31 Asheville Date Ideas for 2024
Are you and your partner looking for the best Asheville date ideas to make your Western North Carolina experience as memorable as ever? Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural splendor with a renowned food scene and a deeply ingrained appreciation for history and local culture.
There are plenty of things to do in Asheville, NC for couples, from adventurous outdoor activities to cozy and romantic dining experiences. If you and your special someone want an unforgettable date in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, check out this list of the best Asheville date ideas!
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- Foodie Date Ideas in Asheville
- Fun Date Night Ideas in Asheville
- Outdoor Date Ideas in Asheville
- Indoor Date Ideas in Asheville
- Relaxing Date Ideas in Asheville
- Artsy Date Ideas in Asheville
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Asheville
Foodie Date Ideas in Asheville
1. Participate in a Cooking Class
Cooking classes in Asheville are the perfect way to test your cooking skills as a couple. Led by local, five-star chefs, a cooking class is a perfect date idea in Asheville if you want a hands-on experience paired with a delicious outcome. Whether you’re an experienced chef or are looking to pick up some new skills in the kitchen, cooking classes near you are the perfect excuse for any couple to embrace a romantic night in.
2. Enjoy a Private Chef Meal
If you’re seeking an authentic Asheville date idea, private chefs near you are ready to give any foodie couple the intimate meal of their dreams. Sit back and relax as a local, world-class chef prepares a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home while shopping for ingredients and even cleaning up afterward. No matter your menu preferences or mood, private chefs in Asheville are masters at curating the perfect date night.
3. Go on a Brewery Tour
Asheville is known for its array of breweries, so going on a brewery tour is a quintessential Asheville date idea. Navigating Asheville’s beer scene can be overwhelming, but a good place to start is Wicked Weed Brewery. This funky pub in the heart of the city serves up unique pints with plenty of personality and character.
4. Take a Distillery Tour
Asheville may be known for its breweries, but there’s no shortage of distilleries that are perfect for non-beer drinkers who need an Asheville, NC date idea. Cultivated Cocktails is a Downtown staple that specializes in craft spirits and creative concoctions, making it the ideal Asheville date idea for cocktail enthusiasts.
5. Dine on Indian Street Food
Asheville restaurants are world-class, and a trip to Chai Pani is an absolute necessity for foodies looking for Asheville date ideas. Specializing in Indian street food, Chai Pani won a James Beard Award in 2022, so the secret is definitely out. You might have to wait a bit for a table, but foodies looking for the perfect date night spot shouldn’t miss this eatery’s eccentric take on Indian flavors.
Fun Date Night Ideas in Asheville
6. Listen to Live Music
One of the best things to do in Asheville, NC for couples is enjoying the city’s legendary live music scene. From classical to folk, there’s no shortage of options for couples to take in. Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar is a great choice for singing and dancing the night away, while more intimate venues, like 5 Walnut Wine Bar, are perfect if you’re on the hunt for romantic anniversary date ideas. No matter where you end up, you’ll have an excellent time listening to live music and dancing with your partner.
7. Tour the Biltmore Estate
Touring the grounds of the massive Biltmore Estate is a unique Asheville date idea where you can spend all day exploring the estate’s expansive grounds. Biltmore offers plenty of dining options and events, including complimentary wine tastings at the on-site winery, and traditional Southern fare at the Village Social restaurant.
8. Stargaze at The Lookout Observatory
If you want an Asheville date idea that’s out of this world, look towards the stars! Stargazing is a picturesque date option that can be accompanied by the food and drink of your choice. The Lookout Observatory at UNC Asheville offers public stargazing events if you want some guidance.
9. Try Glamping
Do you and your partner love the outdoors but prefer five-star hotels to sleeping in a tent? Then spending a night glamping is one of the great date ideas in Asheville, NC. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your glamping needs, Asheville Glamping is a top pick. They’ll ensure that you and your partner can appreciate Asheville’s natural beauty while enjoying luxurious accommodations.
Outdoor Date Ideas in Asheville
10. Zipline Through the Forest
Ziplining is a thrilling Asheville date idea, ideal for adventurous couples who are constantly seeking their next adrenaline rush. Navitat is a top-rated ziplining company that’ll have you and your partner flying over the trees while learning about the vegetation and terrain that make up the stunning location.
11. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Need a last-minute date idea? Hop in the car and head off along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic road with breathtaking views at every turn. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities and waterfalls to explore. If you want to kick up the romance for this Asheville date idea, bring a tasty picnic to enjoy at one of the many parking areas along the parkway.
12. Dare To Go Whitewater Rafting
Need an action-packed Asheville date idea? Head out on a whitewater rafting adventure on the French Broad River. Asheville is known for its rafting industry, and there are plenty of rafting touring companies in the area. French Broad Adventures, offering a selection of rafting trips for all intensity levels, is a popular choice.
13. Spend the Day Hiking
Asheville’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest makes it a supreme hiking destination for outdoorsy couples. Whether you want a challenging rock scramble or a simple stroll, spending the day hiking is one of the most popular Asheville date ideas for good reason.
14. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum
Featuring acres of stunning trails and an abundance of unique plant life, the North Carolina Arboretum is the perfect Asheville date idea for nature-loving couples. The center hosts special events all year round, so a trip to the Arboretum is a winning date idea in Asheville no matter the season.
