As a Cary business and property management company, we know all the best places and romantic activities that Raleigh has to offer. The City of Oaks provides incredible food, entertainment, and art, giving it a world-class status. There are plenty of options to choose from for a fun date night in Raleigh, NC. Like a drop of oil in water, Raleigh is a spread-out city that has grown impressively fast. It has everything anyone would want from a big city.
Read on for 16 exciting “couple approved” date ideas.
The Flying Biscuit Café
This place provides the best biscuits in Raleigh by far and is located right at the center of Cameron Village. When ordering, make sure to ask for a Piedmont omelet with Apple butter and biscuit. Afterwards, you and your date may consider reading some interesting information on the Cameron Village subway that’s buried beneath the nearby Library.
Beer Tasting
Raleigh is home to over 25 breweries, and choosing which one to visit can be a challenge. Even with such a huge selection, the Raleigh Beer Garden undoubtedly stands out as a haven for beer lovers thanks to its Guinness World Record for most beers on tap.
Enjoy the tasty local brew and a great view of the Glenwood South entertainment district while you sit outside on the balcony.
Contemporary Art Museum
Situated in the core of Raleigh’s warehouse district, this downtown museum showcases the best there is in the world of art and design. It offers amazing exhibitions of works by artists with local and international recognition.
Raleigh Rose Gardens
The Raleigh Rose Gardens are located in a peaceful setting, in the back of the Raleigh Little Theatre and adjacent to the Amphitheatre. There’re a variety of roses creating an utterly attractive and relaxing view.
Needless to say, it is a cool picnic idea especially when the roses are blooming. It’s a nice romantic activity that Raleigh has to offer. When you’re done smelling and taking in the roses, the two of you may also consider visiting other areas. Some ideas to take into account may be The Executive Mansion, The NC Capitol, Historic Oakwood, Mordecai, and the museums in the downtown area.
An Artful Walk in the Park
If you are strolling through the North Carolina Museum of Art’s, Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park is a great afternoon date idea in Raleigh. The park acts a link between people, nature, and art.
See if you and your date can find a picnic spot, especially at the “Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky.” Also, if time allows, you can explore other areas including the center for special exhibitions and 30 Rodin Sculptures.
Triangle Rock Club
For an adrenaline rush, sign up for rock climbing 101 class with your special someone. The Triangle Club is partly managed by passionate mind Joel Graybeal. It has 7,000 square feet of world-class bouldering terrain and a whopping 13,000 square feet of state-of-the-art Eldorado Climbing Walls.
If you’re up for the task, this adventurous date will not only be exhilarating but will also be extremely rewarding for the both of you.
North Hills
For a more romantic setting, you and your date can go to North Hills to spend an afternoon. There's a smorgasbord of options offered al in a walkable distance. Go to the movies, eat at Five Guys, grab some coffee, you name it.
Lafayette Village
As an alternative to the North Hills, the Lafayette Village is a great place for lovebirds. It features secure underground parking, patio dining along the Village Green, office suites and a bunch of events from art exhibits to live music.
The thematic center encourages strolls through quaint boutique shops and wide paved walkways. I highly recommend it!
Second Empire
Located in a restored 19th-century house, Second Empire’s elegant gourmet food, ambiance, and history provide for an unforgettable dining experience. Personal suggestions include the Roasted Colorado Rosemary Lamb Loin Chop, the Foie Gras, or the Black Angus Ribeye.
Lake Johnson
Lake Johnson comprises more than 300 acres of land surrounding the 150-acre lake. It offers boat rentals (sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, johnboats, SUPs) and personal boat launches (non-trailered, non-motorized boats). The park also boasts with facility rentals, concessions, picnic shelters, and Capital Area Greenway access. You can also do fishing as well.
Lassiter Mill
Hidden Gem! Lassiter Mill Park is located inside the beltline (intersection of Lassiter Mill Rd & Old Lassiter Mill Rd) and is home to a large dam where Crabtree Creek flows through. The mill area is beautiful and ideal for a quick selfie stop on your way to Downtown or Five Points during the day.
Relaxation
Share a relaxing massage with your partner in Cary at The Umstead Spa’s Couples Suite. It’s the perfect spot if you are looking to splurge and unwind with your loved one. Choices for each partner include Swedish, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue or a custom massage. Afterwards, take a romantic walk along the tranquil pond.
Kings Barcade/Neptunes
For a cutting-edge music scene, Kings Barcade provides the best experience. Here, you can enjoy local and international performances, comedy nights, game nights, and other types of productions.
Neptunes, the downstairs bar, has frequent guest DJs and dance parties, making it one of the most popular late-night entertainment spots. Besides Kings, you can enjoy a rock-n-roll setting at Slim’s Downtown.
The Lincoln Theater
An indie music scene is arguably one of the best aspects of Raleigh. Of course, you probably want some help from a local who is well acquainted with the best local bands. Seats are limited so the two of you may want to get in early.
Rialto Theatre
Built in 1942, the Rialto Theatre is among the most charming theatres in the Triangle. Every Friday at midnight, the theatre shows foreign and independent films as well as the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ever since it was established decades ago, the theatre has stayed true to the traditional movie experience: cozy seats, a classic performance stage, and recess lighting. Come prepared in terms of cash to cater for the movie tickets and concessions.
Sarah P Duke Gardens
Duke Gardens sits on a 55-acre plot and is known as one of the premier public gardens in the U.S. If you are looking for something romantic to do in the Raleigh, NC there are over 200+ colorful plant varieties that make it an attractive place for walking and trolley tours. Also, seasonal plantings ensure each visit is an entirely new experience.