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Date ideas for every type of Richmonder

Whether you’ve got a hot new fling or are looking to spice things up with your longtime partner, we’re here to help plan your next date in the River City.

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Shopping and snacks at the BIG Market could be a great first date.

Photo by RICtoday

Table of Contents

Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to RICtoday.

Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ date night ideas for a romantic excursion in the River City.

⭐️ Senior City Editor Robin here. I’ll be popping in throughout the guide with some personal tips — look out for the star emoji.

If you want a night out on the town

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Grab tacos and a marg at Big Chile in the Fan.

Photo by RICtoday

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

  • Design your own unofficial taco tour with our ultimate map to all the local spots.

⭐️ You could do a similar challenge with our map of pizza places, menus with mac and cheese, or burger joints.

⭐️ Looking for atmosphere? Consult our outdoor dining guide to find the perfect patio for date night.

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A walk along the floodwall could lead you to a dinner in Manchester.

Photo by RICtoday

If you love the great outdoors

  • Explore the trails near the flood wall in Manchester, then cross the T. Pott Bridge and make your way to the Canal Walk.
  • Combine a nature walk and art project by making cyanotype prints. Pick up the materials from Plaza Art, then take a stroll through a local park to gather leaves, flowers, and sprouts to produce handmade prints.
  • Order a grab-and-go meal from a local restaurant and set up a picnic at a nearby park — we’ve got ideas for good pairings.

⭐️ For all you bookworms — if you pass a Little Free Library on your neighborhood walk, borrow two books and start reading. Pro tip: Choose a shorter book or something out of the ordinary to prompt discussion.

If you like to play games (just not with your heart)

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Rage RVA can help you blow off steam on a date or with pals.

Photo via Rage RVA

If you’re really hoping that it works out

  • Get a pair of day passes at Peak Experiences and climb the day away.
  • Take a class together at a local gym — couples yoga, anyone?
  • Break a sweat by breaking stuff at Rage RVA, where you can demolish bottles, copiers, computers, and vehicles.
  • Rent some skates and get out on the rink at Rollerdome.

⭐️ There are plenty of local parks with athletic facilities ideal for a fun afternoon. Try out pickleball, give the disc golf course at Bryan Park a spin, or just shoot some hoops.

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Get to the drive-in early to get your spot and your snacks.

Photo by RICtoday

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

  • Keep it classic with dinner before a catching a movie at The Byrd Theatre, which has been showing films since 1928.
  • Order an old fashioned at The Jasper, a classic cocktail bar with contemporary twists.
  • Make a reservation or stop by one of the oldest restaurants in the River City for a meal decades in the making.
  • Roll into the Goochland Drive-In for a movie under the stars complete with popcorn and ice cream.

If you wanna show off your local knowledge

  • Shameless plug: Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it — you can take all the credit.
  • Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around Richmond with our events page.

What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, let us know.

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