Friday, December 28, 2007

Good places for married-couple dates

Happy holidays to everyone! I hope your holiday has been and will continue to be filled with family and friends and lots of love and happiness.

My husband and I spent part of our Christmas visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. I had never toured the Biltmore House (pictured) before, and I'm super happy we went during Christmas - all the lights, the cozy fireplaces, the aroma of cinnamon and the soothing sound of holiday melodies made it an experience to remember.

One thing that struck me during our Candlelight Evening tour was the number of couples in attendance. I was expecting more families, but instead there were a bunch of married folks walking arm-in-arm up the spiral staircase and hugging while standing in front of the triple fireplace. It was so romantic.

I commented to my husband my surprise at all of the couples, and he noted the Biltmore was definitely a good place for people who are more committed to each other because why else on earth would you spend $130 (tickets alone) on a first date?

He makes an excellent point. Unless money is no issue for you, I'd be hard-pressed to drop that kind of coin on a guy who I'm just getting to know.

So what other places, within a decent driving distance of Charlotte, would make good winter dates for married couples?

Here are a few more of my ideas:
  • Rent a cabin at Lake Lure or Lake Norman
  • Spend a weekend at Appalachian Ski Mountain
  • Indulge yourself at The Fearrington House Country Inn
  • 7 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    AAA offers a discount on Biltmore Tickets, but you have to purchase the tcikets at a AAA office.

    Anonymous said...

    "Wow!" I thought, when I started reading the article. Finally suggestions for us married with kids...until I read the recommended places - all involve leaving the kids overnight, which is an incredible rarity (or impracticality) for some of us.

    It would be wonderful if there were a few more non-overnight recommendations for us married with kids types. Thanks!!

    Alisha Puckett said...

    To anonymous at 7:06 p.m. - Thank you for reading "We Can Relate."

    You're right, none of the suggested places are well-suited for couples who have children because frankly, I don't have kids and I'm not exactly in the "know" when it comes to places that cater to children.

    You bring up a good point. Only two things I can do about it now that this blog is already written.

    Readers, do you have any suggestions for married-with-kids couples? Surely there are some parents out here who can help?

    And secondly, I will do some research and can post a blog at a later date that will describe date destinations catered more to married couples with kids.

    Hope this helps, and please keep checking back in with what Deirdre and I write. Thanks!

    Anonymous said...

    I've always been partial to Charleston, both for non-kids (carriage rides, walking tours, etc.) and kids (the aquarium).

    Anonymous said...

    Another fun trip with less cost: visiting Asheville's downtown rather than the Biltmore Estate alone. It's a great place, really eclectic and loads to do. Makes for a great day trip, with or without the kids.

    Anonymous said...

    There are two categories for couples whom date. Overnighters and evening out. You must have both. I'm a mom of 4 and love the Biltmore with and without kids, we do different things-become a season pass holder for savings. A married couple date though isn't meant to have kids and parent's should separate the two...if they want to keep a good relationship. As to no overnighters and inexpensive. My husband and I take a ride out to the whitewater park and night and a a light meal-for an in town escape. Another option is dinner on Sunday evenings at Ri-Ra's, they have a real irish sessions that night- great food and warm and cozy atmosphere for chatting. Also a good thing is just a ride through the blue ridge up to blowing rock for a sunday lunch and back.

    Anonymous said...

    One of the most romantic places my husband and I have ever been is The Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway. Yep, it's a lot of coin but it is worth it! Magnificent views, WONDERFUL fancy dinners, mints on the pillow with turndown service in the evenings, sunset champagne cruise, etc. Check it out! www.greystoneinn.com