Best Romantic Dinners in the High Country
There’s no doubt that the High Country is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. But if you don’t have a weekend to spare, don’t worry – with its abundance of nature and wildlife, as well as sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the High Country can even turn something as simple as a dinner date into a romantic, luxurious, and delicious experience! We’ve put together some of our favorite High Country restaurants that are sure to take your date night to the next level.
Gamekeeper Restaurant & Bar
Located right between Boone and Blowing Rock, Gamekeeper Restaurant & Bar is known throughout the area for its locally-sourced game and country charm. Housed in a 1920s-era stone cottage, the restaurant – which dates back to 1987 – has a rustic flair that will make you feel right at home among the maple and poplar trees surrounding it.
In addition to its cozy interior and beautiful views, Gamekeeper offers a unique and award-winning menu sure to satisfy meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The restaurant uses exotic twists on traditional Southern comfort food for a dining experience like no other. Paired with a kind and knowledgeable staff – as well as an unbeatable martini menu – it’s no wonder Gamekeeper was honored with the AAA Four Diamond Award nine years in a row. With half-off wines every Thursday night, you may have just found your new date night spot.
Twigs Restaurant & Bar
Half a mile from downtown Blowing Rock sits Twigs Restaurant & Bar, a landmark restaurant open since 2000 with the idea of ‘casual mountain elegance’ in mind. Whether you choose to sit in the twinkling lights of the dining room or by the warm fireplace in the bar area, you’re sure to feel the mountain charm that the High Country is known for. With classic American dishes that have a special Southern twist, Twigs specializes in placing quality and care into each of their creations.
Twigs is the perfect restaurant for that coveted weekend date – it features live music every Friday and Saturday night until 1 a.m. which means you can get your dinner, drinks, and entertainment all in one spot! Along with its award-winning wines list and extensive beer selection, Twigs has everything you and your significant other need to dance the night away.
The Table at Crestwood
Whether you’re staying at The Inn at Crestwood or not, its restaurant, The Table, is a must-visit for any dinner date. There’s nothing more romantic than the restaurant’s sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful North Carolinian countryside, and fine dining aficionados will fall in love with the elegant interior and Southern-inspired dishes. On milder days, aim for a patio table for even better views and crisp mountain air.
Your dinner date doesn’t have to end with dinner – head over to the Dawg Star Bar, also located in the inn, to continue your romantic evening. The bar is one of the best places for a sunset drink, and has access to the terrace and main lawn area for a perfect way to spend your night in the High Country.
Joy Bistro
If you’re looking to switch it up from Southern cuisine, Joy Bistro is a great dinner choice for couples looking to get a taste of France in downtown Boone. Don’t be fooled by its shopping mall location, this intimate restaurant is sure to up the romance with its candlelit tables and delicious French cuisine. And, it’s owned by college sweethearts Gary and Melissa Joy – you can’t get much more romantic than that!
In addition to its fresh and well-balanced menu, Joy Bistro also has weekly specials perfect for making every dinner a romantic one. Check out their local pasta and wine deal on Tuesdays or the Chef’s Three Course Meal on Wednesdays if you’re looking for a little something extra this date night.
Romance is everywhere in the High Country, and there’s no better way to prove it than with a romantic dinner at one of the area’s finest restaurants. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply looking to have a nice evening out, these date spots will satisfy the romantic in all of us.