Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas in Charlotte

Valentine’s Day is Friday, and we know it can be the sneakiest holiday of the year. 

Restaurant reservation availability has all but dried up by now, but as of Wednesday evening there were still 72 local restaurants with some slots open (just don’t expect to be eating at 6 p.m.) OpenTable can help you find a spot that still has a table waiting for you.   

Beyond that, we’ve compiled some last-minute Valentine’s Day date ideas that can take the pressure off for any procrastinator and ensure an evening of fun. 

Escape Rooms

Maybe you perform better under pressure, or maybe you’re a little sadistic and want to see your date sweat. Either way, there are escape rooms for that. There’s Escapology, the Exit Strategy (with locations in north and south Charlotte), and Beat The Bomb to name a few — all of which still had plenty of slots open on Friday as of Wednesday evening. 

Beat The Bomb is particularly interesting because it’s more than an escape room. You’re not only trying to escape, you’re trying to diffuse a bomb that’s filled with paint, slime or foam — your choice. Fail to diffuse it in time and it explodes, placing you and your date in a sticky situation. 

Bear in mind that these places usually either make you book an entire room or will stick you with another group. It’s a great option if you’re looking to do a double date. 

Miniature Golf

Say what you want about mini-golf, aka putt-putt, but it’s a classic. It’s harmless fun and perfect for date night now that there are putt-putt venues actually geared toward adults exclusively. Puttery is one of those places. 

Puttery offers a Valentine’s Day package that allows couples to enjoy dinner before playing a game of mini golf. When the game is finished, enjoy dessert while trading barbs over bragging rights. 

The cost of $60 per person includes dinner and a game of golf. 

An Aphrodisia Dinner

If you want to go a little traditional with your Valentine’s Day plans while elevating that experience, Merchant & Trade has you in mind. The popular rooftop bar presents a prix-fixe dining experience they’ve deemed “Aphrodisia,” with plenty of slots left as of Wednesday evening. 

For $222, the dinner includes “an indulgent aphrodisiac” menu made for two with live music by DJ Red, DJ Glory and saxophonist Jazzy Zach. It’s a multi-course meal, so be sure to bring your appetites. If you’re not ready to get home because you’ve eaten yourself into a food coma or had too much to drink, consider booking a room at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel below the rooftop bar.

Arcade Bars

Games of any kind are great to incorporate into dates; they might help relax the mood and you can work off any anxiety. You could go to Dave and Buster’s, but there are better options that don’t involve children screaming in your ear. 

Slingshot CLT is a game lounge that features duck bowling alongside a slew of classic arcade games. Put your skills to use in Connect Four Hoops, in which participants have to shoot basketballs to connect four, or go for the originals and play some old school Skee-Ball or Dance, Dance Revolution.

Other options include Super Abari Game Bar, which is hosting a Very Super Valentine’s Day party that includes the popular venue’s annual split-flipper pinball tournament, a custom photobooth from local photog Kara Perry, food from A Tana Empanada and plenty of drink specials. 

Cooking Classes

Cooking with your partner is a great way to bond, and there are few things more romantic than preparing a meal together. 

Most of the in-person Valentine’s-themed cooking classes in the immediate Charlotte area are sold out, but if you’re willing to go a little farther out of your comfort zone, Viva La Noche is hosting a Valentine’s Day Sushi Workshop at The Print Shop by Amor Artis in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The class cost $65 and starts at 6:30 p.m. BONUS: An all-you-can-eat feast is included in the cost. 

If you’re not wanting to make the drive there, or anywhere else, you also have the option of doing a cooking class from the comfort of your own home. Cozy Meal offers online cooking classes with availability still open on Friday. Each class is taught by a different chef, so you’ll want to do research prior and make sure you’re well prepared.

If you don’t want to do the cooking at all, you could also find a private chef through the same website. 

Romantic Botanicals

Winter isn’t necessarily the ideal time to visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, but it can be a low-key perfect date under the right circumstances. Valentine’s Day just might be one of those circumstances. 

The Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe is hosting a very special iteration of its popular Pickin’ on the Porch series on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 2-4 p.m. Cozy up around the bonfire and vibe to love songs by JazzGroupProject. DSBG will be serving up s’mores kits, charcuterie and 35% off wine Friday through Sunday. 

Galentine’s at the Garden

You don’t need a romantic partner if you’ve got your girls with you. On the Sunday following Valentine’s Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden on North Davidson Street is hosting Galentine’s at the Garden featuring tarot readings, a mimosa bar, build-your-own flower bouquet, Caricatures by Cody, brunch by Five Little Birds, and live music by Ben Mignogna.