I’m pretty partial to the town of Asheville, North Carolina. So, this list may seem like a little hyperbole. But for me, it’s one of the best cities in the entire country and when it comes to romance and date night spots, there’s so many options. The best part is they’re all so unique and many of them are either beautiful or super delicious, from sunsets over the Blue Ridge to world-class spas like the Grove Park to wine bars like Battery Park Book Exchange. For me the great city of Asheville, NC, is a city that is overflowing with romance. Whether you are looking for an intimate getaway or a fun-filled adventure, Asheville has something for all couples! Here are just a few of our favorite romantic things to do in Asheville NC.
Visit The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn
You and your partner deserve a special day, so why not start with relaxation? Book an appointment at Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Unwind as you pamper yourselves with therapeutic massages to help set the mood for whatever comes next! And the pool here, let’s just say you have never seen anything like it…I PROMISE.
Cozy Up in the Battery Park Book Exchange Champagne Bar
Located in the historic Grove Arcade, the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is truly magical. With over 10,000 books available to peruse or purchase, you and your partner can enjoy champagne and charcuterie amidst the ambiance of a fairytale library. This place has nooks and crannies to hang out in and socialize, bubbly at the bar, and so many books. It just doesn’t get much better. And when you’re done here there’s quite a few places to grab some chocolate or desserts nearby to finish the night.
Visit the Winery at the Biltmore
For over 35 years, the winery at the Biltmore Estate has been crafting award-winning vintages of red, white, and rosé varieties. Booking a daytime ticket for you and your partner gives you access to the Biltmore’s Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Winery tour, and make sure to try their locally-made truffles when visiting. There’s really no place as magnificent as the Biltmore so this one’s kind of obvious, but that doesn’t make it a special spot.
Get a Cup of Coffee from Trade & Lore Downtown and Stroll the Streets Together.
Wander down ginkgo-shaded sidewalks of Wall Street to Asheville’s finest specialty coffee shop, Trade & Lore. Whether you want to continue your stroll after ordering the newest seasonal latte or sit down and sip a single-origin espresso, Trade & Lore is Asheville’s go-to for great coffee. After all, a quick coffee date is always nice!
Go on a West Asheville tasting tour.
Alright, we’ve mapped this one out for you! Start with appetizers at Gan Shan West. We highly recommend the Dan Dan Brussel Sprouts. Next, pop over to The Admiral, where the rotating menu of housemade bread is out of this world. If a table is hard to get there, Bull & Beggar is another great choice that’s close! Then it’s off to Haywood Common for one last appetizer (seafood lovers NEED to try their mussels). Then, finish the night with drinks and dessert at Jargon. Three words: malted milk ganache. And then, there’s the most amazing breakfast option ever: Hole Doughnuts! I could eat here everyday but that probably wouldn’t be good for me :). But for a breakfast date with your special boo, it doesn’t get much tastier!
On a side note: so many people think Charleston is the best foodie city in the Carolinas, but Asheville sure does give it a run for its money. And the little ol’ neighborhood of West Asheville might have five of my favorite places to get a meal with that special someone (Jargon, The Admiral, Bull & Beggar (not sure if it counts but it sure is close, maybe River Arts District), Leo’s House Of Thirst, and Neng Jr.’s) in the entire two states!
Go Glamping with Asheville Glamping
Looking for quality time away from the city? Asheville Glamping is the perfect blend of privacy and intimacy. Each one-of-a-kind accommodation is furnished with stylish design features and modern amenities, so the only thing you need to focus on during your retreat is each other. This is one of the cutest romantic things to do in Asheville NC on this list for those that want to be out in nature!
There’s plenty to love at Cúrate—Asheville’s premier tapas bar—which was recently awarded the 2022 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Hospitality. Enjoy staple Spanish sharables like patatas bravas, or explore exciting new treats like Cúrate’s meringue de “gin & tonic.” This is the ultimate date night restaurant, and has been for over a decade. Small plates is the perfect way to share with your loved one.
