(credit: Thinkstock)
(credit: Catherine Lash)
Matthews Manor Bed & Breakfast
1726 Spring Stone Drive
Matthews, NC. 28105
(704) 708-5560
www.charlottebedandbreakfast.com
Price: from $129
Nestled off a main street, the rich-colored downstairs walls provide a splashy background for an eclectic collection of artwork. Tarry along the main hallway to appreciate the pieces, then your eyes will be drawn to the jewel-tone colors of the main sitting room. Choose from four upstairs bedrooms, each with a personal bathroom. Cool a bottle of wine or make a morning cup of coffee in the guest kitchen. Take an evening dip in the pool, or cozy-up in the entertainment room with a romantic movie. A full breakfast is provided. If you’re accustomed to a morning walk or run, just across the street sits a 98-acre park full of trails, a fishing pond and picnic tables. Military, businessmen, physicians, honeymooners and moms from across the country frequent Matthews Manor B&B for a peaceful respite from daily routines.
(credit: Catherine Lash)
Latta Equestrian Center
6201 Sample Rd.
Huntersville, NC. 28078
(704) 992-1550
www.lattaequestriancenter.com
Price: $45 for 75 minute private lesson/$25 per person for 45-minute trail ride/$35 private ride per person/$65 two-hour sunset ride with steak or chicken dinner
The equestrian center sits on 1,351 acres of the Latta Plantation and Nature Preserve Center, a circa 1800s cotton plantation and living history farm just a stones throw north of Charlotte. It offers demonstrations, Civil War camps, self and guided tours, educational programs for kids and animals. Schedule a 10 a.m. morning ride, and then enjoy a canoe ride or kayaking on Mountain Island Lake. Be creative, and let the imagination flow, as this is a beautiful backdrop for a romantic picnic or intimate conversations.
(credit: Thinkstock)
The Spa at Ballantyne
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
Charlotte, NC. 28277
(704) 248-4141
www.theballantynehotel.com
Click here for offers and packages
The therapeutic benefits of a massage are especially tantalizing when experienced as a couple. The spa offers first-class treatment for face, body, hair and nails, including a sauna and steam room. Choose from a variety of massage types, including Swedish massage, golfer’s sports massage, holistic indulgence or custom therapeutic massage. The spa includes a hair salon and wellness facility. When calling to reserve an appointment, ask about offers and a special for couples.
(credit: Catherine Lash)
Cafe 157
157 N. Trade St.
Matthews, NC. 28105
(704) 844-8686
www.cafe157.com
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two outside on a patio immersed in small town charm. For starters, try muscles, clams or shrimp. Don’t miss out on fried pickles in a cajun ranch dipping sauce. Entrees include pastas, sandwiches, seafood, pan-seared beef and even a vegetarian plate. A light dinner menu includes a Black Forest corned bef reuben or a 157 burger. This is casual, relaxed eating. Enjoy dessert, or save it for midnight hours.
(credit: Catherine Lash)
Black Chicken Wine Cellar
131-1B Matthews Station St.
Matthews, NC. 28105
(704) 321-1244
www.blackchickenwinecellar.com
Stop by this little shop before settling in for the night. Choose from more than 450 of some of the world’s best wines. Ask the shop owner for his opinion on a bottle for the best recommendations in town. It offers 16 wines by the glass available to taste as well. Jelly Jar from Zinfandel has been a hit this summer. The little shop in historic downtown Matthews, near the library, offers wine tastings every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. With the perfect bottle of wine and stars overhead, a bottle from Black Chicken promises a perfect night.
