Whether you're with your SO (significant other) or on a first date, Columbia SC has date night covered. While classic date nights are not to be missed and romantic restaurants abound in Columbia, SC, here are nine date ideas beyond your typical dinner and a movie.

In the studio

Whether your date is awed by your artistic skills or laughs at your lack thereof, Grapes and Gallery and Studio Cellar offer romantic evenings where you can create and relax as an instructor leads you through painting. If your SO isn't as artsy as you, don't fret. They can always relax at the Grapes and Gallery bar while you create a masterpiece.

 

 

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On the town

Start with some sweet treats at one of Columbia's cozy hideouts, like Nonnah's, Goat's or TerraThen head to historic Main Street for a movie at Nickelodeon Theatre, Columbia's only independent movie theater, where you can enjoy the latest indie flick, watch a unique documentary or fall in love with a classic film all over again - all with a glass of pinot or a brew of your choice. After, why not cap off the evening with a romantic birds eye view of the city lights at The Roof Top Lounge?

 

 

At the (wine) bar

What's for dinner they ask? Wine. Sample fine wines of all colors and bubbles - white, red, rosé, dessert or sparkling - in the entertainment district of your choosing. Try a wine tasting at The Gourmet Shop in Five Points, Lula Drake on Main Street, Vino Garage on North Main, or Gervais & Vine in The Vista - just to name a few. With tastings at varying times, you can fit a romantic moment into nearly any part of your day. Want more wine advice? We've got a blog for that.

 

 

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On the water

If you're looking for adventure, share a canoe for two at Saluda Shoals Park or create your own tour with Adventure Carolina. Not quite as adventurous? Take a romantic walk at sunset at Cayce Riverwalk ParkRiverfront Park or West Columbia Riverwalk. Or catch the Lake Murray sunset aboard a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray.

 

 

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Under the stars

Brighten up a Monday night with a visit to the University of South Carolina's Melton Memorial Observatory, where you can observe the stars, moon and planets. Some Saturdays, the observatory partners with Midlands Astronomy Club for Sidewalk Astronomy where you can star gaze outside public places like Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, or Mellow Mushroom

 

 

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In the kitchen

Cooking a meal together can help you really get to know your date or partner. Try a cooking class at Let's Cook Culinary Studio or at City Roots with Farm To Table Event Co. If you'd prefer a night in, browse the South Carolina Farmers Market, Soda City Market or City Roots Farmer's Market vendors to cook a gourmet meal full of local or Certified South Carolina products. 

 

 

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With a weekend getaway

Get away from your everyday city, and find that Columbia SC is your new favorite city to visit. Cozy into a boutique hotel like Inn at USC or Hotel Trundle (opening soon), or stay in the heart of The Vista at the Hyatt Place or the Aloft- photo in front of the mural or it didn't happen. First time here? Our first-timer's guide has got your back.

 

 

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