Depending on where you live, there are a lot of cool things you can do. It doesn’t matter if you’re lucky enough to live near the mountains or the ocean, there are beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors everywhere if you do some homework.
No matter where you live, you can find activities within a reasonable drive. There are many lakes, rivers, and forest reserves where you can spend an afternoon or early morning photographing wildlife, canoeing, rowing, fishing, biking, or hiking. In the winter there is skiing, sleigh rides, ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sleigh rides or campfire and cookouts on the main ski slopes. Zoos are always fun. The warmer climate offers many possibilities for those who are more adventurous. Why not rent scooters, mopeds, jet skis or drive to one of the whitewater rafting towns? You can visit a water park, swim at the beach or in the pool, have a barbecue with friends in the park, and play volleyball or tennis. For older couples, there are always art fairs, nature walks, romance cruises, and drink/appetizer montages at cool restaurants. Outdoor festivals and arcades offer activities that bring out the child in you.
Going to a football, baseball, rugby, soccer or hockey game is always fun. If you can’t make it to a game in person, the best thing to do is hang out and drink your favorite beer at a sports bar. There are some really unique bars or neighborhood bars depending on your style. If you’re not a big spectator, why not spend some time at a recreation center or club playing your favorite sport, or get some friends together and have a game of softball, basketball, volleyball, golf or tennis with a BBQ? after.
Why not take an afternoon and attend one of the local farmer’s markets and buy great vegetables that you can take home to create the perfect meal for your partner? Then you can watch one of your favorite movies or one you haven’t seen yet. Stretch out on the living room or family room floor and have a picnic at home! You can organize a bubble bath for two or a shower together. Why not play strip poker, strip war or another strip card game? For those of you with access to your own private pool, you can create a spectacular evening.
Rooftop dining experiences and al fresco dining are always fun. You can just go out for a drink on the rooftop in most major cities, have snacks and drinks or dine al fresco or on the rooftop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
One of the most romantic dates I can remember was going on a hot air balloon ride at 5 in the morning. We flew just above the tree line and it was an exquisite feeling. You can bring your favorite drink/picnic basket and make it really special. One of the best ideas for a date in the dead of winter is to sit in a hot tub at a quiet resort, or in your own backyard if you have one, and gaze at the stars; you will have to do your homework on that and find a place that is not crowded. The hot springs are also a treat if you live a short drive away.
If you like music, why not head to a shell or other outdoor music festival? If you love to dance, you can hit the local clubs or find a band or artist in town that you haven’t heard of yet. Many restaurants also offer entertainment in their bar areas. Change the music you listen to, go out and experience many different types of music; jazz, blues, longhair, big band, singer-songwriter, pop, rock… keep it interesting.
For movie buffs, try one of the spectacular Gold Cinemas, where you can order dinner and sit back in comfortable armchairs while sipping your favorite cocktail. Really different but a bit expensive. Then there are places you can go to play unique games of bocce ball that also include great food and drinks. There’s always bowling or playing a great game of pool that you can share with just your date or another couple. There are still some drive-ins to be found and that can be quite fun as long as mosquitoes are not included.
If you want to splurge on your date night, why not call one of the dinner cruise lines? Most dinner cruises are not crowded and provide great sex appeal as you head away from a brightly lit city. They often have wonderful bands and the dance lasts three hours.
Have you ever spent a day just enjoying the great museums in your city? How about renting bikes and taking a ride in front of the lake? Sports-minded couples seem to enjoy things like shooting ranges or paintball events or even lazer tag parties. Some adults still like miniature golf or a regular round of golf.
Attending concerts of various kinds, plays, musicals and the opera are always good options. If you want a bit of excitement and can control yourself, you can share a night at one of the racetracks or casinos. Set a limit and don’t go crazy or you will feel sick for that date the next day and many days to come.
What you do before and after the destination date can make or break the date, so mentally scan the date ahead of time to make sure you’ve covered how you’ll get there: who will drive home or take you in a taxi? Being spontaneous is also a lot of fun, so if you know your partner well enough, you could even pack them a surprise bag and spend the night somewhere after the date.
Make life exciting, after all, life is not meant to be a spectator sport! Jump in and do things you haven’t experienced before, you’ll create memories that could last a lifetime.
I wish you lots of fun on your next date!