Indoor Date Ideas in Asheville
15. Rock Climb at an Indoor Climbing Gym
If you’re looking to sweat out yesterday’s brewery tour, taking a rock climbing class is the Asheville date idea for you. Asheville may be close to some stellar outdoor climbing spots, but their indoor gyms, like Cultivate Climbing, also have some top-notch walls that are ideal for all experience levels.
16. Tackle an Escape Room
Taking on an escape room is a solid date idea in Asheville if you need a break from the outdoors. Asheville has multiple escape room locations, including Breakout Games, which offers a wide range of themed escape rooms.
17. Learn New Skills at a Dance Class
Even if you were born with two left feet, taking a couple’s dance class is an essential Asheville date idea. From swing to salsa, Asheville has a plethora of fun dance classes that’ll make sure you and your partner are dance floor legends at the next wedding you attend.
18. Laugh at a Comedy Show
Laughter is the key to any successful relationship, so kick things up a notch by visiting one of Asheville’s popular comedy clubs. This Asheville date idea is a great way to round out a day of adventuring. Best of all, the city’s comedy scene offers a wide range of genres and styles.
Relaxing Date Ideas in Asheville
19. Join a Virtual Wine Tasting
If you and your partner are tired from adventuring all day in Asheville, unwind at home with a fun and informative virtual wine tasting. Elegant and educational, virtual wine tastings are led by world-class sommeliers who guide you as you sip your way to the ultimate cozy date night.
20. Make Drinks With an Online Mixology Class
Do you and your special someone want to test out your bartending skills? Online mixology classes are the perfect Asheville date idea for capping off an action-packed day. Expert instructors share the history behind your favorite craft cocktails and will teach you the techniques you need to stir up some cocktail magic at home.
21. Relax at a Spa
What could be more relaxing than a trip to the spa? Western North Carolina has plenty of unique spas that make for the perfect Asheville date idea. Whether you want a romantic couple’s massage at the Omni Grove Park Inn or are looking to cleanse your mind and body at the Asheville Salt Cave, there’s an option for every couple.
22. Play Games at a Board Game Café
Relaxing, snacking and sipping away the afternoon at a board game café is the ideal Asheville date idea. Well Played Board Game Café has an impressive selection of games, which can be played while enjoying the lengthy menu of coffees, teas and craft beers.
23. Unwind at a Bookstore
Want an Asheville date idea that’s sure to be a lovely chapter in your relationship? Spend hours getting lost at one of the city’s legendary local bookstores. Malaprops is a great place to check out if you’re interested in enjoying coffee and a book with your special someone. If you’re more in the mood for some cocktails while perusing bookshelves, head over to Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.
Artsy Date Ideas in Asheville
24. Explore the River Arts District
The River Arts District is a graffiti-adorned neighborhood packed with small studios and local artists. Wandering aimlessly around the RAD or taking a guided tour is a great Asheville date idea to get a sense of the city’s art scene.
25. Check out an Art Museum
Many Asheville date ideas tend to involve spending time outside. However, going to the Asheville Art Museum is a great indoor option for artsy couples. With a consistent rotation of innovative exhibits, the museum is constantly offering a fresh collection from local, national and even international artists.
26. Get Crafty at a Pottery Class
Taking a pottery class is a hands-on Asheville date idea that comes with a one-of-a-kind souvenir. It also lets you experience Asheville’s art scene firsthand. You can find a nice selection of pottery studios, including The Village Potters Clay Center, that offer pottery classes for all experience levels.
27. Paint a Masterpiece at a Paint N' Sip Session
For an Asheville date idea that perfectly blends art with your favorite beverage, check out one of the city’s paint n' sip spots. For a unique take on the genre, go to Board & Brush, where you and your plus one can enjoy the drink of choice while painting a fun wooden sign.
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Asheville
28. Attend a Live Theater Performance
One Asheville, NC date idea that never disappoints is a night out at the theater. While seeing live shows can be expensive, the Montford Park Players in Asheville offer free performances of Shakespeare plays and other classics all year round. It’s an ovation-worthy Asheville date idea for theater lovers on a budget.
29. Shop at a Thrift Store
Asheville has a solid number of thrift shops that offer unique clothes and accessories for reasonable prices. Exploring these shops is a great Asheville date idea for stylish couples. Plus, if you need some stay-home date ideas, put on a fashion show to debut your new items when you return home!
30. Have a Pinball Competition
A trip to the Asheville Pinball Museum is a budget-friendly Asheville date idea that costs just $15 for a day of unlimited pinball! The museum has more than 70 classic arcade games that are available to play, plus a bar that serves beer and soft drinks. You could play together or compete to crown one of you the pinball champion!
31. Partake in a Drum Circle
Surprise your sweetheart with a unique Asheville date idea, and go watch — or partake in — a drum circle in Pritchard Park, located in Downtown Asheville. The weekly drum circles draw large crowds in the warmer months, and everyone is free to watch, dance or play along.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
From its famous food scene to the endless available activities — both inside and outside — it’s not surprising that Asheville has become an increasingly popular destination. If you and your partner find yourself in the glorious midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are looking for a memorable way to spend a day or night, this list of Asheville date ideas will make sure that you take full advantage of your experience.
For even more ways to enjoy Asheville, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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