My bf and I have been dating for almost a year, and here are some of my favorite dates we’ve been on so far! I’ll add more in a second post. Hopefully these can give you some date ideas for yourself!
Painting, Park, and Pasta🎨🏞️🍝
The park near us has beautiful scenery and makes a great backdrop for a date, and for me to do my painting homework lol. We love to get pasta from a local Italian restaurant afterwards.
Riverboat🚢🌅
This was for my birthday, but I consider it a date. We had dinner with live music, and spent most of the night exploring the boat and taking pictures. Perfect romantic date for a special occasion!
City Scenery Walk🌳🏘️📸
We’re lucky to live in a beautiful and walkable part of a historic city. Sometimes when we don’t want to spend a lot of money, we’ll just walk around and take pictures. It’s great to slow down and really take in our lives. We’ll usually get ice cream or pizza slices afterwards.
Masquerade Ball💃🎭🪩
This was one of our first few dates as a new couple. We went with friends too, but it was still a great night to dress up and get to know each other.
Fancy Dinner at Historic Home
This date was our first Valentine’s Day together! We had dinner at this restaurant in a beautiful historic home. I loved my food, but my bf wasn’t impressed. It was still a great date, and I loved the atmosphere!
Picnics🧺🥐🍒🌷
Picnics are so fun and easy to throw together, and one of our go-to dates. We prefer to bring snacks and light appetizers to our picnics rather than whole meals. It makes it easier to put together, and creates less waste if we’re not as hungry as we thought.
... Read moreYou know, after almost a year of dating, my partner and I have really come to appreciate the magic of outdoor dates. There's just something about getting out in nature that makes everything feel a little more special and relaxed. If you're looking to spice up your routine or try something new, I highly recommend an outdoor painting date or a classic picnic – they're two of our absolute favorites, and so easy to pull off!
Let's talk about the outdoor painting date first. This one is surprisingly fun, even if you don't consider yourself an artist. My partner and I love finding a beautiful spot, like a vibrant park with a decorative fountain or even near a lush green forest where you might spot a small waterfall. The key is to pick a location that inspires you both. You don't need fancy supplies; a small set of watercolors or acrylics, some brushes, a canvas or sketchbook, and a portable easel (or just a flat surface) will do. We usually bring a little portable speaker for some background music and a thermos of coffee or iced tea. The goal isn't to create a masterpiece, but to enjoy the process together, laugh at your attempts, and just soak in the scenery. It’s a wonderful way to slow down and really observe the beauty around you. Afterwards, we often treat ourselves to something delicious – maybe a hearty pasta dish or a slice of rich cheesecake – a perfect reward for our creative efforts!
Then there's the beloved picnic date. This is our go-to for a low-key yet incredibly romantic outing. The beauty of a picnic is its simplicity and versatility. You can go as elaborate or as casual as you like. For us, we prefer to keep it easy. We'll grab a comfy blanket and a basket filled with delicious snacks. Think along the lines of flaky croissants, some flower-shaped cookies for a sweet touch, a bag of our favorite chips, and a couple of refreshing bottled drinks. We love finding a quiet corner in a local park or a spot with a great view. It’s all about creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere where you can chat, people-watch, or just enjoy each other's company without any distractions. It’s amazing how a simple meal outdoors can feel so much more special than dining in. Plus, it's super budget-friendly!
Both of these dates are fantastic because they encourage connection, creativity, and a change of scenery. They've really helped us appreciate the simple moments and build lasting memories. Whether you're painting a landscape or sharing a sandwich under the sun, these outdoor adventures are sure to bring you closer. Give them a try – you won't regret it!