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Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to LOUtoday.
OK, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
- Take that special someone on a tour aboard the Belle of Louisville, the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet boat era. Whether you’re into a picnic lunch or a sunset dinner, there’s a booking for you.
- If your loved one is a fan of the arts, see what’s happening at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. From concerts to Broadway shows, there are entertainment options to accommodate every couple.
- The couple that laughs together, stays together — and there are lots of shows that’ll have you rolling at the Louisville Comedy Club.
- Louisville loves its bourbon, so why not share it with your love? Angel’s Envy offers several different distillery tours, including the “bottle your own single barrel” tour, where you’ll fill + label your very own bottle to take home. Who doesn’t love a date night with a built-in gift?
- Bond with your amor over a heart-pounding game of soccer with one of Louisville’s two professional soccer teams. Cheer on Racing Louisville or LouCity FC and celebrate each goal with a kiss.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
- Bring bae to bar Vetti for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a full bar, extensive cocktail menu, and decadent dessert list, you can be sure that neither of you will leave hungry.
- Set inside the 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main boasts unique wallpaper and artwork at every turn. And its dinner menu features a specific section with shareable items, like the charred octopus with bagna cauda, which is one of the restaurant’s staples.
- Reserve a corner table in Bourbon Bistro‘s dimly lit dining room, or save a seat by the wood-burning fireplace during cooler months. Either way, this Clifton spot offers all the romantic feels.
- The new restaurant inside Hotel Genevieve — a Michelin Key-winning hotel — Byrdie’s features a French-Southern fusion menu. Treat your partner to dry aged duck, burnt red onion soup, and a specialty “A La Louisville” cocktail.
- What beats love? Nada. Head to Bar Nada Nada to sip natural wines and snack on light bites like marinated goat cheese. Afterwards, you can pop next-door to Goldie’s for an affogato, gelato, or sorbet.
If you love the great outdoors
- Grab a blanket and your picnic basket, and head to Cherokee Park. With walking paths and pollinator gardens, there’s lots to explore before setting up for an al fresco sunset dinner.
- If you’re into adventures and breathtaking views, take hike around LOU. Between the forest giants at Bernheim forest and the Olmsted parks system, there will be lots to explore.
- The 85 acres that make up Waterfront Park offer lots to do, whether you want to take a walk by the river or check out one of the park’s many events.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
- Get your blood pumping with 130+ games at Recbar, including pinball, air hockey, Skee-Ball, and Dance Dance Revolution.
- Take some swings at Top Golf, which boasts three levels of climate-controlled bays.
- If you prefer your golf on the smaller side, you and your partner can take turns putting through themed courses at Puttshack, an all-indoor minigolf course inside Oxmoor Center. Keep a running score and the loser buys drinks from one of two bars inside the course.
- Take a romantic stroll across the Big Four Bridge, then when you reach Indiana turn up the heat — on the competition — with classic yard games like cornhole at Union Gameyard in Jeffersonville.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
- Ain’t no mountain high enough for you two. Go bouldering at Climb NuLu to experience rock climbing in an indoor space.
- Practice mindfulness together at The Inner Warrior. The donation-based yoga studio offers classes for all interests and levels, no reservations required.
- Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for some salsa, swing, jazz, or hip hop. Dance Louisville has group and private lessons — and your first one is free.
- Treat yourself and your partner to a day of ultimate relaxation at Bodhi Salt, a wellness and salt therapy center in St. Matthews. Take a private yoga class, bask in an infra-red sauna, or relax in a Siberian steam barrel.
If you want an “old fashioned”-style date
- What’s more old fashioned than a trip to the oldest bar in LOU? The Mellwood Tavern is a popular pick for beer and whiskey — but consider the fried chicken for a dinner date.
- History and architecture lovers will appreciate Louisville Historic Tours. Book a tour that starts at The Tavern to enjoy a drink before your stroll.
- Go old school with an ice cream date at one of Louisville’s classic shops. Share the triple scoop heavyweight at Dairy Del or the fireman’s sundae at Dairy Kastle.
- Nothing says I love you like Italian food. Sarino in Germantown offers fresh pasta, Neopolitan pizza, and other Italian entrees. If you prefer date mornings to date nights, try the brunch menu, with items like prosciutto benedict and the Sarino Hot Brown.
What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction using this survey.
