Dating is fun! Whether you are meeting for the first time or looking for a night out to spice up your married-life routine, a great date can help you connect through laughter, conversation, and of course, trying something new together. Here in Morgantown, there are so many unique opportunities for fantastic dates. Day dates, evening dates - I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite Morgantown date ideas to bring a little romance to your relationship.

7 Morgantown Date Ideas to Spice Up Your Next Romantic Outing

West Virginia Botanic Gardens

If you and your date love the outdoors, check out the West Virginia Botanic Gardens. There are seven trails to wander, each less than a mile long, as well as a wetland boardwalk and a few other small trails to explore. Their gorgeous gardens bloom from spring through fall, like their Butterfly Garden, adorned with bright, fragrant flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinators, and the shade garden, with plenty of wildflowers and small trees.

Pack a picnic for a romantic pit stop, just the two of you - but be sure to pack a blanket and anything else you may need, as the gardens don’t currently have tables, shelters, or trash receptacles. Another bonus? Admission to the Gardens is free (although a small $5 donation is requested), so it’s the perfect way to spend quality time with your date without blowing the budget.

Cheat Lake Swimming

There are few things better than a beach day, and spending some time in the sun and sand is a perfect day date. Cheat Lake is the perfect spot for lying on the beach or boating! The beach area is a haven for families and campers, so it does get pretty popular on warm, sunny weekends. Pack a beach picnic with refreshing snacks and drinks to beat the heat. You can also bring a frisbee or volleyball to get up on your feet for some friendly competition!

Splashing around in the lake can be a fun, flirty way to heat things up as you cool down. Snuggling on the beach in a warm towel as you dry off can be a great excuse for some physical affection. If you don’t feel like eating on the beach, the area now has some great little restaurants like Apple Annie’s. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Forks of Cheat Winery

You don’t have to travel to northern California to experience the romance of wine country. Forks of Cheat Winery is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its prize-winning wines made with old-world tradition.

On a fair weather day, you and your date can find a spot on their spacious deck with a glass of wine and some snacks, looking out over the romantic vistas of the mountains and the valley below. Take the opportunity to learn a little bit more about wine, or just kick back and enjoy each other’s company with a bottle of something delicious.

WVU Planetarium

Lying back and looking up at the stars is a classic romantic move. The WVU Planetarium makes it even more enjoyable by giving you an even closer look at the universe (with the added benefits of air conditioning and no bugs!) Settle into the darkness with your date and hold hands as you gaze up at the stars and planets.

This is one of the best Morgantown date ideas, as The Planetarium shows are educational and entertaining. You’ll be humbled and inspired by the vastness of the universe, with your date cozily nestled nearby. The planetarium shows are free, but you must make reservations in advance.

Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest is home to some of the most iconic views in Almost Heaven, with canyon overlooks, historic sites, picnic shelters, sandstone cliffs, and a lake perfect for fishing and rafting. With over 50 miles of trails that wind in and out of the forest, you can spend your day hiking or biking, taking in some incredible views and historic discoveries along the way.

Those feeling adventurous can try their hands at whitewater rafting on the nearby Cheat River. You can also arrange a float trip on the flatwater sections of the river and spend the afternoon idly drifting down the river. For lunch, pack a picnic and enjoy dining outdoors at one of their numerous picnic sites, fully equipped with tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and looking for an overnight date, you can also spend a night or two camping at Coopers Rock! Don’t worry; you won’t be totally roughing it! Their campsites have electrical hookups, a central bath house with showers, drinking water, laundry, and other amenities.

West Virginia Public Theatre

Rather than another date night at the movies, try taking in a show at the West Virginia Public Theatre! For over 30 seasons, they have presented live productions featuring local and national talent for the Morgantown community.

You just may find yourself watching a Broadway star up on their stage! The shows they produce range from the timeless, familiar classics to brand-new shows that tackle contemporary, relevant issues. Make it a proper date night by taking in dinner and drinks before or after the show at one of the nearby restaurants.

Art Museum of WVU

Exploring a quiet museum can be an intimate way to spend time on a date. The Art Museum of WVU has unique exhibitions that change each semester, so there is always something new. A good piece of art can inspire an in-depth conversation and help you get to know the inner workings of a person’s mind.

Art, after all, is rooted in emotion, and the stories that artwork tells can move us to share our own. There is also the Nath Sculpture Garden to explore, which surrounds the museum and intertwines art with native plants and trees.