Revamping Date Night

Tuesday, 06 July 2010 13:19

Dating, no matter what, can be awkward at first. To get past that, consider venturing beyond the dinner-and-a-movie realm. Here are some fresh ideas.

By Mary Manchess and Cindy Taveras

Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail; Photo by Rodney Rogers

Take It Outside

The Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail is 16 miles of paved walkway that stretches from the City of Gainesville’s Boulware Springs Park (in east Gainesville) through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area.

Pack a lunch and dedicate the whole day to biking, hiking, rollerblading or horseback riding through the beautiful woodlands, lakes and prairie landscapes.

Don’t forget to bring a camera. Stop along the LaChua Trail in Paynes Prairie to spot several wild bison and horses, in addition to hundreds (maybe even thousands) of alligators.

Bo Diddley Community Plaza; Photo by Sean Kelly

If you bike all 16 miles, you’ll end up in the historic town of Hawthorne, an excellent place to stop and look around before heading back.

For something a bit farther from home, take your date to play with some tigers. Nala, the African Lioness, or Samson and Mojan, two male Siberian Tigers, would be happy to meet you (along with their trainers) at Single Vision, Inc. a non-profit wildlife facility in Melrose. They have an open house on Sunday from 10am to 4pm, or you can call to make an appointment. Visiting is free but donations are appreciated. Melrose is about 30 minutes east of Gainesville.

Cook Like A Local

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday at the Bo Diddley Community plaza from 4 to 7pm. You and your date can inspire your appetite by sampling all the delicious breads, berries and pastries. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to veggies and fruits, which are so fresh, you can smell them from several feet away. You’ll also find spices, dairy products and even shrimp. Or, pick up some of the pre-made food like empanadas and Indian cuisine.

Then, get to know each other a little better by lounging on the lawn while listening to music and soaking up the evening sun.

For recipes based on what’s featured every week, go to www.unionstreetfarmersmkt.com.

Once you and your date find everything you need, retreat to one of your places to make your special dinner. Little is more intimate than cooking a meal together.

Climb Your Heart Out

Allow your date to temporarily control your fate while you work together to accomplish a goal. We suggest Gainesville Rock Gym.

Rock climbing can be incredibly sexy, as you work up a sweat and secrete pheromones. (According to a University of California study, pheromones that men secrete when they sweat is linked to arousal in women.) It doesn’t hurt that you’re forced to stare at your date as they climb the steep wall.

The Hippodrome; Photo by Sean Kelly

Broaden Your Cultural Awareness

For a more romantic movie experience, try the historic Hippodrome Cinema, where wine can be enjoyed alongside popcorn.

Be sure to schedule this date for a Friday night, when you can wander the downtown streets while appreciating the lively scene known as the Let’s Go Downtown Plaza Series. From dance performances to art displays, starting at 8pm, every summer Friday downtown transforms into a showcase of talent.

Say “Good Morning!”

No, that’s not what we mean. Ask your date to brunch. Aside from being a unique courtship experience, it’s also more intimate than a lunch or dinner date. With half the city still asleep, the town tends to be a little slower during the mornings, meaning fewer distractions for you.

Plus, you can tell a lot about people by the way they like their eggs.

We recommend staking out a place with a homey, neighborhood vibe where you can sit outside, like Bagels Unlimited, The Top Restaurant or Emiliano’s Cafe. This way, the laid-back mood can break the ice for you and your date (and the Bloody Mary’s don’t hurt).

Then, you can walk down along University Avenue, from American Apparel and Persona to Wolfgang, for a little window-shopping. And, if the date goes well, you can always make dinner plans.

Splitz Bowling; Photo by Rodney Rogers

Honorable Mention

Going on a second date? Add these to your arsenal.

Live like a kid at Splitz, where you can play laser tag, bowl, roller skate and race go-karts all in one day. Stay for drinks at the Thirsty Gator, which offers happy hour from 4 to 7pm and specials throughout the week.

Take a cell phone tour. The City of Gainesville offers multiple free cell phone tours both in areas like the historic district and in nature areas. Tour the beautiful inside and out of the Thomas Center, in the Duckpond Neighborhood, while learning about our town’s history.

Spend a Saturday noon in Thornebrook Village, where you can sample wines (and more) at Uppercrust, Fresh Market and Dorn’s, and tour the boutiques, like Dahlia, Bead All About It and Thornebrook Chocolates.

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Been together for a few years now? Do you think you're ready to get married? Read this first!