14 Date Ideas You’ll Love

The more time a couple spends dating, the happier and healthier the marriage appears to be. Now, it is true that there is an element of “chicken or egg” in this equation. It’s unclear if dating makes them happier or if they date because they’re so happy to begin with. But clearly, taking a couple who is having problems and letting them hang out, relax and have fun together can do wonders for the morale of the marriage.

As a husband, you may struggle from time to time with ideas of things to do when that free time arrives. So in this article, we offer 14 date ideas, ranging from ambitious to sexy and relaxing, and most can be done in a few hours. Some of these are all-day weekend dates, weeknight date nights, day trips, or lazy afternoon activities. The most interesting and exciting dates can take a bit of preparation, but as with most things in life, the best things are worth the most effort.

Also, it’s fair to reveal that most women don’t think men like dating their wives. In fact, based on the mail we received, most women believe that husbands like to do only three things:

1. Watch TV

2. Have sex

3. Eat (food prepared by someone else)

We think there’s nothing wrong with that list of activities, but we’re also pretty sure your list is a bit longer. However, to make you feel comfortable, here are some activities that we are NOT going to ask you to do with his wife.

or see an opera

o Spend an afternoon visiting antique shops

o Learn to swing dance

o Write him a poem

Sounds good? Great, here we go!

go wine tasting

Did you know that every state in the continental United States has at least two wineries? Visiting a vineyard and tasting its wines is simple, sophisticated, sexy, rural, simple and a lot of fun. It is also not necessary to have knowledge of wine. Most wineries consist of a farm with a small building to display the wine. There is nothing fancy about it. You usually pay a small fee (like $4) and sample five to eight wines.

Here is a website that organizes American wineries by state:

http://www.allamericanwineries.com/AAWMain/locate.htm

walk through a park

Park the car, put some cold drinks in a backpack, and take a walk through your favorite park.

Go to a ball game (but not a game your child is playing)

We all live near some kind of organized sports league, be it high school, college, minor league, or professional. The cost of tickets for most games below the professional level is very low, and even after adding the cost of peanuts and Cracker Jacks, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to visit the city. If you don’t have a favorite team yet, flip a coin and make it your business to cheer for them.

sing karaoke

Many people are afraid of karaoke. “I can’t sing,” they yell, BUT THAT’S THE POINT! Karaoke is for normal people who can’t sing for a little sake, pick an old Beatles song and let yourself go.

shoot billiards

There is nothing mystical about this. Find a great place with a pool table in your city. Look for one at http://www.citysearch.com. Take your girl and catch them. To add an extra level of interest, bet that whoever loses must either cook dinner or give the other a 20-minute massage.

Go to a college theater production (but not a production your child is acting in)

The standard of most college theaters is good enough to pass the yawn test, and the shows cover a wide range of styles, from Shakespeare to Broadway to the avant-garde, giving you plenty of choice. Citysearch.com is a good resource.

Recreate your first date

This doesn’t have to be corny or over the top. Simply invite your wife to recreate her first date. You can take it as far as you want: she wears the same clothes, she probably remembers what you both wore.) Pick it up or find it in the same place. Eat the same food and try to remember what you thought on that first night together.

Visit a bookstore together

Today’s bookstores are dating havens. Most have cafes with excellent coffee and pastries. They have chairs and couches to relax and read in, as well as thousands of books to browse. To break the routine, agree to split up and come back together in 30 minutes with three books you think the other person would enjoy.

Listen to live music

Live music is one of the most available sources of entertainment we have. Universities have concerts. Cities have festivals. The bands that were on the charts when you were in high school are still on tour, playing the same songs! Many cities have thriving little jazz scenes or rock clubs that let you listen to amazing musicians for a $5 or $10 admission. The great thing about music clubs is that you can sit together holding hands, listen without talking, and leave whenever you want. Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) can show you the great concerts in your area.

Go for a bike ride and a picnic

They are in the garage. They are dusty. They are rusty. Tires need air. Take some time to oil the chain, throw some food and drink in a backpack, and pedal to the nearest park. Of course, many bike shops also rent if yours is beyond repair.

Enjoy the Tapas

Tapas are small Spanish dishes that can be eaten as an appetizer or as a full meal. The ingredients can be very varied, but often include things like olives, cheeses, ham, and bread. Picking, swapping and discussing tapas is a great and unusual way to spend an evening.

ride in a glider

Speaking of shaking things up! It has become relatively easy to use Google to find local glider trips. You and your wife can go up with a pilot and spend about 45 minutes gliding silently through the sky.

Grab a cup of coffee and a decadent treat

So easy. So perfect. Coffee shops are everywhere, and there is no better way to spend a simple evening than having a coffee and enjoying a rich and sweet treat.