1.
Delicious Food. Gotta start with the
obvious one here. There is nothing quite like eating warm food off your own
plate that makes eating out without kids simply delightful! Even if it’s a
quick bite somewhere near home, a quiet meal without kids in tow can be a real treat.
Here are a few favorite date night restaurants in the Hudson Valley:
- Brasserie 292, Poughkeepsie
- Aroma Osteria, Wappingers
- Bottoms Up, Slate Hill
- Greenview Tavern, Warwick
2.
Sip and Paint. Have a glass or two of
wine or beer to get your creative juices flowing at a sip and paint class. Try Pinot's Palette in Fishkill for an entertaining and creative evening together.
3.
A trip back in time. Dating as parents doesn’t
have to be 5pm dinner reservations and home before the sun sets. Bring it back
to your teenage years of bowling with friends at a local alley with your
partner. Many bowling alleys offer cosmic bowling, music and more. One of our
top picks is Quinnz Pinz where their fully renovated, modern atmosphere blends style and comfort, and delivers a unique vibe you won't find anywhere else.
Other favorite bowling alleys are Pat Tarsio Lanes in Newburgh, Patel’s Kingston Lanes in Kingston, and Spins Bowl in
Poughkeepsie, Wappingers, and Carmel.
4.
A Movie. Your ‘back to our teen
years’ date doesn’t have to end at the bowling alley. The Paramount Theater in Middletown, offers movies and live shows. Their programming has consistently appealed to widely diversified audiences representing the true identity of the community. The Rosendale Theatre in Rosendale, offers films and live performance to entertain, educate and inspire connection. The Moviehouse in Millerton is a state-of-the-art independent cinema with three high-tech digital screens plus an intimate screening lounge for smaller audiences, private parties, screenings, and events.
READ MORE: Overwhelmed by a busy schedule?
5.
Take a Walk. No matter the season, the
Hudson Valley is filled with beautiful landscapes and romantic architecture.
Take a stroll through Olana State Historic Site, a historic landmark that
was once home to renowned painter, architect, and landscape designer Frederic
Edwin Church. The Persian style mansion is filled with magnificent art from
around the world and stunning views of the Hudson Valley. On a warm day, visit
the homage to Hudson Valley history and beauty at Boscobel House and Gardens, a Neoclassical mansion
containing an impressive collection of decorative arts from the Federal period.
You could also take in the breathtaking views of the Hudson River with a stroll
over the Walkway Over the Hudson, the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, or enjoy the extensive gardens at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring.
6.
For the more adventurous. There is no shortage of
hiking in the Hudson Valley. Whether you and your partner are masters of the
mountains or prefer more of a glorified nature walk, find a trail that suits your comfort
level and break a sweat together. For a more romantic date, take a trip to Poets Walk in Red Hook where you and
your sweetie can snowshoe, walk or hike the rustic meadows and paths. The park
winds you through woods filled with footbridges, benches and rustic pavilions-
so romantic, it wasn’t dubbed Poet’s Walk for nothing. After your adventure at
Poets Walk, stop in for a bite at the famous Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck. The stone
fireplaces, dimmed lighting and cozy corners set the tone for a warm, romantic
meal.
7.
Pamper yourselves. Our guess is you could
really use some R&R. A great date night (especially for an anniversary,
birthday, or other special occasion) would be a trip to the Spa at the Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper. A wonderful night or
romantic weekend away, the Emerson has dining, gorgeous rooms, a spa to die for
and America’s Largest Kaleidoscope! Other favorite weekend/ date night spots
include the spa and restaurant at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, a luxury retreat at Hasbrouck House; or a trip to the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, in Rhinebeck.
8.
Fire and Ice. Visiting Bear Mountain is a year-round adventure.
While in the summer you can hike, boat and picnic, the grounds don’t die away
with the winter chill. Bear Mountain hosts hundreds of people each year to its
beautiful outdoor ice rink. Set among the mountains and snow, spend a romantic
night skating hand in hand under twinkling lights. Then head up to the rustic
Bear Mountain Inn for some warmth by the fire and a delicious dinner. If you are
further north in the Valley, I suggest spending an evening at the Mohonk Mountain House. Day guests can ice skate,
ski, hike, or snowshoe the property. Enjoy time at the spa, and/or get dressed
up (that means no spit-up covered clothes or sweats!) and enjoy a romantic
dinner alone together.
9.
Dance the night away. Take swing classes at Got2Lindy Dance Studios in Kingston and Marlboro. You can also try Westie Dance Night Out in Poughkeepsie. They not only offer classes, but they also have dance socials every third Saturday.
10.
Music to my ears. The Hudson Valley is filled
with great live music. Take in a show at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie or grab
a drink and enjoy the music at favorite places like AromaThyme Bistro with jazz on Thursday nights in Ellenville. The Towne Crier Cafe in
Beacon offers a wide array of music genres on 2 stages. Pamela’s on the Hudson in Newburgh offers live music featuring a variety of local artists every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Daryl’s House in Pawling shines with top-tier entertainment, with a varied mix of the best local, regional, and nationally touring bands.
Did your favorite places make the list? Where are your
favorite date night spots?
Updated
1/2/2026