Whether you’re planning to propose, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking to plan the perfect romantic getaway in Louisville, Kentucky, we’ve got you covered! Aside from the natural charm of the Bluegrass State, Louisville is quickly becoming a popular vacation destination thanks to its culinary scene, investments in the arts, and fascinating history.
From bourbon tours and vineyards, to museums and local sports, make Louisville your next date destination.
The Most Romantic Place to Stay in Louisville
What makes for the most romantic place to stay in Louisville? Would it be crackling fireplaces? A deep soaking tub or rooms with monogrammed robes for couples? Perhaps it’s a bedside carafe of sherry to enjoy while you and your significant other snuggle up on a plush mattress with just the right amount of pillows.
Or maybe it’s a hearty gourmet breakfast of organic tea or coffee, salty bacon, and caramel French toast casserole to satiate your appetite the next morning. We may be slightly biased, but the Inn at Woodhaven is the place to stay in Louisville for a romantic getaway or special occasion.
One of Louisville’s Best Romantic Places
Don’t take our word for it. The Inn at Woodhaven (view rooms here) consistently ranks as one of the top places to stay in Louisville for a romantic retreat, including making Tripadvisor’s Top 10. According to one visitor’s review on their site about the Inn at Woodhaven, “It’s so quiet and intimate and the rooms are all so romantic!”
Forever My Valentine
Unlike staying at a hotel, we get to know each of our guests at our bed and breakfast. We’re here to help you make the most of your Louisville vacation or staycation. Our specials allow you to add extra special touches to your trip, including our newest My Forever Valentine premium package to surprise and delight your significant other.
Recommended Romantic Restaurants for Couples
With an award-winning culinary scene and more bourbon than you can (or should) try in a single vacation, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to Louisville. If you’re looking for a romantic place to dine, we’ve got you covered. Here are just a few of our local favorites that are perfect for a romantic date night.
610 Magnolia
Located at 610 Magnolia Avenue, this restaurant excels in both romantic ambiance and mouth-watering menu. You and your date will love their rustic and elegant style, with original wooden beams, mullioned windows and French doors that open seasonally to an outdoor garden patio. Their seasonal tasting menu rotates with the freshest locally sourced produce.
610 Magnolia offers a 5-course tasting with the option to add a 5-course wine pairing. The restaurant has been featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, The New York Times Magazine, Saveur, Southern Living, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast and many other national publications. It’s important to note that reservations are required and the restaurant is closed Sunday through Tuesday, so plan ahead for this romantic dinner experience.
Drive time from the Inn: 21 minutes.
Mayan Cafe
If you’re looking for a casual dining date with some Latin American cuisine that will have you dreaming about a return trip, then be sure to stop by the Mayan Cafe in the NuLu district of Louisville. This restaurant supports locally grown agriculture while introducing many delicious Mayan dishes to its patrons. (Who knew lima beans could be so tasty?!).
The NuLu district is within walking distance of Main Street, which is the perfect place to start with some urban exploring. There are several attractions in this area and this is where you can also find Whiskey Row. After all, no visit to Louisville is complete without tasting a glass of bourbon!
From March to November, be sure to grab a table in their new patio area for an even more romantic ambiance to go along with a steamy cup of coffee or fresh juice and their swoon-worthy desserts. This cozy little establishment is only open for dinner, so reservations are recommended.
Drive time from the Inn: 15 minutes
You may also like: Your Guide To Louisville’s Bourbon Trail
Mesh
Mesh Louisville offers creative chef-driven cuisine in an upscale setting that is perfect for a romantic night on the town. Originally the site of Bauer’s historic restaurant, Mesh Louisville is a beautiful dining experience with menus featuring delicious and innovative food using locally sourced meats and vegetables, along with a wide variety of fresh seafood. Their scallops with brown butter panko and crisp prosciutto, beet salad with goat cheese mousse, and smoked cheddar mac & cheese are just a few of the menu items that make it so hard to decide what to get!
Mesh has won many awards over the years such as Open Table Diner’s Choice Awards, TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Best Restaurants (for their Indianapolis location) by TrekBible. With lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options–it’s a great place to go when you’re looking for a romantic meal that doesn’t require you to plan ahead.
Drive time from the Inn: 10 minutes
Romantic Date Ideas in Louisville
Whether you’re looking for a stroll on Main Street (aka Whiskey Row!), visit the Kentucky Derby or want to visit any of the special events that happen year-round, Louisville KY has many great options for daytime or evening romantic dates, whatever your interests may be.
