From first dates to anniversaries, birthdays and more, SoIN has the perfect date night itinerary for you and that special someone no matter your budget.
Free Date Ideas in SoIN
Have a romantic date in SoIN without spending a dime! Southern Indiana is home to several free activities that are perfect for date night. Here are a few of our favorite free date night ideas.
Arts Inamorata
Spend quality time with your special someone with a stroll around the NoCo Arts and Cultural District, one of Indiana’s 12 accredited art districts. Snap selfies with the district’s brightly colored murals and learn more about the area’s history at Clark County Museum. NoCo happens to be part of the Inspired SoIN passport, a free digital passport introducing you to some of Southern Indiana’s best public art installations. Pack a picnic to enjoy at Big Four Station Park. End the evening with a sunset stroll on Big Four Bridge.
Upgrade: If you don’t mind spending a bit on dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to dine in or carry out in Downtown Jeffersonville, including Kabuki, Ramiro’s Cantina and Parlour.
Park Adventures for Two
Who doesn’t love a walk in the park? Southern Indiana offers plenty of green spaces for you and your partner to enjoy for free. Ashland Park provides stunning views of downtown Louisville and the Ohio River, and it’s just a short distance from the Falls of the Ohio State Park, where you can explore 390-million-year-old fossil beds! Couples on the sportier side can enjoy a few matches of pickleball at Ray Lawrence Park, Sam Peden Community Park or Lottie Oglesby Park. More parks in SoIN
Upgrade: Elevate your outdoor date experience with a hike at Charlestown State Park, which charges a $7 entrance fee for Indiana Residents ($9 for out-of-state). Admission is free with an Indiana state park pass.
(Window) Shop with Your Sweetie
The downtown areas of Jeffersonville and New Albany are lined with a variety of shops. Whether you're interested in vintage and antique stores, modern boutiques, home goods or gifts, there's something to captivate every couple's interest. In New Albany, peruse the shelves of Odd Shop for nostalgic pieces or check out The Wildflower's assortment of goodies. In Jeffersonville, stop inside Mood or YIMM for a little thrifting or Sapphire on Spring to plan your next date night outfit.
Upgrade: Honor your inner shopaholics and treat yourselves to a gift!
Budget-friendly Date Ideas in SoIN
Cost: $
Southern Indiana offers plenty of budget-friendly date ideas, proving that romance doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Enjoy a memorable time with your partner without breaking the bank. Keep reading for budget-friendly ideas to consider when planning your next date.
Meet Me at the Museum
If you share a love for history, this date idea is perfect for you! Start by visiting the Vintage Fire Museum in Jeffersonville, which boasts a nationally renowned collection of fire engines and artifacts from the 1700s onward. Admission is just $7 for adults. Nearby, you can explore the Howard Steamboat Museum, a fascinating historical tribute to the region’s maritime industry housed in a Romanesque Revival-era mansion. Admission here is $12 for adults. Continue your date dive into history in New Albany at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site. Constructed in 1867, this grand Victorian home showcases the elegance of the philanthropic Culbertson family. With 20,000 square feet of beautifully preserved history and Victorian style, the tour is sure to be a delightful experience. Admission is $12 for adults. More museums in SoIN
Drive-in Movie Night
This seasonal date idea is perfect for nostalgia lovers! Grab your blankets and snacks and enjoy a movie or two under the stars in SoIN. Since opening in 1951, the Georgetown Drive-In has been a favorite date spot for 73 years! The drive-in is open from mid-spring through early autumn. Admission is $12 for adults. During the warmer months, cool off with a cone or sundae from nearby Polly’s Freeze. Another SoIN fave.
Shoot Some Stick
Keep date night casual with some libations and a few games of pool at a local bar. Check out places like Mac’s Hideaway or Our Lady of Perpetual Hops in New Albany. More on SoIN’s craft beverage scene
Date Night Dining
Skip the cooking and treat yourself to a meal out! SoIN offers plenty of budget-friendly dining spots perfect for a date night. If you’re in the mood for street-style food and entertainment, check out FaiDodos in Sellersburg. The buffalo chicken egg rolls are a must-try! Expand your palate at Aladdin’s in New Albany, where you can enjoy delicious homemade Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. For beers, burgers, brats and more head over to Dog Haus Biergarten in New Albany. Other budget-friendly options include Cluckers, Mai’s Thai or Lady Tron’s for a lunch date.
