Whether you are trying to impress someone new or are attempting to keep things interesting after several years of dating, planning something special for date night can be stressful. We all want to make each date a memorable event, but hurdles like what’s available in your area or how much it’s going to cost will often interfere with your options.
That is why we have put together this list of our suggestions for affordable and out-of-the-box date night ideas you can enjoy right here in Charlotte.
10 Fun and Affordable Date Night Options for Couples in Charlotte
Charlotte is home to a multitude of entertaining indoor and outdoor activities for couples that are ideal for any budget.
Whether you want to enjoy a night out on the town, spend the day together, or go on a low-cost staycation, these affordable date ideas will help you come up with the perfect plan when you want to spend time with your sweetheart.
1. Take a Spooky Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Locations
Copyright US Ghost Adventures
If you and your date love a good horror story, you will have an exhilarating experience taking a ghost tour with US Ghost Adventures. Their one-mile walking tours are held nightly and take around an hour to complete.
Along the way, you’ll visit some of the most historic and most haunted places in Charlotte, such as the Barringer Hotel, known for being haunted by the ghosts of former guests, and the Old Settlers’ Cemetery, where some of the town’s most prominent founders, politicians, and war heroes are buried.
Visitors of the cemetery have reported seeing shadowy figures lurking among the tombstones, hearing strange voices in the air, and having an overall feeling of unease as soon as they set foot on the grounds.
2. Enjoy Some Local Cuisine
While it’s not out of the ordinary to go out to dinner on a date, there’s something special about this location that will make your night out unforgettable.
Alexander Michael’s Neighborhood Tavern is the perfect place to go when you want to dine somewhere classy yet not too over the top. The establishment offers some amazing menu items served up with some interesting local lore.
At Alexander Michael’s, you and your date can enjoy lunch and dinner entrees such as burgers, club sandwiches, Caribbean Jerk Chicken Quesadillas, Texas Wings, and Spicy Crab Soup. Cold beer is always on tap, and they have an impressive selection of red and white wine.
The tavern opened in 1983, but the building has been around since 1897. Back then, it was known as the Crowell-Berryhill Store. This location has a lot of historic value, and according to the locals, it’s also known to be haunted.
Some believe they have seen the haunting apparition of the former owner, Mr. Berryhill, lurking in the shadowy corners of the restaurant. Staff and customers have reported hearing disembodied voices, and a few have even felt someone tap them on the shoulder when no one was around.
3. Play a Few Rounds of Pickleball
Pickleball has become a popular pastime in recent years, and couples who are looking for something different to do for date night are sure to enjoy this fun and competitive game. If you’re not already familiar with the rules, Pickleball is also very easy to learn. And it can be exciting to play either one-on-one or with another couple while on a double date.
Rally Pickleball, located in Charlotte, provides all the equipment you need to play. They also serve food, including nachos, rally fries, and chicken kebabs, as well as cocktails. If you plan to go, be sure to reserve a court ahead of time because the spots fill up quickly.
4. Enjoy an Adventurous Day Outdoors
Spending time in nature with the one you love is a great way to escape the noise and enjoy some quiet time together. There are plenty of places throughout Charlotte where you can go hiking, fishing, or take a stroll around a park.
But if you are looking for something more adventurous to do outdoors, such as ziplining, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting, you can spend an epic day out at Whitewater Center. This location offers seasonal activities, including ice skating, kayaking, rock climbing, access to mountain biking trails, and so much more.
The food and drinks there are also great, making it an excellent one-stop date location. Plan to spend the day there, or reserve your stay for the weekend and enjoy an affordable getaway.
5. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Street Art in Charlotte
The art scene in Charlotte is alive and well, and there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of these impressive murals than with someone you love. Take a walk through the South End community to experience an interactive tour where you can scan QR codes found on the art pieces and learn more about the artist.
You can also explore 3D models of select art and even learn about the stories behind the murals, told by the artists themselves. Other locations in town where you can take in some of Charlotte’s street art culture include NoDa and Camp North End, where you can find over 30 works of impressive street art creations.
6. Tour the Many Wineries in and Around Charlotte
You don’t have to drive very far to visit some of the best wineries on the East Coast. Whether you want to take a day trip or spend a romantic weekend exploring vineyards and tasting fine wine, there are several great places available in the area.
We suggest Veronét Vineyards & Winery in Kings Mountain, known for their apple-spiced sangria; Douglas Vineyards in Kannapolis, where you can find great seasonal wines; and Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, where you can take in some live music and great food, along with sampling their exceptional wine.
7. Search for Timeless Treasures While Shopping for Antiques
Whether you are into vintage clothing, vinyl records, artwork, or trinkets, there are many places in Charlotte where you can browse for hours looking for antiques, collectibles, and other treasures. One of the best places to go antiquing in Charlotte is Sleepy Poet.
This 60,000-square-foot antique mall located on South Boulevard is the perfect place to find a keepsake to commemorate your special day together. This mall features over 250 dealers selling everything from home décor, antique furniture, clothing, and crafts to so much more.
Another great place to check out is Charlotte Punk Flea Market at Snug Harbor. This location offers a unique shopping experience where you can find items like vintage clothing, taxidermy, retro video games, comic books, handmade jewelry, toys, and other oddities.
8. Turn Date Night into Trivia Night with Friends
Taking part in a trivia night at a local sports bar or coffeehouse is a great way to learn moreabout your partner’s interests while you square off in a competitive game with friends. Team up and show off your skills or compete against each other for even more excitement.
There are tons of topics to choose from, such as historical events, movies, or sports trivia. Charlotte locations like The Suffolk Punch, Mellow Mushroom Uptown, NoDa Brewing North End, VBGB Beer Hall, and HopFly Brewing Company are just a few places that offer trivia competitions all through the week, as well as on the weekend.
9. Go Berry Picking for a Super Sweet Date Experience
One of the best things about living in a rural area is the option to visit local farms or orchards where you can pick your own fruit. Locations like Carrigan Farms or Wise Acres Organic Farm are excellent places to pick fresh organic apples and strawberries. You get to spend time out in nature and gather baskets full of fresh fruit to take home and enjoy for dessert.
10. Going Back to the Basics Can Create Fun Date Night Memories
A date night doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be unforgettable. There’s nothing wrong with taking a more traditional route, and these days, it would even be considered out-of-the-box to take part in some classic date night activities like playing mini golf, bowling, or going to the local ice cream shop to enjoy a milkshake.
It’s all about making the most of the time you spend together, and these traditional activities allow you to get to know one another while having fun and making memories.
We hope these suggestions for your date night in Charlotte gave you some good ideas for a fun evening out with your significant other. Be sure to check out the links to find out more about the locations we suggested, and enjoy your night out with that special someone.