Grab Dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Romance and chocolate go hand-in-hand, but nothing compares to the bean-to-bar sourcing of the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Take a tour of the chocolate factory, book a wine and chocolate tasting, or just enjoy sipping chocolate and baked goods at the lounge’s cafe! Include this in your list of romantic things to do in Asheville NC.
Watch the Sunset With a Drink at The Great Hall Bar
What could be more romantic than watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains? The Great Hall Bar offers plenty of window seating to enjoy with your favorite cocktail or craft brew, and once the sun slips behind the skyline, the roar of The Great Hall’s 36-foot fireplace will keep the night’s ambiance glowing.
Stroll French Broad River Park
Okay— you’ve had a full day of adventure, and you’re looking to stretch your legs after a terrific dinner downtown—then head down to the French Broad River Park. This leisurely stroll through the well-paved path is an excellent way to decompress and ease into the evening as the sunset illuminates the French Broad River.
Cozy Up in One of the Booths at Dobra Tea Room
Whether you’re looking for an early-morning Earl Gray or a late-night herbal tisane, the Dobra Tea has three locations in Asheville, perfect for any time of day. The tea shop’s cafe is full of comfortable booths to enjoy loose-leaf teas and traditional matcha in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. This place definitely has a hippie flare to it, but that’s the charm and why we love it so much. It’s just a different vibe…embrace it and you’ll just unwind.
Shoji Spa
I’m not sure if wellness gets any better for the price then this amazing Japanese inspired spa on a stunning Asheville hillside! Shoji Spa is absolutely amazing. I’ve been twice and have loved both experiences. Where else can you grab your own private tub for you and your special person and enjoy a soak with a view, and some bubbly! There’s also massage offerings and a treetop sauna which I highly recommend.
Relax at Asheville Salt Cave & Spa
Relax and recharge in the mineral-rich atmosphere of the Asheville Salt Cave. This immersive cave has been featured on National Geographic and The Travel Channel and is the perfect place to refresh after a day of exploring this beautiful city.
Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park From May-October
Free, fun, and entirely outdoors, The Montford Park Players perform North Carolina’s longest-running Shakespeare Festival in downtown Asheville every May-October. Pack a picnic and prepare to laugh because Shakespeare in the park is a blast!
Wine Tasting at Stone Ashe Vineyards
If you’re looking for a beautiful wine-tasting experience, look no further than Stone Ashe Vineyards. This small family-owned winery offers tastings of its broad selection of wines made from grapes grown on-site. The vineyard is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine (or two). The wines here are unexpected and all organic. We’re talking about world-class award winning blends. If you’re a wine lover, add this to your to-do romantic things to do in Asheville NC.
Take a Cooking Class at The Asheville Kitchen
Come together around a great meal that you made yourself at The Asheville Kitchen! Whether you are hoping to gain some helpful tips and tricks for home or looking to prove who’s the better cook in the house finally, Chef Brian has everything you need to learn new techniques and expand your culinary horizons.
Stay at The Grand Bohemian
Looking for the perfect romantic experience from start to finish, then you need to book your Asheville stay at the Grand Bohemian. The Grand Bohemian blends the sophistication of a 19th-century hunting lodge with boutique hotel accommodations ideally situated within the historic Biltmore Village. Late night cocktails at The Stag restaurant and bar are highly recommended…so much drama at this inn.
Visit Asheville Art Museum
For the cultured couples, the Asheville Art Museum is an amazing choice. It is home to a wide variety of art, from paintings and sculptures to textiles and ceramics. The museum is also home to a number of rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.
Explore one of the Waterfalls in Pisgah
Home to over 250 waterfalls, the Pisgah National Forest is an incredible escape to experience together. Visit the serene Moore Cove or head towards Pisgah’s iconic peak to discover the beauty of the Looking Glass Falls. Personally, nothing is more magical than an early morning riverside enjoying a waterfall.
