Even More Romantic Things to do in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective

There’s something in that Blue Ridge air that always just fills you with romance. There's an idyllic view around every corner. The boundless wonders of nature surround Asheville like a blanket of pure concentrated romance-ium. 

No wonder then, that the subjects of date-nights, romance, and Valentine's-day specials has come up so often here at Asheville Cottages. And indeed, it's no wonder that I’m the first person my friends turn to when they need help figuring out a killer date with that special someone. And if I’m not the first person, I am certainly the second or third. Or fourth. I’m at least in the mix somewhere. Honestly sometimes I give an unsolicited opinion. I’m only trying to help.

Anyways, the summer is buzzing here in Asheville, and the air is alive with bird songs and butterfly wings. So I invite you to read on and discover five more of the best romantic things to do in Asheville.

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1: Explore the River Arts District

Maybe it's just because I’m an artistic soul myself, but I’ve long considered the River Art District to be one of the best parts of town. Sitting astride the French Broad River, this former industrial zone has been reimagined into a center for local artists and creators, perfect for a cultured afternoon, designed to demonstrate to your date that you are indeed a person of sensitive taste and creative vision. 

Start your tour at Trackside Studios on Depot Street (with paid parking right next door, and all along the street). From there you can head north on foot, stopping in to check out all the local studios, and perhaps even acquire a keepsake for that special someone. 

Once you reach Pink Dog creative up at the end of Depot Street, the walking portion of your tour has concluded. But if you wish to carry on, I recommend driving up just a short ways to Akira Satake Ceramics, right next to Ultra Coffeebar.

Conclude your highly-cultured date-night with reservations at Bull and Beggar, serving sophisticated American fare with a moody ambiance (and half-off oysters for happy hour). 

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2: Dinner and a Show at Asheville Pizza

Ah, the movie date. A more time-tested methodology for romance you’d be hard-pressed to find. It even predates the automobile by a few years. 

Here in Asheville, the prime pick for your movie date has got to be Asheville Pizza and Brewing's north location up on Merrimon Avenue. Not only is this one of the best pizza spots in town, but by no coincidence, one of my favorite local theaters. In this day and age when the mambo-mega chains are outcompeting independent cinemas all across the nation, it does me proud to see Asheville Pizza going strong.

Tickets are only $8 for first showings, one of the best prices in town. And the food here blows the average theater fare out of the water, serving fresh-baked pizza, pub-fare and of course local beer. 

I’d recommend this place for a more casual date, with someone whom you already know can handle you if you have pizza sauce on your face. That, my friends, is true romance.

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3: Spend an Afternoon Gaming at Well Played

The South Slope’s Well Played board game café is one of my favorite hangouts in town, be it with friends, family, or love interests. Given the communal aspect of board games, it's especially suited for a double-date, triple-date and so on. And of course, a date here is the perfect opportunity to answer that all important question: “Can our relationship withstand Monopoly?”

Entry is $7 on weekdays, or $10 on weekends, and I got to say, for the hours I can spend out here, perusing their library of more than seven hundred games, that price is just right. And food-wise I’ve always felt their inspired collection of shareables and sandwiches are nothing to sniff at. 

But if you want to expand your date night, simply walk on over to one of the South Slope’s famous eateries, such as Chai Pani or Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue. If you want to go crazy, you could even pair Well Played with a night of exploring Asheville’s best local breweries.

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4: Stroll Through the NC Arboretum

You know we had to throw a little nature in here. I like to think I’m fairly well-versed when it comes to hiking in Asheville, but if what you need is a strong and instant dose of fresh-air and beautiful scenery, then you don’t need to go too far afield. 

The NC Arboretum is just ten minutes down the road from Asheville Cottages, and no matter the season, it’s brimming with some of the best scenery and vistas in WNC. It’s the perfect place for everything from a first date to a decades-long anniversary, with trails ranging in difficulty from paved paths to backwoods treks. 

No matter which path you end up taking, I do recommend making a stop at their bonsai exhibit. Nothing like miniature trees to make the heart all a-flutter.

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5: Catch Some Live Music

Asheville’s something of a hotspot for live music, in case you haven’t heard. And it's not just country and bluegrass either. Well, much of it is. But I’m not complaining. If that’s not your thing, personally, then fret-not: there’s truly something here for everyone.

A classic concerto at downtown’s Diana Wortham Theater, for instance. Then you got your local acts playing at any one of our South Slope bars, plus indie artists and national acts touring around through the Orange Peel and Grey Eagle.

Throw in some dinner and/or drinks beforehand, and you got yourself truly a romantic night in Asheville to remember. 

Businesses Mentioned

Bull and Beggar (828)-575-9443

37 Paynes Way #7, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Pizza and Brewing (North)

(828)-254-5339

675 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804

Well Played Board Game Café

(828)-412-5788

162 Coxe Ave #101, Asheville, NC 28801

The NC Arboretum (828)-665-2492

20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806