You Asked, We Answered – 7 Things to do on a First Date other than Dinner and Drinks

Not only can the usual dinner and drinks get pricey, but it’s very “routine.”  You also want to avoid getting stuck in an “interview-like” conversation across the table; just asking questions about hobbies, work, etc., back and forth. Show your date that you can be a little more creative than that, and have fun in the process! When you actually DO an activity together, you get to know who the person is a little bit more than just seeing how they act towards a server or if they have bad table manners. Not to mention, your date will not just remember you, but the experience you had together.  Here are some fun and alternative date ideas:

1. Art Bars – This activity is becoming more and more popular. “Sip, socialize, and paint” is the motto of “The Urban Art Bar.” What’s not to love; you can drink and show your creative side, without any pressure or stress. You and your date can laugh at your work and also make it a friendly competition.
2. Mini golf – Yes, you played this when you were little and you don’t want to deal with the kids or birthday parties getting in the way of your date. Two words: call ahead. You can always ask if there are any birthday party reservations that day/night. Besides that, let it bring out the kid in you; you are there to have fun
3. Jazz Clubs – There is something about the music and atmosphere in a jazz club that makes you feel nostalgic and carefree. Not to mention, the music isn’t as loud as a concert, so you can still carry on great conversation while being entertained.
4. Cooking Class – Men tend to think this might be a little too advanced, BUT that’s what makes it fun! Not to mention, there are different types of cooking classes as well, from making an apple pie to a difficult Coq Au Vin. Allow your personality to come through while tackling the ingredients and making something together with your date. In the end, you have a great (we hope) final product and nice experience creating it.
5. First Fridays at the Museum – On the first Friday of every month, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art offer a fun, social, laid-back atmosphere, where you can have a drink, watch live performances, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that museums have to offer. What better way to start a conversation than to point out a beautiful piece of artwork and ask for your date’s opinion?
6. Bowling – Another fun activity, where even if you suck, it will still be fun! Key point again is getting in your comfort zone in a relaxed atmosphere. Have some fun conversations in between taking turns, and start private jokes about you or your date keeps bowling gutterballs.
7. Apple-picking – It’s such a nice time of year to be dating because the weather is starting to get a little crisp and people want to start forming relationships. Goodbye summer fling, hello spending real, quality time with someone you met. Plus, everyone likes apple-picking! Once again, you can make this a fun and silly activity which is sure to create laughs and conversation.

Try one of the above ideas for your next date..  Hopefully the atmosphere and fun activity allows you to relax and be yourself; the person your date really wants to be with. Let me know how it goes!