22 Lovely Date Night Ideas CARMEL EDITION

I love a great date night! It is a wonderful chance to reset, focus on your significant other, and try out fun new places around town. Date Night Ideas Carmel Edition has you covered with 22 of our favorite places to go and things to do for date night in Carmel.

Carmel, Indiana is really a bustling city, 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. There is so much to do and see, and great places to grab a drink or dinner. Get ready to learn about some of the can’t-miss attractions, delicious restaurants, and hidden gems that Carmel has to offer.

DATE NIGHT IDEAS Carmel Restaurants

Vivante French Eatery

1 Carmichael Square, Carmel
If you are looking for romance, check out Vivante French Eatery in the fancy Hotel Carmichael <– BOOK IT. 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! 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. 

3UP

201 W Main Street, Carmel
See and be seen at the trendy 3UP rooftop bar in downtown Carmel. Situated on the third floor above Anthony’s Chophouse, we often end up heading to the rooftop after a celebratory meal at Anthony’s. There is a lovely bar and indoor seating as well as comfortable outdoor seating over firepits on the rooftop patio. The views of downtown Carmel are amazing from the rooftop. Even in the winter, they enclose part of the patio for an indoor-outdoor experience. Live music is often performed on the patio as well so you can be serenaded as you sip on hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy a fancy dessert.

divvy

71 W City Center Drive, Carmel
divvy is seriously delicious with an intimate date night atmosphere. 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. 

Prime 47

14300 Clay Terrace Blvd, Carmel
If you’re looking for an excellent filet mignon, fresh seafood, and a glass of fine wine, Prime 47 is your date night destination. There are several different seating options, from private booths and side rooms to the bustling bar and mezzanine seating area overlooking the main dining room. Located in Clay Terrace Mall, there is plenty of parking as well as valet parking. You can go shopping at the outdoor mall before your dinner reservations or walk off the meal afterward.

Kona Grill

14395 Clay Terrace Blvd, Carmel
I have always loved Kona Grill. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser as you can order anything from sushi to meatloaf or burgers to mahi mahi. There is a sushi bar you can sit at and and watch your food being prepared in front of the giant fish tank. There is comfortable seating with booths lining the perimeter of the dining room. And there is a 21+ bar area with open-air seating in the warmer months. Kona Grill is located in Clay Terrace Mall so you can plan to grab appetizers or dessert at a number of restaurants along the strip.

Savor

211 West Main Street, Carmel
Savor is unique in that all of the dishes at this restaurant 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.

 

DATE NIGHT IDEAS Carmel Outdoor Activities

Monon Trail

14178 Rohrer Road, Carmel
If you enjoy being active, include the Monon Trail on your list of date ideas. Grab your bikes or walking shoes and zip right by the Monon Community Center, The Waterpark, the Center for the Performing Arts, the Carmel Arts & Design District, Midtown Plaza Carmel, and even Clay Terrace. There are tons of restaurants, art installations, and beautiful trails along the way to explore. With the wind in your hair and the sunshine on your face, enjoy a lovely stroll on the Monon Trail which runs all the way from downtown Indianapolis north to Sheridan.

Coxhall Gardens

11677 Towne Road, 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. This is a great location for a picnic, stroll, or a mini photography session as the grounds are impeccably kept. Stick around to hear the Carillon Bell Towers ring the time. On certain days, guided tours and garden or nature educational opportunities are available.

Carmel Arts & Design District

110 W Main Street, Carmel
I love a relaxed date, visiting unique shops, and perusing at my leisure. The Carmel 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, tons of restaurants, dessert stores, and public art sculptures as well. The Monon Trail runs right through it and can take you down to Midtown Carmel Plaza and Carmel City Center as well. Main Street in Carmel is the perfect location to promenade with your love.

The Waterpark

1195 Central Park Dr W, Carmel
During the summer months, reserve a cabana for the day then float on the lazy river at The Waterpark in Carmel. 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. There are two large waterslides and a FlowRider simulated surfing experience. You can also plan to attend one of their 3 annual Monon Mixers; an over 21 event so you can enjoy the park in the evening without the kiddos.

