For most couples, date night usually consists of something like dinner or a movie with your loved one. But there are so many more options for date night!
To help you brainstorm fresh ideas for your date night, here are some exciting date ideas from family, friends, relationship experts, and some activities my husband and I have shared over the last twenty-two years. These ideas are great for married couples, new relationships, or newlyweds.
1. Get a couples massage
Getting pampered together is an excellent way to bond. A couples massage is incredibly relaxing and can be enjoyed side-by-side or independently. Some local hotels or spas offer massages, and some massage therapists will come to your home to provide relaxation for two. Some great local places where couples can enjoy a hot stone massage or a regular massage are Urban Nirvana, Heavenly Places Spa, and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.
2. Have a movie marathon
There are hundreds of incredible movies out there, and chances are good that there are a few neither of you has seen. So, pop some popcorn, sit back, and get watching. Put away your phones and distractions and sit and enjoy the movies. Hopefully, you will discover a new favorite.
3. Visit a museum or art gallery
Museums and art galleries can be a lot of fun and exploring them with your significant other makes it extra enjoyable. When visiting an art museum, stop before each work of art and discuss what it means to you or what you think the artist was trying to portray. You will likely learn something about your spouse from their view of the art. Columbia offers a variety of museums and art galleries like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Military Museum, and more!
4. Try something totally new
Why not try something you’ve never done before for your next date? There is something special about enjoying a new indoor or outdoor activity with the one you love. You could try something like axe throwing or geocaching.
Axe throwing is a fun experience, and not like anything else. Check out Columbia’s local hot spot, Craft Axe Throwing. Adventurous couples can consider geocaching. There are more than 600 geocaches around Columbia! Our local parks have plenty of geocache locations. You can visit www.southcarolinaparks.com or visit www.geocaching.com to learn the guidelines and view a map of geocache locations near you.
5. Plan a staycation
One great idea is to stay in the Columbia area for a weekend. Just staying somewhere new can be refreshing, so consider a local Airbnb for a change of scenery. Columbia’s rentals include everything from cozy cabins to cottages. Although an Airbnb can provide a great environment, you don’t need to leave the house for a fun staycation without additional costs. Turn your home into a luxurious accommodation with fresh flowers, music, candles, and a bottle of champagne for two.
6. Relive your wedding day
Your wedding day was an amazing experience; it deserves attention, not just on your anniversary. So, for a special date night, spend time together reminiscing about your wedding and what your marriage has grown to become. Pull out the photo album, watch your wedding video, and spend time talking about the entire day.
7. Have a picnic – at midnight!
The midnight picnic is one of the best romantic date ideas for couples. Even busy couples with kids at home can make time for this one. At midnight, you will share a romantic picnic in your yard. Bring blankets, wine, and light a fire if it’s chilly. If temperatures are too cold outside, an indoor picnic is also lovely.
8. Create a bucket list
Creating goals to pursue as a couple is fulfilling. Spend time side by side creating a couple’s bucket list. The sky’s the limit as to what you should put on the list. Relationship experts recommend a range of goals: some that will be easier to achieve and others that you may need to work hard to achieve. The list will get you thinking more deeply about your shared life, including travel and relationship goals. This date night is free, but you can splurge on fancy snacks.
9. Wine tasting
Find an excellent wine-tasting, vineyard, or food and wine-pairing event. Sample some bottles and bring home your favorites. Palmetto Wine Sellers, Molto’ Vino, and Lula Drake Wine Parlor are three of several Columbia locations offering unique wine experiences.
10. Volunteer your time
Visit a senior home, organize a fundraiser for a non-profit, or volunteer a Saturday afternoon at a shelter. You’ll spend time with each other in the most rewarding way – making a difference and helping others.
There is so much to deal with as couples in our busy lives. Date night provides an opportunity to escape the stress and enjoy time together. There is nothing like a romantic evening to recharge a relationship. When it’s time for your next date night consider different, stimulating activities before defaulting to dinner and a movie.
