Date nights are a vital part of any healthy relationship, and as every living person knows, the pandemic has made dating really, really difficult. With the advent of Hot Girl Summer 2.0 just around the bend, it seems like a good time to get a few great date ideas out there for Corvallisites of all walks of life.
From budget dates to all-out nights on the town, there’s something for everyone in Corvallis, so let’s take a peek. BTW… Momoko Baker had some awesome ideas in this article, so let’s see what we can add.
Develop a Skill Together
When the phrase “develop skills” is posed as a date night idea, it isn’t uncommon to get odd looks – that’s okay.
One of the hardest aspects of dating, whether you’re in a long-term relationship or in the early stages of burgeoning love, the truth of the matter is that learning together is a bonding experience. Take a cooking class together at Willamette Valley Kitchen. They’re open for in person classes again, plus everyone is vaccinated there. Or paint some pretty pictures with a nice glass of wine at Paint and Wine Corvallis. You can even learn to square dance at the Corvallis Square Dance Club. It doesn’t need to be a complicated class, but learning together can help you learn about each other and simultaneously pick up some cool little talents.
And if it happens to be something you’re good at and your partner isn’t (or vice versa), remember that this is a date not a competition. It’s about bonding, not being the best at anything other than catching that special someone’s eye.
Go Back to High School (For a Night)
Remember the days of sneaking off to the movies and makeout sessions in that old ‘98 Camry – or maybe even a ‘53 Olds? Why did they stop?
Most people look back at high school with (at least some) fond memories, and even if you hated the experience, there’s nothing wrong with forgetting your age for a night. Throw out all of the preconceived date night ideas of wine, steak, candlelight, and smooth tunes and take a drive around town, grab a movie and some snacks, and relive those summer nights of your childhood. The Whiteside is showing movies again. So is the Darkside. Or you could bop over to Circle Dr. and see something at the AMC.
It doesn’t need to be fancy – that’s what made so many of your memories stand out. They were made with maybe five dollars to your name, a handful of friends, and exactly $12.70 of gas… paid in pennies. So take a chance and relive a high school summer night with your partner.
Have Kids? No Problem
One of the most common causes for date nights dwindling is the advent of children. While the little buggers are certainly adorable, it can be hard to find intimacy as a parent. Don’t be afraid to have mini date nights if a full night out isn’t in the cards.
Have some candlelit charcuterie (okay, crackers and Tillamook cheddar) when the kiddos are asleep for the night. Enjoy a drink on the porch together while the young’uns are at a friend’s. And if all else fails, take a page from your kids’ books – have a tea party as a couple, run a LEGO building competition, or just play catch.
As adults, it’s often easy to forget why kids love the things that they do, and a moment of putting aside preconceived notions about what’s “fun” can bring a lot of surprising moments for partners with the proper mindset.
Dance Night
Let’s be honest – everyone likes to clean up and dress-up for the evening. Going back to the idea of “high school for a night,” why not host your own prom night?
Dress up with your partner to the nines, turn down the lights, and play your favorite throwback tunes. And the best part? No chaperones!
It may seem silly, but for many, prom and homecoming are some incredibly memorable moments, and there is no good reason that adults can’t relive those moments once in a while.
No matter what you do, it’s important to remember that this is date night. Now that we can get out of our houses again, why not plan something fun that you and your partner haven’t done in a while?
By Ethan Hauck
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