{"id":3718,"date":"2016-02-02T10:56:26","date_gmt":"2016-02-02T15:56:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/?p=3718"},"modified":"2016-02-02T10:56:26","modified_gmt":"2016-02-02T15:56:26","slug":"local-date-ideas-for-day-and-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thelaurelofasheville.com\/updatestage\/archives\/local-date-ideas-for-day-and-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Date Ideas for Day and Night"},"content":{"rendered":"

Above: The NC Arboretum (Photo by Camilla Calnan)<\/p>\n

By Leah Shapiro<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning a romantic outing for yourself and your sweetheart this month, Western North Carolina aims to please. There\u2019s a restaurant for every taste, live music of all genres, and entertainment to fit any budget. From an interactive pinball museum to contra dancing opportunities, there are many activities available for your enjoyment. For this cold winter month, we wrangled up a few fun date ideas to heat things up.<\/p>\n

If relaxing together is your idea of a perfect hangout, then we can help you plan. Our region is home to many fantastic wellness spas, massage services, and other amenities to help you experience bliss.<\/p>\n

Melissa Long, of The Wake Foot Sanctuary & Shop (wakefootsanctuary.com<\/a>) in Asheville\u2019s Grove Arcade, says the warm water and scent of oils and herbs truly relaxes customers from top to bottom. Try the year-round date night package. In addition to a foot soak, guests also receive 40 minutes of a head, neck, and shoulder massage. \u201cA great way to unwind before dinner or after a long day,\u201d says Melissa. \u201cIt really sets the mood.\u201d For Valentine\u2019s Day, ask about the milk and honey package, which includes a 50-minute milk and honey soak with coconut milk and local honey and half-hour-long foot and lower leg massage.<\/p>\n

Does the idea of sitting back and enjoying the performing arts appeal to you? From community theater productions to internationally known touring shows, many venues offer a range of top-notch entertainment. David Whitehill, executive director of the Asheville Symphony (ashevillesymphony.org), believes classical music provides an immersive experience that is perfect for a night out. \u201cClose seats. Beautiful, moving music. A glass of wine or beer at intermission. An opportunity to dress up a little. No cell phones! I can\u2019t imagine a better date. Start with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants and you have the perfect evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Symphony\u2019s upcoming program on February 13 features Beethoven\u2019s Violin Concerto, which he wrote during a time known as his heroic period. \u201cWhat\u2019s more romantic than a hero coming to sweep you off your feet?\u201d says David. \u201cThe piece isn\u2019t considered to be a flashy concerto, but it has a beautiful arc to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the outdoorsy couples, experiencing nature can be a go-to activity. If it\u2019s sunny outside, plan a day hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check the online road closure map on nps.gov for sections of the Parkway that may be inaccessible in winter. With more than 500,000 visitors each year, The NC Arboretum (ncarboretum.org) also has romantic potential for every season. To keep the blood flowing, George Ivey, director of Public Engagement, recommends a stroll through the gardens, hike, picnic lunch, or bike ride. (George can certainly attest to the power of nature to bring people closer together. He took his wife Laura to the WNC Nature Center their first date!)<\/p>\n

Cooking together is a bonding experience that leads to a delicious ending. Chef Ricardo Fernandez\u2019s monthly Mountain Cooking Club (chefricardoskitchen.com), near Clyde, includes a fun cooking demo with accessible recipes. Mike Ferrari, executive chef of The Farm in Candler (thefarm.kitchen), teaches cooking skills during the weekend and weekday culinary escapes, as well as the Hands On Culinary Class, which is typically offered every other Tuesday, from 5:30\u20138:30 p.m. This month, the Hands On pasta-making class takes place on February 16.<\/p>\n

Choose a date night that speaks to your interests, or discover new hobbies and joys together. Just remember to have fun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Above: The NC Arboretum (Photo by Camilla Calnan) By Leah Shapiro If you\u2019re planning a romantic outing for yourself and your sweetheart this month, Western North Carolina aims to please. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3547,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56,57,62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","category-lifestyle","category-outdoors"],"yoast_head":"\nLocal Date Ideas for Day and Night - The Laurel of Asheville<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re planning a romantic outing for yourself and your sweetheart this month, Western North Carolina aims to please. 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