From historic sites to music and museums to bourbon tastings at one of Louisville’s many bourbon distilleries or vineyards–you’re sure to find the perfect date experience in town. Here’s a mix of the well-known and the hidden gems we’ve discovered.
Sample chocolate-covered strawberries
If you’re looking for ways to spice up your visit, there are few combinations that can beat chocolate strawberries and a glass of sparkling wine or champagne! Tipsy Strawberries specializes in chocolate-covered strawberries and is one of the city’s many culinary surprises.
Although this location can only be ordered online, any of their products can turn any break into a romantic escape. One of our favorite romantic things to do is to make these treats part of a romantic picnic while enjoying some stunning views of the sunset over the Ohio River.
Enjoy the Arts
Louisville has many outstanding museums and art galleries, but our best recommendation for a romantic way to pass the time is with a visit to the Speed Art Museum. It’s a popular spot for a daytime stroll hand-in-hand past the thousands of pieces in their collection and rotating exhibits. If you happen to be in town on the third Friday of the month, we’d recommend attending After Hours at the Speed, which includes an eclectic mix of music, performances, a cash bar and food available by a pop-up from Marigold Catering.
If you have a love of history and architectural design, make sure your date includes a visit to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, a historic Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. Built in 1895, the home symbolizes the spirit and Victorian grandeur of Louisville’s Progressive Era and is a distinguishing marker in one of America’s largest concentrations of Victorian homes.
You may also like: Louisville Art Scene Guide
For Creative Couples
If creating something is your ideal date night, then plan a visit to Cooking at the Cottage for one of their Date Night cooking class experiences. Winner of the Best of Louisville’s 2011 Critic’s Choice Award for their classes, couples classes are the perfect way to enjoy an evening together, creating your own meal, socializing with others, and learning a thing or two! These classes fill fast, so plan ahead to secure your spot. (Note: Registration for February 2026 classes opens on January 7).
If karaoke and Korean food is more your vibe, then plan a trip to Miki’s Karaoke Bar, one of Louisville’s top spots to belt out your best rendition of John Legend’s “All of Me.” There are not many places where you can find that perfect blend between spicy squid stir-fry, bourbon cocktails, and the entertainment of watching folks live out their performing dreams. Miki’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, with karaoke every night starting at 8 pm.
Nature-Loving Louisville Date
If you love to be outside (and the weather is in your favor), visit the Louisville Nature Center. It’s open daily from dusk til dawn and features both gardens and trails. The Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve includes 41 acres of urban forest with over 2 miles of hiking trails, 180+ species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, 150+ varieties of birds, and at least 30 butterfly species.
It’s also right around the corner from the Louisville Zoo. Tour their many plant and animal exhibits, or make your date extra special by booking a Backstage Pass VIP tour to one of several animal close-encounters. Who wouldn’t want to swoon with the sloths?!
Take a stroll along the Ohio River
Louisville has a lot of romance to offer and it would be a mistake to stay indoors all day! There are several parks and outdoor activities that make for the perfect Louisville romantic getaway.
Separating Kentucky from Indiana, the Ohio River is home to sights and attractions such as the Waterfront Park and the Lincoln Memorial. Walking along the river, you’ll soon see the viewpoint that offers stunning views of the famous Big Four Bridge.
Dance to some Live Music
Louisville is the perfect place for those with the gusto and confidence to take their love for a spin on the dance floor. In downtown Louisville or the NuLu district, you can find several place to relax or indulge in a bit of dancing.
Catch some bluegrass at Gerstle’s, one of Louisville’s most historic bars and one of the best local music bars in the city. This place has an impressive menu with plenty of snack and dinner options and is a lively part of the local music scene.
Described best as half-bar-half-concert, the Howl at the Moon bar sits at the heart of 4th Street Live!, the entertainment district in downtown Louisville and boasts one of the country’s top dueling piano performance. Whether you like to dance or simply marvel at the virtuosos playing the piano, you’re all set for a great night out!
Speaking of 4th Street Live!, don’t miss Shamrock & Shenanigans, Mardi Gras or the special events that often happen. This area is the heart of the vibrant nightlife in Louisville and it’s worth checking out the official website to see if there is anything happening on the weekend!
The Inn at Woodhaven for Your Next Romantic Getaway
Whatever your idea of a romantic getaway looks like, we hope that you’ll stay with us at the Inn at Woodhaven Bed & Breakfast. We pride ourselves on providing a unique experience that’s a blend of both rich history and modern comfort–with one of the best breakfasts in Louisville.
Whether you’re booking a Louisville vacation or you’re a local resident looking for a romantic staycation (check out our “Going Green” discount for locals), we are excited to host you and help make your celebration of love one to remember!
