Photo by Aaron Watson Photography

When you first met the love of your life, a good date was an icebreaker, a clue into whether or not there is a potential connection between the two of you. Early dating is not just about getting to know this budding love interest, but it is a  way to share experiences in the beginning of a new relationship. And while we all know how important a good date is in the early days; forming connections in your relationship at any point is paramount. Deeper into your relationship, regular connections can help keep your bond solid and this is extremely beneficial to keeping the love alive. 

Sure everyone knows what a typical date looks like… dinner and a movie, maybe some dancing. While time spent together is always precious, changing it up and subsequently spicing it up will help set a new standard for date night; one that neither of you will want to miss out on. Read on for some fun and unique date night ideas. 

Plan a Date Night Surprise 

How fun to be the receiver of this one! Basically one partner will plan and surprise the other one with a fun night.  It can be as simple as a candlelight dinner waiting for them when they get home from work or as wild as a skydiving experience together. The element of surprise is what is significant…it is a surefire way to keep the spark alive. 

Do a Food Truck Tour 

If you are a duo of foodies or perhaps just looking to try some new cuisine, find a local spot where entrepreneurs set up their food trucks and feed those cravings.  Step it up by bringing everything you need to make it a romantic picnic surrounded by tasty treats.  You know what they say…the way to someone’s heart is through their belly!

Relive Your First Date 

This is a fun one! Go back to where it all started. If you are lucky you will still have the butterflies like you did way back when. Bonus – before you head home for the night, recreate that first kiss! 

Start a New Tradition 

Whether you decide to surprise one another with a new unexpected adventure, cook a special meal or try a new hobby, using your date night to create special rituals will guarantee that you always have at least one special night planned each year.  

Head to a Local Farmers Market

Remember what we said about your partner’s belly? How about shopping for fresh, locally sourced food and then cooking a delicious meal together. Of course you can spice it up by adding some competition or blindfolds…whatever your style, the idea of having a multi-layer date will definitely up the ante on quality time! 

Take a Road Trip 

Remember the feeling of excitement you experienced on those early dates. It is unmatched by any other feeling. While that feeling may change into something different as your relationship progresses, anything that can get your heart to skip a beat again is potential for an incredible date. How about being spontaneous, hopping in the car and driving into the sunset. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but planning a road trip is a great way to bring that “newness” back into your relationship.  

Check Out the Stars

Pack some cozy blankets, a picnic and head to a local spot to do some stargazing.  This date doesn’t need a whole lot of planning, but the romance level is out of this world…no pun intended. 

Recreate a Drive In Movie Experience 

If you are movie buffs or just love binge watching Netflix, this is a great way to catch up on some new entertainment while enjoying each other’s company in a setting a little different than your living room couch. Remember the environment can set the scene for spontaneity and intimacy! 

Plan a Staycation 

Book a room at a local swanky hotel, throw on those comfy robes and order room service. If you love staying in a hotel room, this will be just the thing you need to spice up your dating life. 

Create a Bucket List Together

Let me preface this by saying, I am a sucker for sentimentality. Anything that is going to get me thinking about the future and all of our plans, makes my heart beat just a little bit faster. Creating goals as a couple is really fulfilling, and it does wonders for your future marriage. Make some easy and others harder to achieve.  Doing this side by side is not only fun, but it gets you thinking more deeply about your shared life together. 

Midnight Picnic 

Blankets, wine, some yummy desserts and a fire if possible. This is another date that will not cost you too much, but will certainly create some lovely memories. 

Cocktails and Slow Dancing 

Put together some romantic tunes, pour your favorite drinks and hold each other close. Unfortunately, slow dancing is a rare occurrence, but for most it is a definite romance maker. Of course you can go out and do this but it is just as sweet in your living room. 

Jump Head Over Heels 

Most people would probably never even consider this but how fun would it be to head over to an indoor trampoline park. This is active, quirky fun that we don’t always get to experience as adults. But I can promise you that sometimes being silly and laughing with each other is just what we need to kickstart those butterflies. 

Dinner at the Fanciest Restaurant in Your City 

I’m talking about those restaurants that you need to make reservations months in advance for. Super fancy, super elegant, super chic.  Get all dressed up and spoil yourself with some decadent drinks and some bougie bites. 

Dating is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the love alive whether you are in year 1 or 100. Spending time together keeps your relationship moving in a healthy direction that is long lasting. Dating lends us the opportunity to nurture intimacy, practice communication and demonstrate commitment and these elements are fundamental to any relationship. Consistent date nights remind each other that your relationship is a priority no matter how busy life gets and that is the crux of a long, happy marriage.  Happy Dating…and Happy Valentine’s Day!