Downtown Date Nights

Category: What’s New

From charming eateries to captivating events, Downtown Roanoke is the perfect place to take your special someone. Whether your perfect date is strolling a museum, visiting local restaurants and lounges, or seeing a concert: here's your guide to crafting an enchanting evening in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

One idea is to savor the food scene in Roanoke at one of the area's restaurants. For a cozy, intimate atmosphere, visit Alexanders, Bernard's Gastropub and Eatery, Billy's, Food Fanatics Kitchen, Fortunado, Frankie Rowland's, Leonore Restuarant, Lucky, The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke, Regency Dining Room, Sidecar, Six and Sky, Status, Stock Bistro and Bar, Table 50, in the Vault at the Liberty Trust.

Many of these restaurants have locally sourced ingredients crafted into unique dishes and cocktails on a rotating seasonal menu.

If something more casual is your vibe, there are still plenty of options! You and your date could visit 202 Social House, Awful Arthur's Seafood Company, Cabo Fish Taco, Corned Beef and Co., The City Market Building, Jack Browns, Lews Restaurant Southwest, Martins Downtown, Tacos Rojas, The Front Row, or Well Hung Vineyard.

Stroll Through Historic Streets and Parks

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand through the historic streets of Downtown Roanoke. Admire the architecture that reflects the city's rich history, from the iconic Market Square to the quaint storefronts lining Campbell Avenue. As you wander, immerse yourselves in the different energy the city has to offer. From the vibrant streets to the tranquility of Elmwood Park and the City's Greenway, you and your date can take your time exploring downtown at your own pace.

Visit a Museum, Art Gallery or Attend a Concert

The Downtown area is full of museums to visit. Some may take a few hours, others not as long. Spots like Center in the Square allow you to unleash your inner child at the Pinball Museum, Science Museum and Planetarium, and Starcade. Dive deep into the past by visiting the History Museum of Western Virginia, The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, or the O. Winston Link Museum. The Virginia Transportation Museum brings to life the history of transportation in Roanoke including its rich railroad history with a full railyard!

The arts scene is blossoming in the city. You can immerse yourselves in the art scene at the Taubman Museum of Art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and interactive displays. You can also stop by galleries like Art on 1st, The Aurora Studio Center, Betty Branch Sculptures, Gallery 202, Left of Center Art Space, Liminal Gallery, Gallery360, and others.

Embracing the arts can go beyond visual arts, you can check out shows at Mill Mountain Theater, The Jefferson Center, 5 Points Music Sanctuary, Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, The Spot on Kirk, or one of the many restaurants offering music from local artists.

Sweet Treats and Nightcaps

No date night is complete without a sweet finale and perhaps a nightcap to toast to your unforgettable evening. Head to one of Downtown Roanoke's charming cafes or dessert spots, such as chocolatepaper, Rookie's, Waffle Cone or Sweets by Shaneice.

As the night winds down, find a cozy corner at one of the district's bars or lounges, like Stellina, Bernard's, Lucky, Six and Sky, or Status Lounge where you can enjoy a nightcap. You can also visit one of the city's many breweries like Three Notch'd, Olde Salem, or Big Lick.

Weekly and Monthly Events

In addition to all the downtown fixtures, there are multiple events constantly happening throughout the bustling district! The best way to stay up to date is to check out our Calendar of Events, Visit DRI Events, and sign up for our weekly Downtown Newsletter, which keeps you in the loop every Wednesday for the weekend ahead.

In Downtown Roanoke, every corner holds the promise of adventure, making it the perfect destination for a romantic date night. Whether you're savoring gourmet cuisine, exploring local art, or simply soaking in the charm of the city streets, you're sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, why wait? Plan your enchanting evening in downtown Roanoke and let the magic unfold.