29 Fun Date Ideas in Charlotte, NC for 2024
Thanks to a booming metropolitan area and a wonderfully mild climate, there is a laundry list of great date ideas in Charlotte to enjoy. Looking for world-class dining or a chance to let your competitive side shine? Or do you want to explore the outdoors with your loved one?
No matter what you and your partner like to do, this fast-growing metro has something for all interests and ability levels! From first-date ideas in Charlotte to anniversary experiences, keep reading for the top date ideas in Charlotte for every type of couple.
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- Foodie Date Ideas in Charlotte
- First Date Ideas in Charlotte
- Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Charlotte
- Date Night Ideas in Charlotte
- Unique Date Ideas in Charlotte
- Outdoorsy Date Ideas in Charlotte
Foodie Date Ideas in Charlotte
1. Learn to Make New Dishes in a Cooking Class
Looking for a fun date idea in Charlotte for foodies? Take a cooking class together! When you sign up for one of the many cooking classes in Charlotte you are unlocking an international culinary passport that can take you anywhere you like.
For the seasoned home cook and amateur alike, a talented professional chef demonstrates new skills for you to practice on your way to crafting an incredible meal. From spicy Indian street food to fluffy steamed dumplings folded by hand, your new favorite dish could be waiting for you at one of the many cooking classes near you.
2. Experience a Private Chef Meal
There’s an abundance of talented private chefs in Charlotte waiting to create magic for you. There’s something so special and so romantic about hiring a private chef, and it’s easier than you think.
Give the experience of a special homecooked meal even if you lack culinary skills. Private chefs near you take care of everything from food prep to clean up as you and your partner enjoy a decadent meal of your choosing. This tasty date idea in Charlotte is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
3. Enjoy Online Culinary Experiences
You don’t need to leave the house to experience a special and enjoyable date night in Charlotte. Thanks to virtual wine tastings or online mixology classes, you can transform your own kitchen or living room into a state-of-the-art cocktail lounge or experience top-notch wine tasting in your pajamas. The perfect cozy date idea in Charlotte when you don’t feel like dressing up or driving, you can learn to pick up notes on a glass of red or mix up a perfectly balanced cocktail with ease.
4. Dine at Counter-
Be sure to book a reservation in advance for a spectacular 10-course dining experience at Counter-. Each month comes with a new theme and fresh, seasonal ingredients. That means you can enjoy this delicious date idea in Charlotte over and over again with a different experience each time. The talented, award-winning chefs at Counter- are always churning up something tasty that pushes the limits of cuisine.
5. Go to La Belle Helene
This refined brasserie brings mouthwatering French flavors to the South and makes for a delicious and romantic Charlotte date idea. It’s got a laid-back, warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons you in for classics like French onion soup, steak frites and crispy duck confit.
First Date Ideas in Charlotte
6. Watch a Checkers Game
Even if you’re not a big sports fan, you can’t help but have fun at a live sporting event thanks to the electric atmosphere at a Charlotte Checkers hockey game. Tickets are pretty affordable too, depending on where you want to sit. Check out their schedule online to see if any upcoming game would make for an exciting date idea in Charlotte, NC. Plus, you get to show a little hometown pride!
7. Sip Local Wine at Veronét Vineyards & Winery
This gorgeous 70-acre vineyard features two bars, a sprawling outdoor patio and panoramic views of Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle. With eight of their own homegrown selections to choose from, you can enjoy a flight of wine or purchase bottles to take home with you. The vineyard also offers non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of food, making it a great first date idea.
8. Play Pickleball
Invite your date (and possibly a friend and their date) to play pickleball at Rally for a fun date idea in Charlotte, NC. Test out your chemistry on the court, then once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy snacks and craft cocktails. You can even order food and drink courtside as you play. All the equipment you need is provided, so just bring your A-game.
9. Visit the Rooftop at Merchant and Trade
At the top of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, you’ll find Merchant and Trade, one of the hottest new rooftop bars in the city. With stunning views from the 19th floor that overlooks the skyline, it’s an obvious spot for a date night idea in Charlotte for new couples. Their hot honey chicken sandwich comes highly recommended, along with several mouthwatering cocktails like “Spill the Tea” and “It Was All a Dream.”
10. Have a Mini-Golf Game
Head to Stroke Urban Golf Club for an all-inclusive evening of fun, food and games. It has a super swanky mini-golf course and a speakeasy lounge for enjoying snacks and cocktails before or after. If this date idea in Charlotte turns out to be something you both love, you can even sign up for a league.
Free and Cheap Date Ideas in Charlotte
11. Explore The Mint Museum
Another affordable and artsy date idea in Charlotte, The Mint Museum offers free admission on Wednesdays between 5 and 9 p.m. The Mint Museum has two convenient locations that offer lectures and performances. You can also enjoy the art exhibits that feature both local and international artists.
12. Sing at Seoul Food
Rent out a private karaoke room at Seoul Food for a hilarious date idea in Charlotte to get you and your partner out of your comfort zone. Bring a group of friends for an awesome group date or give a stunning solo performance to your partner just the two of you.
13. Wander Around UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
An afternoon at the UNC Botanical Gardens makes for a super cheap and relaxing date idea in Charlotte. You can stroll together around the indoor and outdoor gardens, enjoying the seasonal blooms and latest collections. Admission is completely free but donations are encouraged.
14. View Art With Art Walks CLT
A day filled with lots of local art doesn’t have to mean whispering in a museum or gallery with your loved one. Art Walks CLT is an app that directs you to free, guided art walks all around Charlotte.
