Visitors and locals alike can benefit from great date night ideas, and we have more than a few of those in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. 

Those who are long-time married, just getting to know each other, or parents in desperate need of an evening alone will find this list to be of value. In fact, you can spin these suggestions to experience them again in reverse, because the food and beverages are that good at all of them. 

Town Center Tap House and Tizzone Wood-Fired Kitchen and Wine Bar | Daleville  

There’s a little bit of everything to drink at Town Center Tap House: 40 taps, 40 bottles and cans, and nearly 40 wines. It’s an excellent place to begin your evening, and Tizzone is a great place to grab dinner afterward. Share a wood-fired pizza with your fave human, or check out the two twofer nights (Tuesdays and Thursdays) when the menu is all about two!

Learn More: Town Center Tap House Beer Menu > | Tizzone Menu >

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Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse and Alexander’s | Roanoke 

When martinis are your go-to, there’s nowhere else to go but Frankie Rowland’s. They offer 70 distinct martinis with their claim-to-fame being a fresh pineapple martini. Delicious! Don’t knock back too many drinks, however, as dinner at Alexander’s is not something you want to miss. It’s a favorite fine dining option and was voted the “Best Downtown Restaurant” for 2018.

Learn More: Frankie Rowland's Menu > | Alexander's Sample Menu >

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Fork in the Alley and The River and Rail | Roanoke 

Drinks on the patio is an awesome way to start a date, and one of our favorite patios is Fork in the Alley Brick Oven Pub. Bottles, cans, and 16 taps ensure you have a nice array of craft beer to choose from before you head over to the award-winning River and Rail for dinner. At R&R, you’ll experience wonderful dining with an expertly crafted menu. They also serve excellent craft cocktails.

Learn More: Fork in the Alley Beer List > | The River and Rail Menus >

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Franklin County Distilleries and Holly Jo’s Creekside Grill | Boones Mill 

If you’ve never experienced a whiskey flight, now’s the time to do so in the “wettest county in the world,” Franklin County, Virginia. Franklin County Distilleries’ tasting room is pouring history with every drop of White Label Corn Whiskey. Your tasting is limited to three ounces per person per day, so it won’t be long before you’re off to Holly Jo’s for a downhome comfort food style of dinner and fantastic burgers. Try the pimento cheese!

Learn More: Franklin County Distilleries Tasting Room > | Holly Jo's Creekside Grill Menu >

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Big Lick Brewing and Beamer’s 25 | Roanoke 

Craft beer lovers will enjoy the beer garden at Big Lick Brewing Company prior to dinner at Beamer’s 25, the restaurant named after Virginia Tech Hokies football coach Frank Beamer. The casual menu features burgers and pizza, so this date is great for a laid back couple just looking to chill.

Learn More: On Tap at Big Lick Brewing Company > | Beamer's 25 Menus >

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Golden Cactus Brewing and Tuco’s Taqueria Garaje | Roanoke 

It doesn't get much easier than drinks at Golden Cactus Brewing and dinner from Tuco's Taqueria Garaje, considering the two spots basically share a parking lot in Downtown Roanoke's funky West Station District! Be sure to snap some pics of the awesome art painted on the sides of the buildings in the area.

Learn More: Golden Cactus Beer > | Tuco's Menus >

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Twin Creeks Distillery and Rocky Mount Burger Company | Rocky Mount 

A drinks & dinner combo at Twin Creeks Distillery and Rocky Mount Burger Co. could also be paired with catching a concert at the Harvester Performance Center, with all three locations located next to each other in Rocky Mount. Twin Creeks Distillery is a wonderful spot to learn about Franklin County's rich history and heritage of moonshine and craft liquor production.

Learn More: Twin Creeks Distillery Spirits > | Rocky Mount Burger Co. Menu >

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202 Social House and Nawab | Roanoke 

If the magic happens in the back of the house, then 202 Social House’s speakeasy is one magical place. Wander back there and treat yourself before partaking in delicious Indian cuisine at Nawab. Nawab specializes in authentic dishes that highlight the culture and flavors of northern India.

Learn More: 202 Social House Menus > | Nawab Restaurant Menus >

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Wasena City Tap Room and Grill & bloom | Restaurant & Wine Bar | Roanoke 

Wine, mixed drinks, and craft beer and cider get you started along the greenway at the Wasena City Tap Room & Grill in Roanoke's trendy Wasena neighborhood. You can keep the drinks flowing and pair them with amazing small plates featuring unique seasonal flavors and ingredients at bloom | Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Learn More: Wasena City Tap Room Menu > | bloom Menu >

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Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill and Sidecar | Roanoke 

The awards at Martin’s include “best bar,” so you won’t go wrong bellying up to theirs. Eight taps, 75 bottles or cans, and plenty of the hard stuff means you won’t go thirsty. We're headed right next door for dinner to enjoy the old-world, European style plates and drinks at Sidecar!

Learn More: Martin's Menu > | Sidecar Menu >

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Now that there’s no excuse for a date night (except a babysitter, maybe), it’s high time you make those reservations and celebrate coupledom. Cheers to love and laughter!

Many of the spots mentioned in this list are part of the Virginia's Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. Check out the Cheers Trail Passport Program to find out how you can receive exclusive specials and fun swag as you visit these locations! Learn more >

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