Is popcorn the most exciting thing about movie night? Is holding hands on a stroll around the zoo making you hate PDA?
It’s time to shake up date night.
When four-course meals at high-end restaurants and walks along the river become ho-hum, here are some clever ways to add that joie de vivre back to dating.
Vin Gogh
For anyone looking to score originality points, Calgary’s new sip and paint studio offers just that. Channel your inner artist and enjoy some wine as you start creating a masterpiece with your very own paint and a canvas.
This kind of date offers a bit of an icebreaker for people who fear that awkward silence associated with first hangouts. As an added bonus, you’ll also get a nice memento to take away – or something to possibly re-gift.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy
Because everyone needs a good laugh now and then, taking in a comedy show is the perfect way to make a date easy and fun. That is, as long as you avoid the front row.
Now located in the Elbow River Casino, if you’re still game for some canoodling after the show, you have your choice of 17th Avenue bars for a nightcap. Or, if you’re feeling lucky – not getting lucky – you can try your hand at some blackjack in the casino.
The Tower
It’s a safe bet that most of us have taken in the elevated dining experience at Sky 360, but have you ever visited the observation deck at the Calgary Tower? Obviously people afraid of heights are going to hate this, but if you don’t mind looking down it’s kind of a thrilling thing to do and makes for some wonderful photo ops.
Bowling
Nothing says old school fun like 10-pin, and we have an impressive downtown bowling alley to use at our leisure. Take a few notes from Big Lebowksi and enjoy a white Russian or two while throwing strikes at National bowl. Just remember to leave the housecoat at home.
Pizza Bob’s
Often overlooked when it comes to Calgary dining, this little pizza shop is a real gem. Far from being pretentious, the food and unassuming vibe will be a big seller for people looking to keep it low-key. And let’s not forget about the free corkage available every night of the week. There’s something very satisfying about downing a few slices of ‘za with an expensive bottle. It’s like having a date at home – minus the clean up.
Telus Spark
Adult Night at the Telus Spark Science Centre takes place once a month and the themes are always fascinating. You can learn about earthquakes, old inventions, space travel, or molecular gastronomy while a DJ spins in the background and you enjoy a few beers. Learning has never been more appealing.
For those subjected to a double date, this is a great option. At science night, small talk is about astronaut food and laser shows instead of the weather. So much better.
Alloy
If you just can’t imagine date night without a nice restaurant, then you need to throw Alloy into the mix. This place is one of the best fine dining restaurants in the city.
You and your date will be treated to excellent service, an enormous wine list, and course upon course of impressive fare. Best described as So-Cal meets sexy, this is the kind of place to linger if the date is going well. If this doesn’t get you in the mood, then, frankly, nothing will.
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