Think Outside The Cafe: 5 Creative First Date Ideas
By Julie Ferman. Posted on .
![Think Outside The Cafe: 5 Creative First Date Ideas [EXPERT]](http://images.tangomag.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/node-full/image_blog/surf.jpg "Think Outside The Cafe: 5 Creative First Date Ideas [EXPERT]")
The secret to having great dating experiences is to make each and every date an adventure. A memorable, enriching event that gives you the chance not only to explore possibilities with a new prospective partner, but also to engage in an activity that will be inpiring and worthwhile, whether the person you're with is a keeper or not.
Here's what some of our Cupid's Coach clients have been doing on their first dates:
More from YourTango: When Your Guy's MANNERS Are Lacking...
- Jonathan and Susie are both surfers, and she'd been wanting to try stand-up paddle boarding. Their first date was at the beach. He brought the boards, she brought the picnic lunch, and they had an absolute blast.
- Maggie and Stan met at the Getty Center to see the Gustav Klimt exhibit, which inspired lively conversation over Chardonnay and Pinot Noir afterward.
- Bruce learned on his first date with Amanda that she loves gardening, cooking and entertaining and the Olympics. He asked her to join him at the farmer's market on a gorgeous Saturday morning, after which they bonded over burgers at a sports bar and cheered on the U.S. gymnasts.
- Laura and Rob are both dog lovers, and their first date was at the park with dogs in tow. They both brought snacks and drinks, and they spent a delicious afternoon together people watching, playing with their dogs and enjoying each other's company.
- Mark and Samantha met at a wine tasting and got to know each other over the study of Cabernets and Pinots. They didn't click romantically, but now he knows the difference between a Merlot and a Zinfandel, and he's happy for that.
What's the purpose of the date? To fall madly in love? Well, ideally so. And yet the reality is that the vast majority of people you meet up with for a first or second date don't end up being keepers, at least in a romantic sense.
If you can broaden the interpretation of the purpose of the date, you'll find that it's never a waste of time, energy or money. Our clients are discovering all kinds of creative first and second date adventures.
More from YourTango: I Want Love but I HATE Dating
Make a list of activities you've been wanting to experience and offer up some fun suggestions when you next hear the words: "Shall we meet for coffee?"
More dating advice from YourTango:
