The Perfect South End Date

Love is in the air. From your partner to your pooch, here's how to celebrate with the loved ones in your life on an adventure in South End.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic adventure with your partner, a night out with the ladies, a play date with your four-legged friend, or a solo soirée, South End’s got you covered. From luxurious to laid back, elegant to easy-going, chic to casual, dynamic experiences abound in our vibrant, walkable neighborhood. Around every corner, you’ll find another reason to fall in love in (and with) South End.

Romantic Rendezvous

Wine and dine your better half on the ultimate date night (and day) in South End.

Start the day with some sweets for your sweetheart with doughnuts and coffee from Pepperbox Doughnuts. Order online for pickup or delivery and enjoy breakfast in bed. Once the caffeine has kicked in, spend the morning finding the perfect outfit and accessories for the evening.

Shop online or in-person at local boutiques like Five13 Studio, OMJ Clothing and 128 Park Avenue. Then take a break for a casual but intimate lunch at VANA or Leroy Fox.

Once you’re full and ready for an afternoon nap, head to Eden’s Therapy & Massage for a couples massage. If you want to continue the pampering, get a blowout at Kenna Kunijo or get your nails done at Cosmic Nails or Modern Nails. For the fellas, make an appointment at Caliber Men’s Grooming for a trim and shave.

Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine from Petit Philippe and flowers from Bookout Blooms to surprise your significant other before dinner. Make reservations or add your name to the waitlist at chic, chef-driven culinary spots like Bardo (eclectic American tasting menu), Yunta (Nikkei cuisine),La Capital MX (Mexican), Indaco (rustic Italian), Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails (seasonal small plates) or O-Ku (authentic Asian and sushi). Wrap up the romantic evening with a nightcap at Elsewhere, STIR, or Backstage Lounge.

Girls Day (& Night) Out

Grab your besties and get ready for a day full of Insta-worthy experiences in South End.

Depending on the vibe the group is feeling, kick off your girls’ day with mimosas and bloody Marys over brunch at The Suffolk Punch, Link & Pin or Eight + Sand Kitchen or with a group fitness class (and shopping for chic activewear) at Fit Atelier.

Continue the shopping escapade while also supporting local women-owned businesses at Girl Tribe Co. (don’t miss the Pop Up Loft on the second floor) and The Brown Sugar Collab. Fuel up for your afternoon activities with a healthy, casual lunch at Flower Child, Living Kitchen or Alchemy at C3 Lab.

Take an afternoon group class at Paddywax Candle Bar. Then head to Ultra Nail Boutique for manicures and Drybar for a blowout before dinner.

Once you’re dressed and photo-ready, stop by the Confetti Hearts Wall (1930 Camden Road) for a photo and then grab a cone from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (who doesn’t love dessert first?) before dining at Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish tapas and wine), Hawkers Asian Street Fare or Superica (Tex-Mex). End the night with drinks at the The Wine Loft or dancing at Oak Room. Did we mention the diverse list of margarita options at La Capital MX?

Doggy Day Date

As the old saying goes “every dog has its day,” but in South End, every day is the dog’s day. Leash up your pup and discover why South End is known for catering to canines.

Your pooch-approved plans for the day begin with a walk (or run) on the Rail Trail, a 3.5-mile community trail that runs alongside the LYNX Blue Line light rail tracks. The vibrant linear park features public art and murals and access to popular restaurants, cafes and bars. Be sure to make a stop at Canine Café or Pet Wants Charlotte: The Urban Feed Store for a handmade doggy treat. On Saturdays, take a walk through the South End Market at Atherton Mill on the Rail Trail at Tremont Avenue. Rotating vendors often feature pet-focused products. After your morning walk, stop by The Common Market South End for coffee and breakfast on the pup-friendly patio.

Next, head to Club Fetch or K9 Playland for your pup’s pampering session, where they’ll enjoy a bath, massage, “pawdicure” and more. Then take your dapper doggy out for lunch at 1501 South Mint, which features a fenced-in dog park in the back.

Spend the afternoon doing a pup-guided brewery/beer bar crawl, making stops at spots like Skiptown CLT, Charlotte Beer Garden, Hoppin’, Triple C Brewing Company, Sycamore Brewing, Resident Culture South End, or Wooden Robot Brewery. Reward your pooch with a frozen pup pop at Golden Cow Creamery or canine crunch ice cream at Two Scoops Creamery.

Wrap up your playdate with your pup with an early dinner (you’ll both be dog-tired at this point) at Seoul Food Meat Co. Be sure to check out the dog run/park on the back patio.

Treat Yourself

We all hear how important self-care is to stay healthy, both physically and emotionally. But every once in a while, we need to take it one step further and really spoil ourselves (hello, gooey chocolate chip cookies from Insomnia Cookies).

South End has so many ways to indulge. Get your endorphins flowing first thing with a sweat session at BK Pilates, Jamie Scott Fitness or Sweat Method or get a day pass at Inner Peaks for two hours of rock climbing. Then stop by Clean Juice for an organic juice, smoothie or acai bowl. After working so hard, you deserve a relaxing massage, facial or specialty spa service. Set up a personalized spa session at OVME, Rejuvenate Mind Body Soul, or Re Salon and Med Spa.

After pampering yourself, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to refuel. Enjoy a flavorful sandwich from Poppy’s Bagels & More or stop by Lincoln’s Haberdashery for a quick solo (and delicious) lunch. After lunch, go on a free self-guided art tour with South End Interactive.

Spend the afternoon on a mini-shopping spree for yourself. Pop into Sephora for some new makeup, Free People, Boem and Anthropologie for a new outfit, Mindful Market for a new houseplant, Society Social for a new piece of home décor and The Golden Carrot for a unique piece of jewelry specially picked for you, by you.

While you’re finishing up shopping, place a to-go order for a steak dinner from The Dunavant or a mouthwatering burger from Bang Bang Burgers. Or take it up a notch and spoil yourself with both a burger and sushi from Blacow Burger & Sushi. Then have dessert delivered from Insomnia Cookies or BW Sweets Bakery (cake by the slice is available).

Ballin' on a budget? Check out free and cheap date ideas in South End!

See the guide to International Cuisine in South End, or the list of all the neighborhood's bites & brews.

Not sure how to get to South End? We've got you covered.

No matter what vibe you’re going for on your next outing in South End, you’ll discover vibrant local restaurants, boutiques, and experiences that will have you falling in love with the neighborhood over and over again. Explore more things to do in South End and share your adventures on social media by tagging us at @SouthEndCLT and using the hashtag #SouthEndCLT.