We’ve all seen the romantic comedies where date nights go terribly wrong in a hilarious way. But when it comes to our own love life, we hope it’s more Hallmark than SNL. Whether you are looking for a perfect night out, rekindling an old flame or celebrating a long life together, Missouri has an endless amount of fun activities for couples to enjoy.
Kansas City
Eat
First impression is everything, so start your night at The Town Company, located in Hotel Kansas City. This intimate restaurant is led by a James Beard-nominated Executive Chef and Executive Pastry Chef who serve mouthwatering and inventive dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and amazing cocktails.
Nothing breaks the ice like eating with your hands. Make plans to dine at Char Bar Smoked Meats and Amusements in Historic Westport. Go all in and split the Womp! Platter, or savor the smoked flavors with sharable plates like the Charred Bits & Grits. After you eat, stick around, and enjoy the beer garden. It’s the largest in town, featuring a huge patio bar, picnic tables, fire pit, bocce court, cornhole, ping-pong and swings for those who like to embrace their inner child.
Experience
Team up with other couples and see how well you work together as you solve mysteries and puzzles at Breakout KC. Or, see if your judge of character is on target at Blade & Timber Axe Throwing in the Power & Light District. Nothing says, “I trust you,” like throwing axes together. Another great date spot is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The museum houses art from the last 5,000 years and showcases interesting rotating exhibitions … and it’s free!
Celebrating your anniversary? Treat your significant other to a relaxing retreat. The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs houses a 28,000-square-foot spa offering services and treatments to relax and reconnect as a couple. Check out the unique Grotto, designed to replicate a Roman bath, complete with steam shower, saunas, aromatherapy bar and more.
Hermann
Eat
West of St. Louis is the town of Hermann, known for its German heritage and wineries. It’s a perfect location for a weekend away. Start with dinner at Vintage 1847, once the carriage house and barn for the nearby Stonehill Winery. This eatery serves delicious German and American favorites with warm hospitality. Try the Schweineschnitzel, a thinly pounded fried pork loin cutlet, alongside German potato salad and braised red cabbage.
Tin Mill Restaurant is housed in one of the oldest and most recognized landmarks in Hermann. Once utilized as a grain elevator, the Tin Mill has a simple but varied menu in a rustic, warm setting. Start by sharing an order of Frikadellen, traditional German meatballs, and ending with the Apple Strudel Beignets a la mode. Ask for two spoons!
Experience
Kick back with your partner at the Inn at Hermannoff. The boutique hotel and hillside cottages are known for historic elegance paired with charming hospitality. Enjoy luxurious amenities, fireplaces, two-person soaking whirlpool tubs and oversized showers. Bonus: You’ll be within walking distance to wineries, shops, galleries and cultural spots.
There are so many things to do while enjoying your weekend getaway in Hermann. Visit one or all of the wonderful wineries and distilleries for tastings and tours. If it’s too hard to choose which winery to visit, remove the guess work and venture out on the Hermann Wine Trail, open year-round. These wineries offer daily wine tastings and six trail events with wine and food pairings.
Hermann also has wonderful distilleries. Black Shire Distillery uses locally grown grain and white oak barrels charred right down the road. Visit Polly’s Spring Room and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the peacefulness of Hermann Farm. Copper Mule Distillery, nestled just outside Hermann, creates Missouri-made Bourbon. Tour the rack house and production facility, listen to distillery history, and taste multiple bourbons paired with chocolate.
For an activity sure to bring you closer together, brave a nighttime History & Haunts walking tour. Knowledgeable guides will accompany you on a journey through stories and legends of the town’s most infamous ghosts and historical landmarks.
St. Louis
Eat
French may be considered the language of love, but you might reconsider after visiting St. Louis’ thriving Italian neighborhood known as “The Hill.” Case in point, Charlie Gitto’s offers vibrant flavors that have accompanied countless first dates, engagements and anniversaries. While the restaurant’s menu is full of mouthwatering dishes, don’t skip the toasted ravioli. It’s a St. Louis specialty for which Charlie Gitto’s is known.
