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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 genuinely easy to create something memorable. Here are some of our favorite date night ideas, perfect for everything from first dates to an intimate anniversary date. (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 you who makes you curious. Pack a picnic or, tor something simple, order a basket from Rhu. For a more elegant or elaborate picnic, to make an ordinary date extra special or for an anniversary, order from Asheville Lovely Picnics. 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.
Spa Date Night
A couple's spa experience in Asheville won't be forgotten. Many places, including Shoji Spa & Lodge, 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 white water 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 require a big budget. Stroll through Pack Square Park for prime people-watching, then visit French Broad Chocolate Lounge for something indulgent. (It's not inexpensive, but it costs less than dinner!) Grab appetizers at brewery, cidery, or wine bar. (Most offer mocktails and other nonalcoholic options.) On the third Friday in April through September, catch free live music at Downtown After Five or the weekly free Friday Drum Circle Circle (with dancing) at Pritchard Park.
Hiking Date (Day or Night)
If you are drawn to waterfalls, wildflowers, and mile-high views, you might want to share that love with your date. Asheville sits at the edge of the Pisgah Forest, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Smokies. The hiking here is varied and extraordinary. If using trails at night, pack flashlights. Use our Summit Hikes guide for the big payoff views, or browse 75 Blue Ridge Hikes for something else that fits your pace. Chase waterfalls with our detailed guides to 60+ Waterfalls Near Asheville.
Biltmore Date (Day or Night)
Walking onto the Biltmore (formerly called the Biltmore Estate) feels like stepping into another world entirely. Think your date would like to tour the 250-room Biltmore House, wander the formal gardens and conservatory (lush in every season!), and make their way to Antler Hill Village for wine tasting at The Winery, live music, and dinner? If so, this will be one of those dates that's hard to top. Pro tip: This can end up being a very long date. If you don't have at least four hours, you may want to focus on just one or two activities, such wandering the grounds and having a meal, or touring the home and having wine. Also touring the house requires a fee on top of the entry ticket and its best to make your purchase in advance online.
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 NC Arboretum is one of Western North Carolina's most underrated date destinations. You can make the event casual or elegant, whichever suits you and your date. Hike wooded trails, explore beautiful manicured gardens, visit the indoor bonsai collection, check out whatever exhibit is currently on display, and have a drink or bite at the cafe or from the outdoor food and drink vendor. The only fee is for parking. In December, Winter Lights transforms the grounds into something magical (and requires a ticket purchase 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. 
Couple's 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 and Lake Junaluska both offer 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.
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 fixing to prepare something at home together. See the best Farmer’s Markets in and near Asheville.
Happy Hour Date
While there aren't many actual happy hour specials anymore, Asheville's craft beverage scene gives you plenty of options for a relaxed first date or a casual evening out. Most offer both alcholic and nonalcoholic options. Breweries, cideries, wine bars and cocktail bars are all well represented here. If the date goes well, you can decide to extend it or plan a second date using one of the ideas from this guide. 
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 breweries, bars, and dedicated venues across the city. The city even has its own piano bar. On the third Friday in April through September, 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.
