— Jane Hudson

 

“Couch date nights are the best. Kids are in bed, pick up some food and a Redbox! No babysitter required.” 

— Lauren Stutzman, 27, Greenville

 

“We got married on March 14, 2009, and for our anniversary last year I booked us a 'Romance Package’ room at the Holiday Inn Express in Rocky Mount. My husband and I were both surprised: Hershey Kisses all over the bed, champagne, a Jacuzzi and free hot breakfast in the morning along with room service ... That was the best and romantic night since our honeymoon.” 

— Debra Turner, 40, Washington, N.C.

 

“My favorite date night is when my sweetie and I go to Café Duo. ... This was where Bryan took me on our first date. It’s awesome and a romantic atmosphere. We enjoy ordering our favorite bottle of wine there — we can’t find it anywhere else, so it’s a treat to drink it. We try to go every month to celebrate our first official date together.” 

— Kim Adams, 35, Greenville

 

“My favorite date night was when my sweetie cooked dinner for me and took me to see the sunset (my favorite thing to do). Just having someone who you know cares for you and makes sure that you enjoy all your favorites is always a great night.” 

— Deidra Morrison, 26, Greenville

 

“My favorite date night this fall was when my husband treated me to a wonderful dinner at Pia’s in Washington before taking a long romantic stroll along the waterfront watching a gorgeous sunset..” 

— Susan May, 39, Washington, N.C. 

 

“My most memorable date night was when my guy and I took a trip to Virginia to go fishing on the James River Bridge pier. That may not sound exciting to most, but for me, it was my first time fishing and I loved it! Just spending time together was enough for me.” 

— Linda Moore, 38, Greenville 

 

“This year on Jan. 1, I celebrated 40 years of marriage with my husband, Mike. My favorite date is when we go to Myrtle Beach, our favorite getaway. Our favorite restaurant is Carolina Roadhouse ... and our favorite place to go is the Alabama Theatre.” 

— Jeannie Cleaton, 62, Ayden

 

“Our favorite date night is dinner at Starlight on Fifth Street preceded by a stroll around Uptown to find what is new. Parking is easy and the area changes regularly, always improvements.” 

— Barbara Southerland, 60, Greenville

 

For a great first date, we had a late lunch at one of my favorite restaurants. Later on in the day, we went to the movies and then finished the night eating ice cream at Cold Stone!” 

— Zulena Staton, 29, Greenville 

 

“We had both been really busy with work. I made a reservation at City Hotel. I left notes at home that he had to follow that ended him at the hotel. When he arrived, I had his favorite meal, music, candles and the rest was, well, romantic!” 

— Connie Corey, 56, Greenville

 

“My husband and I enjoy most Friday night date nights with Chinese or pizza takeout and a DVD movie to watch at home. We fix popcorn and other snacks to enjoy while watching  a comedy, thriller or family movie. It’s a great way to unwind from our busy work week and it gives us time to be together.”

— Betsy Gidley, 57, Greenville

 

“My boyfriend, Craig and I call our date night  'Survivor Night.’ We love the show 'Survivor,’ so we usually order pizza and snuggle on the couch watching the show. We have had this tradition since the first season aired. It’s wonderful just the two of us, the dog, pizza and immunity idols.” 

— Christina Ruotolo, 33, Greenville 

 

“My sweetie and I enjoy going to aTavola on Friday evenings. It is sort of an understood thing and it is our time together after a busy work week. Also, we enjoyed a very romantic formal evening last February at the Charity Ball.  We were both all dressed up ... and, it was soooo romantic! He made me feel like a princess. We enjoyed visiting with our friends and we danced the night away.” 

— Nancy Leggett, 59, Greenville

 

“My best date night was when we went to Lonestar Steakhouse in Fayetteville. We spent the night at the Comfort Suites, just me and hubby. We went out on the town shopping and just enjoyed it being the two of us — no worries, phone calls, interruptions ... Sometimes we just go on a long ride and then on the way back home we get something to eat. It keeps the flame burning. No matter how old you are put some spice in your life with change.” 

— Hilda Teel, 57, Greenville

 

“My favorite date nights with my hubby Clifton are those that are not planned. We just recently went on a spontaneous date for dessert at the Tipsy Teapot — they have the best desserts and we got to enjoy some live music as well. When you been married for a while, we found that doing new things as a couple works for us.” 

— Theresa McKoy, 53, Greenville

 

“My favorite date night is when my hubby and I spend the entire day together just the two of us, piddling around! A little quality time with our furry children (we have six Rottweilers). After a laid back, relaxing day, we cook steak and shrimp on the grill, eat a delicious dinner that we prepared together, slip into our pajamas to finish the night cuddling up while watching a good movie!” 

— Stacy Gaskins, 38, Ayden  

 

“I arrived from work and my husband had lit the fireplace. He had pillows, candles and blankets laid out. He ordered out for food, and we sat around the fireplace reminiscing. ... It was priceless.” 

— Linda Harrell, 51, Greenville

 

A traditional candlelight dinner and a romantic movie just can’t be beat.” 

— Mary Elizabeth Dailey, 26, Greenville

 

“A quiet evening of fine dining with 'Chef Phillip’ and watching one of my favorite movies, 'Pretty Woman.’” 

— Muriel Hines, 57, Greenville