Are you ready to plan a few unique date nights in or around Greenville, SC with your significant other? 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 15 unique date nights within a two-hour drive of the Upstate.
Skip the dinner-and-a-movie rut: These 15 date ideas within two hours of the Upstate are the kind of dates you’ll actually remember
From chasing rare Blue Ghost fireflies to rappelling a waterfall, there’s something here for every couple, whether you’re thrill-seekers or just ready for something new
Local favorites included: Real recommendations from couples who’ve actually done these dates, plus tips on what to book before it sells out
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 at the same time. Walking in a dark forest with little fireflies lighting your way is quite the experience. Words almost fall short in describing how incredible it is. This does sell out every year, so keep a check on the dates.
Spend the Day Tubing
Lounging in a tube on a river during a hot summer day for a couple of hours is relaxing and fun. There are several places to go in the area, and it’s not that expensive. We’ve been to the majority of these tubing spots, and found the companies on the Green River in Saluda were pretty great for a date day, because the river is a little rougher and gives more of an “adventure vibe”.
Soar High in the Sky
Taking a hot air balloon ride would probably be 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 the Greenville History Tours Website, runs a couple of 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! Book your tour on the Greenville History Tour Website.
This is absolutely one of my favorite dates I’ve had with my wife. John is such a easy going, knowledgeable guy and knows a lot about Greenville, but also really enjoyed the food! We went to several places, but Soby’s and CAMP were incredible.
— Sam G.
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 at the Lake Jocassee Website for the three-hour tour.
Grab a Delicious Dessert
Greenville has so many dessert options that it’s hard to keep track! The Gelatist on Woodruff Road is pretty amazing (especially their pistachio-filled cannolis!) We also have a pretty great list of what readers have voted as their favorite dessert spots in Greenville in our Top Desserts: KABOOM Awards category.
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.
Smash Some Stuff
Head to Mad Smash Rage Room in Taylors Mill to get out all your pent-up aggression. Book your smash session on the Mad Smash Rage Room Website.
Take a Brewery Tour
Sierra Nevada Brewery outside of Asheville is a perfect place for a unique date night. You can take a brew tour (offered daily), enjoy a meal, relax on the deck upstairs overlooking the gorgeous grounds, or play 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. Visit the Travelers Rest Here Website to learn more.
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 website, located about an hour away in Saluda, NC, can make this happen. Prices start at $79 per person.
Escape to the Biltmore
The Biltmore House 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 $80/person. Visit the Biltmore Website to book your trip.
Create some Pottery Together
The Upstate has a couple of pottery places you can take a date day or night at, but a couple of the KAG members have enjoyed dates at Hollowed Earth Pottery in Greenville.
One of my best dates (days) was to Hollowed Earth Pottery at Hampton Station. We both were able to create two bowls that we were honestly so proud of, but we also learned a skill that we didn’t know we would ever be able to, throwing clay on a wheel. It was fun, we were giggling the entire time, and it just felt like the easiest date ever.
— Erin
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. Read our 13+ places to ski and snow tube: North Carolina and Beyond article to find a place.
Splatter, Glow & Paint
Color Me Greenville is the city’s only splatter paint studio with glow-in-the-dark sessions, sneaker painting, and cake decorating. So, go fling some paint together!
Want to know more? Of course, we had to try it out, and we have a full review for you!
Kristina Hernandez
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