Ryan and I try to get out of the house and go on a date night at least once a week. Living in Raleigh makes it easy because there is always so much to do.
Whether you enjoy being outdoors, art, food, or etc., there is something for you! Even if you don’t have a significant other, you can head to these places with friends and enjoy. These are some of my favorite Raleigh date spots:
NC Art Museum
The NCMA is a great date spot for you and your beau. The art museum is perfect, whether or not you’re an art lover! On sunny days, the grounds are wonderful to explore. The NCMA has an extensive park with acres of beautiful sculptures. Walk around the park’s path and you’ll find two large heads, a rocket-ship with a slide, and even a little hobbit hole.
Inside, you’ll find art displayed every inch of the building. Exhibits range from floral favorites to classic European paintings. Some of my favorite pieces include Judith and Holofernes by Kehinde Wiley and Three Graces: Les Trois Femmes Noires by Mickalene Thomas. As you go further into the museum, you’ll find marble sculptures from the famous, Musee Rodin. Take a few minutes to take in his work and contemplate the meaning behind them.
There’s also a wonderful little restaurant inside the museum to sit down at if you have the time. If you are in for a quick bite, they also offer a small cafe with sandwiches and coffee.
Keep an eye out for fun events hosted by the NCMA this summer. They will be hosting summer concerts, movies under the stars, and other activities for all to enjoy.
C. Grace
Ready to take your date to the 1950’s? C. Grace is one of Raleigh’s “best-kept secrets”. However, over the years, it’s definitely gained a bit more popularity! C. Grace is a jazz-club modeled after a speak-easy in the prohibition days. The setting is intimate, dark, and slightly bouje. You’ll be sure to impress!
Plus, the live music is absolutely phenomenal! C. Grace highlights different jazz artist each week who fill the room with lively sounds that make you want to dance! There are plenty of bars in the speakeasy serving era-themed cocktails. C. Grace is a bit more expensive than your typical Raleigh drinkery -but well worth it.
For even more fun — dress up in your best Great Gatsby attire.
Bittersweet
The typical ice cream date is so last year, your date deserves more! And Bittersweet delivers! This downtown Raleigh dessert spot is your new upgraded ice cream date. Bittersweet has so much more than just ice cream.
My favorite is the Kraken coffee.
Bittersweet can get crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. Avoid a wait by going a weekday evening.
Umstead Park
I may be a bit bias since we live so close to Umstead but this park is filled with magic and adventure. I have been 50+ times and there is always something new to explore.
Umstead is Raleigh’s largest park with sprawling acres. The park is filled with gorgeous trails (ranging from beginner to advance) for you two to hike. There are plenty of streams for you to take a quick dip when you start to get hot. Or rent a canoe or kayak for the day and enjoy Umstead’s numerous lakes.
I especially love days when we pack a picnic for our trip to Umstead. The park provides various seating areas for you to enjoy your lunch outside.
Goodnights Comedy Club
There’s nothing like laughter to make your date the best. Goodnight’s comedy club is the cream of the crop. Well-known comedians, such as Chris Hardwick, often come and perform at Goodnight’s but you can also opt for more low key nights like open-mic and other themed events.
Goodnight’s offers food and drink options as well so you can fill your stomachs AND hearts at the same time. The space is small and charming. Additionally, it is located by other great bars and fun for you to enjoy after a show. Check out what’s going on this month by going to: https://www.goodnightscomedy.com/events
I love living in Raleigh and always having something to do! I’ve lived here for three years now and still have yet to see everything. There are many other places that I enjoy for date night but I wanted to share my top 5. It was definitely difficult to chisel the list down.
What is your favorite thing to do on date night? Have you been to any of these spots?
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