7 Summer Date Ideas That Are Uber-Romantic
Take advantage of this amazing warm weather and get out there.
getty We all know summer is the perfect time of year for couples. The dresses get shorter, the days get longer, and everyone looks great from their newly acquired tan.
After a long, cold winter, the sun is finally making an appearance again. So, take advantage of the new season and get out there by planning date night ideas.
Whether you’ve been together for years or only been on a few dates, these summer date ideas are incredibly romantic and affordable. While the temperatures continue to rise, your love life will too.
1. Take a romantic getaway.
How long has it been since you and your love took a trip? Even just one night away?
We’ve all heard the excuses: “Babe, I have work to do,” or, “I just don’t think I’m much of a camper.” Enough already. It doesn’t matter where you go or how long the trip is, just get away!
All too often we take for granted the time we have together, but not this summer. Plan a weekend away, just outside of town, or a week at the beach. Remember how good your girl looks in a bikini? If not, you will.
2. Go on a picnic.
With all the beautiful parks and beaches out there, it’s too bad you're inside right now! Hopefully, you’re reading this on your balcony or under a shady tree. But if not, go ahead and get going.
Grab a blanket, some wine, your man, and head out. Don’t run from the heat this summer; let it take you and your love out and about. When the sun is setting and you look right into his eyes, you’ll have a hard time keeping your hands off him.
Just don’t forget the bug spray or the mosquitoes won’t be able to stay away either.
3. Attend outdoor movies, concerts, and art walks.
There are so many events and activities during the summer, we don’t even know where to begin. Pick a scary movie and she’s bound to cuddle up next to you when there’s a scary part. Even better, you’ll have to continue cuddling all night long to protect her from those movie monsters.
Check your local newspaper, magazine, pin board at your favorite coffee shop or local venues for all the great date date ideas in your area. The most important thing to remember is any day can be romantic. All you have to do is make it that way.
4. Take me out to the ballgame.
Baseball games are a highlight of summer. Plus, nine innings = plenty of time to get to know someone (while rooting for your favorite team!) And if you can't make it to a baseball game — at least, check out a baseball-themed bar, like this one in Wrigleyville in Chicago. Deuce’s Major League Bar goes all out, all season long to give you the ultimate sports bar experience, including wall-to-wall decor from the entire major league, a killer food and beverage program, a look back at the history of this great game we celebrate and plenty of ‘gram-worthy photo opps for gameday — or any day.
5. Have your tarot cards read.
Are the stars aligned for you + him? Spend an evening finding out! At Rhiannon, the newest Fleetwood Mac-inspired pop-up at the Rookery, have your cards read by their resident tarot reader, and enjoy Fleetwood Mac-inspired and CBD-infused cocktails, such as Crystal Visions, Landslide and Gold Dust Woman, as you summon the spirit of the Welsh Moon Goddess Rhiannon for a night you'll never forget.
6. Take a walk on the wild side.
At the zoo, of course! One of our favorites is Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, which is open 365 days a year and is FREE. We repeat: free. After getting your animal fix, head over to The Patio at Café Brauer, an historic prairie school-style landmark. Overlooking the pond at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, the Patio at Café Brauer offers unparalleled views of this restored prairie ecosystem and the Chicago skyline — and yummy bites, too!
7. Frosé for two!
There's nothing that evokes summer more than rosé! Then make it frozen and boom: you've got yourself — and your date — a deliciously refreshing summer treat for two. And the best frosé we've ever sipped is at Pennyville Station, the new farm-to-table New American restaurant in Park Ridge. Coined after the town's original "Pennyville" name, the restaurant boasts a from-scratch menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal fare. The food (we recommend the frosé, obviously, pairs nicely with the copper river salmon or the cauliflower tacos) is not to be outdone, though. The space itself is casual-romantic, combining a modern aesthetic with reclaimed and historic décor, creating an upscale “hometown” atmosphere that's hard to beat. PS: Don't skip dessert; the coconut cream is decadent and to die for.
Anna Karimo is the founder and CEO of Nouveau Dating. She is an International Relationship expert as well as a dating coach, motivational speaker, and prolific author.