First dates can be stressful, but the right setting makes all the difference. For an atmosphere that’s comfortable and casual, North Carolina has a range of excellent options. From art museums to cocktail bars to professional sporting events, take your pick. Ease those first-impression nerves by checking out these 10 awesome first date locations in North Carolina.
For an excellent combination of art and nature, visit the North Carolina Museum of Art. Perfect for an afternoon or early evening date, the adjacent museum park is open until dusk. Featuring installations by artists from around the world, it is also comprised of miles of trails. Start inside and check out the galleries and then head outside. If the date seems to be going well, maybe someone will suggest drinks or dinner!
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For the people who want to do something different than the typical wine and dine date, visit the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. After all, everyone loves chocolate—right? Indulge in an amazing treat with a cup of tea or coffee. You can converse over house-made ice cream, sipping chocolate, truffles, and much more. It’s a fun-filled decadent experience waiting to happen!
If you’re into thrills, show your date your spontaneous side by checking out ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure. The five-acre zipline is a wild ride and definitely not for the faint of heart. But hey—if you’re going to possibly enter into a relationship, you need to make sure they are a like-minded adventurous soul like you. If he or she can stomach it, be sure to take a walk along the rope bridge that’s as high as the tree tops!
Surprise a first date with tickets to the Charlotte Hornets. Bleacher seats for home games aren’t ridiculously priced. And who doesn’t want to cheer on their state’s pro NBA team? Enjoy popcorn and beer and learn what your date’s sense of sportsmanship is all about.
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Pack a picnic and enjoy the 22 miles of trails at William B. Umstead State Park. Check out a piece of art while you’re there, too. In 2017 a fallen red oak tree was carved into an intriguing masterpiece. Some visit the state park simply to view and photograph the tree. Simply ask at the park entrance how to locate the beautiful chainsaw-carved tree.
If you’re of the mindset that a first date must involve eating, make it impressive—but not at all stuffy—with a visit to Chef & the Farmer Progressive Eatery. Featured on PBS, the restaurant actually helped transform local tobacco farmers into food farmers, thus providing income for many who were displaced. The atmosphere is urban-rustic and the food is all farm-to-table and elegant in its simplicity. It’s an intriguing spot for a first date with exceptional food to devour!
If you opt for drinks as part of your first date, ignore the loud places with chaotic crowds and opt instead for C. Grace Cocktail Bar. The Prohibition-era feel and live jazz on Tuesdays through Saturdays creates a warm, inviting ambience. The classic cocktails are excellent, too. The Monk’s breakfast is a conversation starter itself, being a gin drink with cucumber, lime, green chartreuse, tabasco and Worcestershire.
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Tour the stunning Biltmore Estate on your first date. It will inspire conversations about art, architecture and more. Book a wine tasting and tour at the Biltmore Winery on the estate and take in the beautiful vineyard and its wares. There are over 8,000 acres to this beautiful piece of history. The beautiful palace-like home, with numerous Chihuly sculptures, don’t compare to the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This will be date to remember!
There’s nothing more wholesome than going to an alpaca farm for your first date. If you have a big heart and want that to be known, this is the place to show your true colors. With events going on throughout the entire year, there is always something to experience at the Apple Hill Farm in the beautiful town of Banner Elk. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are panoramic views that will be sure to take your date’s breath away, and make for some gorgeous photos! Be sure to check their website to see what kind of public tours you can cruise through the farm with.
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If your nerves have the best of you, leave it to the folks at Funny Bus City Comedy City Tours in Charlotte to get you and your date laughing off your seat! This highly-rated tour is sure to take the pressure off and get the conversation rolling. A 90-minute tour of Charlotte’s interesting neighborhoods and historic sites are told with a comedic twist.