Chesapeake, Virginia, is a charming city quietly sandwiched between the vibrancy of Virginia Beach and the beauty of North Carolina. The small-town feeling is met with big-city sophistication and provides a wealth of activities, especially regarding date ideas. The variety of things to do in this area stems from the miles of deep water canals, protected wetlands and forests, various parks and historic sites, exceptional restaurants, and numerous events and attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a fun date to enjoy during the day or simply romantic things to do in VA during the evening, Chesapeake has an option for you. To get you started, expert Virginia Beach Realtor® Brandon Carney has assembled a list of six of the best Chesapeake date ideas sure to satisfy everyone.
DINNER AT OFF THE HOOK SEAFOOD AND CHOPHOUSE
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Starting this list is an award-winning and highly loved restaurant serving quality fresh seafood and prime cuts. The casual and quaint atmosphere makes it the perfect location for those looking to enjoy quality time without too much fuss. Their extensive seafood menu, raw bar, and steaks have won many awards, including “Taste of Chesapeake” for three consecutive years.
Start the evening with their award-winning crab dip or calamari, and enjoy crab-stuffed salmon, lump crab cakes, or the eight-ounce filet mignon for your entree. Don’t forget to end the evening with one of their delectable desserts like the creme brulee or New York-style cheesecake. The location is also convenient for access to nearby parks and movie theaters, so the date doesn’t have to end here.
TAKE A PADDLE TOUR WITH ADVENTURE KAYAK AND SUP TOURS
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A moonlight kayak tour is one of the best options out there when looking for things to do in Chesapeake, VA, for couples, especially if you’re an avid outdoor lover. If you’re ready to experience and explore a magical evening under the stars, consider the two-hour guided tour your next date night. On this guided tour along the water, sit back and enjoy the stunning sunsets and wide-open skies, searching for shooting stars and constellations, and appreciate the beauty surrounding you. After all, it doesn’t get any more romantic than an evening under the stars out on the water.
PACK A PICNIC AND SPEND THE DAY AT OAK GROVE LAKE PARK
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Oak Grove Lake Park in Chesapeake has more than 65 acres of expansive and scenic spaces, forests and wetlands, scattered trails with picnic tables and benches, and a beautiful lake at the center of it all. Grab your picnic basket and prepare a lovely lunch before heading to the park for a fun-filled daytime date. Once you arrive, begin by wandering the trails through the forests and enjoying the butterflies, dragonflies, and songbirds known to the area. After you’ve enjoyed a walk around the lake, find a spot alongside the lake to enjoy your picnic. Allow the warm sun to wash over you as you take in the beautiful views surrounding you while enjoying a nice lakeside picnic with your date. What better way to spend a relaxed afternoon in the fall than enjoying a picnic in the park?
SEE A MOVIE AT THE CINEMA CAFE
When looking for a beloved Chesapeake movie theater, the Cinema Cafe takes the top spot and makes a great date option for any time of day. This one-stop spot is the perfect option for a casual dining experience and a movie, with an impressive array of meal options ranging from burgers and pizzas to salads and chicken. The full-service wait staff allows you to enjoy drinks, snacks, or a full meal without leaving the auditorium. This simple date idea takes little planning—not much more than picking a movie time and purchasing seats—but it makes a memorable choice.
ENJOY A ROMANTIC DINNER AT LUCE SECONDO
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Adding another restaurant to the list, we have Luce Secondo, an elegant and upscale dining experience that features a contemporary twist on classic Italian food. What began as a simple lunch between friends quickly transformed into the making of a dream that now focuses on a fusion of various Italian regions to create an exceptional tasting menu.
Start your evening with a glass of wine or local brews before enjoying any classic options. A variety of shareable antipasti selections like bruschetta, mushroom toast, and calamari are excellent options to start. Continue your meal with seafood cioppino, smoked salmon arrabbiata, Pollo al Sud, or veal chop Milanese. No date night is incomplete without dessert, so don’t forget to ask about options to round out your meal with one of their delicious desserts. This spot also makes an excellent choice for those celebrating special occasions, like anniversaries and birthdays.
SPEND THE DAY AT THE CHESAPEAKE ARBORETUM
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Another great daytime option, named a Virginia treasure by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, is exploring the Chesapeake Arboretum. This 48-acre location in the heart of Chesapeake features plenty of walking trails, bridges, pavilions, picnic areas, and educational offerings. It is also home to the Caleb Williamson Farm House, the Camellia Cove, and an assortment of antique and fragrant rose gardens.
Enjoy the day wandering through the trails and experiencing various educational offerings that highlight the ecological and historical significance of the area. Take a self-guided tree walk and learn about the multiple trees in the area and their seasonal offerings. The Chesapeake Arboretum is another great place to consider packing a picnic and enjoying a quiet, romantic lunch or early dinner.
While these six ideas are lovely for anyone looking for the perfect date option, they are not everything Chesapeake offers. A city as enjoyable as this and with ample entertainment options provides endless date choices, and with a bit of creativity, you’d be surprised at what you can do. If you’re new to the area, contact expert agent Brandon Carney for guidance into all that Chesapeake has on the table. And, if you’re ready to look into Chesapeake homes for sale, let Brandon be your guide to the amazing properties in the area. Reach out today!
