Date Night Makeover

Friday, 10 February 2012 15:09

Whether you are on a first date, the hundredth date, or spending a night out with the girls, we’re guessing you’re in the market for some fresh ideas. Behold, your date-night cheat sheet.

By Julianna Spence

The New Couple
You’re on the way to see the newest romantic comedy with a million thoughts running through your head: What do we talk about? Am I asking too many questions? Do I look all right? During the sex scene, you don’t know where to look. When you get home, you do the awkward penguin wobble because she leaned in for a kiss while you went for the hug. You have no idea how the date went.

Revamped: The point is to connect. Find a place to chat and have some fun. No pressure: Go on a hike through Paynes Prairie. Play mini golf at Skate Station Funworks or go bowling at Splitz.

BONUS: Try wine tasting at Half Cork’d later. The lively vibe will keep the conversation alive but the intimacy low-key.

RELATED—Review: Half-Cork'd Premium Beer, Wine and Bubbles

The Old Couple
You’ve been dating for a while. You do the same thing every week—when you do anything at all. You barely go out because when you do, getting dressed up and paying for it seems barely worth it.

Revamped: Throw your schedule out the window and try something new.Get intimate: Learn to prepare English afternoon tea or perfect a French sauce with a cooking class at Take Away Gourmet. Feeling ballsy? Learn to swing or tango at Imperial Dance Studio.

Change the scenery: Browse the farmers market for bread and cheese and have a picnic at the Thomas Center, or make dinner reservations in Cedar Key.

BONUS: Plan a staycation at the Magnolia Plantation Inn, where you can walk downtown to enjoy a play or movie at the Hippodrome Theatre after a private candlelight dinner at the inn.

Girls’ Night
It’s ladies night, and the feeling’s, well, repetitive. On Wednesday, the gang heads to midtown for $7 all you can drink. Thursday is penny wine night. Once you’re feeling good, you dance the night away. You try to set up every guy you meet with your single best friend.

Revamped: Do something a bit more enriching that you’ll remember the next day.

Pack the car: Fill the cooler and grab some sunscreen for a trip to Ginnie Springs to relax as you float down the river.

Bring out your creative side: Corks & Colors allows you to drink wine while painting your very own masterpiece.

No guy problems: Get your makeup or nails done at Glamour on the Go before heading to Tall Paul’s Brewhouse to scout out the guys. Not interested? Dance the night away between drag shows at the UC.

The Group Date
It’s the perfect date to not spend time with your actual date—often at a restaurant that neither appeals to nor offends anyone. You’re hesitant because you don’t know if your date is going to click with the rest of the group, or if your best friend will click with your date a little too much. You avoid your date by talking with everyone else’s.

Revamped: Group or double dates should be personal, but still offer fun with the rest of the gang.

Sing a song: Sing karaoke at Napolatano’s on Friday, or stop by Lillian’s Music Store to sing the night away on Wednesday.

Have a theme: Host a themed dinner party at a unique restaurant, costumes required. Think burgers and fries with a sock-hop theme, or martinis and Mad Men.

The Budget Date
You race to catch happy hour and go to dinner on off nights. You rent a movie and make your own popcorn, or shares apps over a glass (not bottle) of wine.

Revamped: Getting a little creative means you’ll discover unsung hotspots on a dime.

Find the deal: Don’t worry about splurging on wine. Wednesday at The Midnight means two-for-one wine and sangria. Enjoy the free Harn Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Natural History, or enjoy free wine tasting Saturday afternoons at Uppercrust.

Don’t discount: Movies at the Hippodrome Theatre are $7.50 for all. Grab a beer or wine with your popcorn and you’re winning the dating game.

RELATED—Blog Post: 30th Anniversary of the Hipp

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