Pedego Electric Bike Tour

254 Veterans Way Suite E, Carmel
You can rent electric bikes right on the Monon Trail! With electric bikes, you can pedal as little or as much as you want to. Go farther and faster on the Monon Trail with an electric bike rental from Pedego Electric Bikes just north of Midtown Plaza. You can rent cruisers, premium bikes, and even a tandem bike by the hour or day! They also offer self-guided tours of the area so you can learn something new on your date.

Midtown Plaza Carmel

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

DATE NIGHT IDEAS Carmel Indoor Activities

Board and Brush

99 E Carmel Drive Suite 140, Carmel
At Board and Brush, anyone can make beautiful art that is also functional and personal. From clocks to serving trays to porch signs and clothing hooks, everybody can find something they need. Instructors show you how and where to sand, stain, stencil, and hammer so everything always turns out looking amazing. Working together and creating art would make for a wonderful date.

The Center for the Performing Arts

1 Carter Green, Carmel
The Center for the Performing Arts is home to three different venues where performances of all types are held. The grand Palladium is a 1,500-seat concert hall. The Tarkington is a 500-seat proscenium theater. And the Studio Theater is an intimate 200-seat black-box theater. Catch top touring bands in concert or a symphony at the Palladium or support local artists at the smaller theaters. There are multiple eateries and places to walk around before the show – all right next to the campus.

Flix Brewhouse

2206 E 116th Street, Carmel
We often find it hard to schedule a babysitter for the time it takes to eat dinner and go to the movies. Enter Flix Brewhouse. Flix is a microbrewery/theater where can order dinner, drinks, and snacks to enjoy all while you watch the latest Hollywood hit. The food is actually really good and the beers are brewed in-house! They also have special nights where they’ll show fan favorites from the past with fun games and contests. The seats are extremely comfortable and the sturdy tables pull in and out for eating. You can choose your seats online and with how spaced out the seats are, you’ll hardly notice others in the theater with you.

Peace Water Winery

37 W Main Street, Carmel
Peace Water Winery, located in the heart of the Carmel Arts & Design District, 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 full tasting or wine flight before or after your dinner reservation and try some varieties that are new to you! Expect comfortable seating, indoors and out on the back patio, and a beautiful lively atmosphere.

Laser Flash

617 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel
For a thrilling date with a competitive edge, try out laser tag. Laser Flash in Carmel boasts a 7,000-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. It’s always fun to build a little activity into a date night!

Penn & Beech Candle Company

145 Elm Street, Carmel
A creative activity is always a great way to ramp up any date. Penn & Beech Candle Company is so fun and unique, and 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. Afterward, candles need to cure for 90 minutes. This is a great chance to grab a drink (they serve beer and wine) or go and enjoy dinner as you’ll be right in the heart of Midtown Plaza Carmel. 

Ice Skating

1043 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel
There’s not much more romantic than ice skating hand-in-hand with your loved one. In the winter, make a reservation at the Ice at Carter Green to ice skate in the giant outdoor rink in the center of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. For year-round skating, the Carmel Ice Skadium offers public indoor ice skating. The Ice Skadium also offers “Stick and Puck” times and Cosmic Skating. Snacks and hot chocolate are available to purchase. Check out all of the ice skating rinks in Indianapolis if the Ice Skadium times don’t work for you.

DATE NIGHT IDEAS Carmel Sweet Treats

The 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.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

111 W Main Street, 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 needs and sensitivities.

Xchocol’Art

228 W Main Street, Carmel
Meticulously crafted delicate chocolates from Xchocol’Art 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 bites to taste while mingling between the different art galleries in Carmel’s Art & Design District.

 

If you are stuck in a rut and have run out of date night ideas, we’ve got you covered. In fact, in addition to the Date Night Ideas Carmel Edition, we’ve been working hard to come up with the best date night ideas in Indianapolis. Also, for those of us who still love the idea of social distancing, we even have 55 social distancing date ideas. Enjoy your night out!

 

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