20 Date Night Ideas In Carmel

I love a great date night! It is a wonderful chance to reset, focus on your significant other, and try out fun new places. Carmel is home to some of our favorite places to go on a date.

If you are stuck in a rut and have run out of date night ideas, look no further. In fact, we’ve been working hard to come up with the best date night ideas in Indianapolis. Also, for those of us who are still practicing social distancing, we even have 55 COVID date ideas.

First up, Carmel, Indiana. Carmel is really a bustling city lately, with lots of business and residential growth. If you live on the Northside, you likely know this, but if you are from any other area of the city, you may have not ventured up there recently. Get ready to learn about some of the can’t miss attractions, delicious restaurants, and hidden gems that Carmel has to offer.

Date Night Restaurants in Carmel

divvy

71 W. City Center Dr, Carmel

divvy is seriously delicious. Their motto is “sip, share, savor” and you will absolutely do just that. This over 21 restaurant focused on shared plates offers patrons a unique dining experience with a fabulous cocktail list to choose from. For your meal, I recommend trying a tour board that will come with 4 different samples of dishes to try. Typically my husband and I order different tour boards and try things from both. divvy is closed on Sundays. Carmel City Center offers complimentary valet parking Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5pm. 

Vivante French Eatery

1 Carmichael Square, Carmel

If you are looking for romance, check out Vivante French Eatery in the new Hotel Carmichael. Pick out a bottle of wine and some approachable French fare inspired by the French countryside. Vivante also offers brunch if you are looking for a brunch date! Vivante is open for Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5pm. Brunch is offered on the weekends. Another selling point for wintery weather, you can reserve the private igloos outside. With seating up to 6, a small heater, and the option to bring your own Bluetooth speaker, you can really control the romantic atmosphere of your date night. 

Pies and Pints

14550 Clay Terrace Blvd, Suite 100, Carmel

Close your eyes and just imagine this: you get to pick your favorite pizza and the kids have no say. A pizza and beer date is low stress and just all around fun. This pizzeria is located in the Clay Terrace shopping area. There’s even a date night pizza! You have to try it. There are lots of specialty pies to choose from including a street corn pizza, sriracha shrimp, and a steak and mushroom pizza. 

Savor

211 West Main St, Carmel

Savor is unique in that all of the dishes are made over a wood fire in an open kitchen. The menu is a twist on Mediterranean and Italian fare boasting handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and high quality meats. You had me at handmade pasta! They recently updated their patio so that it is covered and includes some fireside heaters. Very romantic and toasty warm.

Mimi Blue Meatballs

12505 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032

Mimi Blue has a few locations around Indianapolis and for good reason, the food is really, really good. The main fare on the menu is meatballs with different sauces and bases so that you can create unique to you dishes that are very satisfying. The atmosphere is great for a date night as well. You will feel closeness and comfort and have a wonderful culinary experience. On Mondays, there are half price bottles of wine and on weekends, the Mimi Blue brunch is worth waking up for!

Outdoor Date Ideas

Coxhall Gardens

11677 Towne Rd, Carmel

If you are looking for a beautiful place to enjoy time with your significant other, Coxhall Gardens is the place to be. Coxhall Gardens is the most romantic park in Hamilton County. 125 acres packed with the perfect paths for strolling hand in hand, bench swings, a picturesque lake and 2 gorgeous bell towers, not to mention, the grounds are impeccably kept. This is a great location for a picnic, stroll, or to have a mini photography session. Stick around and hear the Carillon Bell towers ring the time. During certain days, guided tours and garden or nature educational opportunities are available.

Carmel Arts & Design District

Main Street, Carmel

I love a relaxed date, visiting unique shops and perusing at my leisure. The Arts & Design District is great for this type of date. The area is home to many art galleries (like the super unique, World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery) and studios, boutique shopping, bars, restaurants and public art sculptures as well. Main Street in Carmel is the perfect location to promenade your love.

The Waterpark

1195 Central Park Dr W, Carmel

During the summer months, reserve a cabana and float on the lazy river. You’ll feel like you’re on a faraway vacation. Having your own space at a waterpark is a game changer and gives you space away from the kids running around. Take things slow on the lazy river and let your cares melt away. You can also plan to attend one of their 3 annual Monon Mixers; an over 21 event so you can enjoy the park without the kiddos.

