So, I was trolling the internet trying to find something to do with a potential date, and I realized....people really aren't all that creative when it comes to dating, and guys in particular (sorry, guys) - are clueless when it comes to finding an outside-the-box date. No offense to Dave & Buster's or dinner & movie aficianados - but those activities are both on my top 5 list of boring dates, just because that's what everybody does on a date.
So, I put together my own Top 10 list. Note that my counting is horrible....it may be more than 10, or less. Let's say ten is approximate, shall we? Antywho, without further ado, and in no particular order....
- Ice skating/Fountain dipping in Centennial Olympic park:: depending on the season, the whether, the time of day, etc - Centennial Park can be one of the most romantic date destinations in Atlanta. And it's inexpensive. Skating's about $9, fountain dipping is free. They've always got events going on here, from Wind Down wWednesdays, to Fireworks. But for a great date IMHO, go when it's sorta late, the families/kiddies are in the bed, and just enjoy the lights, the scenery and the night with your special someone.
- Jazz at the High Museum:: Here again, the High always has events happening, from particpatory art classes, to High Tea. But the Friday nigh Jazz at the High is a sure winner. You can tour the museum in the evening, while sipping wine and taking in the featured musician's music - which changes with each event. Typically this is held the 3rd Friday of each month, but check their event calendar for details: High Museum of Art.
- Blues at Blind Willie's:: If the High is too Highbrow, this is for you. Yes, I said it. Blues at Blind Willie's. Now, before you break out some cheap whiskey and turn the blue light on - a date took me here on a Saturday night after martini's at Imax, and the crowd was more lively than rowdy, more couples than singles, and more...er....mature than otherwise. The band is tight, and given a whiskey with a beer back, you'll be singing along and dancing to the blues in no time. And honestly - wouldn't you like an excuse to put your head on his shoulder or your arm around her waist to pull her close?
- Martini's at Imax:: January 2, 2009 starts their new season, so if you're interested, you're in for a treat. Martini's at Imax features a 4 piece band playing sorta jazzy-swingy tunes, a bar, light hor d'oueurves and of couse, the Imax movies. So, you can do the Foxtrot, get a bite to eat/drink and watch a movie - all at the same venue. I guess this would fall at midbrow - somewhere between the High and Blind Willie's, so attire is definitely come-as-you-are, but bring your dancing shoes ;)
- Salsa at Havana: Need to get your sexy back? Then what could possibly be sexier than this? My first encounters with salsa were via Kaya in the 90's, but now people are returning to dance everywhere, and Salsa ATL is offering classes before their salsa night at Havana. This is held the 2nd Saturday of every month, but for more information you can head directly to the Salsa Havana Atlanta website, or just check for other events at Salsa Atlanta.
- the Georgia Aquarium:: Yeah, I know I know....kiddies. They're almost unavoidable during the day. Hows-n-ever, occasionally the Aquarium has events put together by grownups and for grownups, such as AquaVino. So keep an eye on the Aquarium's calendar for their next event.
- Paint By Numb3rs:: We came across Art on 5 one night after leaving a club (wack) and I really enjoyed their Paint By Numbers event. Here's the premise: in the Art on 5 gallery, an artist creates a huge canvas with a paint by numbers motif. For your $10 admission, you get music (hip-hop/r&b/neo-soul), ambiance (gallery) and the opportunity to help fill in the canvas. Pick a number, pick up your paint, and have at it. They also feature food vendors, a cash bar, and lots of fun people. This IMHO is hot, and I just hope people come out to support it.
- Play Date Atlanta:: My friends have been raving about this, so I'm looking for an opportunity to go. So, do you miss playing Connect Four, Twister and Scrabble. You want to be competitive alongside your date, or maybe find a new friend? Then Play Date Atlanta's your spot. It combines games, both boardgames and pool/card games with great food, great friends, great music - so you can have a great time. This is organized by the same folks as Paint By Numb3rs (creative folks, aren't they?) so I believe this is hot!
- Dinner, the Remix:: Ok, let's say you just GOTTA do dinner (and maybe a movie) but you want an off the beaten-path dining spot? How about the Imperial Fez for Morrocan food (extra spicey!), fire-breathing and belly dancing? Or Latin Black & White night at Amore Restaurant? Maybe dinner theater at Agatha's? Or dinner in the theater at Fork & Screen in Buckhead. There are plenty of venues that add an entertainment bonus that are more fun than dinner at Applebee's...
- Finally, Wine/Drinks and...:: I have some favorite sipping spots, and their favorites not just because the food/wine is good, but because they usually have some sort of entertainment - typically music or political action/intellectual discourse/spoken word events. So, the short list includes: Vino Libro, Apache Cafe, P'Cheen's, et. al.
These are just ideas. I date, a lot (this is an unfortunate truth, although I have fun, I'm looking forward to being homeward bound with a special boo. but I digress...) so I've been inundated with the dinner & a movie/D&B proposal. But to me, dating should be about sharing parts of yourself with someone else, and vice versa. It's impossible to do that if you're always doing the same drab routine stuff with the potential partner. So...get off that beaten path. Teach your date some things about you and allow them to share things with you....it's SO much more fun....
...and then you can move on to weekends at Tybee Island, or a getaway to Puerto Rico....but that's another post...
