As a travel writer who likes to focus on food and drink, I apologize in advance as most of the entries on my list of 5 Romantic Things to do in Charlotte involve food and drink. What can I say? I think there’s something romantic about popping open a bottle of wine to share with your special one through engaging conversation during a slow dinner.
1. Dinner at McNinch House
So maybe I wouldnt make dinner reservations at McNinch House for that first date, as it is rather expensive and a first date probably isnt worth the investment. The century old home thats been converted into an award-winning restaurant (Zagat, AAA Four Diamond, Wine Spectator Excellence, etc.) is worthy of special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or first date night out after the baby is born.
The fixed menu is served in courses. Guests choose from 5 courses for 79 USD, 7 courses for 99 USD, and 9 courses for 125 USD. The selections rotate seasonally. The restaurant also boasts a well-curated wine list. If you dont want to decide on a single wine to match all courses, there is the option of a sommelier-paired glass with each course.
2. Picnic lunch at Freedom Park
Nothing says romance like spending an afternoon together on a leisurely stroll through a city park. With its quaint ponds, navigable trails, and plenty of park benches, Freedom Park is the ideal spot for just that type of afternoon. I do recommend planning ahead though to make sure there aren’t any special events that may intrude on your romantic afternoon.
As an added bonus, pack a blanket and picnic lunch and bask on the shore of the pond. The Atherton Mill Market is a great spot to pick-up your picnic supplies. Or, order take-out from Price’s Chicken Coop for a real Charlotte treat.
3. Pops in the Park
For many years, Pops in the Park deservedly earned a bad reputation. As the concert series was free and had no rules, Charlotte residents would reserve spots at sunrise for the evening concert played every Sunday during the summer by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Now that the concert series has added a modest fee of 15 USD for admission, the crowds are much more manageable.
The series take place on the lawn behind South Park Mall. As this is a lawn concert, be sure to pack your own lawn chairs or blankets along with whatever you might want to snack or drink on during the show. Guests are permitted to bring in beer or wine.
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4. Coffee and pastries at Amelie’s
Amelie’s French Bakery and Café is another Charlotte institution. Whether you visit the original location in NoDa or the newly renovated Uptown location, you and your other are guaranteed to have an intimate experience over a locally roasted coffee and a fresh baked French pastry. You’ll easily pass a couple of hours as the ornately decorated café transports you to Paris. It’s as close to the real thing as you’ll find in Charlotte.
5. Sunset drinks at Fahrenheit
End your day in Charlotte with craft cocktails at Fahrenheit. Celebrity Chef Rocco Whalen’s restaurant boasts one of the best views of the Charlotte skyline in town. Come early to watch the sunset over Charlotte’s expanding skyline from Fahrenheit’s rooftop patio and stick around for whatever culinary surprise the chefs are cooking. If you can’t catch the sunset, the patio is still a great place to witness skyline lit up at night.
Charlotte is a great city for romance
Perhaps it’s because the city is filled with young singles, but Charlotte is a perfect city for romance. Above I’ve listed mainly food-focused activities. However, there are plenty of other things to do with that special someone from comedy clubs to national parks to wineries.