Happy Thursday, Asheville. 👋 Audra here. Today we’re discussing dating in Asheville (including a peek into my own love life). Meeting new people is difficult everywhere – but partnering up in Asheville – that’s its own story. I’ve found that while we have endless options of places to go and things to do, not all of those are ideal for an initial meeting (come on, we’ve all been to Dobra with an awkward Tinder meetup at the corner table).

In the pursuit of finding the perfect first date activity (or future S.O. for that matter), I wrote out a list of great options, narrowed it down, created a Tinder + Bumble profile, and started swiping.

So, to all you bachelors and bachelorettes out there, here are nine first date options – with my own personal pro-tips to guide you. Bonus: Eight additional date options that are perfect for a second or third date (or for the couple looking to try something new). I'm rooting for that first date rose for you. 🌹

Date Option #1: Brunch and a walk around downtown

This is one of the most simplest dates to get to know someone during the day, and it’s budget-friendly.

Some go-to spots: Bomba, Tupelo Honey Cafe, Liberty House Cafe, and Early Girl Eatery. After coffee, some breakfast fuel, and an hour of breaking-the-ice conversation, walking around downtown is an ideal way to wrap up the morning. Living in West Asheville? Try BimBeriBon, Simple, Biscuit Head, or Sunny Point Cafe.

Pro-tip: If you’re not really vibing with this person then you can end it with brunch. Having multiple options is key.

Click the button below to see why a first date at Liberty House, McCormick Field, and Sly Grog Lounge are the way to go.

Date Option #2: Coffee meetup

The classic non-beer standard. Meeting for coffee can set the mood in one of two ways. 1) This is completely casual and almost business professional, or 2) This tiny corner table is the perfect spot to intimately share my life story.

Pro-tip: My personal fav coffee date spot is Liberty House Cafe. There is plenty of seating options that aren’t too cozy and their outdoor patio can make the date feel more chill and not feel overcrowded.

Other great coffee spots with lots of seating are Izzy’s Coffee House or Forage (in West Asheville), Summit Coffee Co. (in RAD) + Trade & Lore (downtown).

Date Option #3: Asheville Tourists baseball game

If you and your date enjoy baseball, beer, food + summers outdoors then this is the way to go.

Games usually last about three hours, and while that may seem like a long date, you can always show up a little late or leave after the seventh inning. Bookmark this for next season. The best part is that you can chat during the game without feeling too much pressure all while drinking a beer and getting some sun.

Pro-tip: If the date isn’t heading for a home run, then you can always send your full attention to the men running the bases. Just don’t be like Andie Anderson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 days… or do. 😏

Asheville Tourists Baseball | Photo by AVLtoday

Date Option #4: Meet for a sweet treat

Who doesn’t enjoy a mid-afternoon doughnut or evening scoop of ice cream? Visiting The Hop, Ultimate, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Vortex Doughnuts, or even Hole Doughnuts is an excellent quick and easy meet-and-greet if you truly don’t feel all that invested.

Pro-tip: Honestly, this is my secret go-to date for the people I am not feeling too certain about. I once spent 2.5 hours at Vortex Doughnuts on a date that turned out better than expected. 😳 On the flipside, dessert anytime makes for a wonderful addition to a date that is going fabulously.

Date Option #5: Brewery hopping on South Slope

I don’t think we could live in Beer City U.S.A. and not list beer tasting as a valid first date option. Brewery hopping along South Slope has several advantages – you are still downtown, everything is walking distance, there’s a crowd of people, getting an Uber is quick and easy, and you can change up the brewery list every time. My top five spots are: Burial, Green Man, Funkatorium, Catawba, and Twin Leaf.

Pro-tip: Most breweries have Buchi on tap or in the fridge if you want to skip the beer. Also, most of these locations have a “secret phrase” which you can find in the women’s bathroom to tell the staff and they’ll help you leave discreetly if you’re feeling uncomfortable with your date.

HOLE | Photo by @cafeconalicia

Date Option #6: Dinner at local restaurant

Asheville is known for its food scene. So foodie couples – this one's for you. Keep it simple with a dinner date at Buxton Hall Barbecue, Gan Shan Station or Wasabi. If you’re wanting to impress the lucky lad or gal try Posana, Curate, Plant, Limones, Haywood Common, Nine Mile, Isa’s Bistro or The Greenhouse.

Pro-tip: Yes, surprise venues are fun and all, but make sure you at least tell your date the dress code. No girl wants to be in yoga leggings while their date is sporting dress slacks (been there, done that). We all know AVL is mostly casual, but everyone deserves the chance to look their best.

Date Option #7: Take a trip to Sierra Nevada

If you haven’t visited Sierra Nevada – I suggest you do (It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but for beer). Even if you aren’t a beer drinker, there’s plenty of great food and fun activities to choose from. You can order tapas to share, walk around the garden, play cornhole, enjoy live music + more.

Pro-tip: Walk around the garden while you wait on your table. It makes the table talk less awkward for sure. If you’re not feeling up for the drive to Mills River, try Highland Brewing or even New Belgium instead.

Buxton Hall Barbecue | Photo by @AVLtoday

Date Option #8: Casual drinks

Casual drinks are a nice alternative if breweries aren't your thing. I definitely suggest trying Sovereign Remedies, 5 Walnut Wine Bar, Imperial Life, or Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge. If you want drinks with a view, then head to Hemingway’s Cuba, Capella on 9, or Wxyz Bar at Aloft Hotel.

Sierra Nevada Brewery | Photo by @duribe_

Date Option #9: Embrace your inner child

Alright, this date option is for all my children at heart. Personally, I think you can learn a lot about each other based on how you embrace your child-like innocence… or competitiveness. Try out Well Played Board Game Cafe, Asheville Retrocade or even Fired Up!.And, another fun option would be Sly Grog Lounge. (I went on a date this summer and made a great evening of *competitive* chess playing, ping-pong tournaments, and even chance from spin the wheel. Loser of each game had to buy the next round.)

Bonus: Where to go for date #2

If you were fortunate enough to receive the first impression rose from your date, then congratulations – it’s time to plan your second encounter. Here are a few great options to save for date number two or three:

Tubing on the French Broad (plan it out here).
Catch a flick at Grail Moviehouse (you get to spend time together without all the introductory conversation).
Spend the morning or afternoon hiking (pick your trail here).
Tea at Dobra (now you can bond by eavesdropping on the couples who met after swiping right on Bumble).
Asheville Ghost Tour (time to let your walls down just a little by getting spooked)
Ziplining (here’s our guide for all you adrenaline fiends).
Trip to Biltmore Estate (an Asheville staple, plus it’s pretty romantic).
Show at The Orange Peel (see their fall/winter lineup here).

Remember, dating should be fun and you should never feel pressured to participate in something you don’t feel comfortable doing. Pro-tip: always let a friend know when you are going on a first date (and don’t be afraid to end the date early if you’re just not feeling it). Communication is key. 🔑

–Audra (your local bachelorette)