10 Inspiring Date Night Ideas
Ready to ditch the kids for a night (or a weekend?) Seeking something distinct, entertaining, new and exciting? Take your pick from these unique date ideas or mix and match for the ultimate weekend experience.
Daytime Date: Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours
Sometimes you have to get your date night on during the daylight hours. No worries! Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours packs in a ton of fun and flavor.
There are three ways to tempt your taste buds: The Foodie Tour, Brewhouse Tour or Sugar High Tour. Regardless of your selection, you’ll spend about 3 hours getting to know the local establishments that bring the best to Blue Ridge.
Sample bites and drinks, hit up a few local shops, and take in some tidbits about the history and uniqueness of this gorgeous mountain town.
Traditional Date: Toccoa Riverside Restaurant & Swan Drive-In Theater
Traditional doesn’t have to be boring. ‘Dinner and a movie’ could be exactly what you need.
Start the night sitting along the banks of the Toccoa River enjoying a glass of Chardonnay. For dinner, I recommend the crab-stuffed trout with a side of sweet potato mash. Skip dessert. You’re going to want popcorn and soda at the drive-in theatre…or maybe a funnel cake or deep-fried Oreo.
Let’s talk movies. Swan is only one of a handful of drive-in theatres left in the state, dating back to 1949. You’ll listen to the movie through your car radio, much like your parents did. They take credit cards and you can order your snacks right from the car!
Unique Date: Iron Bridge Cafe & Relaxing Float
Looking for something casual, fun, and pretty unique? Don your swimsuit and cover, then head to the Iron Bridge General Store & Cafe for a bacon cheeseburger, a grilled chicken caesar wrap, or a delicious apple pecan salad. After you’ve fueled up, rent a tube and spend the next 3-5 hours on the water.
The folks at Toccoa Valley Tubing provide tubes a life vest, and drop off / pickup on their beautiful property on the Toccoa River with plenty of parking, changing rooms and bathrooms for only $15 per person.
Overnight Date: Blue Ridge Treehouse
When you have the entire weekend to explore all that Blue Ridge offers, you can try camping or cabining…but for the ultimate experience you need to think “higher!”
The Blue Ridge Treehouse is located at Bear Claw Vineyards, and it was built by “the Treehouse Guys” on the DIY Network. Their craftsmanship shines, and the view of the winery is unmatched.
My favorites include the”Dr Seuss” style slanted windows and frames, the steam shower with massaging jets, and the bona fide tree growing right through the center of the living area.
Thrilling Date: Zip Line Canopy Tours & Blue Ridge Adventure Park
Nothing brings couples closer than a thrilling adventure! Take your date to new heights at Blue Ridge's aerial attractions where you can zip line and tackle challenging aerial courses together. You'll get a whole new perspective of Blue Ridge as you explore the courses.
Adventurous Date: Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Want to set out on a romantic adventure? Spend the day hiking along the Appalachian Trail.
You'll find plenty of picnic spots along the trail where you can enjoy expansive mountain views - I recommend grabbing a charcuterie board from The Pasta Market before you head out.
Relaxing Date: Couples Massage & Ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Start your day with a couples massage at one of Blue Ridge's serene spas to unwind together completely, letting the stress melt away as you both get pampered.
After you're both relaxed and refreshed, climb aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway where you can sit back and admire the mountain scenery side by side.
Indulgent Date: Cider & Wine Tastings at Mercier Orchards
Nothing says romance like sharing a flight of house-made hard ciders or savoring a glass of locally made wine while gazing over an orchard tucked in the mountains.
Pick up a bottle of your favorite cider or wine to enjoy back at your cabin, along with some fresh-baked fried pies to sweeten the evening.
Sweet Date: Dessert Tasting at The Sweet Shoppe of the South
Ready for something sweet? Head downtown to The Sweet Shoppe of the South bakery–winner of Cupcake Wars on Food Network and where you can share some seriously amazing treats.
I suggest getting a few different items - definitely a cupcake, some macarons, and maybe a few cookies - then finding a cozy spot to compare notes on your favorites.
Rustic Date: Horseback Riding with Cowgirl Up Stables
Ever dreamed of exploring mountain trails on horseback with your special someone? Whether you're beginners or experienced riders, Cowgirl Up Stables has options to suit your horseback riding dream date.
Choose from group, private, picnic, sunset, or river rides–the variety of riding experiences means you can pick the perfect option for your comfort level and the kind of date experience you're looking for.
Blue Ridge is always the answer when you’re looking for a little romance. Mix and match these ideas or put them all on your bucket list for a season’s worth of date night ideas.