The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color, and the pumpkins are out in full force – yep, it’s definitely fall in York County! And that means apple cider dates and cute couples’ pictures in pumpkin patches. Grab someone special and cozy up with them on a romantic date night or day date with these ideas perfect for fall.
Sip and Savor on a Cider Date at Windy Hill Orchard
Picking apples, sipping on fresh-pressed apple cider, and munching on warm, fresh apple cider donuts make for the quintessential fall date. At Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery, you can do a U-Pick apple date (usually earlier in the season; check their website for dates), share a flight of their hard ciders, listen to live music, take a tractor ride around the orchard, pick a pumpkin, and share some of their famous apple cider donuts. They also have other goodies like apple pies and candied apples. But really, the fan favorites are the donuts and the cider flights!
Take a Scenic Lakeside Hike at Anne Springs Close Greenway
With 2,100 acres of nature preserve, Anne Springs Close Greenway is the perfect place for a romantic fall hike. There are miles and miles of trails to choose from, but I recommend the Haigler Loop around the 28-acre lake. It’s not a very strenuous hike, so you and your date can chat and get to know each other, and you’ll get beautiful views across the lake of the autumn leaves changing colors.
Share a Vintage-Inspired Nightcap at Elsie’s at Kounter
What’s more romantic than snuggling together in a dimly-lit speakeasy? Elsie’s at Kounter is a fun adventure with a secret password, a hidden entrance, prohibition-style cocktails, and a vintage vibe. Find the password on their socials and impress your date with your knowledge of Rock Hill’s secret side. Go for one of their signature cocktails like the Lavender Dream, or stick with a classic cocktail like a Manhattan.
Warm Up with a Cozy Fall Dinner for Two
Go for a classic dinner date with fall-inspired dishes and cocktails. Kounter is my top choice for date night, with a menu full of warm, elevated dishes made to impress. I recommend the Seared Hangar Steak or the Lobster Gnocchi. Another great option is Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails for a more laid-back, comfy dinner-and-drinks date. Dishes like The Melt and the Creole Chicken Linguini make great meals to share with good company.
Start Your Day with a Cozy Fall Brunch Together
Mix things up with a brunch date. Poppyseed Kitchen is a popular spot, and for good reason, with house-made pastries and seasonal specials. They don’t take reservations, but you can call ahead to join the waitlist same-day. I’m a big fan of their Stuffed French Toast and the Biscuit and Gravy. FM (For Mill) Eatery is another great weekend brunch spot that has a more elevated vibe. I recommend the Avocado Toast or the Oink-A-Doodle-Moo Bowl.
Stroll Hand-in-Hand Through Old Town Rock Hill
Old Town Rock Hill is full of vibrant murals, unique local shops, historical buildings, and cute cafes. Spend a day date just walking around. Grab a cup of coffee or a warm drink from Amelie’s French Bakery & Café and then follow the Mural Mile to find Instagram-worthy backdrops, take the self-guided Rock Hill Walking Tour to learn more about the city’s history, and pop into local shops like Green Space and Friends Books on Main.
Get Festive on the Fort Mill Scarecrow Crawl
The annual Fort Mill Scarecrow Crawl displays festive scarecrows all around downtown Fort Mill. This is a nice walk-in-the-park date with some interesting art to look at along the way. And with over 100 scarecrows along Main Street, S. White Street, Railroad Avenue, Tom Hall Street, and in Millstone Park and Walter Elisha Park, it can be a nice long walk together.
