What are the Best Ideas in Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte, North Carolina is a buzzing city with a cosmopolitan flair. It has experienced somewhat of a revival over the last few years, with a younger and more professional population flocking to the city and a series of bars, restaurants, and attractions opening to cater to them. It’s great news if you’re single and looking for fun, as you have plenty of options at your disposal.

Here are some of the best things to do in Charlotte, NC for both first daters and couples enjoying a romantic date night.

Top Romantic Date Ideas in Charlotte

A romantic date idea is all about getting close to your partner and getting to know them. These dates are best for when you’ve gotten the awkward first couple of dates out of the way, and now you’re ready to learn more about your date and get closer to them.

• Eat at One of the Many Great Restaurants in Charlotte: Most dates revolve around food, and a coffee shop or restaurant is still the best place to get to know your date. Plant yourself in a chair for a couple of hours and start asking some thought-provoking questions. Enjoy American fare at Midwood Smokehouse or the Capital Grille, go upmarket at Dressler’s, or sample a batch of freshly cooked southern food at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food.
• Head to the Movie Theater: Snuggle up in the back row. The lights are down, there’s a romantic or scary film on the big screen, and you’re feeling comfortable with your date—perfect! Options include Regal Starlight and Cinemark Bistro.
• Visit a Chilled Bar: Whether it’s whiskey on ice or a sweet cocktail, a bar is a traditional date where you can kick back, relax, and loosen your tongue and nerves with a few drinks. Visit the Cotton Room, the Green Room, or The Lounge for some of the best bars.
• Go For a Stroll in the Park: There are a few parks in Charlotte where you can do a spot of fishing, go on a hike, or even take your dogs for a walk. McAlpine Creek Park has an excellent fishing spot, while Freedom Park is great for hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Seasonal Date Ideas in Charlotte

Go with the flow, and let the season dictate what you do on your date!

• Spring Date Idea in Charlotte: Springtime is a good time to hit the water with a paddle boat. With Dave’s Paddle Boats at University Place, you can rent an inexpensive boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. There are plenty of places nearby to get a drink and a snack, including some ice cream to help you cool down.
• Summer Date Idea in Charlotte: Although it can be a little too hot during the peak summer months, if you head to the park at the beginning or end of summer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a picnic. Head to the deli to pick up some supplies. Can’t be bothered to cook? There are plenty of premade picnic options, and you can even splash out with some high-end catering.
• Fall Date Idea in Charlotte: The fall scenery in Charlotte is beautiful, so when the heat of the summer fades away, visit one of the parks and hit up the trails. Make sure you’re adequately prepared with water, snacks, and other essentials. Anne Springs Close Greenway, which spans over 2,000 acres, is an excellent option with a number of trails.
• Winter Date Idea in Charlotte: During the winter months, ice skating rinks in Charlotte come alive. It’s the place to be when you want to take advantage of the colder weather and get close to your date. There’s a rink in Camp North End, the Whitewater Center, and Truist Field, all of which are only open in the winter, usually from late November to early January.

 

Sporting Date Ideas in Charlotte, NC

If you and your date are both into sport and fitness, why not incorporate those passions into your date? You might get a little sweaty, but that’s how all the best dates end, so why not start that way? Here are some of our favorite sport-themed date ideas for both couples and first daters.

• Visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway: Charlotte is the birthplace of NASCAR, so speedway is always a big event and one that usually goes down well with both residents and visitors. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. And it’s fun. Grab yourself and your date a drink and mingle with some fellow race fans.
• Go Wild at the US National Whitewater Center: A unique date idea where you can explore your adventurous side, in addition to the rapids, which are used as an Olympic training site, this location also has rock climbing, mountain biking, and zip lining. It’s the kind of date experience that will stay long in the memory for both you and your partner.
• Go to a Sports Bar: Charlotte has plenty of sports bars where you can watch a live game as you enjoy a cocktail or two and tuck into some classic American food. It’s a sporty date that doesn’t require any activity on your part. Some of the best sports bars in Charlotte include Sports One Charlotte and Steamers Sports Pub.
• Play Some Mini Golf: Mini golf is a fun activity that’s sure to elicit a few laughs. If you’re good at the game, use this opportunity to show off. If you’re bad, even better, as it’s so much funnier! Check out Monster Mini Golf Charlotte, Puttery, or Paradise Valley Par 3.

Creative Date Ideas in Charlotte

Creative dates are usually active and fun. You’re expressing your creative side, whether that means learning a new skill or getting messy with an art project. It can work as a first-date option if your date is comfortable with it, but these date ideas are usually best reserved for couples who know each other fairly well and want to try something new. For a creative date night in Charlotte, check out the following options:

• Throw Some Axes: Work out some stress and put your accuracy to the test with a little hatchet throwing. This kind of date is perfect for any occasion, as it’s laidback and fun, and you have every opportunity to chat with your date and get to know them better. Check out Bad Axe Throwing Charlotte or BATL Axe Throwing in Plaza Midwood.
• Solve Some Puzzles and Escape: For fun date ideas in Charlotte and most other big cities, you can’t go wrong with an escape room. They are immensely popular right now, and there are a few to choose from in the city, including Timed Out Escape, Escape Tactic, and The Box Escape Room.
• Try a Cookery Class: Cook a batch of rum baba, a delicious cake, some wings, or a curry—it’s up to you. There are scores of cookery classes throughout the city, and they’re a great option for getting messy and enjoying some laughs with your date. See what’s available, check what they’re cooking, and make a note of that address—you have a big night of food and fun ahead of you!

Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Charlotte

Times are tough, and many singles are responding by skipping the typical restaurant and activity dates and opting for something a little more budget-friendly. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend big to have a good time and impress your date, and there are even a few free date ideas:

• Visit the Mint Museum: There are two Mint Museum locations in Charlotte, and they are both free on Wednesday evenings. There’s usually some kind of event happening, and there is a wealth of beautiful art to explore.
• Drop by the Gantt Center: During Art After Dark events, you can explore this museum’s galleries for free. There are other events too, including dances, films, and live music.
• Explore the History of Language at the Museum of the Alphabet: This museum is always free to visit. It explores the history of writing and has an excellent example of a Torah scroll, as well as some other ancient exhibits that are sure to impress.

Conclusion: Use Match to Date in Charlotte, NC

Now that you’re fully equipped with some great date ideas, the only thing left to do is get out there and find someone to date! That’s where we come in. Match has been around since 1995 and has connected millions of daters all over the world since then. Our profiles are extensive, and we have a glut of features (including video dating and incognito mode). You’ll also have access to one of the biggest communities of Charlotte daters on the web.