Romantic Things to Do in Raleigh NC
Updated August 24, 2022
In a city full of fantastic restaurants, gorgeous lakes, and beautiful greenways and trails, there’s a long list of romantic things to do in Raleigh, NC. We’ve created a list of our top five things to do in Raleigh NC for couples and hope these help you as you’re planning your next romantic evening. While Raleigh has phenomenal restaurants that would make for great date nights, our list will not include any and is instead focused on outdoor activities.
Cute Date Ideas in Raleigh NC
1. Picnic in the Park
What’s more romantic than simply being with the one you love, in a field of green, dining al fresco in the open air, watching the sunset? The heart of a picnic can be beautifully simple too - simply pack a blanket, some fresh fruit, charcuterie, and a bottle of wine. Store cell phones away and just enjoy each other’s company and the setting sun. We offer a list of beautiful Raleigh picnic locales as well if you’re looking for locations.
If you’d rather leave your picnic to the professionals, view our picnic package page for pricing and options.
2. An Evening of Outdoor Jazz Music
Raleigh offers various outdoor music throughout the year and an evening full of music makes for a great thing to do in Raleigh NC for couples. From the beginning of September through mid-October, Moore Square has free jazz music every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Enjoy local jazz musicians strum the night away for a unique seasonal romantic thing to do in Raleigh. Food trucks, as well as wine and beer, are for sale in the park, so you can pack light with just a blanket and some outdoor pillows. Read our article on Jazz in the Square for more information about this year’s concert series.
Historic Yates Mill. Photo by Allison Keen Photography
3. Stroll Around Historic Yates Mill County Park
You just may have driven past this mill many times and never noticed it, but we promise this spot is worth stopping at. The mill, which is still in operation, was built in the 18th century and sits off of a 24-acre pond. A walk around the pond provides both beautiful views, perfect for hand-holding and stretching your legs.
We recommend packing a picnic and enjoying it in front of the water or heading over to the Howling Cow Creamery across the road for a scoop of ice cream.
4. Sunday Morning at the NC State Farmers Market
We are so lucky to be the home for the North Carolina State Farmers Market. It’s a bustling scene on weekend mornings - abuzz with shoppers and fresh fruit and vegetables as far as the eye can see.
Split a freshly squeezed juice at the vendor in the Market Shoppes as you stroll through all the stands before picking up groceries here to make a Sunday dinner together. You won’t find bigger, more delicious, or fresher ingredients than right here.
Kayaker at Jordan Lake during sunset. Photo by James at @cicadaapreciationsociety
5. Sunset Kayak Trip Around Jordan Lake
Experiencing something new together can help strengthen any relationship. Learn a new skill and work together by taking a kayak out on Jordan Lake. We recommend going out for the sunset — the setting sun will shimmer across the water and light up the sky above in warm, golden colors. As the sun sets, you’ll hear frogs and crickets chirping and singing and lightning bugs flash all around.
Kayak rentals are two hours and are $44 through Cape Fear Adventures.
Sources
- Downtown Raleigh. “Jazz in the Square”. https://downtownraleigh.org/dra-programs/jazz-in-the-square. 30 August 2021.
- Wake County Government. “Historic Yates Mill County Park”. https://downtownraleigh.org/dra-programs/jazz-in-the-square. 30 August 2021.
- Cape Fear Adventures. “Hourly Rentals - Canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boards”. https://downtownraleigh.org/dra-programs/jazz-in-the-square. 30 August 2021.
About the Author
Angela Byrnes - Owner, Southern Picnics
Angela is the owner of Southern Picnics and started the business in September 2020. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in Writing and Literature. She later attended Duke University where she received a certificate in Digital Media and Marketing.