8 animal-inspired date ideas around Charlotte, from a puppy play date to seeing an extra rare turtle
First dates can be awkward.
While I always appreciated the guy who asked me out for Italian (pasta all day!) or offered up the cliché ice cream date, both posed the potential to end with me accenting my carefully-curated outfit with sauce or chocolate (yes, I’m speaking from unfortunate experience).
My advice? Skip the dinner date and ease tension during that first meetup with the addition of a third wheel. With paws. Or wings. Or fins!
Not only do animals break the ice when meeting someone for the first time, but they also make for a unique romantic outing for even the most seasoned couples.
Here’s our guide for the best animal-inspired date options near Charlotte:
First Dates
Venture Under the Sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium
Located in Concord Mills, SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to over 250 species of aquatic animals, including Fuji the Radiated Turtle. Named for his favorite food, Fuji apples, this rare turtle, considered one of the most beautiful turtle species in the world because of its unique shell pattern, will live in the aquarium for a limited time. Additional exhibits include seahorses, stingrays, jellyfish and even an interactive touch pool (no, you don’t have to be a child to participate). The relaxed environment and colorful exhibits spark easy conversation and offer a novel first date experience.
Cuddle with Kittens at Mac Tabby Cat Café
via The first of its kind in Charlotte, Mac Tabby houses 12 adoptable cats in its “Cat Lounge.” Grab a coffee or kombucha and bond with your date over kittens. For only $12/hour (reservations recommended), this venue offers a romantic afternoon with the potential to bring home a new furry friend. There’s even cat yoga and art classes, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. Still not convinced? Read about Katie Toussaint’s experience – it may just change your mind!
Play with Pups at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew
via I’m always the person at the party ignoring humans to play with dogs, so I highly recommend incorporating pups into a date. Whether you bring your own, or just want to enjoy brews and wagging tails, Lucky Dog Bark and Brew is the ideal afternoon meeting spot. If you’re hungry, the venue offers selections from local food trucks and restaurants (I’d recommend something on the non-messy side for a first-time meeting). If you think he/she is worthy of a second date, here are 14 other spots for doggie dates.
Brave the Touch Tank at Discovery Place
via Discovery Place’s Instagram
Science lovers, this one’s for you. Explore tropical fish and animals in the rainforest display at the Discovery Place Science museum, or engage in hands-on experiences in the biodiversity lab. Tip: plan a date around the monthly Science on the Rocks event, an adults-only themed evening complete with adult beverages and interactive displays (here are five ways this can help you find love).
Seasoned Couples
Try Something New at Goat Yoga
via Wish We Had Acres’ Instagram
Move over, brewery yoga. Goat yoga will make you wonder why you ever attended a class devoid of adorable farm animals. Wish We Had Acres Farm in Steele Creek will hold Goat Yoga classes from April until October. A single drop-in class is $12, but you can purchase a season pass if you can’t imagine going back to yoga without goats. Pre-registration is recommended. It’s said that couples who engage in new adventures together tend to have longer relationships, so grab your mat and get ready for a memorable day on the farm!
[Related: Is goat yoga Charlotte’s next big fitness craze?]
Volunteer with Local Animal-Centric Organizations
via Carolina Raptor Center’s Instagram
Although I love dinner dates or venturing to new spots around Charlotte, some of my most rewarding dates occurred while volunteering. Spend time giving back to local animals at some of the local organizations including the Carolina Raptor Center, Charlotte SPCA, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue and the Charlotte Nature Museum, among many others. Tasks range from socializing animals, to administrative work, to grooming and conservation efforts. Here are some tips on finding where you want to volunteer.
Take a Day Trip to the Zoo
via Riverbanks Zoo’s Instagram
No matter your age, going to the zoo always poses an adventure. Although Charlotte doesn’t have its own, the nearby North Carolina Asheboro Zoo (about two hours from Charlotte) and South Carolina Riverbanks Zoo (about an hour and a half from Charlotte) offer the opportunity for a romantic day trip. Worth seeing: the baby koala at Riverbanks and the fluffiest polar bears at Asheboro.
Ride in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
via A Day in Fourth Ward’s Instagram
Channel your inner Cinderella on a horse-drawn Charlotte Center City Carriage Tour through the Historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. Weather permitting, tours are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, making for a relaxing and romantic pre-dinner date (I’d recommend Alexander Michael’s afterward!) And don’t worry, I did my research – these horses are well-cared for and never mistreated.
Skip dinner and branch out of your comfort zone. Even if the date doesn’t work out, you may at least find yourself with a new adopted furry friend or a favorite place to volunteer!
Photo: SEA LIFE Aquarium
This story was originally published March 25, 2018 at 11:00 PM with the headline "8 animal-inspired date ideas around Charlotte, from a puppy play date to seeing an extra rare turtle."