Asheville’s Urban Trail is a free self-guided option that winds through downtown and includes artwork at each stop. For a full list, see our Top Guided Tours. The Black Cultural Heritage Trail is also self-guided, covers three walkable parts of town, and has an online app with audio and commentary.

Something Sweet 
Asheville's dessert scene is worth building a date around. From artisan chocolate to creative ice cream to bakeries that draw lines for good reason, there's no shortage of places to start or finish the night with sweetness. See our top picks for Dessert. 

Book Lovers Date Night 
Asheville has a strong literary identity, and its independent bookstores reflect that. Our top picks are Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar at the Grove Arcade—where you can browse used books over a glass of wine—and Malaprop's Bookstore & Café on Haywood Street. Round out the evening with a visit to the Thomas Wolfe House, where Asheville's most famous literary son grew up. 

Curtain Call Date Night 
Dinner and a show never goes out of style. Downtown, NC Stage offers intimate professional theater, and the Wortham Center hosts dance, music, and theater on its stages. For a little road trip, drive about 30 minutes to Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina. Its year-round season includes Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and concerts. Dress is casual, but bring a sweater, since they keep the theater cool for the actors. See more Theatre & Performing Arts.

Farmers Markets  
A farmers market date is casual in the best way and allows for spontaneity. You'll walk past vendors offering fresh flowers, local produce, artisan food, and often hear live music. You can find food, treats, or beverages to enjoy on the spot or you might find yourself filling a bag with all the fixings to prepare something at home together. See the best Farmer’s Markets in and near Asheville.

Happy Hour Date 
Asheville’s craft drink scene gives you plenty of options for a relaxed first date or an easy evening out. Most spots serve both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Breweries, cideries, wine bars and cocktail bars are all well represented here. For a view with your drink, head to one of downtown’s rooftop bars: 

• The Montford Rooftop Bar: Sits on the eighth floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton on Haywood Street. Watch the sunset from the outdoor terrace or the indoor bar, with free valet parking. 
• Soprana Rooftop Cucina: Across the street atop the Embassy Suites. This MICHELIN Guide-recommended restaurant pairs brick-oven pizza and craft cocktails with floor-to-ceiling mountain views. 
• Social Lounge: On Broadway. Sip original cocktails on its rooftop patio. 

• Fitz and the Wolfe: Prefer something tucked away? The Palm Room, near the Grove Arcade, is a low-lit lounge made for easy conversation, and it stays open late. 

  
   
  Cheers! Photo courtesy of Capella on 9 
  
  Hear Live Music 
  Asheville takes its music seriously. You can catch live performances most nights of the week at a breweries, bars, and dedicated venues across the city. The city even has its own piano bar. On the third Friday in spring and summer, Downtown After Five brings live music, local beer, and a genuinely festive atmosphere to the heart of downtown. See our Live Music guide for current events and venues.