Need some new date ideas? When it comes to hanging out with my significant other, I tend to shy away from the dinner and a movie typical date night because it’s just too much of been there, done that. In an effort to be creative and create awesome memories together, here are 14 epic date nights within a two-hour drive of the Upstate.
Hunt Blue Ghost Fireflies
The Blue Ghosts come out only during a few weeks in mid to late May and early June in nearby forests and state parks and they are a sight to behold. The synchronous fireflies also come out during the same time. Walking in a dark forest with little fireflies lighting your way is quite the experience. Words almost fall short describing how incredible it is.
Spend the Day Tubing
Lounging in a tube on a river during a hot, summer day for a couple hours is relaxing and fun. There are several places to go in the area and it’s not that expensive.
Soar High in the Sky
Taking a hot air balloon ride would be probably the most epic date night on this list. It’s so incredible to be in that basket while the fire above you keeps the balloon soaring high. We’ve done it and would highly recommend the adventure if you’re up for it. Know that the weather is the most important factor for hot air balloon rides so you may need a backup plan if you can’t launch when you were planning to. We’d recommend Carolina Balloon Fantasies out of Easley. We flew with the owner’s son, who is also a hot air balloon pilot, and it was amazing.
Culinary Tour
John Nolan, with Greenville History Tours, runs a couple different culinary tours, which are all amazing. My favorite is the exceptional five-course meal in five different Greenville downtown restaurants. It will always go on any date night story because it is just that good. They run on Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons. If a downtown culinary tour isn’t your thing, the BBQ Trail Tour is also a great option!
Get on the Water
Rent a kayak or SUP board for a few hours and get out on the water together. Here are lakes where you can rent a kayak or SUP.
Lake Jocassee Sunset Tour
Take an unforgettable sunset tour on beautiful Lake Jocassee. Reserve online for the three-hour tour.
Share an Epic Milkshake
The milkshakes at Crazy Mason Milkshakes in downtown Greenville are ridiculously large and tempting. Share one together so you don’t go into a sugar coma.
Hike to a Hidden Swimming Hole
An emerald lagoon in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina called Midnight Hole is magical and beautiful. Hike the three-mile round trip to experience your own magic together.
Stay in a Haunted Mansion
The Inn at Merridun in Union, SC is about an hour from Greenville – but the ghosts come from much further away. Rates start at $109/night.
Smash Some Stuff
Head to Mad Smash Rage Room in Taylors Mill to get out all your pent up aggression. Then grab a beer at 13 Stripes Brewery next door. You can also throw axes at Blue Ox Hatchet House in the same area.
Take a Brewery Tour
Sierra Nevada Brewery outside of Asheville is a perfect place for an epic date. Even though their brewery tours are temporarily on hiatus, it’s still easy to spend a few hours enjoying a meal, relaxing on the deck upstairs overlooking the gorgeous grounds, or playing a game of cornhole in the garden.
Ghost Hunt at one of the Oldest Bridge in South Carolina
Built in 1820, the Poinsett Bridge is relatively famous for eerie happenings there, especially at night.
Escape to the Biltmore
The mansion is stunning and you can pretend you own the place as you saunter through the enormous rooms. Stay at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville or the hotels on the Biltmore property for the ultimate date night escape. Tickets start at $76/person
Rappel a Waterfall
At Kidding Around, we love a good outdoor adventure and this one sounds like a perfect summertime thrill! Suspended from a rope, you and your partner descend down a waterfall. Green River Adventures, located about an hour away in Saluda, NC, can make this happen. Prices start at $109 per person.
Slide Down a Mountain
Tubing down a mountain is a thrilling experience. It’s fast and exciting and the perfect way to spend a few hours in the winter.
