Are you a little rusty on your date ideas? Has your girlfriend been less than thrilled with the idea of going on another “romantic dinner and movie date”? Well honey, you can’t blame her. As women, we need a little spice in our lives. Remember- spice? The ingredient you used to have when you first started dating? No, you haven’t lost it; you just need a little sprucing up. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m not talking about hopping a plane to the Florida Keys every time your woman gets bored. Our main concerns with dates are that they’re thoughtful, they surprise us, and they don’t always require a movie stub and a napkin on our laps. Sprinkle in a little creativity and spontaneity and you’re golden- sometimes the best dates are unplanned. So let’s dive in and make your lady feel like the luckiest in the land.
1. Go to a drive-in: Yes, I know this does require a movie stub, but drive-ins are a completely different experience than sitting in an inside theater. You get to lie in the bed of a truck and watch a movie- sometimes two- under the stars. Ultimate romance. Plus, drive-ins are generally way cheaper than the regular movies. Hello two movies for $7! Google drive-ins near your area, pack some blankets, pillows, and some snacks, and enjoy a romantic night with your lady.
2. Make homemade ice cream: Not every date requires you to physically go out. Look some recipes up online, buy the ingredients, and have fun making this delicious dessert with her.
3. Watch your favorite DVDs: and then play a game about them. The interactive trivia game Scene It delivers on-screen puzzles featuring clips and questions about your favorite shows and movies. Choose from Seinfeld, Harry Potter, Twilight, Comedy Movies, The Simpsons, Star Trek, 80’s- just to name a few.
4. Take her to a jewelry store: and let her pick out anything she wants (you can set an under $150 rule or something). She’ll feel like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and honestly, what girl wouldn’t want to feel like her. You’ll be a hero, and she won’t even care that she has a $150 limit- the experience alone will make the diamond value skyrocket.
5. Go hiking or biking: If you have a bike, it’s practically free. Scout out trails in your area, slap your sneaks on, and enjoy Motha’ Nature. You can even pack a cute little picnic for bonus points.
6. Go to an outdoor concert: You may have to search a little harder for these and it may not always be a group that you know, but they’re totally worth it.
7. Take a weekend trip: This doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. It doesn’t even have to be planned (this is where the spontaneity part comes in). The two of you can pick a place on a map that’s no more than 2 hours away, hop in the car, and find a place to stay when you get there. It will be fun to explore a place without any schedule or real plans.
8. Ride a hot air balloon: Search for places that offer this service in or around your area. It will be an experience she’ll never forget. If you’re not a fan of heights, search for hot air balloon events, where you can watch tons of them take off at once.
9. Raft down a river: Channel your inner Huck Finn and spend a lazy day floating down a nearby river or stream. Just be sure to go in an area where the current is calm. Swimming holes are always a fun option as well.
There are literally countless fun date options; all it takes is some creativity and spice. Add in a dash of spontaneity and you’ll never have a ho-hum date- or a bored girlfriend- again.
Kristy Kravitsky is a Pennsylvania State graduate with a degree in English and a wealth of creativity.
