In need of some inspiration for your next date? Try one of these tried-and-true combinations for the perfect night (or day!) out with your special someone. (And for more ideas, make sure to check out our website: www.bestofwinston.com.)
- Plan a Progressive Dinner
Draw your evening out by hitting three different locations for each course of your meal. Kick off your date with a cocktail and appetizer at the ultra-romantic Library Bar inside Spring House Restaurant. Next, for a high-end vibe move on to either Meridian or 600° for your entreé. Finish off with a glass of wine and dessert at Mozelle’s – the chocolate torte is especially divine and just right for sharing.
2. Get Active Downtown
For a different spin on your date night, try a bike ride before dinner. Park near Krankies on Third Street, and you can rent a bike at the entrance to the Long Branch Trail there. Follow the signs for a smooth bike ride that can be as long or short as you like, but make sure you end up looping back up north around Innovation Quarter for some great views. You can exit the Long Branch Trail at several places along the Innovation Quarter, so plan on stopping for dinner at either Alma Mexicana or Cugino Forno – both are delicious but casual enough that you can go as you are.
- Make it a Double Feature
If you’re a film buff, this date is for you. a/perture, the local cinema on Fourth Street, curates an excellent selection of movies with times that make it easy to squeeze in dinner before – or in between – shows. Get tickets to an early movie, grab dinner or heavy appetizers at Jeffrey Adams or Mellow Mushroom, head back to a/perture for a second film, and then hit Ginger Fox Beverages afterwards to recap your favorite scenes with a seriously fresh cocktail.
- Try a Day Date
Change your routine up with a thoughtful date during the day. Begin with lunch at West End Cafe and then walk up Fourth Street into downtown Winston-Salem. Pop into Design Archives Vintage Emporium or Bookmarks, depending on your interests, for some fun browsing. Order ice cream with or without alcohol at Chill Nitro, or walk farther up Fourth Street to Camino Bakery for a sweet treat and espresso to end your date.
- Enjoy the Arts District
Finding parking in the Arts District can be tough, so plan to park on one end and walk up Trade Street in order to see the many murals. Make a reservation for the Prix Fixe dinner at Mission Pizza; it’s one of the best meals you can have in town and quite a deal. After dinner, walk over to ROAR for either the boutique bowling or the golf simulator on the second floor. Cap off your evening with a drink at either Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co or bar piña if you want rooftop views.