Money to Spare
Cost: $$
If you're looking to spend a little more, these stops will give a night to remember while leaving a little change in your pocket.
Farm Frolic
Huber’s Orchard & Winery has been a can't miss destination in SoIN since the 1970s and Starlight Distillery has been serving up its spirits since 1998. Both are part of a 7th generation family farm offering plenty of scenic spots to pair with your drink. Sign up for a farm-to-glass tour, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how both wine and spirits are handcrafted on the Huber farm from the field to the bottle. Don’t forget to visit the farmer’s market and pick fresh fruit or produce to take home!
Playful Hearts at the Park
The Charlestown Family Activities Park has seasonal attractions that are perfect for date night. Enjoy roller skating and putt-putt during the warmer months and holiday light viewing in November & December.
Grub and Games
Union Restaurant & Gameyard has everything you need for a perfect date night in SoIN. Enjoy cold drinks, delicious food, and a variety of games—you could easily spend hours there! Play a couple of games of yard pong or battle each other on the selection of arcade games inside. End your date with a walk around Big Four Station Park or across the Big Four Bridge. In New Albany, step back in time at Recbar 812, a retro haven packed with pinball machines and arcade games. It delivers delicious food (don’t miss their tater tot nachos) and nostalgia at every turn.
Dinner for Two
Enjoy a romantic evening at one of our award-winning restaurants, all featuring locally sourced ingredients. Choose 1894 Lodge in New Washington, highlighted in the Netflix documentary "Wrestlers," where you can savor the egg roll of the week, Cajun pasta and more. At Red Yeti in downtown Jeffersonville, the Kentuckiana Hot Brown is a must-try and many swear by their fried chicken. Or visit The Exchange Pub + Kitchen in downtown New Albany for their delicious goat cheese fritters and one of the chef’s signatures dishes.
Go All Out
Cost: $$$
If the sky's the limit, check out our top recommendations for those looking to splurge!
Shoot Your Shot
Test your aim at the Sporting Club at the Farm with a round of sporting clays! For just $49 per shooter (plus $40 for gun rental, if needed), see who’s got the best shot. Plus, you’ll get to admire the scenic views of rural Floyd County. Loser buys dinner! Don’t forget to check their hours of operation before you go.
Get Crafty
Tap into your creative sides with a craft-style date night. Attend a couple’s painting night at Viva Art or check out their class calendar to pick your favorite project. If you’re into pottery, take a Pottery + Wine class at the Wine Shop with local artist Scott Cooksey (Pots by Scott) or head over to Earth & Fire in New Albany to paint premade pottery pieces.
Top Chef Experiences
Head to Brooklyn & The Butcher, a fine dining steakhouse in Downtown New Albany. Order up a few small plates to share or go big with a steak or seafood order. Ask to be seated in the Brooklyn room where local acts often perform. For a more interactive experience, book a dinner at MESA, A Live Dining Show. You and your partner will enjoy a gourmet evening as a top local chef prepares and serves a 3 to 5-course meal right before your eyes. Tickets go quickly! View MESA events calendar
“Dinnertainment” Served
Who doesn’t love dinner and a show? A true one-stop shop for an evening out, Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville is one of the oldest and most well-known dinner theaters in the country. Not only will you leave humming your favorite musical, but your appetite will be satisfied with a homestyle buffet and delicious desserts! Shows include Broadway classics and performances from the Children's Theater.
Make it an Overnight
End the evening with a stay at the Pepin Mansion, a cozy bed and breakfast on New Albany’s historic Mansion Row. Additional places to stay in Southern Indiana
Mix and match our recommendations to fit the perfect date night for you! See you in SoIN!