Monon Trail

Monon Trail, Carmel

If you enjoy being active, include the Monon Trail on your list of date ideas. Grab your bikes and zip right by the Monon Community Center, The Waterpark, the Center for the Performing Arts, the Carmel Arts and Design District and even Clay Terrace. With the wind in your hair and the sunshine on your face, the Monon Trail runs from downtown Indianapolis north all the way up to Sheridan.

Carmel Midtown Plaza

365 Monon Trail, Carmel

Check out the newly revitalized area of Carmel’s old industrial center. This is now a great location for fun and entertainment. Enjoy an interactive play area equipped with outdoor billiards, ping-pong tables, and corn hole boards. Go head to head against your partner or challenge another couple to a game. This is conveniently located between the Arts & Design District and the City Center. There are many bars, restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops in this area as well.

Indoor Date Ideas

Peace Water Winery

37 W Main St, Carmel

Peace Water Winery is a lovely addition to any date night. The winery has a great mission; 50% of net profits and tips are donated to charity. Stop in for a tasting before or after your dinner reservation and try some varieties that are new to you! Expect comfortable seating and beautiful atmosphere.

Penn & Beech Candle Company

145 Elm St, Carmel

An activity is always a great way to ramp up any date. Penn & Beech Candle Company is so fun and unique, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from over 100 scents to fragrance your very own, custom item. Choose from large jar candles, room spray, wax tarts, and even body spray. A scent expert will help guide you through this process. Pouring takes approximately 20-45 minutes. Afterwards, candles need to cure for 90 minutes. This is a great chance to grab a drink (they serve beer and wine) or go and grab your dinner. 

Laser Flash

617 3rd Ave SW, Carmel

For a date with a competitive edge, try out laser tag. Laser Flash boasts a 7000 square foot arena where 42 players can participate at one time. Cool off with refreshments from Noble Roman’s. Beer and wine are also served. 

Painting with a Twist

301 E Carmel Dr A-500, Carmel

Enjoy step by step directions on how to paint on a canvas while sipping on a beverage or two. Register online from the Painting with a Twist calendar of events. There are often nights designated for couples where your 2 paintings will go together to form a larger painting. No need to have any experience painting, the artists are great at explaining how to paint on canvas. 

Flix Brewhouse

2206 E 116th St, Carmel

We often find it hard to schedule a babysitter for the time it takes to eat dinner and watch a movie. Enter Flix Brewhouse. You can order dinner, drinks, and snacks all while you watch the latest Hollywood hit. (Currently closed due to COVID-19 but will reopen sometime in 2021)

The Center for the Performing Arts

1 Carter Green, Carmel

The Center is home to three different venues where performances of all types are held. During COVID, many of the live performances are held over Zoom and are ticketed for a small fee or free of charge. Some events are currently held live and in person.

Sweet Treats for Your Date

Cake Bake Shop

799 Hanover Place, Carmel

Beautiful. I am always mesmerized by how gorgeously decorated this space is. The desert is true baking perfection. If you are looking for a rich slice of cake to share with your significant other, look no further. Other delightful baked goods, coffee, and small bites are available as well as some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Consider the Cake Bake Shop for an evening cocktail too! Their full bar and unique cocktails are second only to the cake.

No Label At The Table

111 W. Main St, Carmel

I love the message of this business: Include everyone at your table. This is a great spot if you or your date have have gluten or dairy intolerances. There are sweets and other foods to order and the business is staffed with a team of entrepreneurs who also happen to be on the autism spectrum. Supporting a business with an amazing mission is a wonderful way to add some extra purpose and thoughtfulness to a normal date night.

Indie Coffee Roasters

220 E Main St, Carmel

This coffee shop is so cute. It is inside of a quaint home making it inviting and cozy. A coffee date is low stress and easy going. It is also an easy idea to tack on to other date night plans. After dinner coffee is great and it also makes walking around looking at shops even more enjoyable.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

111 W Main St, Carmel

Totally customizable ice cream is a game changer. At Sub Zero, you can create something new and different every time you go in. Have your partner create a flavor combo completely different from you and swap bites. Sub Zero uses nitrogen on the spot to freeze your concoction into ice cream goodness. Additionally, they cater to a large variety of dietary need and sensitivities.

Xchocol’Art

228 W. Main St, Carmel

Meticulously crafted delicate chocolates scream fancy date night. As you may have guessed from the name, these chocolates are art. The truffles are beautifully decorated. These are the perfect bite to have while mingling between the different art galleries in Carmel’s Art and Design District.

 

Some photos provided by: Xchocol’Art, divvy, Painting with a Twist, Peacewater Winery

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