Ok, so this post may be a little too late since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Procrastination got the best of me so I apologize. On another note, maybe it’s not. How does the saying go? “Every day is Valentine’s Day!” Are ya’ll really out here loving on your bae like that? Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s cute. If I was in a relationship, I would be the same way but that’s another post for another time.
In this post, I’m sharing date night ideas for the lovers and friends out there. For my single ladies, don’t forget to take time out to treat yourself. No one will love you better than you love yourself, so it’s always important to treat yourself right. Our time is coming!
Ok, so back to the date night ideas. All of these spots are located around the Raleigh/Durham area, except one. Some of them I’ve been to at least once or twice. A few were recommendations and I haven’t had the chance to check them out as of yet but trust, they are in the works. By the end of the year, I would have been to every place on this list.
“Outside” Date Ideas
Schedule Self Care
Massages are always a great idea. The good thing about massages, are they can be a gift or a date. You can either gift it to your partner, go together, or if you’re single, go alone. I’ve never experienced a couples massage but it’s something on my list of things to do with my next partner. Hopefully, he’s not against it.
New You – Massage & Bodywork Therapy is a business that I was referred to by a good friend of mine. I personally like massages because they always leave me feeling relaxed, calm, and rejuvenated in the end.
Halo Salt Lounge is a relaxing setting where you can go to restore your well being and spend time in your peace. Elements such as himalayan salt, copper, activated charcoal, and purifying herbs are used to help purify the body and clarify the mind.
Currently, Halo Salt Lounge has the option of an individual session for my single people, a Girlfriend Package for a group of ladies, and a romance package for my couples. The Romance Package includes:
- A bottle of wine or handcrafted mimosas
- Fruit Tray with chocolate fondue
- Q&A Game
- 45 minutes in the salt lounge
- 20 minutes reflection time with tea
I don’t know about you, but that seems like the perfect date to me. Throw in lunch before hand and you have an almost perfect night. With the individual sessions, you can order the fruit tray and mimosa al a carte if you choose. The reflection time with tea is complimentary. I can’t wait to try it out so that I can share my entire experience with you all.
Amare Beauty Bar is a Black, Woman Owned business specializing in lashes, facials, skin products, and more. My first visit, Janelle and I hit it off. She is very welcoming and attentive. The environment is soothing and relaxing. She’s passionate and a perfectionist with her craft. Book a facial for you and your boo. I promise you won’t regret it. Yes, she does men facials as well.
Book a Weekend or Staycation Getaway
If you want to escape the city and unplug from the world with your significant other, the Getaway House is the place for you. The Getaway House NC is located in Asheboro. The outposts are tiny around 140 – 2000 sq feet. It’s not a lot of space but it’s enough. Take a break from work, wifi, and routines, and enjoy the company of your loved ones or just spend time alone with nature.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a Luxury Hotel located in Cary, NC. It is on my list as a place to book a staycation. Literally, it is the ultimate experience. You can book your stay, massage, and dinner without ever having to leave the hotel. The Umstead is among one of the finest hotels in the Raleigh area and the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel in North Carolina.
Reserve Dinner at a nice restaurant
Rey’s– A fine dining restaurant with a hint of flair
Capital Grille– A fine dining restaurant and steakhouse
Fire Birds Wood Fire Grill– An American Restaurant serving steak and seafood
The Melting Pot – A gourmet fondue restaurant
All three of the restaurants listed above, I’ve been to at least once. Fire Birds, in particular I’ve been to too many times to count. I love it! My go-to meal is the Wood Fire Grilled Salmon with fresh vegetables. I’ve had almost all of the appetizers and they are all great as well. I shared my experience at Capital Grille in a previous blog post for my birthday. Read more here. Just an FYI, they also offer complimentary valet parking.
Grey’s is Similar to Ruth Chris but in my opinion better. My meal option here was the French Quarter Chicken. I’ve also tried the lamb chops. Both are great options. The sides are al a carte but I’ve tried the sautéed spinach, grilled asparagus, and the mashed potatoes. All were awesome! I actually tried to book here a month after my first visit for my 30th birthday but they were already booked up 3 weeks in advance.
The Melting Pot was definitely an experience. I actually went here as a date. At first I didn’t know what to expect. This was a place where I just followed his lead. Apparently, this was his go-to, so he handled the entire order. We got the 4-course meal and finished with the assorted desserts. I was skeptical about cooking my own food but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. The experience was a great one. I think everyone should try a fondue restaurant atleast once. If you haven’t, here your chance.
To make it more special, the melting pot is offering the fondue experience in the comfort of your own home. Choose between their 3 or 4 course option of creamy cheese fondue, fresh salad, rich chocolate fondue and a local beverage.
Date Night Ideas Inside
If you’re a homebody and prefer to stay in or if you are still being cautious about COVID below are a few things you can do with your significant other in the comfort of your own home. You don’t always have to leave the house to have a good time. If quality time is one of your love languages, what better way is there to spend QT time with your significant other. A few things you can do are:
- Cook a meal together and pair it with your favorite drink
- Exchange gifts
- Play a game dedicated to couples or date night
- Watch a movie together
- Buy Wine & Design In home packages
I hope you enjoyed this read. If you try any of these places, please come back and let me know about your experience. All of these ideas can be turned in to solo dates. As I mentioned in the beginning, by the end of this year, I would have been to all of them. Either I’m going alone or with somebody’s son.
