Sober Date Ideas in Richmond

With so many dating activities centered around alcohol — such as going out to dinner or meeting up at a bar with friends — it can be challenging for people who don’t drink. That being said, there are plenty of opportunities for alcohol-free dates nowadays, especially in Richmond.

Below are some fun and unique sober date ideas in Richmond.

Head to a Farmer’s Market

For a pressure-free outdoor date, head to one of Richmond’s many farmer’s markets. If it’s in season and isn’t too hot out, you can head to The Big Market in Bryan Park or the South James Farmers Market in Forest Hill Park, for example, and browse through the many food stalls and vendors.

There, you can grab a delicious coffee, breakfast sandwich and even freshly-made cider donuts as you browse the various goods local vendors have for sale. You can chat with your date at the many picnic tables that are set up, and go for a nice morning walk.

It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend some meaningful time together with your date.

Take in a Show

Richmond has a very vibrant cultural scene, and you can experience that first-hand by taking in a show. There are Broadway shows, bands and musical acts, and comedians galore to choose from.

Shows play almost nightly at venues such as the Carpenter Theater, Virginia Repertory Theatre, The National and Altria Theater. Depending on what the show is, you may need to plan ahead and buy tickets in advance, but you may get lucky if you’re more of a last-minute kind of person.

All of these are great options for entertainment, laughs and even cries, and all can be sober experiences.

Get a Hole in One

Mini golf has always been a classic date experience, and there’s a unique place for it in Richmond — the Hotel Greene. Known as HighFalutin' Mini Golf, it’s available right inside the hotel.

The hotel itself is an experience all within itself, but playing mini golf there could be a great way to connect with a date and do something different. You could even book a brunch reservation first and then head on over to the course to see who can come out on top.

Go Outdoors

If you’re a romantic, you can plan an intimate, relaxing, cozy and fun outdoor picnic in any of Richmond’s amazing parks and trails. You can take in beautiful historic buildings, gardens and scenery in Maymont Park, Libby Hill Park, Chimborazo Park or Pony Pastures.

Once you’re done eating, you can go for a walk on nearby trails, taking in the sunset if you time it right.

If you and your partner like active dates, a bike ride or hike close to the James River or on the Virginia Capital Trail is a great idea, too. This is an excellent way to get in some exercise while also bonding with your special someone.

Pick a Neighborhood

There are many great neighborhoods in Richmond that are just waiting to be discovered. Carytown, for example, is very vibrant, with restaurants, entertainment and shops galore.

Go with no definite plan in mind and see where the day and night takes you. Sometimes, casual dates like this are great ways to get to know someone or to get closer to someone you already know.

Sober Options Abound in Richmond

There are tons of sober dating ideas throughout Richmond. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, going on a repeat date or taking a loved one out for a special day, you’ll have plenty of options for an alcohol-free adventure.

So, if you’ve struggled with addiction in the past, you don’t have to be afraid to put yourself out there and do something fun out on the town.

At the same time, dating can be a daunting experience for those working to achieve and/or maintain their sobriety. When you need help, Freedom Recovery Centers is here for you.

Our team of experts can help you start or continue your journey toward sobriety, guiding you through the challenges that lie ahead. To learn more, call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form.