For something more casual, but still Italian and perfect for a date night, grab your beau and head over to O+O Pizza. This inviting trattoria serves up St. Louis-style pizza and handmade pasta. Save room for dessert. The Salted Caramel Pretzel Budino is amazing accompanied by an Affogato, a double shot of expresso with vanilla ice cream.
Experience
Visit the iconic Clydesdales and taste beer straight from the finishing cellars during a tour at Anheuser Busch Brewery. Choose from four different experiences, including a Day Fresh Tour, Beermaster Tour, Clydesdale VIP Experience or Finisher Tour. After, enjoy hanging out and chatting in the biergarten over drinks.
Act like kids again at the ever-evolving, always-thrilling, artist-built playground known as City Museum. A one-of-a-kind attraction full of fun for all ages and interests. Zip down giant slides, explore caves filled with mythical creatures and check out the rooftop Ferris wheel.
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a must-see for couples of all ages. Friday and Saturday evenings are great times for adults to stroll through the underwater exhibits in a more intimate atmosphere. Afterwards, stop into the Union Station Soda Fountain and enjoy a shake or adult beverage like the St. Louis Standard – Gooey butter ice cream, whisky, topped with cola & caramel drizzle.
Columbia
Eat
C.C.’s City Broiler is a great place for any special occasion. The award-winning restaurant serves the finest, hand-selected meats and fresh seafood and turns them into beautifully plated dishes with an emphasis on quality. The Aunt Jackie is sure to impress. It’s the best of land and sea together with a tender filet mignon and South African lobster tail. C.C.’s also has a wonderful selection of wines.
For a more casual couples night out, take your date to Columbia’s first brewery, Flat Branch Pub and Brewing. Relax and enjoy the cool warehouse setting with house-brewed beer, a big selection of whiskey and upscale American pub fare. Flat Branch has a large outdoor patio for the warmer months and inside, the bar is known as one of the friendliest bars in Columbia. Local favorites include Spicy Spinach and Cheese Dip for a starter and Catfish and Chips, Bratwurst and Kraut, or the signature Charbroiled Romaine Salad for entrees.
Experience
Taking your date to the movies is a classic no-brainer. Visit Ragtag Cinema to watch the newest thought-provoking independent films. Before you find your seats, stop at Uprise Bakery to grab a quick bite and drink – you can bring them with as you watch the film. Afterwards, discover your date’s taste in music at Hitt Records, a popular independent record shop.
A couple that hikes together lasts forever. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located just 10 minutes outside Columbia and contains some of the most popular trails in the Show-Me State. Find solitude together on a daytime date while hiking through a variety of landscapes. View a cave system with its natural rock bridge and a spring and underground stream at the Devil’s Icebox. Couples can also test their teamwork skills using the park’s orienteering course to find their way through wooded areas using only a compass and map.
Springfield
Eat
You’ll find a lively good time at Golden Girl Rum Club located in downtown Springfield. The fun-filled spot is a tropical-inspired bar and kitchen with scratch-made cocktails and tasty pizzas.
With a motto of, “anything less than above and beyond is unacceptable,” you can’t go wrong with Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes. The exposed bricks, wood tables and leather seats give this gourmet burger joint cozy and romantic vibes. Grab a booth and start your date with great conversation and a sharable order of You Are Smokin’ Fries. Follow that up with a burger or dog and leave room for a boozy shakes.
Experience
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a wonderful option for date night. The facility is expansive at 350,000 square feet and offers 1.5 miles of indoor trails that guide visitors through habitats and stories of America’s most significant conservationists. For a special touch to your date, encounters with penguins or sharks can be added to your ticket for an additional price.
For those wanting to go all out for a celebration, check into the Hotel Vandivort. This boutique hotel offers cosmopolitan accommodations with the hospitality only the Midwest can offer. Slip down to the hotel eatery, The Order, for elevated New American fare. Check out the rooftop bar, aptly called Vantage, where you can make selections from the raw bar, charcuterie, and shareables as you watch the sunset together.
Whether you are seeking ideas for an intimate date night or a fun couple’s getaway, Missouri has so many endless possibilities. For even more ideas on unique activities for couples in Missouri visit https://www.visitmo.com/articles/unique-stays-and-experiences-in-missouri or check out date ideas in Branson.