Let’s add some color to your love life with these creative date night ideas! The Queen City has a full-spectrum creative dating scene with fun activities like candle pouring, sip and paints, cooking classes and much more. See what beautiful things and memories can be created while spending quality time with yourself or someone you care about this weekend at one of these local spots.
Make a fancy candle at Paddywax Candle Bar
Paddywax Candle Bar in Southend gives you a step-by-step candlemaking experience before a romantic dinner at a nearby restaurant – like Barcelona Wine Bar. Pro-Tip: Be sure to book your seats online before arriving.
It’s hard not to smell the love in the air as soon as you walk in and find a spot to make your candle. Plus, they have a little shopping area and a hedge backdrop photo wall for snapping a few shots.
But how does it work, you ask? First, pick a candle jar before choosing your scent. Then, follow their cute guidebook and mix your melted wax and fragrance. Finally, pour your candles, and let them sit. Pick your candles up a few hours later on your way back from Barcelona Wine Bar and after having dessert at nearby Jenny’s Ice Cream or Pepperbox Doughnuts.
Try a low-key sip & paint at City Art Room
Located in the University City area of Charlotte, City Art Room sits above a shopping center for a casual and crafty date night. The staff will bring some art materials to start, then leave you and your date to paint whatever comes to your heart and mind.
If you choose a freestyle session, each person will decide between painting on a canvas, a ceramic dish or a wine glass. The studio also provides snacks and an alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink selection to kick back and let the paint brush do its thing! Book a City Sip & Paint here.
BYO drink at Wine and Design
A guided painting session at Wine and Design in Dilworth is perfect for novice painters looking for something beautiful to look at (besides your date!).
They have different paintings and styles to choose from, which you can check out here. The studio is near many restaurants, but the sessions are about 2-3 hours long. So, it’s not a bad idea to arrive on a full stomach and bring your own wine or beer because you won’t want to rush things!
Once you arrive at the studio, the artist will escort you to your seats with a pre-sketched canvas, color palette, and apron. After you finish, you’ll have your very own piece of artwork to take back home. Just make sure to autograph it!
Get cookin’ at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
If you’re not into painting or candle-pouring, try a cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. Bring out your inner chef and make a delicious meal with someone you want to impress.
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen provides a full menu recipe – including the main course, side dishes, and dessert – that you prep with organic ingredients and cook with your boo. The instructor chef at the front of the kitchen will demonstrate each part of the process, from chop to sauté. They also have a bar so you can purchase a bottle of red or white wine to enjoy while you cook.
Once the meal is ready, you’ll sit and enjoy dinner and dessert with your group. But don’t forget to bring a to-go box or Tupperware from home for leftovers and late-night cravings! Pro-Tip: book well in advance because Chef Alyssa’s classes fill up quickly – check out the full calendar here.
