Asheville is such a vibrant, creative city, and when you’re here, your dates should be the same. Ready to go beyond “dinner and a movie”? Asheville presents many unique, swoon-worthy experiences that you and your date are sure to love. Here are some of our favorite date night ideas. (Feature Photo: The Omni Grove Park Inn)
Picnic & Sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway
There’s nothing quite as romantic as watching the sun slip beyond the horizon—add a mountain backdrop and it’s as good as it gets! Pack a picnic or order a basket for pick up or delivery from Asheville Picnic Company. Choose from 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.
Artsy Date Night in the River Arts District
Asheville is known for its buzzing art scene. Hot spots like the River Arts District offer studio tours, graffiti-clad industrial buildings with restaurants, and galleries like 310 Art Gallery. Find inspiration and take a little piece of AVL home with you! Plus, enjoy some of the best food and beer the city has to offer. Also, see our Murals of Asheville.
Spa Date Night
Celebrating an anniversary or special occasion? Nothing says “I love you” like a spa getaway or a wellness experience. (See our Top Spas & Massage, plus Wellness Experiences) Whether you’re into sauna, massage, hot tubs—or all of the above—many places like Shoji Spa & Lodge offer special couples packages that are pure bliss. Plan your Wellness Vacation with our Guide!
Foodie Date Night
From downtown Asheville to Haywood Road in West Asheville, Asheville is a well-known food mecca; the hardest part is choosing where to eat! The good news, though, is that with so many amazing choices within walking distance, you really can’t go wrong. Whether you’re craving tapas, bbq, or unique entrees, you can find the perfect restaurant or bistro below. For a first-hand experience, try a cooking class. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, check out the Wild Food Foraging Tours on our Guided Tours page. Find what you're craving in our Restaurants by Category guide or choose from our Romantic Foodie Spots.
Adventure Date Night
Want to make your date’s heart skip a beat? Go on an adventure! Whether you’re ziplining through the tree canopy, white river rafting, or biking on a mountain trail, these endorphin-boosting activities are next-level fun. Adventure Center of Asheville is a great place to start with lots to do on land and sky!
Photo: Adventure Center of Asheville
Budget Savvy Downtown Date Night
Date night doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Downtown Asheville has lots of free or inexpensive things to do like strolling through Pack Square Park for the ultimate people watching and top it off at French Broad Chocolate Lounge for a sweet treat. Check out our impressive selection of Food Trucks at one of many breweries in town for a tasty and budget-savvy bite. In the summer, enjoy live music on Lexington Ave at the popular Live After Five Events or the Drum Circle on Friday Nights.
Hiking Date Night
Close to the Pisgah Forest, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Smoky Mountains, Asheville is called the land of the sky for good reason. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and mountaintops, when it comes to nature, Asheville has it all. Hike with your date and take in mile-high views using our Summit Hikes guide. Don't want anything too strenuous? See our 75 Blue Ridge Hikes and choose from a variety of hikes for all fitness levels. Chase over 60 Waterfalls Near Asheville with detailed hike guides for each.
Biltmore Date Night
Entering the grounds of Biltmore is like stepping into a fairytale. Stroll the incredible gardens and working farm, check out the conservatory, and tour the historic 250-room Biltmore House (America’s largest home!). At Antler Hill Village you’ll find The Winery (don’t miss the wine tasting, included with admission), a creamery, a restaurant, and live music.
Date Night at The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn scores big on romance! From gourmet restaurants to bars to sunset terraces with breathtaking mountain views, there are so many ways to dine and delight your date at this world-renowned resort. Pull out all the stops and book a night or two at the Omni Grove Park Inn and visit the amazing Spa for a soak in the mineral pool, or enjoy a full-body massage. 
Photo Courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn
Date Night at the NC Arboretum
The NC Arboretum is home to one of the most beautiful natural gardens in America. Take in the brilliance of the surrounding plants and flowers (don’t miss the bonsai collection) and explore the latest exhibit. During ArborEvenings from July to September, you can sip and stroll through the gardens and enjoy light food and live music. Don't miss Winter Lights in December for the ultimate twinkling date night.
Yoga Date Night
Find your zen—and maybe even love—on a yoga-inspired date. Asheville is home to some of the best yoga studios in the Southeast. But don't let that intimidate you, most yoga studios in Asheville offer beginner-friendly and all-levels yoga classes. Many even offer couple classes! See our Top Yoga Studios for more. Afterward, try some excellent Vegan and Vegetarian Food or get some light bites and tea or coffee. See our favorite Tea & Coffee Houses in Asheville. 
Couple's Yoga with Namaste in Nature
A Date on the Lake
Asheville is a short drive to 7 Western North Carolina Lakes. Treat your date to a day on the lake or make a weekend out of it. You can soak in the views from a cozy cabin or campground—or rent kayaks, SUPs, jet skis, or pontoon boats to get out on the water and explore. Lake Lure and Lake Junaluska offer sunset lake cruises. If you don’t want to make the drive, you can also rent tubes and float on the French Broad River. See 15 Ways to Enjoy the French Broad River.
Downtown Tours
Did you know that you can take a tour of Asheville by foot, segway, electric bike, purple bus, or trolley? You can even get a bird's eye view on a rooftop bar tour. Find your perfect speed for an entertaining date and learn the unique history of our magical city. Asheville’s Urban Trail is a free, self-guided tour downtown taking you through many great spots and stops. For a full list, see our Top Guided Tours.
Something Sweet
Want to skip right to dessert? Asheville has several cafes and bakeries to satisfy whatever you're craving. Check out our top places for Desserts, Donuts, and Icecream for a divine bite to end the night or a sweet buzz to get you going!
Book Lovers Date Night
Literary lovers can check out Asheville’s new or used bookstores and browse the stacks looking for the perfect title. Don’t forget a visit to the historic Thomas Wolfe House in downtown Asheville, a 29-room Victorian boarding house where Wolfe—a native of Asheville, and the author of Look Homeward Angel (published in 1929)—grew up. Our top picks are the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar at the Grove Arcade and Malaprops (55 Haywood St).
Farmers Markets
With delicious local food, produce, and fresh flowers, farmer's markets make for a great date. Some even feature live music. See what’s in season and grow in love—with each other, and the regions’ bounty! See the best Farmer’s Markets in and near Asheville.
Happy Hour Date
Grabbing a drink is a great way to get to know someone on a first date and Asheville has no shortage of amazing breweries, cideries, wine bars, and cocktail bars. See our Breweries & Cideries or our Wine and Cocktail guides. Don't drink? Many places offer delicious mocktails to pair with small plates or stop in the Buchi Bar for a buchi flight of locally-made kombucha (116 N. Lexington Ave). For a more casual happy hour, see these Bars & Pubs. 
Cheers! Photo courtesy of Capella on 9
Hear Live Music
Get your groove on at one of Asheville’s distinctive music venues. Many breweries and bars offer live music that you can catch most nights of the week. Asheville is also home to its very own piano bar. In late Spring and early Summer, check out Downtown After Five for live music, beer, and fun downtown. See our Live Music guide for a list of events.
