It's Romance Awareness Month, and we've got the top spots in North Carolina for you to celebrate.

August is here and that means it’s Romance Awareness Month! It’s like if Valentine’s Day lasted all month long, which honestly sounds amazing when you think about all that chocolate. And to help you and your better half get all lovey-dovey, I found the most romantic North Carolina date destinations you can visit this month!

Even the healthiest and happiest relationships need an occasional change of scenery to keep things fresh. In an interview with Psych Central, licensed clinical counselor Shlomo Slatkin stresses the importance of travel and creating new experiences with your significant other. “Besides providing much-needed time away, it returns you refreshed, invigorated, and hopeful that you can establish new patterns to avoid getting sucked back into the humdrum of everyday living.”

But that doesn’t meant that you have to break the bank on lavish trips around the world to keep the romantic spark alive. In the age of inflation, that’s simply not an option for everybody. Fortunately for you, it’s entirely possible to ignite the flame of passion while staying inside state lines, especially when said state is as beautifully diverse and picturesque as North Carolina. We’ve got mountains, beaches, historic landmarks. Hell, even romantic novel czar Nicholas Sparks lives here. I know I sure missed all those options when I lived in West Virginia for the last 5 years, while maintaining a long-distance relationship with my NC girlfriend. And now that I’m back home I can’t wait to check some of these places out!

I used the help of Tripadvisor for this list, as they had compiled an assortment of different date ideas in North Carolina. I’m listing the five destinations from their selections that I think best celebrate the spirit of Romance Awareness Month and showcase all that North Carolina has to offer. You can find the full list of travel spots here.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway

    One of the most breathtakingly beautiful national parks in the country is sure to leave you and your partner completely awestruck. With plenty of trails and overlooks to choose from, Blue Ridge Parkway is an absolute must for adventurous couples who don’t mind a good hike. It would also make for a primo photo op for, I don’t know, a proposal? Just sayin’, fellas.

  • JOLO Winery & Vineyards

    If you and your partner are both wine lovers, this is the place for you. JOLO also boasts an onsite restaurant where you can enjoy a brunch like no other. Reservations are required, so give them a call ASAP before Romance Awareness Month ends!

  • The North Carolina Arboretum

    If you and your boo thing ever take a trip towards Asheville, make sure to add the famous NC Arboretum to your list of stops along the way. The vast array of flowers and plant life can add a literal and metaphorical splash of color to your relationship.

  • North Carolina Zoo

    I’ll admit, I’m adding this one because of personal bias. The NC Zoo in Asheboro is one of the very first dates I ever went on with my now girlfriend, and it was such a magical experience that I’ll never forget. There’s really nothing like seeing some of the most magnificent animals in the world up close and personal with that special person in your life. The North Carolina Zoo works just as well for a first date as it does for a 10 year wedding anniversary.

  • North Carolina Museum of Art

    I know, I know, museums may not typically be the first thing that come to mind when you think of romantic date ideas. But the North Carolina Museum of Art offers so much more than what you would think from your typical museum. Their amphitheater hosts many incredible live performances throughout the year, and much of their artwork evokes very raw, passionate emotions that could help you and your partner grow even closer. Plus, you’d be able to hit ’em with a cute one-liner like, “you’re my favorite work of art.” SWOON.

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