Date Night in the Upstate

by: Lauren Drain

Looking for an upscale evening for your partner and yourself? Look no further than your own backyard of date night entertainment, right here in Clemson. No matter what spending time with your partner looks like for each individual couple, there is a local place to enjoy each other’s company. We offer a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and upscale cuisine. 

Clemson Little Theatre

We’ve all heard of the infamous “dinner and a show” routine for date night. It is a classic! Engaging in live theatre and performative art creates beautiful conversation for the post show, or intermission if you just can’t wait. You can support local talent, and fuel an existing or new interest that is sure to spark meaningful conversation. An insightful and delightful activity to share with the one you love.

Rick Erwin's

For the couples with a refined palate, and an appreciation for ambiance, Rick Erwin’s is the perfect place. Sat on the corner in Patrick Square, dinner may be coupled with a peaceful walk around the beautiful shopping center. Rick Erwin’s provides an elegant evening, fixed with delicious dishes and craft cocktails. Their staff is friendly, and the all black uniform makes the whole experience feel luxurious. Their chefs are committed to excellence, with every dish coming out tasty and beautiful. A treat for the eyes, as well as your tastebuds. Reviewers particularly note the excellence of the Surf and Turf.

Bob Campbell Geology Museum / The South Carolina Botanical Gardens

A fun and interesting activity that can be experienced on a whim, the Bob Campbell Geology Museum is an educational piece of eye candy. You and your partner can learn side by side, making for fruitful conversation. You can also take turns pointing and saying, “look!”. The experience is also completely free and has no wait! Rocks, minerals, and fossils wait to be explored in this interactive, and completely self led, experience. 

The garden itself is perfect to spend a few hours outside together. It does not take up a whole day, so that saves room to grab a bite after walking around. I recommend parking in the rear lot and making your way around. There are lots to look at and read up on, with rotating seasons of elegant plants and flowers. They have themed gardens, ponds, the Natural Heritage Trail, gift shop, and art gallery! It is also the state’s official botanical garden, so walk with a sense of pride that we could represent South Carolina!

Pixie & Bill's

The infamous steakhouse on Tiger Boulevard provides a sophisticated and quiet environment for you and your partner. The lighting and energy of the space allows for everyone else to fade away for an intimate evening of conversation, dinner, and a few drinks. Their cocktail menu is beyond impressive, and has something for any pair. All of their entrees are fantastic, but I’d be mad at myself if I didn’t steer newcomers toward the red meat side of the menu. Their steaks are so delicious, melting in your mouth and variety to fit anyone’s taste. Their seafood is also a must try. The dishes come out visually appealing, followed by the wonderful smell and taste of the meal. The staff is incredibly personable, and all of the servers tend to win the hearts of their tables. High quality experience all around, and right in the heart of dear old Clemson.

Tap-In: Putts & Brews

Tap-In provides so much more than beer and putt putting, providing an activity for anyone. The simulator has a variety of games to immerse yourself in: Football, Soccer, Hockey, and even Carnival Games! The perfect date night for a competitive couple, or just a pair who enjoys something fun for the afternoon. For the golfers, there are over 50 courses to play, and your clubs are welcome to come into the facility if you would prefer them over the provided equipment. They offer 8 beers on tap, house wines, various nondraft beers, and many nonalcoholic options. They have snacks for order, and an abundant parking garage below. The reservation is the only preparation needed, let Tap-In take the rest!

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts

Support local artists and students by coming to see a show at the Brooks Center of Performing Arts. Convenient parking, beautiful performances, and a gorgeous venue. From the Nutcracker, to the Shakespeare Festival, even Choir and Orchestra shows, they have a visual and audible treat for couples to explore on a night out. Reasonably priced tickets, due to the student leadership that goes behind these jaw dropping performances. Their showcases hold a wide array of genres, plays and musicals cycling through lighthearted comedies or tragedies or modern pieces alike. The ambience of the place feels classic, a beautiful open theatre for projection and sound quality.

Calhoun Corners

With sunlit dining rooms and beautiful high quality dishes, Calhoun Corners is sure to impress your partner on date night. The food is always delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect for a night with your special someone. The lighting brings a romance to the space, making it feel open with the sun’s golden accents. The color scheme is gorgeous, feeling lavish and comfortable without the energies clashing. It is such a cute spot for a well made meal. The drink menu is versatile, allowing for multitudes of pairings for your entree. For the extravagant eaters, they offer escargot, beef wellington, truffle oil pizza, lobster, duck breast, the list goes on. This is an absolute must try for the Clemson area.

Doug Kingsmore Stadium

What secures hearts like hot dogs, baseball, and the gorgeous Clemson sun? Nothing! The University puts a lot of work into keeping the stadium a beautiful place to catch the game. There is not a bad seat in the house to watch the Tigers play, with enough room to fit a snack and a cold beverage. The fans and workers really make the stadium illuminate with energy. Even on a rainy day, there are accounts of great atmosphere and fan involvement. Personally, I would like to note how delicious the hot dogs are. My college years made me very familiar with this stadium, and the yummy concessions. Perfect pick-me-up to keep you energized to cheer through every inning.