From street art to public art and various murals around town, you can stroll hand in hand and check out the work of talented local artists on your own terms. This cheap date idea in Charlotte is great for enjoying the nice weather or one of your first dates with someone new, giving you ample time to chat and get connected.
15. Meet Cute Cats at a Cat Café
Make your coffee date idea in Charlotte a little extra special when you go to a cat café like Mac Tabby Cat Café or Cool Beans Cat Café. Sip on a latte and pet the many cats that roam around as you get to know a new date or enjoy some quality time with a long-term partner. In some of the cafés, cats are also available for adoption if you happen to fall in love with a furry friend.
Date Night Ideas in Charlotte
16. Catch a Show at a Local Theater
Charlotte boasts a large number of theaters that make the perfect location for a romantic date idea. From comedy shows to R&B or orchestra performances, many of the beautiful local theaters are conveniently situated near bars and restaurants. Therefore, it's easy to plan dinner and a show for your next special date idea in Charlotte. Check out Belk Theater, Knight Theater or The Fillmore to see what shows are coming to town.
17. Spend the Day at Carowinds Amusement Park
Located just beyond the city borders, Carowinds beckons all daredevils. This outdoor amusement park features close to 60 thrilling rides for all levels of thrill-seekers, along with seasonal attractions like Winterfest, an immersive Christmas light display complete with ice skating, food and live entertainment. Whether you’re going for a seasonal event or a weekend full of adrenaline rushes and new memories, this is a special and unique date idea in Charlotte.
18. See a Movie in the Park
Charlotte Parks & Recreation puts on a “Movies in the Park” series during different times of the year, playing popular, family-friendly movies. Best of all, this event is usually totally free to attend. Bring your own blanket for this cozy date idea in Charlotte then dine at the many food truck vendors that park nearby.
19. Bowl at 10 Park Lanes
The original date night idea in Charlotte and beyond, make a lane reservation at 10 Park Lanes for a retro night of bowling. It’s a pretty affordable date idea and you can bring up to six people per lane if you want to make a group date out of it.
20. Hang Out at Topgolf
Topgolf, the ultra-popular golfing chain, has a location in Charlotte and is an easy and interactive way to get to know your date. This fun date idea in Charlotte combines physical activity and potentially a new skill with some pretty tasty food and drinks. Just get out there and swing ‘em or play unique games that ask you to aim at different flags in a specific order. Much easier, cheaper and lower stakes than going to a real golf course!
Unique Date Ideas in Charlotte
21. Rock Climb at Inner Peaks
Get an adrenaline rush with one of the most memorable date ideas in Charlotte. The ultimate exercise in trust, you and your partner will have a blast rock climbing at Inner Peaks. First-timer packages start at just under $30, making this a fun and affordable way to get to know your partner. All equipment is included, so you can focus on conquering a new skill or getting over a fear of heights together.
22. Attend a Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway
If you didn’t already know, Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and one of the sport’s most famous tracks is located just outside the city. You can visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway for a memorable date idea in Charlotte and take part in several racing experiences, including educational tours of the facility or the chance to race around on the track with guidance from a professional.
23. Create an Artwork at Splatter
Plan an artsy date idea in Charlotte at Splatter. There’s no need to be an artist or have any sort of artistic abilities at this art studio. Get ready to make a mess with safe, washable paints that you’re encouraged to splatter and throw around. You’ll feel like a kid again, and by the time you’re done, you get to bring home your colorful creation.
24. Try Something New at Blackstone Shooting Range
Book a time at the Blackstone Shooting Range to test your accuracy for a unique date idea in Charlotte. After you’ve run out of rounds, head to Noble Smoke nearby for some authentic Carolina barbecue.
25. Admire the Views From Romare Bearden Park
Taking in the skyline view at Romare Bearden Park is one of the most scenic date ideas in Charlotte. You could simply go for a stroll through the park with your partner or stop for a while with a coffee, chatting and taking in the views. The park is always open, so this makes a cute day or night date idea in Charlotte.
Outdoorsy Date Ideas in Charlotte
26. Whitewater Raft at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
There are tons of great ways to enjoy the outdoors together at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. From kayak rentals to elevated ropes courses, there are some special spring and summer date ideas you won’t find anywhere else! In the winter, you can enjoy the romantic ice skating rink.
27. Picnic at Freedom Park
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Charlotte with a relaxing and romantic date at the beautiful Freedom Park. Featuring meandering trails and a serene lake for swimming or paddleboarding, it’s a welcome respite in nature. You could even pack up a cooler with some snacks or your favorite carry-out food and kick back on a blanket in the grass. This time in nature is the perfect date idea in Charlotte for reconnecting with your partner after a busy week.
28. Get Out on the Water With Dave’s Paddle Boats
Next time you’re up near the Univeristy City area, stop by Dave’s Paddle Boats for an inexpensive and special way to enjoy the outdoors together. After you and your partner work up an appetite, check out some of the local shops and cafés nearby to refuel.
29. Hike in the Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a more than 2,000-acre natural preserve that’s technically in neighboring South Carolina, but it’s close enough that it can count as a viable outdoorsy date idea in Charlotte.
Spend the day hiking along beautiful trails or take it a step further and rent bikes or go horseback riding to explore even more of the park. Pack snacks and plenty of water before you set out on this memorable day date idea near Charlotte.
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As you can see, there are so many romantic or adventurous date ideas in Charlotte to bring you and your partner closer. It’s really the thought that counts when planning something special, and there are always new spots to discover whether Charlotte has been home for forever or just the last few months. This list of Charlotte date ideas should inspire and guide you to many upcoming nights filled with bonding and special memories.
For even more ways to explore Charlotte and beyond, check out other experiences on Cozymeal.
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