There is something about getting fixed up (AKA putting on mascara for the first time in a week) to go out with my husband that makes me so, so happy. Don’t get me wrong – I love our day-to-day together. There’s no one else I’d rather do laundry, register library cards, and go grocery shopping with. But as exciting as it is to co-exist with your best friend, there’s just something about intentionally setting aside time to really be together. To get dressed up. To hold hands. To ask each other questions that go beyond “What sounds good for dinner?” and “When’s the last time you cleaned the toilet?”
With that said, Taylor and I are always on the lookout for fun (and preferably inexpensive) date ideas. In case you’re on the hunt as well, here are a few fun date ideas to get you started!
1. The Great Outdoors // Hike + Picnic
Hikes have quickly become one of our favorite day dates. There’s something about being outside that makes it so much easier to turn off your phone and focus on really connecting with your spouse. Bonus: hikes, biking, and nature walks are FREE activities. Yes, please. Pack a picnic lunch to save on cash and create a fun and unique dining experience for the two of you.
2. Cultural Craving // Art Museum + Coffee
Every time we travel to a new city I put galleries, artisanal workshops, and art museums at the top of my must-visit list. Many museums are free to visit, and galleries and workshops almost always are! Top off your day of aesthetic appreciation with a good old-fashioned coffee date at a boutique shop you’ve never tried before. No Starbucks allowed (just this once).
3. Bon Appetit // Cooking Class
Did you know that many larger grocery chains, such as Whole Foods, offer cooking classes? Yes, you’re going to pay for this experience – but probably not as much as you might expect! PLUS you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor after you’ve finished cooking, and take home a few new recipes as well.
4. Happy Holidays // Seasonal Events
Hooray for the holidays! With the approach of Thanksgiving and Christmas comes a calendar full of seasonal events. Check out your city’s website to see what’s happening around town in the coming weeks, pick out your favorite activities, and make plans accordingly.
5. Homebodies // Dinner + Movie
Pizza, wine, a movie, and (if I’m lucky) white cheddar popcorn are the ingredients of our go-to stay at home date night. When we’re feeling fancy we go shopping for specialty ingredients together and kick our dinner menu up a notch. Either way, it’s always fun to make dinner prep a team effort…and enjoy a movie together when it’s time to dig in!
Now it’s your turn! Any easy, inexpensive date night ideas you would recommend?
