Update, 3/12: Due to the cancellation of the remainder of this year's ACC Tournament games,…
Date Night Done Right
Date Night Ideas in Greensboro
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, which got us thinking about all the unique, affordable and fun-filled date night destinations Greensboro has to offer – so we put our heads together and came up with a list of date night ideas that’s sure to please! Whether you’re in need of some fresh ideas for you and your bestie or looking to sweep your special someone off their feet this Valentine’s Day, this list of date night ideas – for various categories of interest – is sure to spark some inspiration.
Arts + Culture
Arts and culture are everywhere in this city, but we do have a few favorites that are sure to impress your cultured counterparts. “Go elsewhere” by visiting Greensboro’s famous Elsewhere Museum, a quirky museum that’s “part residency, school, playground, meeting ground, theater, project space, and laboratory for creative ideas.” Admission ranges from $1-$5 and if you’d prefer a guided tour through the space, you can reserve a time slot by emailing the museum directly at museum@goelsewhere.org.
Once you get your fill of the arts, head over to Cafe Europa to nosh on some European fare, paired with a glass of wine or crafty cocktail, in an “old-world setting”. Less than a half mile from Cafe Europa stands Carolina Theatre, North Carolina’s only remaining historic theatre. With an atmosphere that will take you back in time, the theatre hosts the screening of old-timey films, live concerts and other unique and special events. Visit Carolina Theatre’s website to see what’s on deck.
Romance
Sweep that special someone off their feet this Valentine’s Day by starting your date night with a couple’s massage at Greensboro’s Touch of Serenity. Prolong your state of zen by embarking on a romantic, post-massage stroll through the area – there are a host of parks, restaurants and theatres within 2 miles of the spa (find more details on their website.
For an intimate, fine dining experience, check out Table 16 in downtown Greensboro. From beef tenderloin to duck confit, you’re sure to find something to please your palate. After dinner, opt for a change of scenery and head over to Maxie B’s, which (we think) *takes the cake* as Greensboro’s best cake date destination.
Fun + Games
Venture just 3 miles outside of downtown Greensboro to find Geeksboro Coffee + Beverage Company: an artsy hangout that serves up a range of thirst-quenching concoctions (from espresso to milkshakes and craft beer) and hosts an even bigger range of special events, like ladies arm wrestling, indie film screenings, trivia – and a special Valentine’s Day screening of “The Room” – just to name a few.
And of course, if you’re all about fun and games, your date night wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Boxcar Bar + Arcade in downtown Greensboro. Whether you snuggle up and trek through Jurassic Park, go head to head in Super Mario Bros on NES or challenge your partner on the Skeeball lanes – you’re sure to fulfill your need for fun. Check out our live streaming craft draft menu, current games lineup and events calendar (including daily drink deals) to prepare for your next “play date”.
And since everything pairs perfectly with tacos, we recommend fueling your night of fun and games at Crafted, Greensboro’s famously delicious taco joint. Take our word for it: they won’t disappoint.
Budget Friendly
Looking to break the ice without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered. If the weather cooperates with your date night, head over to First Carolina Deli to grab dinner to go and impress your date with an “impromptu” picnic at the Greensboro Arboretum, the Bog Garden or any one of Greensboro’s many parks. If you’re feeling adventerous, consider taking your picnic to Owl’s Roost Trail to follow your meal with a hike along the 1 or 4 mile trail loops.
If you’d prefer to keep it indoors, head over to The Greensboro Science Center – an aquarium, museum and zoo all under one roof, for one low price admission – or see what The Forge has lined up for the day. While The Forge is a members-only “community makerspace”, they often host free classes, such as an intro to 3-D printing, which just might spark some creative conversation. And if you find yourself in our corner of Downtown Greensboro, stop into Boxcar Bar + Arcade and ask your bartender for the “Date Night Deal” to score a $20 gift card and 80 game tokens for just $30 (a $40 value).
Just Friends?
If, rather than looking for romance, you’re instead reading through this list to gain some inspiration for your next lady date or friends night out, we’ve got a few more ideas to get the ball rolling. Head over to our new neighbors at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe to bond with some adorable, adoptable kittens over a craft brew or cup of “catnip tea”. Just down the street from the cat cafe is Greensboro’s newest craft brewery, Little Brother Brewing, where you can score some seriously tasty small-batch brews. Make an appointment to pamper yourselves with pedis at Chakra’s, browse any one of downtown Greensboro’s boutique shops, grab a cup of joe at The Green Bean Cafe or catch a comedy show at The Idiot Box.
Do you have other, Triad-area date night ideas? Share your “date night dos” with us by tweeting @BoxcarGSO!